Inside the UK Presidency - Weber Shandwick
Inside the UK Presidency - Weber Shandwick
Inside the UK Presidency - Weber Shandwick
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
9 th in our series of <strong>Presidency</strong> Guides<br />
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong><br />
July 2005 - December 2005
Contents<br />
About <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
Introduction<br />
05 John Russell and Jon Mcleod<br />
Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries<br />
06 Marco Chirullo<br />
07 Stephen Rossides, Meat and Livestock Commission<br />
Climate change<br />
08 Iván Martín<br />
09 Malcolm Brinded, Royal Dutch Shell<br />
Competitiveness<br />
10 Han Ten Broeke<br />
11 Ian A Smith, Oracle<br />
Consumer Policy<br />
12 Tristan Suffys<br />
13 Stephen Crampton, Which?<br />
Culture<br />
14 Khalid Ali<br />
15 Ian Locks, PPA<br />
Defence and Security<br />
16 Nicolas Acker<br />
17 Graham Cole, Agusta Westland<br />
Development<br />
18 Christian Hierholzer<br />
19 George Gelber, CAFOD<br />
Economic and Financial Affairs<br />
20 Pierre-Gilles Denis and Francesco Laera<br />
21 Anthony Belchambers, Futures and Options Association<br />
Education<br />
22 Sophie Jacobs<br />
23 Sir David Green, British Council<br />
Employment and Social Affairs<br />
24 Tristan Suffys<br />
25 Adrian Askew, Connect<br />
Energy<br />
26 Tove Larsson<br />
27 Giuseppe de Palma, ExxonMobil Europe<br />
<strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> contribution<br />
Enlargement and Beyond<br />
28 Aurica Pripa<br />
29 Dr. Bahadir Kaleagasi, Turkish Industry and Business<br />
Association<br />
Environment<br />
30 Patrick van Leeuwen<br />
31 John Hontelez, European Environmental Bureau<br />
External Relations<br />
32 Romit Jain and Aurica Pripa<br />
33 Joris Vos, The Boeing Company<br />
Justice and Home Affairs<br />
34 Romit Jain<br />
35 Edward Nally, Law Society of England and Wales<br />
Public Health and Pharmaceuticals<br />
36 Ingrid van den Neucker<br />
37 Frances Charlesworth, AstraZeneca<br />
Research<br />
38 Colin Mackay<br />
39 Tachi Yamada, GlaxoSmithKline<br />
Telecommunications and ICT<br />
40 Florian Cartoux<br />
41 Robin Pauley, BT<br />
Trade<br />
42 Marco Chirullo<br />
43 Jack Thurston, Foreign Policy Centre<br />
Transport<br />
44 Nicolas Acker<br />
45 Peter McClymont, bmi<br />
47 People to Watch<br />
57 Key Contacts<br />
62 Useful Links<br />
64 Key Dates<br />
66 About <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom<br />
67 Credits
About <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The strong choice in public affairs<br />
<strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> is one of <strong>the</strong> world's leading public relations agencies, and was recently named PR Agency of <strong>the</strong> Year 2005 by<br />
PRWeek U.S. We have a core of over 75 owned offi ces in 38 countries and affi liates that expand <strong>the</strong> network to more than 100 offi ces<br />
in 65 countries, including public affairs hubs in <strong>the</strong> heart of London and <strong>the</strong> EU quarter in Brussels. Each serves as a centre for clients<br />
wanting to communicate with a range of audiences in a number of European countries.<br />
Over time, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> has proven itself to be <strong>the</strong> strong choice in public affairs, securing its place as <strong>the</strong> number one agency<br />
in terms of size, skill base and an unrivalled client list. We are uniquely placed to deliver public affairs excellence to clients across a<br />
number of specialist industry sectors.<br />
Both offi ces offer an unparalleled mix of senior communication experts and seasoned consultants drawn from <strong>the</strong> media, politics<br />
and government, and <strong>the</strong> corporate sector. With a track record of more than 20 years advising companies on <strong>the</strong>ir relationship with<br />
legislators, regulators and <strong>the</strong>ir infl uencers, we not only understand our client businesses but also how to manage <strong>the</strong> policy environment<br />
in which <strong>the</strong>y operate.<br />
While many fi rms talk about <strong>the</strong>ir ability to monitor and track legislation, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> goes fur<strong>the</strong>r. We help companies and<br />
organisations to communicate with <strong>the</strong>ir stakeholders, advising on what to say, how to say it and who to say it to. One of our strengths<br />
is a proven track record of involving important interest groups from industry to NGOs in <strong>the</strong> political debate. We specialise in leveraging<br />
public affairs activities to create media opportunities, lobby for change in legislation or regulation, and ensure that organisations are in<br />
a position to benefi t from opportunities created by <strong>the</strong> political environment.<br />
The ninth in our series of guides to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> European Union, <strong>Inside</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> provides an insight into <strong>the</strong><br />
Government’s priorities across each of <strong>the</strong> key policy competencies of <strong>the</strong> Council, and presents a revealing selection of views from a<br />
host of businesses, NGOs, and industry associations, on what matters to <strong>the</strong>m. It provides a pertinent reminder of a growing trend towards<br />
public affairs engagement at <strong>the</strong> EU level, and of <strong>the</strong> increasing convergence of policy activity at <strong>the</strong> national, and supranational level.<br />
John Russell Jon Mcleod<br />
Chief Executive Offi cer, Brussels Managing Director, London<br />
jrussell@webershandwick.com jmcleod@webershandwick.com<br />
Parc Leopold Fox Court<br />
Rue Wiertz 50 14 Gray’s Inn Road<br />
B-1050 Brussels London WC1X 8WS<br />
T +32 2 230 0775 T +44 20 7067 0000<br />
F +32 2 230 1496 F +44 870 990 5441<br />
www.webershandwick-eu.com www.webershandwick.co.uk<br />
4
Introduction<br />
John Russell and Jon Mcleod, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
In Italy <strong>the</strong>re is a saying that a thin pope is followed by a fat pope, and following <strong>the</strong> minnows of Luxembourg comes <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong><br />
EU. More than simply one of <strong>the</strong> ‘heavyweight’ Member States, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is also seen as one of <strong>the</strong> most eurosceptic members of <strong>the</strong> Union.<br />
There has been an air of anticipation for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> EU, and with <strong>the</strong> General Election out of <strong>the</strong> way, <strong>the</strong> third-term Blair<br />
administration has been settling its priorities for <strong>the</strong> second half of <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
The elephant in <strong>the</strong> room for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>'s semester will be <strong>the</strong> outcome of <strong>the</strong> constitutional treaty referendum in France and that in <strong>the</strong><br />
Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands. 'No' votes will not only cast doubt on <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>'s own referendum, but will also force it to choose whe<strong>the</strong>r to park, re-open<br />
or write off <strong>the</strong> whole project. None of <strong>the</strong> options are politically appealing.<br />
The workload for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is looking heavy, but <strong>the</strong> following priorities have already emerged:<br />
▼ Better regulation will be a key agenda, with <strong>the</strong> Government keen to be seen to put pressure on <strong>the</strong> Commission to cut red tape,<br />
and think harder about <strong>the</strong> impact of what it does<br />
▼ <strong>the</strong> Services Directive, designed to better <strong>the</strong> operation of <strong>the</strong> two thirds of EU GDP that <strong>the</strong> services sector comprises, will be driven forward<br />
▼ an action plan on fi nancial services will see pressure for improved implementation and enforcement of regulatory safeguards and<br />
backing for alternatives to regulation<br />
▼ <strong>the</strong> environment will be addressed through a new regulation on chemicals known as REACH (see p30) and a review of air quality standards<br />
▼ agriculture will be dominated by a reform of <strong>the</strong> sugar regime designed to improve <strong>the</strong> balance between consumer and producer interests<br />
▼ <strong>the</strong> trade agenda will be dominated by <strong>the</strong> December WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong, where it is expected that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong><br />
and Commission will be aligned, given that <strong>the</strong> European Commissioner for Trade is former <strong>UK</strong> Government minister Peter Mandelson<br />
▼ development and Africa especially is an area where <strong>the</strong>re will be a read-across with <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>'s concurrent leadership of <strong>the</strong> G8<br />
agenda: <strong>the</strong>re will be a drive to increase <strong>the</strong> quality and quantity of aid to that continent<br />
▼ <strong>the</strong> same is true of climate change, on which <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister will act for <strong>the</strong> EU in major summits with India, China and Russia,<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>rs: emissions trading and its extension to aviation will also be hot topics<br />
▼ at <strong>the</strong> same time, an important transatlantic agenda will shine a light on trade and investment barriers vis-à-vis <strong>the</strong> US, not to<br />
mention shared foreign policy concerns<br />
▼ counter-terrorism will loom large with a twin-track of home affairs measures and a foreign policy action plan already agreed by member states<br />
▼ <strong>the</strong> signifi cant role of <strong>the</strong> EU in <strong>the</strong> Middle East process will be a key feature, as will Iraq<br />
▼ <strong>the</strong> 10th anniversary of <strong>the</strong> Euromed agenda, designed to enhance security and co-operation in Europe's back yard, will be<br />
marked in November in Barcelona<br />
▼ future relations with Russia and <strong>the</strong> Ukraine will be a big priority, with <strong>the</strong> future status of <strong>the</strong> latter as a candidate for accession a real hot button<br />
▼ fi nally, accession negotiations regarding Turkey will kick off on 3 October: <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> has been a vocal supporter of Turkey’s joining <strong>the</strong> EU<br />
Given <strong>the</strong> growing speculation surrounding <strong>the</strong> future of Tony Blair as Prime Minister, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> provides a timely occasion on<br />
which to augment his profi le internationally, and to enhance his legacy on <strong>the</strong> European and World stage. Blair will try hard to please <strong>the</strong><br />
domestic audience with <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>'s agenda, though <strong>the</strong> spikey British media will focus on his succession, and trouble with <strong>the</strong> referendum on<br />
<strong>the</strong> constitution due in 2006. At <strong>the</strong> same time questions are still looming about <strong>the</strong> desirability of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> joining <strong>the</strong> euro at some point.<br />
These debates look set to be re-ignited over <strong>the</strong> coming months.<br />
5
Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries<br />
by Marco Chirullo, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The absolute priority for agriculture policy in 2005 will be <strong>the</strong> reform of <strong>the</strong> EU sugar regime. Following a delay caused by a case in <strong>the</strong><br />
WTO against <strong>the</strong> EU sugar regime, <strong>the</strong> Commission is expected to publish legislative proposals for reform on 22 June.<br />
The Agricultural Council will aim at agreeing on <strong>the</strong> regime by November, in time for <strong>the</strong> WTO Ministerial Meeting in Hong Kong, from<br />
13 to 18 December. The Commission may produce, in tandem with <strong>the</strong> proposals, a package of transitional assistance measures to<br />
help African, Caribbean and Pacifi c countries to deal with <strong>the</strong> negative effects of <strong>the</strong> sugar reform. This package would be dealt with<br />
during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s semester in charge.<br />
The Council will also take forward negotiations on a new Rural Development Regulation that aims to provide EU fi nancial contribution<br />
to schemes which promote restructuring of <strong>the</strong> agricultural industry, protect <strong>the</strong> environment or help diversifi cation in rural economies.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> is pressing for Member States’ programmes to have a much stronger emphasis on environmental land management schemes<br />
which <strong>the</strong> Commission has proposed.<br />
The Council has to agree, also as part of <strong>the</strong> Future Financing negotiations, to a new regulation on <strong>the</strong> framework for fi nancing <strong>the</strong> CAP.<br />
Regarding food safety, <strong>the</strong> Council will continue to progress work on proposals for streng<strong>the</strong>ning food and feed legislation as set out in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Commission’s White Paper on Food Safety of January 2001. Work on food safety will include a new proposal on novel foods. The<br />
issue of <strong>the</strong> coexistence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming will continue to be addressed. The Council will fi nalise work<br />
on maximum residue levels of pesticides and start working on <strong>the</strong> placing of plant protection products on <strong>the</strong> market, <strong>the</strong> recasting of<br />
feed labelling legislation and <strong>the</strong> proposal for a regulation on cadmium in fertilizers. If an agreement in <strong>the</strong> Council is not reached before<br />
<strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg semester, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will also takeover work in <strong>the</strong> Health Council on <strong>the</strong> proposed regulations concerning health<br />
and nutrition claims and fortifi ed foods.<br />
As to fi sheries, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> semester will continue to implement <strong>the</strong> reformed Common Fisheries Policy with measures aimed at streamlining<br />
it and to ensure uniformity in <strong>the</strong> enforcement of EU measures and inspection. The semester could see <strong>the</strong> establishment of a number of<br />
new Regional Advisory Councils (RAC) which <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> considers a key step to providing more regional management and better stakeholder<br />
involvement in <strong>the</strong> fi sheries management process. Recovery plans will be adopted for depleted stocks and work will continue towards<br />
meeting <strong>the</strong>se important ecological goals. O<strong>the</strong>r major issues will be defi ning a new fi sheries policy for <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean, setting up<br />
a joint inspection structure and improving scientifi c advice for management decisions. The Council will also look at <strong>the</strong> Commission’s<br />
proposal to simplify rules applied to fi sheries in <strong>the</strong> Baltic Sea.<br />
6
y Stephen Rossides, Head of Policy,<br />
Meat and Livestock Commission<br />
The Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) is focussed on improving <strong>the</strong> effi ciency and promoting <strong>the</strong> interests of <strong>the</strong> British red meat<br />
industry, with due regard for consumers. A wide range of EU policies and activities bear on <strong>the</strong> food and farming industry. We <strong>the</strong>refore<br />
take a close interest in <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong> European institutions and <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>the</strong> rotating <strong>Presidency</strong> in shaping <strong>the</strong> EU policy agenda.<br />
Negotiations on <strong>the</strong> future fi nancing of <strong>the</strong> EU will continue during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>. With <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> amongst those Member States<br />
favouring a 1% GNI limit, we have concerns about <strong>the</strong> implications for <strong>the</strong> adequate fi nancing of <strong>the</strong> Common Agricultural Policy<br />
(CAP), including rural development. With talk of possible “co-fi nancing” arrangements, we are worried about <strong>the</strong> scope for possible<br />
re-nationalisation of <strong>the</strong> CAP and attendant distortions of competition amongst Member States.<br />
Sustainable development is a strategic priority across government in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> and increasingly at <strong>the</strong> EU level also. Maintaining and<br />
improving <strong>the</strong> competitiveness of <strong>the</strong> food and farming industry is a key priority for MLC, particularly following reform of <strong>the</strong> CAP. So,<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> or in Europe, MLC looks to <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government and <strong>the</strong> EU authorities to place <strong>the</strong> economic dimension of sustainable<br />
development on an equal footing with <strong>the</strong> environmental and social components.<br />
Regulation is a major burden on <strong>the</strong> food and farming industry. MLC would like to see better regulation from Brussels. A good starting<br />
point would be proper regulatory impact assessments by <strong>the</strong> European Commission of draft EU legislation, as well as <strong>the</strong> simplifi cation<br />
and consolidation of existing legislation.<br />
Globalisation of food supply and <strong>the</strong> expectation of fur<strong>the</strong>r trade liberalisation through <strong>the</strong> WTO, toge<strong>the</strong>r with CAP reform, pose<br />
challenges and offer opportunities for EU and British food producers. As WTO talks progress, <strong>the</strong> EU’s negotiators must strive for a fair<br />
and balanced outcome which, while progressing <strong>the</strong> Doha Development Agenda, also protects <strong>the</strong> EU’s legitimate non-trade concerns,<br />
including our high animal welfare standards and food origin concerns. We also we look for consistency in <strong>the</strong> way third countries treat<br />
our exports, especially in terms of animal health status. Trade must take place within a framework of fi rm and fair rules and lead to<br />
higher, not lower, production standards globally.<br />
We expect <strong>the</strong> important diet and health debate that is taking place here in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> to be echoed at <strong>the</strong> EU level. The issues are<br />
complex. While consumers rightly seek clear information and guidance, it is important to avoid responding with simplistic and potentially<br />
misleading advice and food labelling systems.<br />
We also expect a new Rural Development Regulation to be adopted. As <strong>the</strong> balance of spending within <strong>the</strong> CAP begins to shift, MLC<br />
wants to see a well-funded rural development policy, effective so-called “axis 1” (competitiveness) measures in <strong>the</strong> new Regulation and<br />
a fair share of EU rural development funds for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
Given <strong>the</strong> rapid fall in BSE cases in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>, and with <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> now on <strong>the</strong> same “BSE risk status” as o<strong>the</strong>r Member States, a specifi c priority<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> meat and livestock industry is to restore normal beef exports to <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> EU by ending <strong>the</strong> Date-Based Export Scheme.<br />
7
Climate change<br />
by Iván Martín, Director, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
With climate change at <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> political agenda for its parallel presidencies of <strong>the</strong> EU and <strong>the</strong> G-8 during <strong>the</strong> second half of 2005,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will be at <strong>the</strong> forefront of <strong>the</strong> international climate change negotiations, which will continue in November 2005 in <strong>the</strong> framework<br />
of <strong>the</strong> 11th Conference of <strong>the</strong> Parties to <strong>the</strong> Climate Change Convention.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government’s climate change strategy focuses on three main elements:<br />
▼ Improving <strong>the</strong> scientifi c understanding of <strong>the</strong> relationships between greenhouse gas emissions and <strong>the</strong> associated level of<br />
climate change.<br />
▼ Dissemination and promotion of already existing low carbon technologies, such as photovoltaic technologies, fuel cells, and<br />
carbon capture and long-term storage, <strong>the</strong> latter emphasised by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government as one of <strong>the</strong> crucial elements of a<br />
carbon reductions strategy in <strong>the</strong> decades to come.<br />
▼ Securing worldwide action to combat climate change, notably by seeking <strong>the</strong> engagement of countries with growing energy<br />
needs, including China and India.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> basis for <strong>the</strong> policy discussions during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is <strong>the</strong> Commission Communication on “Winning <strong>the</strong> battle against<br />
climate change”, presented in February this year, which focuses on medium- and longer-term targets and post-2012 Kyoto strategies.<br />
In this context, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is expected to emphasise <strong>the</strong> need for broader international participation to <strong>the</strong> Kyoto Protocol as<br />
well as <strong>the</strong> inclusion of more sectors. On <strong>the</strong> table is <strong>the</strong> Commission recommendation to extend <strong>the</strong> scope of international action to<br />
cover all greenhouse gases and sectors, including “<strong>the</strong> fast growing emissions from aviation and maritime transport”. As for future<br />
goals, a reference is <strong>the</strong> indicative targets considered by <strong>the</strong> EU Heads of State and Government at <strong>the</strong> March Spring Council to achieve<br />
emissions reductions of 15-30% by 2020.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r key task for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government will be <strong>the</strong> preparations for <strong>the</strong> 11th meeting of <strong>the</strong> United Nations Framework Convention on<br />
Climate Change (COP-11), taking place between 28 November and 9 December in Montreal, Canada. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will have to<br />
coordinate <strong>the</strong> Council position on a new post-2012 arrangement ahead of <strong>the</strong> COP-11, ensuring <strong>the</strong> widest possible cooperation by<br />
all countries and seeking at <strong>the</strong> same time to ensure that <strong>the</strong> EU consolidates its leading role by demonstrating progress towards its<br />
Kyoto commitments. The summits with China, India and Russia, taking place during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will provide fur<strong>the</strong>r opportunities<br />
to infl uence international climate change policy developments.<br />
The expected growth in demand and consequently emissions for transport, including aviation, has led <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government to emphasise<br />
<strong>the</strong> need to develop cleaner and more effi cient aircraft and vehicles. As a key measure in this direction, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government will argue<br />
strongly for bringing <strong>the</strong> aviation sector into <strong>the</strong> EU emissions trading scheme in <strong>the</strong> next phase of its development in 2008. O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
possible options which could be addressed during <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> include a charging system based on <strong>the</strong> quantities of fuel burned and<br />
a tax on kerosene. A Commission Communication on reducing <strong>the</strong> climate change impact of aviation, expected in September 2005,<br />
would provide <strong>the</strong> background for future discussions.<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will aim to reach an agreement with <strong>the</strong> European Parliament on <strong>the</strong> legislative proposals relating to fl uorinated<br />
greenhouse gases, including from mobile air conditioning in cars at <strong>the</strong> December Environment Council.<br />
8
y Malcolm Brinded,<br />
Executive Director, Royal Dutch Shell<br />
The EU has become a clear leader in <strong>the</strong> development of climate change policy measures, embracing market mechanisms such as<br />
emissions trading and more recently setting out a longer-term objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15-30% by 2020.<br />
Whilst such an objective is laudable, it has a profound effect on <strong>the</strong> energy infrastructure that must be developed over <strong>the</strong> next 20 years,<br />
starting with investment decisions being made by business today. This means that any attempt to address climate change will also<br />
impact on <strong>the</strong> delivery of energy and that energy and climate change policy development must be closely integrated. As an illustration<br />
of this point, it is useful to explore one potential path forward.<br />
Today <strong>the</strong> EU-25 uses about 70 ExaJoules (EJ) of primary energy and as a result emits about 1.3 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon to <strong>the</strong><br />
atmosphere (about one sixth of <strong>the</strong> global total). Energy demand across <strong>the</strong> EU 25 can be expected to grow over <strong>the</strong> next 20 years,<br />
with particular pressure coming from <strong>the</strong> expanding economies of <strong>the</strong> ten new members. With energy effi ciency measures in place, this<br />
might be limited to an overall increase of 7-8%. Reducing CO2 emissions by 20% in this context (to 1 GT of carbon) would require all<br />
of <strong>the</strong> following by 2025:<br />
▼ Nearly a third of all coal fi red power generation capacity will need to utilise carbon capture and storage technology,<br />
which means this technology must be commercialised by <strong>the</strong> end of this decade. Today it is principally a research and<br />
development activity.<br />
▼ Natural gas use needs to grow by some 50%, with <strong>the</strong> emphasis on power generation.<br />
▼ Nuclear power remains a key zero carbon energy source (growing by some 10% over <strong>the</strong> period), yet <strong>the</strong> future of this<br />
technology is unclear in many parts of <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
▼ Renewable energy (wind and solar) will need to grow substantially, with wind power alone being some 10-20 times today’s<br />
levels across <strong>the</strong> EU 25. This means a consistent approach across <strong>the</strong> EU to renewables development policy.<br />
▼ With <strong>the</strong> call on mobility continuing to grow, transport must change considerably. Average on-<strong>the</strong>-road vehicle effi ciency will<br />
need to improve by 50% and a zero emission alternative (e.g. advanced bio-fuels or hydrogen from renewables) must have<br />
a strong foothold in <strong>the</strong> sector (approaching 10% on-<strong>the</strong>-road).<br />
This example is illustrative and clearly challenging, but demonstrates <strong>the</strong> need for energy and transport policy also to address climate<br />
change, ra<strong>the</strong>r than environmental policy alone. The environmental objectives and resultant policy must be consistent with changes in<br />
<strong>the</strong> energy infrastructure that can feasibly take place given <strong>the</strong> long development and life times for large energy projects. The opportunity<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is to make signifi cant progress in establishing <strong>the</strong> way forward, such that <strong>the</strong> necessary long-term investment<br />
decisions required by business today align with an energy policy framework that also delivers <strong>the</strong> required environmental objectives.<br />
9
Competitiveness<br />
by Han Ten Broeke, Director, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
Competitiveness is expected to be a key <strong>the</strong>me for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> as <strong>the</strong> EU fi nds itself at <strong>the</strong> halfway point of its 2000 goal of<br />
becoming ‘<strong>the</strong> world’s most competitive knowledge based economy by 2010’. Earlier this year <strong>the</strong> new Barroso Commission unveiled<br />
its mid term review of <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy placing priority on higher economic growth and employment over social inclusion and<br />
sustainable environment. This puts <strong>the</strong> ball back in Member States’ courts and refocuses <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy to <strong>the</strong> central goal of<br />
more growth and job creation.<br />
Under <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, Member States will start implementing <strong>the</strong> Commission's Broad Economic Policy Guidelines (BEPG) and <strong>the</strong><br />
Commission’s proposals on Employment Guidelines. It is under <strong>the</strong> same <strong>Presidency</strong> that <strong>the</strong> Commission will publish <strong>the</strong> fi rst results<br />
on progress made with respect to <strong>the</strong>ir "national Lisbon/reform programmes".<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will be also keen to make progress on <strong>the</strong> controversial issue of <strong>the</strong> Services Directive. As <strong>the</strong> second largest<br />
exporter of market services in <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government has been a strong supporter of <strong>the</strong> Commission’s proposal. Services in<br />
Europe represent two thirds of Europe’s growth national product (GNP) and its benefi ts have already been felt in areas like telecoms,<br />
transport and <strong>the</strong> car industries. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will now hope that <strong>the</strong> European Parliament can fi nd a compromise between job<br />
creation and safeguard areas crucial to public interest. A swift adoption by <strong>the</strong> European Parliament in <strong>the</strong> fi rst reading (scheduled for<br />
<strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> summer) would pave <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>the</strong> Council to adopt a political agreement before <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will hope to have a policy debate at its November Competitiveness Council on <strong>the</strong> Commission’s Competitiveness<br />
and Innovation Framework (CIF) Programme, <strong>the</strong>ir new spending programme aimed at creating economic growth and more jobs.<br />
Though this programme has several facets, we expect <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> to focus widely on <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me of better regulation. This is<br />
particularly applicable for ICTs that account for only 40% of Europe’s productivity instead of 60%, as <strong>the</strong>y do in <strong>the</strong> United States. Better<br />
regulation is a key driver for enhancing competitiveness in <strong>the</strong> ICT sector and <strong>the</strong> development of new communication technologies<br />
such as Internet telephony. New services like Internet telephony, known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) have huge growth potential<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y will lower costs, boost productivity and free cash up for households and SMEs to invest in new products and services. Their<br />
growth potential creates also a regulatory challenge to traditional telecommunication companies and new service providers. On this<br />
particular matter, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will be keen to see <strong>the</strong> Commission/European Regulators Group adopt a common approach.<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will make a high priority of REACH, <strong>the</strong> EU’s chemical legislation, and will have <strong>the</strong> challenging task to lead<br />
EU ministers towards reaching a political agreement on this complex and politically charged dossier. REACH is <strong>the</strong> new EU chemicals<br />
policy framework impacting virtually all sectors across <strong>the</strong> supply chain and could create new markets for safer chemicals, and pushing<br />
companies to innovate and raise standards.<br />
10
y Ian A Smith, Senior Vice President, Oracle Corp. and<br />
Managing Director, Oracle, <strong>UK</strong>, Ireland and South Africa<br />
Oracle is one of <strong>the</strong> world’s most innovative organisations. We are continually developing new technologies to help transform our<br />
customers’ business and enable <strong>the</strong>m to compete effectively. To that end, Oracle is greatly concerned that growth in <strong>the</strong> European Union<br />
remains low compared with o<strong>the</strong>r economic regions of <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Europe’s economic output per head is approximately one third lower than <strong>the</strong> US and worryingly, productivity is growing less over time.<br />
Europe’s competitiveness is critical to both <strong>the</strong> growth of our business and <strong>the</strong> success of our customers’ business. Oracle has fully<br />
endorsed Commission President Barroso’s commitment to <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Agenda and his intention to “seek new high-tech means to foster<br />
growth.” We fi rmly believe that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government should use its imminent <strong>Presidency</strong> to commit to driving Europe’s competitiveness<br />
on <strong>the</strong> global stage.<br />
At Oracle we believe <strong>the</strong>re are two inter related issues that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> must seek to address to achieve Europe’s growth goals:<br />
▼ The skills gap in Europe<br />
▼ The region’s shortfall in Information Technology (IT) investment<br />
Europe frustratingly spends only 1.9 percent of GDP on research and development (R&D), while in <strong>the</strong> more productive economies of<br />
US, Korea and Japan, <strong>the</strong> fi gure is nearly twice that. In <strong>the</strong> US, IT contributes to 60 percent of productivity, but in Europe IT contributes<br />
to only 40 percent of productivity.<br />
The European Commission’s own Competitiveness Report found a positive correlation between productivity and levels of research<br />
& development, <strong>the</strong> number of students in higher education and specialisation in high-tech activities. Regions rich in this type of<br />
investment are far more likely to have a well-developed entrepreneurial culture, helping to continue to foster <strong>the</strong> type of exciting<br />
industries that Europe can and does lead <strong>the</strong> world in - bio-technology, wireless mobility and Grid Computing. The European Union<br />
objective of increasing our R&D level to 3 percent is warmly welcomed.<br />
Europe’s future growth is tied to <strong>the</strong> skills of its workers. We believe that a focus on education, particularly a greater commitment<br />
to maths and science subjects, can help drive future productivity. Education reform must be a priority to ensure that we produce an<br />
innovative workforce with <strong>the</strong> necessary enterprise and business skills to compete in <strong>the</strong> global economy. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> should be<br />
seen as an opportunity to actively promote co-operation between European businesses and educational institutions, something that we<br />
have been successfully spearheading at Oracle <strong>UK</strong>. We have a responsibility to help all young people achieve.<br />
By taking a shared approach to <strong>the</strong> skills gap through partnerships with schools, universities, businesses, venture capitalists and<br />
government, and by harnessing <strong>the</strong> latest innovations in IT, Europe has <strong>the</strong> opportunity to become <strong>the</strong> economic tiger of <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
11
Consumer Policy<br />
by Tristan Suffys, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government has been very active on nutrition policy and in <strong>the</strong> fi ght against obesity at home. In taking over <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of<br />
<strong>the</strong> European Union, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> has identifi ed nutrition and obesity as priority issues for its six-month term. As <strong>the</strong>se issues are also high on<br />
<strong>the</strong> agenda of o<strong>the</strong>r EU institutions, in particular for European Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, substantive progress can be expected<br />
on a number of nutritional issues.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is likely to prioritise <strong>the</strong> achievement of a common position on <strong>the</strong> draft Regulation on health and nutritional claims<br />
used in labelling, which is currently under discussion in <strong>the</strong> European Parliament. The <strong>Presidency</strong> may also push for progress on <strong>the</strong><br />
draft Regulation on sales promotions, which has been deadlocked in <strong>the</strong> Council since 2002; but <strong>the</strong>y will have to untangle <strong>the</strong> problems<br />
of <strong>the</strong> duration of <strong>the</strong> transitional period before applying <strong>the</strong> Regulation and <strong>the</strong> principle of mutual recognition of national laws.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> fi eld of consumer protection, <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg <strong>Presidency</strong> was marked by <strong>the</strong> adoption of <strong>the</strong> Directive on unfair commercial<br />
practices. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is likely, for its part, to achieve progress on cross-border litigation on consumer and commercial claims.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> has been strongly supportive of a regulation on small claims, which was recently presented by <strong>the</strong> Commission.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r consumer protection issue where progress is expected is consumer credit. While <strong>the</strong> initial Commission’s proposal for a<br />
directive on credit for consumers foresaw full harmonisation, <strong>the</strong> European Parliament has opposed this approach. As <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Commission has indicated that it will adopt an amended proposal, different to <strong>the</strong> text it proposed in November 2004, <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg<br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> has not made any progress on this issue. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is thus expected to work intensively on <strong>the</strong> Commission’s new<br />
draft, which should be published before <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> starts its <strong>Presidency</strong>. The <strong>UK</strong>’s objective is to reach a common position by <strong>the</strong> end of<br />
2005, depending on Member States’ reactions to <strong>the</strong> Commission’s new amended proposal. Although, this seems somewhat ambitious<br />
given <strong>the</strong> diffi culties <strong>the</strong> Commission is experiencing internally to agree on <strong>the</strong> proposal.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> most sensitive issue <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will have to deal with is certainly <strong>the</strong> draft Directive on Services in <strong>the</strong> internal market,<br />
aimed at removing trade barriers and burdensome national legislation that hinder <strong>the</strong> free provision of services and free establishment<br />
of service providers in ano<strong>the</strong>r Member State. This proposal to open up <strong>the</strong> EU market for services is a key element of <strong>the</strong> Lisbon<br />
Strategy and its implementation should result in 600,000 new jobs.<br />
Following emotional debate on <strong>the</strong> impact of this Directive to public services, and in general to <strong>the</strong> conditions of work and ‘social<br />
dumping’, <strong>the</strong> need for profound changes to <strong>the</strong> initial draft has been recognised by all EU institutions. Some MEPs and Member States<br />
have argued for <strong>the</strong> removal of <strong>the</strong> country of origin principle or for exempting many sectors from its application. The <strong>UK</strong> Government<br />
has been a strong supporter of <strong>the</strong> Commission’s proposal, particularly because of <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>the</strong> provision of services makes to<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> economy. It will now play an active role in helping fi nd a compromise between job creation and <strong>the</strong> safeguard of areas crucial to<br />
<strong>the</strong> public interest, as <strong>the</strong> European Parliament is expected to complete its First Reading in <strong>the</strong> autumn of 2005.<br />
12
y Stephen Crampton, EU Advisor, Which?<br />
Stephen Crampton, EU Adviser of Which?, looks ahead to <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> and <strong>the</strong> prospects for consumers. Which? (formerly<br />
Consumers' Association) is an independent, not-for-profi t consumer organisation and is <strong>the</strong> largest consumer association in Europe.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> comes at a time of major change in EU consumer affairs. High on its agenda will be <strong>the</strong> Commission’s new<br />
consumer and health programme, which includes a proposal to expand <strong>the</strong> existing EU public health executive agency so that it can<br />
take on a consumer research role, focusing on market analysis and improving <strong>the</strong> knowledge base.<br />
The adoption of <strong>the</strong> unfair commercial practices Directive in April, designed to tackle aggressive and misleading selling, kicks off a major<br />
review of both <strong>the</strong> consumer acquis and Member States’ own consumer protection legislation. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with our colleagues in BEUC,<br />
our Europe-wide association, we are looking to see rapid progress in implementing <strong>the</strong> new EU regulation on cross-border co-operation,<br />
to enable national consumer enforcement authorities to work effectively with <strong>the</strong>ir counterparts elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> EU to crack down<br />
on cross-border scams. The <strong>UK</strong>’s Offi ce of Fair Trading has recently shown how important this is, with its action in <strong>the</strong> Belgian courts<br />
against a company in Belgium trading in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
A revised consumer credit draft Directive will also be on <strong>the</strong> agenda. Which? supports <strong>the</strong> opening up of <strong>the</strong> single market in consumer<br />
credit, but does not want valuable national provisions to be sacrifi ced. One example is <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s legal protection under which credit<br />
card issuers are jointly liable with <strong>the</strong> retailer where problems arise with purchases over £100 – something that benefi ts business too,<br />
because it contributes to consumer confi dence.<br />
We hope that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will make progress on <strong>the</strong> Commission's proposals on health and nutrition claims, to put an end<br />
to misleading health and nutrition claims. We hope too that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will actively support <strong>the</strong> EU Platform for Action on<br />
Diet, Physical Activity and Health. Key proposals to improve nutrition labelling on pre-packed foods may also emerge during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
Which? is also looking for gains for consumers in o<strong>the</strong>r policy areas through initiatives to make sure that consumer concerns are taken<br />
into account in Community policies such as fi nancial services, trade, transport and agriculture, where too often producer interests are<br />
dominant. A new WTO agreement to cut Europe’s trade protectionism, which costs over £1,000 for every EU citizen each year, must<br />
be a high priority.<br />
We are also hoping for progress on <strong>the</strong> beleaguered Services Directive which should increase competition and consumer choice,<br />
subject to changes to ensure that consumers can buy services cross-border with confi dence.<br />
Which? is also pressing for tougher enforcement of EU competition policy and wants to see <strong>the</strong> introduction of an EU ‘supercomplaints’<br />
procedure to enable consumer bodies such as Which? to raise cases formally with <strong>the</strong> Commission. We have recently persuaded <strong>the</strong><br />
Commission to intervene in <strong>the</strong> arrangements for selling tickets to <strong>the</strong> football World Cup, which discriminated against <strong>UK</strong> consumers:<br />
we await <strong>the</strong> outcome of a complaint about <strong>the</strong> pricing of music downloads by iTunes in different Member States.<br />
Which? is keen to see initiatives to promote real reform of <strong>the</strong> Common Agricultural Policy. Top of our list is action on <strong>the</strong> immoral and<br />
discredited EU sugar regime, which forces Europe’s consumers to pay high prices in order to help EU producers steal markets from<br />
some of <strong>the</strong> world’s poorest countries.<br />
13
Culture<br />
by Khalid Ali, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
With so much of Europe’s richness being derived from its culture, its signifi cance as a policy domain cannot be under-estimated. A<br />
glance at <strong>the</strong> European Treaties shows that <strong>the</strong> reference to ‘culture’ is embedded into <strong>the</strong> very same texts that prevent companies from<br />
holding a dominant position and allow <strong>the</strong> people of Europe to move freely.<br />
With 10 new fl avours added to <strong>the</strong> EU mix (<strong>the</strong> EU expansion in May 2004) and <strong>the</strong> growing attention on <strong>the</strong> relationship between<br />
immigrant communities and <strong>the</strong>ir recipient societies, <strong>the</strong>re is recognition amongst Member States and civil society for <strong>the</strong> need of a<br />
more structured dialogue on culture. With this in mind <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will be trying to ensure <strong>the</strong> implementation of a proposed<br />
work plan in favour of culture by addressing <strong>the</strong>mes of intercultural dialogue (ICD). The key <strong>the</strong>mes being addressed by <strong>the</strong> ICD pull on<br />
<strong>the</strong> strings of mutual understanding between new and old Member States, creating a dialogue between religious or ethnic groups and<br />
combating prejudice.<br />
The Culture and MEDIA 2007 programmes are two initiatives that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> hopes to make progress on. Culture 2007 will<br />
replace and extend <strong>the</strong> existing programme (Culture 2000) by promoting trans-national mobility for everyone working in <strong>the</strong> cultural<br />
sector in <strong>the</strong> EU, while also encouraging <strong>the</strong> circulation of cultural works and artistic products.<br />
MEDIA 2007 will follow on from <strong>the</strong> current MEDIA Plus and MEDIA Training programmes. Its principal aim will be to preserve and<br />
promote Europe’s cultural diversity and cinematic/ audiovisual heritage by ensuring public access to this heritage and encouraging<br />
dialogue between cultures. Although negotiations on <strong>the</strong> Financial Perspectives are ongoing, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is optimistic that it will<br />
be able to wrap up a political agreement for both programmes by <strong>the</strong> end of its term.<br />
The <strong>Presidency</strong> will also look to make progress on priority initiatives fl owing from <strong>the</strong> new culture work plan, agreed during <strong>the</strong> Dutch<br />
<strong>Presidency</strong>, including those on mobility of collections and <strong>the</strong> digitalisation of cultural heritage. The <strong>Presidency</strong> will also start discussions<br />
on <strong>the</strong> new Capitals of Culture proposal, which revises <strong>the</strong> decision taken in May 1999 setting out <strong>the</strong> procedure for naming <strong>the</strong><br />
European Capitals of Culture, particularly with regard to <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>the</strong> selection panel.<br />
Two key events will be held under <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> include CATALYST; a four day event (13 -17 September) spread out in Manchester<br />
and Liverpool, which will focus on cultural learning in Eastern Europe. On 5 -7 October, a creative economy conference will be held in<br />
London, issues on <strong>the</strong> table include anti-piracy, copyright and <strong>the</strong> protection of artists.<br />
14
y Ian Locks,<br />
Chief Executive, PPA (Periodical Publishers Association)<br />
PPA is looking for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> to reinforce <strong>the</strong> strong <strong>UK</strong> principles of press freedom and self-regulation. Publishers need to see<br />
current regulatory creep being pushed back, and <strong>the</strong>y need and expect <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> to take a strong stance on country of origin<br />
– a position that enhances cross-border trade.<br />
Within <strong>the</strong>se overall aims, <strong>the</strong>re are specifi c issues that need to be addressed, many of which do not fall under <strong>the</strong> direct title of culture.<br />
PPA is concerned that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> may seek to avoid confronting issues necessary to deliver a more harmonious and less<br />
restrictive legislative environment.<br />
Rome II: This is <strong>the</strong> draft Regulation on choice of law in non-contractual cross-border disputes such as for violations of privacy or rights<br />
relating to <strong>the</strong> personality. Publishers need to know what legal standard <strong>the</strong>ir material must meet with certainty o<strong>the</strong>rwise <strong>the</strong>ir ability<br />
to communicate will be materially restricted.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government is urged to support <strong>the</strong> proposal that <strong>the</strong> relevant law should be that of <strong>the</strong> country where editorial decisions are<br />
taken, both in <strong>the</strong> case of international and online publications.<br />
Television Without Frontiers Directive (TVWF): Publishers have also been concerned that <strong>the</strong> TVWF Directive will be extended to online<br />
material, but have been reassured by Commission offi cials that <strong>the</strong> new Directive will only apply to audiovisual services.<br />
Whilst publishers welcome recent clarifi cations it must be questionable whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re is a need for EU regulation of audiovisual services<br />
which should o<strong>the</strong>rwise be in <strong>the</strong> competence of member states - except where this amounts to a restriction of cross-border trade.<br />
Regulation on <strong>the</strong> protection of minors and human dignity and <strong>the</strong> right of reply: The proposal for this regulation is for debate in <strong>the</strong><br />
Culture Committee of <strong>the</strong> European Parliament. The legislative justifi cation for a regulation is debatable and <strong>the</strong> nature of <strong>the</strong> proposal<br />
ambiguous. Under Article 157, to which <strong>the</strong> resolution has regard, <strong>the</strong> Council may only decide on measures to support action taken<br />
by Member States.<br />
This does not have <strong>the</strong> support of publishers and should not be pursued by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
Food advertising: The issue of food advertising to children, and associated obesity of all age groups, is currently high profi le in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r EU countries. Self-regulation should be strongly supported by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, especially given its proven <strong>UK</strong> track record.<br />
Again, Commissioner Reding has strongly suggested this is <strong>the</strong> preferred route alongside co-regulation where appropriate. In <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>,<br />
PPA is working with <strong>the</strong> Advertising Association to deliver a self-regulatory framework by 2006.<br />
Alcohol advertising: In <strong>the</strong> EU alcohol is a more sensitive topic than food advertising, as some offi cials view alcohol alongside tobacco<br />
as a drug to be controlled, and <strong>the</strong>refore seek a total ban.<br />
It is possible that despite assurances from Commissioner Reding, political considerations will see an attempt to resurrect this issue.<br />
PPA is working with Combined Academic Publishers in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> to ensure advertising guidelines are properly refl ective of current thinking<br />
but not unnecessarily restrictive.<br />
15
Defence and Security<br />
by Nicolas Acker, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
On 5 November 2004, EU Heads of State renewed <strong>the</strong>ir commitment to security by agreeing a comprehensive fi ve-year work programme<br />
aimed at creating an area of Freedom, Security and Justice across <strong>the</strong> EU. The <strong>UK</strong> Government particularly welcomed <strong>the</strong> focus on<br />
measures which add value to Member States’ efforts to counter terrorist threats such as <strong>the</strong> incorporation of biometrics into travel<br />
documents and will implement <strong>the</strong> Commission’s detailed action plan as part of its <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
Preventing new individuals turning to terrorism, pursuing terrorists and <strong>the</strong>ir sponsors, protecting <strong>the</strong> public and preparing for <strong>the</strong><br />
consequences of an attack are key elements of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> strategy. For instance, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will continue working on<br />
creating <strong>the</strong> legal framework for <strong>the</strong> development of <strong>the</strong> Visa Information System (VIS) and also take forward work on <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Evidence Warrant, which will help fi ght terrorist organisations.<br />
It is also under <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> that <strong>the</strong> budget allocated to security research under <strong>the</strong> 7th EU Research Framework Programme will<br />
be discussed. On 7 April 2005, <strong>the</strong> Commission proposed 4 billion for security and space for <strong>the</strong> period 2007-2013.<br />
Prime Minister Tony Blair remains committed to a European Security and Defence Policy within <strong>the</strong> context of a strong transatlantic<br />
alliance and with NATO as <strong>the</strong> key element of EU security, emphasising <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom as a transatlantic bridge.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> priority regarding ESDP will be <strong>the</strong> success of <strong>the</strong> EU Force mission in Bosnia, launched in December 2004 and<br />
currently led by a British Commander. More generally, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is in favour of expanding <strong>the</strong> Petersberg Tasks – i.e. humanitarian and<br />
rescue, peacekeeping and peacemaking tasks – and would like to see <strong>the</strong> EU move beyond dealing with long-term problems and<br />
instead tackle more immediate ones, which require more responsive and effective military instruments.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r major focus will be <strong>the</strong> continuing development of crisis management instruments. The EU will generate new capabilities in order to<br />
complement and enhance what NATO already provides. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will help ensure <strong>the</strong> new Civil/ Military Cell, aimed at streng<strong>the</strong>ning<br />
<strong>the</strong> EU strategic planning for joint military and civilian missions, plays an effective role as soon as possible once operational.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will work with <strong>the</strong> new European Defence Agency, led by Nick Witney, former Director General of International<br />
Security Policy at <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Ministry of Defence, to generate fresh momentum towards <strong>the</strong> "Headline Goal 2010" which aims at addressing<br />
EU capabilities shortfalls. The <strong>UK</strong> Government sees <strong>the</strong> Agency as an important means through which to improve European capabilities<br />
and wants it to be “capability led”. However, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government does not view, nor would it support, <strong>the</strong> Agency as a nucleus for<br />
European procurement and a single budget for defence.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also lead <strong>the</strong> follow-up debates on <strong>the</strong> Commission Green Paper on Defence Procurement aimed at clarifying <strong>the</strong> rules<br />
in force that govern defence spending and <strong>the</strong> possibility, in <strong>the</strong> long run, of freeing up <strong>the</strong> European defence public procurement market.<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government plans as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> to revise and prioritise <strong>the</strong> EU counter nuclear proliferation strategy. Also, even if<br />
experts believe <strong>the</strong> ban will probably stay in place at least until next year, it will also have to moderate discussions within <strong>the</strong> EU on <strong>the</strong><br />
possible lifting of <strong>the</strong> EU’s arms embargo on China.<br />
16
y Graham Cole,<br />
Non-Executive Director, Agusta Westland<br />
Battlefi eld helicopters now more than ever play a key role in military operations and are a pre-requisite for expeditionary forces. In<br />
partnership with <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s Ministry of Defence, we are working to support <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s helicopter fl eet. We want to ensure that we continue to<br />
be at <strong>the</strong> centre of what Lord Bach calls <strong>the</strong> “most capable fl eet in Europe”. This partnership, however, exists in a much wider context.<br />
Security – and its natural partner, Defence – is one of three top Government priorities for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>. There was an element of choice,<br />
but events would have forced it on to <strong>the</strong> agenda. There are major global factors which are likely to infl uence <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
Firstly, <strong>the</strong> EU arms embargo on China is still in place. US objections have delayed a decision and Europe may very well turn to <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
for leadership. While many European countries view <strong>the</strong> embargo – imposed after Tiananmen – as outdated, it still serves a purpose<br />
for <strong>the</strong> US. Without it, <strong>the</strong>re is genuine anxiety that China, armed with a shopping list, may splurge on weaponry, altering <strong>the</strong> balance of<br />
power in <strong>the</strong> Pacifi c and acquiring sensitive technology in <strong>the</strong> process.<br />
The US has <strong>the</strong>refore adopted a two-pronged approach: diplomatic efforts are focused on o<strong>the</strong>r European Governments, while <strong>the</strong><br />
Pentagon has begun to tug on <strong>the</strong> purse strings of its European contractors in <strong>the</strong> certain knowledge that few companies will wish to<br />
jeopardize <strong>the</strong>ir position in <strong>the</strong> US for <strong>the</strong> sake of uncertain future rewards from <strong>the</strong> Chinese market.<br />
Secondly, European defence companies are increasingly impacted by <strong>the</strong> low levels of domestic defence spending. In 2003, NATO’s<br />
European members were only spending 1.9% of <strong>the</strong>ir GDP on defence compared with <strong>the</strong> US’s 3.7%. As that spending gap grows <strong>the</strong><br />
US market will become more and more important.<br />
Unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> EU’s search for an ‘autonomous defence identity’ has added to transatlantic tension. If <strong>the</strong> EU both lifts <strong>the</strong> embargo<br />
on China and aggressively pursues a separate defence plan, it will run counter to US interests.<br />
Thus, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will see Tony Blair pulled in separate directions: by his duty to lead <strong>the</strong> EU and <strong>the</strong> fear that if he does he will<br />
irreparably damage <strong>the</strong> ‘special relationship’ with <strong>the</strong> US. He will have to work hard to maintain <strong>the</strong> balance which he has established<br />
between <strong>the</strong> US and Europe.<br />
The Government has already indicated <strong>the</strong> line it plans to tread: supporting <strong>the</strong> European Defence Agency while emphasising <strong>the</strong> need<br />
for co-operation. The EU’s growing capability will be made to complement and enhance what NATO already provides.<br />
Such changes to <strong>the</strong> transatlantic relationship may have unexpected consequences. Europe, driven by fear of a US monopoly and<br />
restricted access to US technology, may fi nally fi nd <strong>the</strong> will to restructure <strong>the</strong> European defence industry. We shall have to see whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
greater unity between <strong>the</strong> separate defence industrial interests of Britain, France, Germany and Italy will help to secure <strong>the</strong> economic<br />
future of <strong>the</strong> industry as a whole.<br />
17
Development<br />
by Christian Hierholzer, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
Even before its launch, one of <strong>the</strong> outstanding features of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is <strong>the</strong> priority it has given to development policy. More than<br />
any EU <strong>Presidency</strong> in <strong>the</strong> recent past <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government has emphasised <strong>the</strong> responsibility of developed countries for <strong>the</strong> poor regions<br />
of <strong>the</strong> world and <strong>the</strong> need for an ambitious EU development policy.<br />
The enormous political importance that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is placing upon development is partly linked to <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government’s conviction of its<br />
necessity and partly that three international key events will coincide with <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>’s period in offi ce: <strong>the</strong> G8 summit in July,<br />
also presided over by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>, <strong>the</strong> high-level UN Millennium Review Summit in September and <strong>the</strong> WTO Ministerial Meeting taking place<br />
in Hong Kong in December.<br />
The preparation of <strong>the</strong> UN Millennium Review Summit will especially dominate <strong>the</strong> EU development policy agenda in <strong>the</strong> coming months.<br />
The EU’s wish to take a leading role in achieving <strong>the</strong> Millennium Development Goals will refl ect in its input for <strong>the</strong> September meeting<br />
which will be prepared and discussed by <strong>the</strong> European Parliament and Council under <strong>the</strong> supervision of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
In addition, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also oversee <strong>the</strong> general revision of <strong>the</strong> EU’s Development Policy Statement that dates back to <strong>the</strong><br />
year 2000. The revision commenced with <strong>the</strong> launch of a stakeholder consultation earlier this year. Based upon <strong>the</strong> outcome of <strong>the</strong><br />
consultation <strong>the</strong> Commission will present a report in <strong>the</strong> coming months in which it is expected to suggest <strong>the</strong> setting of new objectives<br />
and key policy principles. It is very likely that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will work to ensure that <strong>the</strong> revised Statement remains focused on<br />
poverty reduction and achieving <strong>the</strong> Millennium Development Goals.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r focus of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> in <strong>the</strong> development policy area will be <strong>the</strong> simplifi cation and rationalisation of <strong>the</strong> EU’s external<br />
spending structure in line with <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s believe that such a reform is key to improve <strong>the</strong> transparency and effectiveness of external<br />
spending. In this context, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will remain opposed to <strong>the</strong> integration of <strong>the</strong> European Development Fund into <strong>the</strong> main<br />
Community budget.<br />
A particular priority will be given to Africa. In March <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>-sponsored Commission for Africa presented a report which calls for a radical<br />
change in <strong>the</strong> way donors behave and deliver assistance. The report which was warmly welcomed by <strong>the</strong> European Commission argues<br />
for a dramatic increase of aid to Africa, better governance, wider debt-relief, a shift towards capacity-building and <strong>the</strong> gradual removal<br />
of trade barriers for <strong>the</strong> poorest countries. It can be expected that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will work to infl uence <strong>the</strong> EU development policy,<br />
in general, and <strong>the</strong> EU policy towards Africa, in particular, along <strong>the</strong>se lines.<br />
Regarding <strong>the</strong> latter, <strong>the</strong> Commission is currently working on a Communication on a EU Strategy for Africa which is scheduled to come<br />
out towards <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> in November.<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will drive forward <strong>the</strong> EU’s agreement to draw a package of fur<strong>the</strong>r measures to help <strong>the</strong> countries affected by <strong>the</strong><br />
Tsunami in line with its credo to focus <strong>the</strong> aid where it is most needed.<br />
18
y George Gelber, Head of Public Policy, CAFOD<br />
For <strong>the</strong> development community, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> European Union will start with a bang, as it coincides with <strong>the</strong> meeting of<br />
G8 leaders at Gleneagles.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> beginning of July thousands of Make Poverty History campaigners are expected to fl ock to Edinburgh to make clear <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
demands for a fairer deal for <strong>the</strong> world’s poor from G8 and EU leaders. Unfair trade rules, debt and inadequate levels of development<br />
aid all contribute to keeping one in six of <strong>the</strong> world’s population living in absolute poverty. Every three seconds a child dies as a result<br />
of extreme poverty.<br />
CAFOD is anticipating that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will champion a “Development <strong>Presidency</strong>” in which <strong>the</strong> EU looks beyond its borders to Africa and<br />
<strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> developing world.<br />
The timing is crucial as <strong>the</strong> world has only a decade left to achieve <strong>the</strong> 2015 target date for <strong>the</strong> Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),<br />
launched by <strong>the</strong> United Nations in 2000 to reduce global poverty. At present it is estimated that <strong>the</strong> goals will not be met for ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
150 years in many parts of Africa. The only way that <strong>the</strong> goals will be met is with considerable commitment from <strong>the</strong> richest countries<br />
to help <strong>the</strong> poorest countries through <strong>the</strong> areas trade, aid and debt.<br />
The EU – <strong>the</strong> European Commission toge<strong>the</strong>r with EU Member States – is already <strong>the</strong> world’s largest donor of humanitarian and<br />
development aid but a key goal for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> should be to ensure that <strong>the</strong> EU sets a timetable for reaching <strong>the</strong> long-promised<br />
United Nations target of 0.7% of GNI earmarked for development aid.<br />
To ensure that <strong>the</strong> MDGs are met, an additional $50 billion a year is needed. Currently, <strong>the</strong> “old EU” of 15 Member States gives 0.35%<br />
of its collective wealth. By raising its development spending to <strong>the</strong> UN target <strong>the</strong> EU would put a staggering additional $37 billion on <strong>the</strong><br />
aid table – enough to put many countries on track to achieve <strong>the</strong> MDGs.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> issue of trade, in March <strong>the</strong> Blair Government dropped its previous commitment to enforced liberalisation of markets and instead<br />
endorsed <strong>the</strong> fi ndings of <strong>the</strong> Commission for Africa report, that without <strong>the</strong> necessary economic capacity and infrastructure to trade<br />
competitively, trade liberalisation can be harmful to developing country economies.<br />
It is a brave move, warmly welcomed by CAFOD which has long argued that a “one-size-fi ts-all” model of free trade can increase<br />
poverty, lower labour standards and cause environmental damage within <strong>the</strong> developing world.<br />
The stance may bring <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> into confl ict with fellow members and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson as <strong>the</strong>y work towards<br />
<strong>the</strong> adoption of new trading agreements with African, Caribbean and Pacifi c countries under WTO- compatible Economic Partnership<br />
Agreements (EPAs), which scrap preferential market access deals in favour of free trade agreements.<br />
Under EPA agreements, developing countries would be forced to open up <strong>the</strong>ir markets and scrap trade tariffs, which provide a vital<br />
source of income that historically has proved impossible to recoup from o<strong>the</strong>r areas of tax for <strong>the</strong> poorest countries.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government should use its infl uence to persuade fellow Member States to allow developing countries to prioritise poverty<br />
reduction in <strong>the</strong>ir trade strategies and liberalisation commitments.<br />
19
Economic and Financial Affairs<br />
by Pierre-Gilles Denis, Senior Advisor<br />
and Francesco Laera, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The main driving force of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> economic and fi nancial agenda will be <strong>the</strong> reduction of <strong>the</strong> barriers to trade and <strong>the</strong> free<br />
movement of workers, goods, capital and services within <strong>the</strong> Union.<br />
Progress in this fi eld will not necessarily be achieved by far-reaching legislation, as <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is expected to adopt a light-touch<br />
approach. Alongside <strong>the</strong> Commission and Parliament, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> welcomes proposals for impact assessments and screening<br />
exercises on future legislative proposals. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will start <strong>the</strong> work on <strong>the</strong> better regulation dossier around October, after <strong>the</strong><br />
publication of <strong>the</strong> Commission’s communication on <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> ongoing impact assessment to promote simplifi cation.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is expected to take forward dossiers such as <strong>the</strong> Capital Requirements Directive (Basel II), <strong>the</strong> post-Financial<br />
Services Action Plan, and <strong>the</strong> Company Law and Corporate Governance.<br />
Substantial progress is expected in <strong>the</strong> fi eld of <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> Basel II Accord. After <strong>the</strong> expected approval of <strong>the</strong> Capital<br />
Requirements Directive by <strong>the</strong> European Parliament in July 2005, <strong>the</strong> Council will work to achieve a common position and look to adopt<br />
<strong>the</strong> Directive by <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will continue to focus on implementation and enforcement of <strong>the</strong> Financial Services Action Plan with <strong>the</strong> aim of<br />
competitive integration of <strong>the</strong> EU fi nancial markets. The Council agenda will be infl uenced by <strong>the</strong> Commission’s recent green paper on<br />
fi nancial services. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will work to reduce <strong>the</strong> fragmentation of <strong>the</strong> retail fi nancial services market and to make crossborder<br />
use of bank accounts more consumer friendly. O<strong>the</strong>r issues where progress will be achieved include supervisory practices<br />
convergence, cross-border investment, and asset management.<br />
Building on <strong>the</strong> work done during <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg <strong>Presidency</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> aims to achieve a smooth and uniform implementation of <strong>the</strong><br />
controversial Savings Directive, which is due to come into force on 1 July 2005. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> Commission, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will<br />
ensure that third countries apply <strong>the</strong> Directive correctly.<br />
Substantial progress is expected on company law and corporate governance. In particular, <strong>the</strong> Council will formally adopt <strong>the</strong> “10th Company<br />
Law” Directive on cross-border mergers on <strong>the</strong> basis of an expected political agreement in June 2005, and <strong>the</strong> “8th Company Law” Directive<br />
on statutory audit. A proposal for a directive on <strong>the</strong> cross-border transfer of company "seat" (<strong>the</strong> “14th Company Law”) is also expected in <strong>the</strong><br />
second half of <strong>the</strong> year. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is also expected to start <strong>the</strong> work on <strong>the</strong> "2nd Company Law Directive" on capital maintenance<br />
and alteration, which aims at simplifying EU rules on companies' capital, while ensuring safeguards for creditors and investors.<br />
The Luxembourg <strong>Presidency</strong> worked closely with <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> to move toward a political agreement on <strong>the</strong> next multi-annual framework<br />
on “Financial Perspectives 2007-2013”. As Member States’ positions still diverge, this issue may run into <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>. The British<br />
Government is currently suggesting a 1% of gross national income (GNI) ceiling for <strong>the</strong> EU budget, as opposed to an average of 1.14%<br />
proposed by <strong>the</strong> Commission. Within this budgetary context, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also continue to assert <strong>the</strong> need for <strong>the</strong>ir abatement.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r priorities in <strong>the</strong> fi eld of economic and fi nancial affairs will be <strong>the</strong> regulatory convergence between <strong>the</strong> EU and <strong>the</strong> USA, and <strong>the</strong><br />
post-trading securities market. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is expected to start work on this on <strong>the</strong> basis of <strong>the</strong> Commission’s impact assessment<br />
and <strong>the</strong> European Parliament’s report, expected in <strong>the</strong> second half of <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
20
y Anthony Belchambers, Chief Executive,<br />
Futures and Options Association<br />
On 1 July this year, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> takes over <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> and so far as fi nancial services are concerned, it is essential that HM Treasury<br />
concentrates its efforts on securing <strong>the</strong> delivery of an effi cient internal market in fi nancial services and advancing <strong>the</strong> international<br />
competitiveness of <strong>the</strong> EU’s fi nancial services industry, which requires:<br />
▼ a) delivering on <strong>the</strong> economic and commercial targets that stand behind <strong>the</strong> Financial Services Action Plan (FSAP) i.e. liberal<br />
market access, effective and appropriate standards of investor protection, wider consumer choice and reductions in <strong>the</strong><br />
cost of trading, investing and raising capital;<br />
▼ b) identifying and initiating <strong>the</strong> dismantling of any continuing internal barriers to cross-border EU business;<br />
▼ c) progressing <strong>the</strong> delivery across <strong>the</strong> EU of balanced, proportionate and fair implementation and enforcement of EU Directives<br />
and <strong>the</strong> enabling rules of Member States;<br />
▼ d) accelerating <strong>the</strong> regulatory dialogue with non-EU countries, particularly with <strong>the</strong> US, in order to establish a more simplifi ed<br />
and coherent framework of regulation for cross-border business;<br />
▼ e) establishing a framework for delivering on <strong>the</strong> recognised need for “better“ regulation i.e. regulation which not only<br />
meets <strong>the</strong> objectives of market confi dence and investor protection, but which is also demonstrably necessary, effi cient,<br />
proportionate and affordable;<br />
▼ f) developing consensual pan-EU “principles of good regulation” and encouraging <strong>the</strong>ir “hard coding” into EU legislation;<br />
▼ g) accelerating progress on <strong>the</strong> WTO agenda for liberalisation in trade in services, particularly fi nancial services.<br />
For example, in relation to (d) above, a group of EU and US trade associations in <strong>the</strong> fi nancial services sector have already come toge<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
fi rstly to compare and contrast EU and US legislative and regulatory requirements governing cross-border wholesale business in equity and<br />
equity derivatives and, secondly, put forward a “business case” for priority regulatory action in respect of identifi ed areas of unnecessary<br />
regulatory complexity and confl ict which are obstructing <strong>the</strong> establishment of a cost-effective and commercially effi cient Transatlantic<br />
market place. It is anticipated that <strong>the</strong> fi ndings will be published in June in advance of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> assuming <strong>the</strong> EU <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
By way of a general conclusion, it is recognised that delivering on <strong>the</strong> criteria set out above will last over several EU Presidencies and,<br />
in many respects, will entail continuous in-depth monitoring, but it is to be hoped that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will see strong leadership in<br />
each of <strong>the</strong>se areas and <strong>the</strong> setting up of a number of mechanisms in order to deliver on <strong>the</strong>se objectives. It is essential, however, that<br />
full recognition is given to <strong>the</strong> business needs of market operators and fi nancial service providers and <strong>the</strong> trading and investment needs<br />
of fi nancial service consumers. That can only be done effectively by affording a much higher level of participation to both providers and<br />
consumers of fi nancial services as critically important stakeholders in <strong>the</strong> process – and that does not mean just periodic consultation,<br />
but <strong>the</strong> establishment of technical focus groups and possibly, even secondment. For some regulatory authorities, building a consensus<br />
with <strong>the</strong> regulated community that goes beyond <strong>the</strong> mere process of consultation may represent a challenge to deep-seated regulatory<br />
traditions. However, attaining a competitive single market in fi nancial services is about much more than establishing a regulatory<br />
framework. If we fail to give full and proper place to business priorities and <strong>the</strong> need for market effi ciency, we will fail to establish an<br />
internationally competitive Europe in fi nancial services.<br />
21
Education<br />
by Sophie Jacobs, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
Previous EU Presidencies have identifi ed education as one of <strong>the</strong> principal vectors for re-launching <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong><br />
will continue to focus on <strong>the</strong> contribution which education and training can make to <strong>the</strong> Strategy under <strong>the</strong> open method of coordination<br />
and to economic reform and social cohesion in particular. The <strong>UK</strong> sees education as <strong>the</strong> key to employability, competitiveness, adaptability<br />
and active citizenship, which interact with one ano<strong>the</strong>r very closely. We can expect discussions on education during <strong>the</strong> July 2005<br />
informal ministerial meeting in London and during a conference on higher education in October 2005 in Manchester.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will continue efforts to reach agreement on <strong>the</strong> Integrated Action Programme in <strong>the</strong> area of Education and Lifelong<br />
Learning for 2007-2013, as proposed by <strong>the</strong> Commission in July 2004 as part of <strong>the</strong> next Financial Perspective. It comprises <strong>the</strong><br />
Comenius, Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci, Grundtvig and <strong>the</strong> Jean Monnet programmes. These programmes should help raise skills levels<br />
and promote mobility, both important elements of European efforts to boost <strong>the</strong> Union’s competitiveness. Based on <strong>the</strong> work accomplished<br />
under <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg <strong>Presidency</strong>, <strong>the</strong> objective will be to move towards concluding <strong>the</strong> fi rst reading in <strong>the</strong> European Parliament.<br />
In addition, <strong>the</strong> House of Lords has urged <strong>the</strong> European Commission to give higher priority to adult education, by considering more<br />
innovative use of information and communications technologies and distance-learning packages to help adults participate in <strong>the</strong><br />
programmes. In a report published in April 2005 <strong>the</strong> EU Select Committee of <strong>the</strong> House of Lords stated that <strong>the</strong> Grundtvig programme<br />
for adult education is <strong>the</strong> "acid test" of <strong>the</strong> Commission's commitment to genuine lifelong learning.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r piece of legislation <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will try to get approved in <strong>the</strong> European Parliament is <strong>the</strong> proposal for a recommendation on<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r European co-operation in quality assurance in higher education.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government will work closely with <strong>the</strong> Commission on <strong>the</strong> implementation of a new communication entitled “Mobilising <strong>the</strong><br />
brainpower of Europe: enabling universities to make <strong>the</strong>ir full contribution to <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy”. It underlines <strong>the</strong> fact that European<br />
universities are faced with many challenges and that, if nothing is done, <strong>the</strong> gap with <strong>the</strong> EU’s main competitors in <strong>the</strong> fi eld will continue<br />
to widen. Member States are to be urged to ensure that <strong>the</strong>ir regulatory frameworks allow universities to undertake genuine change<br />
and pursue strategic priorities. The Commission has also invited <strong>the</strong> Council to adopt a Resolution backing its call for a new type of<br />
partnership between public authorities and universities and for suffi cient investment in higher education.<br />
22
Sir David Green, Director-General, British Council<br />
In 2000 European Union leaders set <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>the</strong> ambitious goal of making <strong>the</strong> EU <strong>the</strong> most competitive and dynamic knowledgebased<br />
economy in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Now, in 2005, we are at <strong>the</strong> half-way point in <strong>the</strong> ten-year economic reform programme set out at Lisbon -- and if we are to make <strong>the</strong> Europe<br />
of 450 million citizens a world leader, we must make progress in improving our capacity and performance in education and training.<br />
The European Commission has identifi ed a number of areas needing more attention. These include reducing <strong>the</strong> high number of early<br />
school leavers, increasing <strong>the</strong> numbers completing upper secondary-level education, and improving participation in life-long learning.<br />
And while Europe as a whole now appears to be on track in attracting more people into science, we still collectively suffer from underinvestment<br />
in education, and in achieving <strong>the</strong> objective of at least two foreign languages learned by all.<br />
Through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> EU starting in July and, coincidentally, of <strong>the</strong> G8 throughout 2005, <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom is committed<br />
to improving international standards in education and training. But in doing so, we acknowledge that each country’s experiences are<br />
unique. We have much to share with our European partners by comparing best practice in our varying approaches in equipping our<br />
citizens for life in a global economy.<br />
As a country, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is committed to <strong>the</strong> mutual recognition of qualifi cations and, in <strong>the</strong> area of non-formal learning, working with <strong>the</strong><br />
Commission to formulate YouthPass, along <strong>the</strong> lines of <strong>the</strong> skills recognition in EuroPass. We will also continue to champion diversity<br />
and challenge racism through our youth work.<br />
The British Council is involved in a number of events on youth, adult and fur<strong>the</strong>r education taking place during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s dual Presidencies.<br />
Our work reaching more than ten million young people in 110 countries every year, combined with our role as an EU national agency<br />
implementing key European programmes such as Socrates, Leonardo and YOUTH, gives us a unique perspective in expanding <strong>the</strong><br />
international experience of our young people.<br />
Much of <strong>the</strong> political work programme in <strong>the</strong> EU presidency revolves around meeting <strong>the</strong> indicators and benchmarks set under <strong>the</strong><br />
Lisbon objectives. It is indeed highly encouraging <strong>the</strong>se already show several new member states performing at <strong>the</strong> highest level in<br />
education and training.<br />
But our ambitions must be broader: we must use education to widen <strong>the</strong> horizons of our young people, those professionals who work with<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, and <strong>the</strong>ir peers from o<strong>the</strong>r countries and continents. We urgently need to improve mutual understanding across cultures in what is<br />
a far from stable world: toge<strong>the</strong>r, advances in ICT and educational systems at last give us <strong>the</strong> scope for achieving this crucial goal.<br />
23
Employment and Social Affairs<br />
by Tristan Suffys, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The <strong>UK</strong> will hold <strong>the</strong> fi rst full EU <strong>Presidency</strong> after <strong>the</strong> mid-term review of <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy, which has seen a refocus on growth and<br />
employment. General objectives <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will emphasise are to reduce <strong>the</strong> regulatory burden, improve labour market fl exibility<br />
and promote innovation, as a way to meet <strong>the</strong> Lisbon goals. The <strong>UK</strong>, which has a track record of good employment rates, will play an<br />
active part in helping <strong>the</strong> EU meet <strong>the</strong> target it set itself at Lisbon to achieve <strong>the</strong> EU employment rate of 70% in 2010.<br />
Initial refl ections are expected on <strong>the</strong> new Social Policy Agenda to modernise Europe’s social model, presented by <strong>the</strong> Commission in<br />
early 2005. Some work is also expected on <strong>the</strong> publication of <strong>the</strong> fi rst annual Joint Council/ Commission report on social protection<br />
and social inclusion. The <strong>Presidency</strong> will also try and reach an agreement on “PROGRESS”, <strong>the</strong> proposal to establish a community<br />
programme for employment and social solidarity, following adoption in <strong>the</strong> European Parliament in July 2005 and provided that Member<br />
States agree on <strong>the</strong> Community fi nancial framework for 2007-2013.<br />
But a major highlight of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will certainly be <strong>the</strong> controversial proposal amending <strong>the</strong> Working Time Directive. The <strong>UK</strong><br />
Government has been active in defending individual workers’ freedom to choose to work more than 48 hours a week. This is despite<br />
many o<strong>the</strong>r Member States and <strong>the</strong> European Parliament, including Labour Party (which is in Government in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>) MEPs, calling for<br />
<strong>the</strong> phasing out of <strong>the</strong> opt out from this working time limit. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will build on <strong>the</strong> efforts undertaken by <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg<br />
<strong>Presidency</strong>, and aims to reach an agreement in <strong>the</strong> Council after <strong>the</strong> European Parliament’s First Reading.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also try to revive and reach a settlement on <strong>the</strong> diffi cult Temporary Workers Directive. The length of <strong>the</strong> qualifying<br />
period as well as <strong>the</strong> issue of equal pay for temporary workers has been at <strong>the</strong> core of <strong>the</strong> dispute between Member States.<br />
Regarding health and safety at work, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> envisages <strong>the</strong> fi nal adoption of <strong>the</strong> Directive on <strong>the</strong> exposure of workers to optical<br />
radiation, and will closely follow <strong>the</strong> Commission’s work towards amending <strong>the</strong> Directive on exposure of workers to carcinogens.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> 2000-2005 Commission’s Strategy for gender equality is coming to an end, much of <strong>the</strong> work on equality and non-discrimination<br />
will focus on <strong>the</strong> upcoming Communication <strong>the</strong> Commission should present before <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> year. The main legislative priority for<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will be <strong>the</strong> proposal for a regulation establishing a European Gender Institute, which <strong>the</strong> Commission presented in<br />
early 2005 and which should start operating from 2007. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also have to reach an agreement in <strong>the</strong> Council, after<br />
a vote in <strong>the</strong> European Parliament scheduled for July 2005, on <strong>the</strong> ‘Recast’ Directive, which intends to merge and re-cast six separate<br />
Directives on equal treatment for men and women in employment. The <strong>Presidency</strong> will follow closely <strong>the</strong> Commission’s work on <strong>the</strong><br />
strategic approach to combating discrimination, which is expected by <strong>the</strong> end of 2005.<br />
Among o<strong>the</strong>r priorities will be a new proposal on <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> Regulation on <strong>the</strong> coordination of social security schemes,<br />
due before <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> starts. Ano<strong>the</strong>r important priority for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will be <strong>the</strong> new initiative <strong>the</strong> Commission intends to present<br />
this year regarding <strong>the</strong> protection of personal data of workers and privacy. This initiative should ensure protection of sensitive data both<br />
during <strong>the</strong> recruitment process and in employment for <strong>the</strong> respect of individual rights.<br />
24
y Adrian Askew, General Secretary, Connect<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government’s European record on employment and social affairs is an interesting one. After years of being <strong>the</strong> social pariah in<br />
Europe, with opt-outs leaving <strong>UK</strong> workers <strong>the</strong> least protected in <strong>the</strong> EU, unions were optimistic when one of Tony Blair’s early acts was<br />
to bring <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> into <strong>the</strong> Social Chapter. Whilst many have been disappointed by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s recent stance on some European issues (<strong>the</strong><br />
Working Time Directive is one example), <strong>the</strong>re have been positive movements, including a public commitment to fi nd agreement on <strong>the</strong><br />
Temporary Agency Workers Directive. It will be interesting to see how this particular dossier progresses during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
The Lisbon Strategy is likely to be an important <strong>the</strong>me in many policy fi elds. The EU’s ability to achieve <strong>the</strong>se ambitious goals must be in<br />
doubt, but even to make progress in this area, employment and skills has got to be at <strong>the</strong> heart of EU policy-making. Domestically <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
Government has focussed on streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong> economy by getting people into work. How to do <strong>the</strong> same at a European level presents<br />
a number of challenges, but <strong>the</strong> social partners can bring expertise in promoting skills and better workplace practices to help Europe<br />
make headway in <strong>the</strong> global market. This also needs to be recognised when new proposals for <strong>the</strong> Services Directive are drawn up.<br />
We must avoid a race to <strong>the</strong> bottom in skills and social protection.<br />
A fl exible workforce will be important in improving European competitiveness. But it is a fl exibility in skills, not weaker workplace rights,<br />
that trade unions see as key to making progress.<br />
25
Energy<br />
by Tove Larsson, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
New challenges have emerged in energy policy during <strong>the</strong> past years. EU Member States’ increased concern for energy security, higher<br />
energy prices and climate change have led <strong>the</strong> upcoming <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> to steer energy policy discussions above all towards emission<br />
reductions in energy production, increased energy effi ciency and securing future energy supply.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> intends to work along <strong>the</strong> following main energy <strong>the</strong>mes:<br />
Sustainability of energy production and consumption: As part of controlling <strong>the</strong> rise in greenhouse gases, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will initiate<br />
discussions on <strong>the</strong> Commission proposal for a regulation on car air emissions, which will set emission limits for light duty vehicles<br />
and defi ne technical requirements concerning hybrid vehicles. For <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r improvement of energy demand management, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> will progress work on <strong>the</strong> Directive on end-use energy effi ciency and energy services, in parallel with <strong>the</strong> second reading in<br />
Parliament. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is likely to hold a fi rst discussion on <strong>the</strong> Commission’s Green Paper on energy effi ciency at <strong>the</strong> October<br />
Energy Council following a stakeholder debate expected to take place during <strong>the</strong> fi rst part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>. On renewable energy, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> will follow up from <strong>the</strong> Commission report on Member State implementation of <strong>the</strong> Directive on Electricity Production from<br />
Renewable Energy Sources and might adopt Conclusions on <strong>the</strong> Commission Communication on a biomass action plan.<br />
Securing energy supply: The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will work towards an agreement on <strong>the</strong> Directive on security of electricity supply and on a<br />
decision on laying down guidelines for trans European energy networks. In view of <strong>the</strong> announced Communication on <strong>the</strong> implementation<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Green Paper on <strong>the</strong> security of energy supply, expected in November, discussions could be initiated during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> chairmanship. The<br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> might also address a Commission Communication on <strong>the</strong> transparency and functioning of <strong>the</strong> European market on oil stocks.<br />
Consolidating <strong>the</strong> internal energy market: A liberalised energy market is still far from being realised, as several Member States have not<br />
implemented <strong>the</strong> Directives for opening up <strong>the</strong> gas and electricity markets for business by July 2004, as stipulated in <strong>the</strong> Directives. The<br />
<strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will <strong>the</strong>refore seek to encourage Member States to transpose <strong>the</strong> Directives on energy market liberalisation.<br />
External energy relations: The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will conclude <strong>the</strong> Energy Community Treaty between South-East Europe and <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Community, as well as making progress with <strong>the</strong> EU-Russia energy dialogue. The latter would involve working towards a closer<br />
collaboration in promoting energy savings, energy effi ciency and renewable energy as well as investment in broadening network<br />
infrastructure and technology transfer following Russia's ratifi cation of <strong>the</strong> Kyoto protocol. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will follow up<br />
on <strong>the</strong> new political dialogue with OPEC countries with <strong>the</strong> fi rst ministerial meeting being held in June.<br />
Finally, on nuclear energy, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will continue efforts to give practical effect to <strong>the</strong> Council Conclusions of June 2004 on<br />
nuclear safety and <strong>the</strong> safe management of radioactive waste through <strong>the</strong> ad hoc working party on nuclear safety.<br />
26
y Giuseppe de Palma,<br />
Vice-President EU Affairs, ExxonMobil Europe<br />
The <strong>UK</strong>’s intention to make energy and climate policy one of <strong>the</strong> corner stones of <strong>the</strong>ir EU presidency refl ects <strong>the</strong> reality that energy use<br />
is closely linked to economic growth and environmental care.<br />
This is a truly global issue. It is not generally recognized that <strong>the</strong> portion of <strong>the</strong> world that can be classifi ed as economically developing<br />
is now using more total energy than that of all industrialised countries combined.<br />
Moreover, because developing countries’ economies are growing faster than those of industrialised countries, <strong>the</strong> developing world’s<br />
share of energy is rising rapidly.<br />
While developing countries use 54 percent of total energy today, <strong>the</strong>se same countries will be using 63 percent of total energy by 2030.<br />
The developing world’s share of carbon dioxide emissions is also larger than that of <strong>the</strong> developed world and is rising faster.<br />
In this context, <strong>the</strong> effi ciency of energy use matters. Developing countries use energy less effi ciently than industrialised countries<br />
because <strong>the</strong>y lack critical technology and investments.<br />
Energy effi ciency is important for everyone, of course. While Europe needs just two barrels of oil to generate each €800 of economic<br />
activity, <strong>the</strong> United States needs three barrels, China more than six and India nearly eight barrels.<br />
Does that mean that Europeans need not do <strong>the</strong>ir utmost to maximize energy effi ciency? Absolutely not. We have considerable room<br />
to improve energy effi ciency.<br />
The challenges of ensuring adequate energy to meet rising demand as well as <strong>the</strong> effects of energy use on environmental emissions<br />
provide incentive for all of us to use energy effi ciently.<br />
To help do so, ExxonMobil is partnering with industry and government organisations on programs that could improve <strong>the</strong> effi ciency of<br />
internal combustion engines by as much as 50 percent. Also, broader consumer use and <strong>the</strong> continued development of hybrid engines<br />
could have a signifi cant near-term impact on energy use and carbon dioxide emissions from personal vehicles.<br />
But one of <strong>the</strong> most effective ways to save energy is to facilitate and accelerate <strong>the</strong> transfer of effi cient technologies from <strong>the</strong><br />
industrialised to <strong>the</strong> developing world so <strong>the</strong>y can use less than <strong>the</strong>y might o<strong>the</strong>rwise.<br />
ExxonMobil is also committed to helping in this effort. For example, we are applying <strong>the</strong> latest effi ciency technologies and operating<br />
procedures to our refi neries, chemical plants and production facilities worldwide. Programmes such as our Global Energy Management<br />
System and our investments in cogeneration capacity to effi ciently generate steam and electricity have been applied globally, with<br />
signifi cant, measurable results.<br />
Developing new technologies and applying <strong>the</strong>m worldwide will be very important in moderating energy demand and emissions growth.<br />
It is one way that everyone can make a practical contribution to extending <strong>the</strong> availability of energy supplies and to environmental<br />
improvement.<br />
27
Enlargement and Beyond<br />
by Aurica Pripa, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The year of 2004 saw <strong>the</strong> biggest ever single EU enlargement from 15 to 25 Member States, which is generally viewed in Brussels<br />
as a success. The feared mass infl ux of cheap labour and halting EU decision-making have failed to materialise. On <strong>the</strong> contrary, <strong>the</strong><br />
EU has gained fresh dynamisms because of more rapidly growing economies in <strong>the</strong> Central and Eastern Europe. Keeping <strong>the</strong> enlarged<br />
Union working effectively will be a key challenge for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> in particular to ensure that <strong>the</strong> Union’s rules and principles of<br />
<strong>the</strong> internal markets are properly applied.<br />
2005 has already seen Bulgaria and Romania signing a joint Treaty of Accession that paves <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>the</strong> ratifi cation procedures that will<br />
formalise <strong>the</strong>ir EU membership on 1 January 2007. Throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, <strong>the</strong> EU will continue to support both countries in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
preparations. The two countries' accession may be delayed by one year if <strong>the</strong>y fail to meet commitments undertaken in <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong><br />
negotiations, which include fi ghting corruption, streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong>ir administration systems and introducing competition policy measures.<br />
As in previous enlargements, after signing of <strong>the</strong> Accession Treaty and before actual EU membership, Bulgaria and Romania will send<br />
observers to represent <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> EU institutions, albeit without <strong>the</strong> full rights of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Member States. In <strong>the</strong> Council of Ministers,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are already participating in ministerial meetings as observers. As for <strong>the</strong> European Parliament, <strong>the</strong> observers from <strong>the</strong> Bulgarian<br />
and Romanian parliaments will be welcomed by that Institution from September or October 2005.<br />
After a positive assessment of Turkish progress in <strong>the</strong> Commission’s Regular Report, in particular its compliance with <strong>the</strong> political criteria<br />
(democracy and human rights), <strong>the</strong> European Council decided that accession negotiations should start on 3 October 2005. The start<br />
of <strong>the</strong> negotiations is solely conditional upon Turkey’s ratifi cation of <strong>the</strong> protocol extending <strong>the</strong> Association Agreement to all Member<br />
States, which has now been initiated. This might have been a sticking point as this includes some form of recognition of Cyprus.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will attempt to give future impetus to <strong>the</strong> Stabilisation and Association Process for <strong>the</strong> countries of <strong>the</strong> Western Balkans<br />
region. The gradual conditional approach is based on a fi nancial assistance programme, trade preferences, political dialogue and ultimately<br />
contractual relations with Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, <strong>the</strong> Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro.<br />
Croatia's possible future membership is already paving <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>the</strong> subsequent enlargement wave to take in <strong>the</strong> Western Balkan<br />
states. The negotiations with Croatia could begin in <strong>the</strong> coming months, provided that it is co-operating fully with <strong>the</strong> International<br />
Criminal Tribunal for <strong>the</strong> former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Also, Macedonia applied to join <strong>the</strong> EU on 22 March 2004. The Commission is<br />
currently assessing its application against <strong>the</strong> established political and economic criteria and is likely to issue its opinion in <strong>the</strong> second<br />
half of 2005. If successful, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will support Macedonia’s membership aspirations.<br />
Although Turkey’s accession negotiations will dominate <strong>the</strong> political agenda and headlines over <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re are numerous<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r countries also knocking on <strong>the</strong> EU’s door, not least Bulgaria and Romania whose membership is closer than many realise.<br />
28
y Dr. Bahadir Kaleagasi, Representative to <strong>the</strong> EU and<br />
UNICE, Turkish Industry and Business Association<br />
The European Council decided to open membership negotiations with Turkey on 3 October 2005.<br />
With this historic decision, <strong>the</strong> European Council is heralding a new era both for Europe as well as Turkey. However, <strong>the</strong> opening of<br />
negotiations is only <strong>the</strong> beginning of a long, challenging but irreversible process. It will require adoption of <strong>the</strong> Acquis Communautaire<br />
with a signifi cant commitment and hard work on <strong>the</strong> part of Turkey.<br />
We are both realistic and optimistic about this process. Turkey has undergone a serious transformation in recent years and this has<br />
important repercussions on its prospective membership to <strong>the</strong> EU. Turkey’s accession, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, would potentially have much<br />
broader economic and political consequences for <strong>the</strong> EU than any of <strong>the</strong> past expansions.<br />
Various developments on <strong>the</strong> Turkish economic and political agenda have been ongoing over past years, focusing on EU membership.<br />
Besides <strong>the</strong> progress on <strong>the</strong> lines of meeting <strong>the</strong> Copenhagen political criteria for democratisation and rule of law, <strong>the</strong> economic<br />
fundamentals exhibit an outspoken improvement. The improving macroeconomic framework and <strong>the</strong> progress in structural reforms will<br />
probably change <strong>the</strong> way that <strong>the</strong> Turkish economy is evaluated in foreign markets, especially in EU countries.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> and Turkey should simultaneously undertake diplomatic, non-diplomatic, and non-governmental efforts to convince<br />
European public opinion that <strong>the</strong> benefi ts of Turkey’s membership exceed <strong>the</strong> costs. Turkey will contribute positively to Europe’s global<br />
economic competitiveness and political infl uence.<br />
The Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) will focus particularly on this issue formulated as Third Pillar in <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Commission Recommendations of October last year. We established a new Committee for Turkey’s promotion abroad and, in particular,<br />
in <strong>the</strong> European Union countries. We are also in <strong>the</strong> process of devising a strategy targeting each country on its own distinctiveness.<br />
Lastly, on <strong>the</strong> Cyprus issue, we believe that Turkey has taken initiatives for <strong>the</strong> resolution of <strong>the</strong> issue within <strong>the</strong> framework of a<br />
comprehensive understanding of political and social compromise to be reached within <strong>the</strong> context of <strong>the</strong> Annan Plan. We should keep in<br />
mind that <strong>the</strong> process entails a collective responsibility and that each party to <strong>the</strong> confl ict should bear its share of responsibility.<br />
We will closely watch and contribute to <strong>the</strong> EU’s evolution towards a globally competitive economy and towards an institutionally<br />
efficient political entity.<br />
Within this context, we do believe that we shall be successful in transforming Turkey’s potential into political, economic, social, cultural<br />
and security assets for Europe’s future. We sincerely hope that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> European Union will be a great opportunity to<br />
shape this new momentum.<br />
29
Environment<br />
by Patrick van Leeuwen, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
Environment policy is increasingly considered as an integral part of <strong>the</strong> EU's endeavours to become <strong>the</strong> most competitive region in<br />
<strong>the</strong> world by 2010, as aspired to in <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy. Building on and continuing <strong>the</strong> approach set by <strong>the</strong> Dutch <strong>Presidency</strong>, i.e.<br />
formulating policies that can trigger economic opportunities will be essential to reconcile <strong>the</strong> often contradicting objectives of achieving<br />
a high level of environment and health protection and enhancing competitiveness.<br />
In this context, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will have a challenging environment policy agenda to lead and manage. Its <strong>Presidency</strong> coincides with a number<br />
of important environment policy milestones that include advancing negotiations on <strong>the</strong> new EU chemicals regulatory framework and<br />
<strong>the</strong> long-awaited Thematic Strategies outlined in <strong>the</strong> European Commission’s Sixth Environmental Action Programme. The Thematic<br />
Strategies form a key component of <strong>the</strong> Commission’s long-term environmental objectives that run until 2010, and <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will need<br />
to manage <strong>the</strong> political debates surrounding <strong>the</strong>m. In addition, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also have <strong>the</strong> task of negotiating with <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Parliament a number of controversial ongoing legislative dossiers which are outlined below. Climate change is also at <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong>'s agenda, and is considered elsewhere this Guide.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>’s main priority dossiers will be <strong>the</strong> EU Chemicals Policy Review. Since October 2003, <strong>the</strong> so-called “REACH”<br />
proposal (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) has been at <strong>the</strong> forefront of consecutive EU Presidencies. Much<br />
of <strong>the</strong> legislative text has now been scrutinised in both <strong>the</strong> Council and <strong>the</strong> Parliament and <strong>the</strong> latter is expected to conclude its fi rst<br />
reading opinion in October/ November. This <strong>Presidency</strong> will <strong>the</strong>refore have <strong>the</strong> challenging task of leading Ministers towards a political<br />
agreement on this controversial dossier by December 2005.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> also coincides with <strong>the</strong> launch of a number of Thematic Strategies from <strong>the</strong> Commission. It is highly likely that <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> will kick off discussions on those strategies in view of adopting conclusions at <strong>the</strong> December 2005 Environment Council.<br />
The strategies are:<br />
▼ Thematic Strategy on Waste Prevention and Recycling<br />
▼ Thematic Strategy on <strong>the</strong> Sustainable Use of Natural Resources<br />
▼ Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution<br />
▼ Thematic Strategy on <strong>the</strong> Marine Environment<br />
▼ Thematic Strategy on <strong>the</strong> Sustainable Use of Pesticides<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> may also inherit ongoing legislative and non-legislative dossiers from <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg <strong>Presidency</strong> if <strong>the</strong> latter does not succeed<br />
to reach agreements at <strong>the</strong> June Environment Council. These include reaching a common position on <strong>the</strong> Protection of Groundwater<br />
against Pollution and conclusions on <strong>the</strong> Environment Technologies Action Plan.<br />
The <strong>Presidency</strong> will negotiate on a number of ongoing legislative dossiers pending a second reading in <strong>the</strong> Parliament. As far as<br />
politically possible, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will seek to secure second reading agreements on <strong>the</strong> legislative proposals listed below to avoid enlarged<br />
and cumbersome conciliation proceedings.<br />
▼ Fluorinated gases/ Mobile air conditioning<br />
▼ Shipments of Waste<br />
▼ Waste from Extractive Industries<br />
▼ Batteries and Accumulators.<br />
30
y John Hontelez,<br />
Secretary General, European Environmental Bureau<br />
Climate Change is rightfully high on <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government agenda. As this issue is addressed elsewhere in this Guide, I concentrate on<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r issues of high concern for <strong>the</strong> European Environmental Bureau (EEB).<br />
The previous <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> started <strong>the</strong> discussion that led to <strong>the</strong> famous REACH proposal, an attempt to reorganise EU’s chemicals<br />
policy completely with <strong>the</strong> aim of phasing out <strong>the</strong> use and penetration of hazardous chemicals in our societies and natural environments.<br />
In 1998, <strong>the</strong> principles for such a policy sounded clear and simple: chemicals should be allowed only when proven safe, industry should<br />
play a major part in <strong>the</strong> testing, and <strong>the</strong> system should provide information to business, industry and <strong>the</strong> general public. These principles<br />
were compromised in <strong>the</strong> draft published by <strong>the</strong> Commission in October 2003, and are now in danger of being weakened fur<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will bring <strong>the</strong>se discussions on a European Chemicals Policy in <strong>the</strong> Council of Ministers to a close. The Commission<br />
proposal should be streng<strong>the</strong>ned not weakened, in order to ensure that <strong>the</strong> system is effective, clear and will produce <strong>the</strong> results which<br />
were originally intended: prevention of fur<strong>the</strong>r poisoning of people and <strong>the</strong> planet. The EEB has fi ve specifi c demands for improvement:<br />
a widening in <strong>the</strong> scope of <strong>the</strong> proposal (to include all substances produced in amounts which exceed 10 tonnes/year), <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong><br />
“substitution principle” (if substances are considered dangerous but necessary <strong>the</strong>y need to be banned as soon as safer alternatives<br />
are available), robust verifi cation procedures of <strong>the</strong> information provided by industry, access to <strong>the</strong> information collected and, last but<br />
not least <strong>the</strong> expansion of REACH to cover chemicals in imported articles.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> autumn a new discussion will start on <strong>the</strong> future of EU environmental policies. Seven <strong>the</strong>matic strategies will be published by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Commission, on air quality, waste management, resource effi ciency, marine environment, pesticides, soil protection and urban<br />
environment. The EEB is concerned that in several cases <strong>the</strong> Commission will show a serious lack of ambition, pressed as it is with<br />
<strong>the</strong> massive demand for simplifi ed legislation and competitiveness proofi ng. We know that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will promote a critical<br />
scrutiny of such proposals, based on its own impact assessment practice. However, we have hopes that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> can make<br />
a clear distinction between fi nding more clever ways to reach objectives, and <strong>the</strong> weakening of <strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>the</strong>mselves. In fact, a<br />
practical assessment of <strong>the</strong> Commission’s proposals might help to highlight <strong>the</strong> fact that complaints about <strong>the</strong> administrative burdens<br />
and competitiveness disturbance caused by EU environmental policies are highly exaggerated.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> is a frontrunner in integrating Sustainable Development into its national policies. December’s European Council is to agree on a<br />
renewed, hopefully reinforced, EU Sustainable Development Strategy, building on <strong>the</strong> one that was adopted in Göteborg in June 2001.<br />
We look to <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> to lead this debate towards a clear vision for <strong>the</strong> EU, ambitious targets and timetables, and agreement<br />
over a number of concrete steps towards moving <strong>the</strong> EU away from its current path of unsustainable development. It is essential that<br />
<strong>the</strong> conclusions of such a Strategy be translated into concrete measures to make <strong>the</strong> market work for <strong>the</strong> environment, such as national<br />
green public procurement initiatives, environmental tax reforms, shifting government subsidies and o<strong>the</strong>r forms of assistance, away<br />
from environmentally destructive activities and towards eco-innovation. In particular, a whole new initiative is needed to provide <strong>the</strong> EU<br />
of <strong>the</strong> future with mobility and a transport system which has a dramatically reduced impact on <strong>the</strong> environment.<br />
31
External Relations<br />
by Romit Jain and Aurica Pripa, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
A variety of facets make up external relations policy such as development, trade and defence and security, and <strong>the</strong>se are considered<br />
elsewhere in more detail in this publication. Overall, a number of key events will keep <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government busy during <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong><br />
of <strong>the</strong> EU. These include <strong>the</strong> EU-India and EU-China summits, a WTO ministerial meeting that will look at <strong>the</strong> next steps on <strong>the</strong> Doha<br />
Development Agenda, a UN conference to review <strong>the</strong> Millennium Development Goals and <strong>the</strong> continued operations of <strong>the</strong> EU’s largest<br />
military operation to date in Bosnia.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> review of <strong>the</strong> EU arms embargo to China currently under review, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will have to tread a delicate diplomatic line. Some large<br />
EU members wish to see <strong>the</strong> embargo lifted as would China itself, but <strong>the</strong> USA has made it clear that it believes this to be premature.<br />
The fabled special relationship between <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> and <strong>the</strong> USA will be important in determining how <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> reconciles <strong>the</strong>se<br />
differences. Ano<strong>the</strong>r topic likely to be addressed during <strong>the</strong> December Summit with China in Beijing shall be climate change, which is<br />
also one of <strong>the</strong> top overall priorities for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
Similarly, during <strong>the</strong> EU-India Summit in September <strong>the</strong> question of climate change can be expected to be brought up as India rapidly<br />
industrialises. The EU-India Summit will in fact follow a trialogue meeting between <strong>the</strong> two and <strong>the</strong> USA as well. The topic of India-<br />
Pakistan relations shall also be discussed, with <strong>the</strong> recent reconciliations between <strong>the</strong> two being supported.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government is likely to promote a more strategic partnership dialogue with Russia. Throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, work is<br />
expected to intensify on <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> Road Maps to create four "common spaces" in <strong>the</strong> fi elds of economy, external<br />
security, freedom, security and justice and education, research and culture.<br />
The Permanent Partnership Council (PPC), <strong>the</strong> body bringing toge<strong>the</strong>r relevant EU and Russian ministers will oversee <strong>the</strong> implementation<br />
of <strong>the</strong> measures and action agreed at <strong>the</strong> May EU-Russia Summit. Various meetings of <strong>the</strong> PPC in different formats are likely to take<br />
place during <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
The May 2004 enlargement has transformed <strong>the</strong> EU's outlook on foreign policy. The Union is more than ever committed to working with<br />
its immediate neighbours with a view to progressively integrating <strong>the</strong>m into <strong>the</strong> internal market, energy security, border management,<br />
good governance and institution building. Under <strong>the</strong> so-called European Neighbourhood Policy, <strong>the</strong> Union is offering closer association<br />
ties to Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn Mediterranean countries. However, it will be up to <strong>the</strong> countries<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves to determine <strong>the</strong> pace of such agreements, giving <strong>the</strong>m eventually a stake in <strong>the</strong> Internal Market and o<strong>the</strong>r EU policies.<br />
Commission has now agreed on tailor-made action plans, focussing on a limited number of key priorities with seven countries - Israel,<br />
Jordan, Moldova, Morocco, <strong>the</strong> Palestinian Authority, Tunisia and Ukraine and is now focussing on <strong>the</strong>ir implementation. Ano<strong>the</strong>r fi ve<br />
action plans with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Georgia and Lebanon are likely to be agreed during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
32
y Joris Vos, President EU and NATO Relations,<br />
The Boeing Company<br />
The EU is an increasingly important global actor on <strong>the</strong> world stage and, as such, its external relations and strategic relationships with<br />
countries across <strong>the</strong> world will form an essential element of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> this year. The EU-US relationship, in particular, has been<br />
a focus of attention in recent months and years. The <strong>UK</strong> and The Boeing Company share a keen interest in <strong>the</strong> transatlantic relationship.<br />
This relationship should, in our view, be seen as nei<strong>the</strong>r competitive nor incompatible with <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r progress and development of<br />
European integration, but ra<strong>the</strong>r as complementary. The transatlantic economic relationship, worth over three trillion dollars annually,<br />
remains by far <strong>the</strong> most important economic relationship in <strong>the</strong> world. In this framework, Boeing intends to be active in Europe for <strong>the</strong><br />
long-term, in mutual interest and as part of <strong>the</strong> European fabric.<br />
In order to understand <strong>the</strong> importance and relevance of external relations to Boeing, it is helpful to outline <strong>the</strong> globalisation and<br />
transformation process <strong>the</strong> company is currently undertaking. In support of its transformation, Boeing has established its International<br />
Relations organisation to lead <strong>the</strong> expansion of <strong>the</strong> company's global business. This includes our offi ce in Brussels, which is dedicated to<br />
fostering relations with <strong>the</strong> EU and o<strong>the</strong>r Brussels-based organisations. Europe represents Boeing's largest market outside of <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States; a market in which we are committed to establishing an ever stronger presence. Being global has, somewhat paradoxically,<br />
required Boeing to become more of a local company in European countries critical to its current and future business growth. With a<br />
well-established presence in Europe, Boeing works with approximately 450 suppliers in 19 European countries.<br />
Given <strong>the</strong> importance of Europe to Boeing, it is encouraging for us that <strong>the</strong> external relations priorities of <strong>the</strong> forthcoming <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong><br />
tally so closely with those of our company. One important shared priority is supporting an open market and favourable trade environment;<br />
one that will create and promote a level playing fi eld in <strong>the</strong> aviation sector. We hope that during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> <strong>the</strong> EU and <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States, <strong>the</strong> main transatlantic partners, will be able to reach a fair, equitable and lasting solution to <strong>the</strong> problems that still exist in this<br />
fi eld, <strong>the</strong>reby removing an irritant that for so many years has cast a shadow over <strong>the</strong> relationship.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r shared key priority is security. Central to a well-functioning trade environment is <strong>the</strong> enhancement of security and stability in<br />
<strong>the</strong> transatlantic region and beyond. While increased security regulation is necessary, efforts to facilitate a balance between maximum<br />
security and minimum constraints on <strong>the</strong> free fl ow of trade are to be welcomed.<br />
33
Justice and Home Affairs<br />
by Romit Jain, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
Last year <strong>the</strong> Dutch <strong>Presidency</strong> brokered an agreement that set <strong>the</strong> framework for <strong>the</strong> EU’s work on justice, security and home affairs for<br />
<strong>the</strong> coming years: <strong>the</strong> Hague Programme. The Commission has been tasked to develop a detailed action plan and calendar for <strong>the</strong> Hague<br />
Programme, which is now expected to be published in June 2005, immediately before <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> takes on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also continue working to establish and deliver an EU strategy to tackle organised crime; currently <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg<br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> are working with <strong>the</strong> British on this. Ra<strong>the</strong>r than seek to work through all 25 EU members, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will continue work through<br />
groups of Member States to tackle organised crime involved in human traffi cking and drugs, two key areas for <strong>the</strong> EU. This will be<br />
undertaken with <strong>the</strong> help and support of <strong>the</strong> EU institutions.<br />
A new EU Drugs Strategy for 2005-2012 was agreed in December 2004 by <strong>the</strong> Council and <strong>the</strong> Commission has followed up this<br />
with its corresponding action plan in February 2005. The Strategy looks to combat <strong>the</strong> demand and supply of illegal drugs in Europe,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Commission’s action plan being an organic policy tool aiming to bring about measurable results. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will need<br />
to continue implementation of <strong>the</strong> detailed action plan focussing on <strong>the</strong> responsibilities assigned to <strong>the</strong> Council. In particular, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> will need to ensure coordination between <strong>the</strong> various different working parties within <strong>the</strong> Council in order for anti-drugs<br />
policy to be mainstreamed into relations and agreements with third countries. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, alongside <strong>the</strong> Commission, will look<br />
to bring toge<strong>the</strong>r those responsible for drug coordination from <strong>the</strong> national authorities to review possibilities for greater cooperation and<br />
to feed into <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> EU action plan. Ano<strong>the</strong>r priority for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> shall be to secure a commitment to tackle <strong>the</strong> supply<br />
of heroin from Afghanistan.<br />
Naturally <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government intends to work closely with <strong>the</strong> relatively new Director of Europol to streng<strong>the</strong>n Europol’s ability to support<br />
national police organisations. Equally <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will continue to support Eurojust.<br />
Although unlikely to be completed under its stewardship, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will focus attention on improving <strong>the</strong> exchange of information on<br />
criminal convictions. A possible long-term objective is a European Register of Convictions and disqualifi cations, recognising <strong>the</strong><br />
increased mobility within Europe and <strong>the</strong> corresponding response from judicial authorities required. O<strong>the</strong>r areas where <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> shall<br />
continue work on are <strong>the</strong> European Evidence Warrant and developing EU-wide minimum standards for procedural rights during criminal<br />
proceedings (such as <strong>the</strong> right to interpretation and translation).<br />
The Commission has recognised that a number of proposals it has made on third country nationals and immigration and migration<br />
questions have become blocked in <strong>the</strong> Council of Ministers, including <strong>the</strong> proposal for a directive on entry and residence conditions<br />
for <strong>the</strong> purposes of work. In response, <strong>the</strong> Commission has take a step back and issued a Communication on Economic Migration in<br />
February 2005 with an open consultation to reinvigorate this important policy area. This will be followed by a hearing on economic<br />
migration on 14 June. The <strong>UK</strong> Government, whose history of immigration is signifi cantly different to most o<strong>the</strong>r European countries, will<br />
<strong>the</strong>n need to push this agenda forward within <strong>the</strong> Council if <strong>the</strong> EU is to make any progress in this area.<br />
34
y Edward Nally, President,<br />
Law Society of England and Wales<br />
The advent of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is an opportune moment to take stock of <strong>the</strong> developments in <strong>the</strong> EU Justice and Home Affairs<br />
arena. The <strong>UK</strong> takes <strong>the</strong> European helm at a time when <strong>the</strong> fi ght against terrorism and cross-border crime is top of everyone’s political<br />
agenda, and asylum and immigration matters, as we know from our own domestic political scene, dominate <strong>the</strong> debate. Adding this to<br />
mechanisms designed to deal with <strong>the</strong> problems of cross-border litigation, namely complexity and cost, it is fair to say that in Europe<br />
we have come a long way from an economic union to one of political, social and judicial co-operation. Co-operation that brings rights,<br />
opportunities and hopefully solutions to <strong>the</strong> problems that may arise when we live, work, travel, and indeed shop abroad! With that in<br />
mind it is clear that mechanisms for access to justice have had to be developed to underpin <strong>the</strong> Internal Market right to free movement.<br />
EU law is no longer <strong>the</strong> province of <strong>the</strong> commercial litigator or competition lawyer - it affects us all.<br />
The wealth of issues that make up EU Justice and Home Affairs policy are exemplifi ed in <strong>the</strong> Hague Programme, <strong>the</strong> multi-annual<br />
framework programme for <strong>the</strong> creation of an area of freedom security and justice and <strong>the</strong> recently adopted Action Plan. This blueprint<br />
for EU Justice and Home Affairs will not only chart <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>’s work in this area but map out progress in <strong>the</strong> years to come.<br />
As a legal professional body our duty is to represent <strong>the</strong> views of <strong>the</strong> legal profession but also to act in <strong>the</strong> public interest. We value our<br />
role in working towards law reform domestically and are heavily engaged in <strong>the</strong> EU law reform agenda. We consider that <strong>the</strong> Hague<br />
Programme will provide for concrete developments in <strong>the</strong> area of freedom, security and justice.<br />
We welcome <strong>the</strong> explicit reference in <strong>the</strong> Hague Programme to <strong>the</strong> “need to guarantee fundamental rights, minimum procedural<br />
safeguards and access to justice”, as we have long been concerned that <strong>the</strong>re is a defi cit in relation to respect for fundamental rights<br />
at European Union level. We believe that access to justice must be promoted and are anxious that fundamental rights are not only<br />
protected, but also championed!<br />
In addition to fundamental principles in this area of EU strategy we look at proposed legislation with <strong>the</strong> eyes of a practitioner –<br />
examining whe<strong>the</strong>r measures will actually work in <strong>the</strong> local county court or police station. With a view to <strong>the</strong> Law Society’s own “Better<br />
Law Making” campaign we welcome <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>’s Better Regulation agenda and endorse references in <strong>the</strong> Hague Programme<br />
to improved implementation and systematic scrutiny of <strong>the</strong> quality and coherence of all European law instruments. Improving <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
of legislation and <strong>the</strong> legislative process in all fi elds of EU law is a must. Only <strong>the</strong>n will <strong>the</strong> opportunities and rights in <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Treaties become a reality.<br />
35
Public Health and Pharmaceuticals<br />
by Ingrid van den Neucker, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will drive initiatives coming out of <strong>the</strong> new EU Health Strategy to make EU citizens healthier, safer and more confi dent.<br />
It will pursue <strong>the</strong> work with o<strong>the</strong>r Member States to develop a better understanding of <strong>the</strong> causes and effective interventions to reduce<br />
inequalities in health outcomes within Member States. The <strong>UK</strong> will place an emphasis on cross-cutting strategies focussing on key<br />
target groups such as <strong>the</strong> aged and <strong>the</strong> young.<br />
Throughout its <strong>Presidency</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is likely to continue to pay special attention to developments in healthcare, a current priority for <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
It will look to promote <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong> High Level Group on Health Services and Medical Care. This group was set up by <strong>the</strong> Commission<br />
in response to <strong>the</strong> December 2003 report on <strong>the</strong> high level process of refl ection on patient mobility and healthcare developments in <strong>the</strong><br />
EU. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will pursue <strong>the</strong> work done to facilitate patient mobility and assess <strong>the</strong> importance of developments in <strong>the</strong> Internal<br />
Market for health systems. It will play a major role in evaluating <strong>the</strong> EU e-health strategy and determining <strong>the</strong> next steps. Wanting to<br />
contribute to <strong>the</strong> development of more effective and effi cient health systems, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will pursue <strong>the</strong> extension of <strong>the</strong> open method of<br />
coordination to health.<br />
In particular, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will continue to support <strong>the</strong> ongoing Council work on legislative proposals for regulating pharmaceuticals for<br />
children, tissue engineering and on <strong>the</strong> revision of legislation on medical devices. Health issues will be dealt with at a ministerial level<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Employment, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection Council on 9 December and at a meeting of <strong>the</strong> health ministers<br />
on 20-21 October.<br />
There is a possibility that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will see o<strong>the</strong>r health issues, such as those relating to epidemics, become priorities for <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
Acknowledging <strong>the</strong> pivotal role of <strong>the</strong> newly established European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in this area, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> will continue to look into EU preparedness for pandemic diseases and any work relating to structures that may arise<br />
from this. In particular, it will follow up on <strong>the</strong> expected conclusions of <strong>the</strong> Luxembourg <strong>Presidency</strong> with regards HIV/AIDS. It will also<br />
contribute to reducing <strong>the</strong> impact of an eventual infl uenza pandemic by supporting a simulation exercise on communicable disease<br />
control which will be held on 20 to 22 November.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r issues where action may be taken are <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> International Health Regulations and any changes relating to<br />
tobacco (ingredients, health warnings etc) at an international level notably <strong>the</strong> WHO. Also a conference on health inequalities is planned<br />
for 17-18 October, and ano<strong>the</strong>r conference on one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s priorities is scheduled for 28-30 November on patient safety. The <strong>UK</strong> will<br />
also be promoting projects highlighting good practices in relation to health and ageing and young people.<br />
36
y Frances Charlesworth, Director of Global Government<br />
Affairs and Policy, AstraZeneca<br />
The United Kingdom is assuming <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> European Union at a critical time. The challenge for policy makers is to develop<br />
an environment that not only improves <strong>the</strong> health of <strong>the</strong> EU citizen but also encourages and rewards innovation while delivering value<br />
for money for <strong>the</strong> taxpayer.<br />
The ability of <strong>the</strong> pharmaceutical industry to develop innovative medicines to treat diseases not only benefi ts <strong>the</strong> health of <strong>the</strong> European<br />
citizen but also makes it a major asset to <strong>the</strong> European economy. The pharmaceutical industry provides over 580,000 jobs including<br />
over 100,000 in research and development. We spend 15% of <strong>the</strong> total EU private sector research and development on pharmaceuticals<br />
and we consistently generate a trade surplus for <strong>the</strong> EU, which amounted to €40 billion in 2003.<br />
However <strong>the</strong> pharmaceutical industry is facing fi erce competition notably from <strong>the</strong> USA, and sadly, Europe is losing out. Between 1990<br />
and 2003 for example, Research and Development investment in pharmaceuticals in <strong>the</strong> USA rose more than four fold. In Europe by<br />
contrast it grew by just over two and half times.<br />
Ten years ago Europe had a global pharmaceutical market share of 38% and <strong>the</strong> USA had 31%. By 2003 Europe’s market share had<br />
fallen to 27 per cent, while America’s has grown to 50 per cent. It is perhaps not surprising <strong>the</strong>n to report that America is now <strong>the</strong> most<br />
productive source of new medicines worldwide. In 1980 eight of <strong>the</strong> out of <strong>the</strong> top ten medicines worldwide originated in <strong>the</strong> EU and<br />
only two originated in America. By 2003 this position had reversed so America now accounts for 8 out of <strong>the</strong> world’s top ten selling<br />
medicines and <strong>the</strong> EU accounts for only 2.<br />
This trend is likely to continue unless steps are taken to reverse it. To that end I am pleased that <strong>the</strong> European Commission has recognised<br />
that <strong>the</strong> decline of <strong>the</strong> competitiveness of <strong>the</strong> pharmaceutical industry needs addressing. AstraZeneca welcomes President Barroso’s<br />
and Vice President’s Verheugen’s commitment to make a new start to address <strong>the</strong> commitments made in <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy.<br />
What is required in concerted action by <strong>the</strong> Commission and <strong>the</strong> Member States. The Paediatric Regulation is an excellent example of<br />
where <strong>the</strong> EU could make a real difference and attract paediatric research back into <strong>the</strong> EU. It is pleasing to see that <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom<br />
intends to make <strong>the</strong> competitiveness of <strong>the</strong> EU one its key <strong>the</strong>mes. Over <strong>the</strong> next six months AstraZeneca looks forward to working<br />
closely with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Commission to deliver <strong>the</strong>ir objectives on competitiveness and <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Strategy.<br />
37
Research<br />
by Colin Mackay, Director, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The European Union strives for signifi cant improvements in competitiveness through boosting research and innovation. Raising Europe’s<br />
innovation and R&D performance is central to achieving <strong>the</strong> strategic goals set at Lisbon for Europe to become <strong>the</strong> most competitive<br />
and dynamic knowledge-based economy in <strong>the</strong> world by 2010.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government has invested much into transferring science, innovation and knowledge into a strong British economy. Britain’s<br />
researchers are among <strong>the</strong> most successful in <strong>the</strong> world and <strong>UK</strong>’s research facilities are playing a signifi cant role for innovation and<br />
technology in Europe.<br />
During its <strong>Presidency</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> will focus on key mechanisms which foster research and development, innovation and a knowledge society:<br />
<strong>the</strong> 7th Research Framework Programme 2007-2013 – “Building Knowledge Europe” (FP7), <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Research Council and streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong> European Research Area.<br />
In April 2005 <strong>the</strong> European Commission presented its plans for FP7 with a budget of €73 billion and a structure based on four specifi c<br />
programmes: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. While FP7 provides key mechanisms by which Europe can increase its<br />
research capacities, it also aims to create greater integration of research (European Research Area (ERA)). The <strong>UK</strong> supports <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
development of <strong>the</strong> ERA, positioning Europe to compete effectively with o<strong>the</strong>r major global R&D markets that underpin <strong>the</strong> Lisbon and<br />
Barcelona goals Europe has set itself.<br />
However an innovative EU can be hampered by bureaucratic, lengthy and complicated procedures. One of <strong>the</strong> priorities of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore a simplifi cation and rationalisation of FP7, concentrating on high-quality and effi cient research instruments. In addition, one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> relatively new instruments, <strong>the</strong> Technology Platforms will be fur<strong>the</strong>r discussed.<br />
In order to achieve global competitiveness and enhance basic research, <strong>the</strong> creation of <strong>the</strong> European Research Council is strongly<br />
supported by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>. A European Research Council (ERC) with an independent Governing Council of scientists, once up and running,<br />
should provide a distinctive and autonomous mechanism for <strong>the</strong> implementation of frontier research programmes. The European<br />
Commission has established a committee mandated to name members of <strong>the</strong> Governing Council, which is chaired by Lord Chris Patten.<br />
The ERC will offer support for <strong>the</strong> best European investigator-driven research. The focus will be on excellence with recipients eligible<br />
from both <strong>the</strong> public and private sectors.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> wants to fur<strong>the</strong>r promote ongoing programmes on innovative technology, including Satellite Navigation (GALILEO),<br />
Nanotechnology and Fusion. During <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, <strong>the</strong> British Government will seek to ensure that <strong>the</strong> Council will take <strong>the</strong><br />
necessary formal decisions on <strong>the</strong> International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project. In addition, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> has<br />
made clear that it supports <strong>the</strong> European site for ITER.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> vision is based upon <strong>the</strong> strong belief that European research policies must deliver added value to pertinent national activities.<br />
The key positive outcomes will be to raise <strong>the</strong> EU’s research capabilities, simplify procedures and concentrate on <strong>the</strong> best research for<br />
<strong>the</strong> improvement of industrial competitiveness in Europe.<br />
38
y Tachi Yamada M.D.Executive Director, Chairman,<br />
Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will give <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government <strong>the</strong> opportunity to build on <strong>the</strong> renewed commitment to <strong>the</strong> Lisbon agenda. One of<br />
Lisbon’s important but ambitious goals is to ensure that overall R&D spending is increased to 3% of GDP by 2010, with two-thirds of this<br />
originating in <strong>the</strong> private sector. GSK invests heavily in R&D in Europe and supports European R&D not only through our own operations,<br />
but also through our wide network with o<strong>the</strong>r pharmaceutical and biotechnology fi rms, as well as academic centres of excellence.<br />
A strong science base is critical to this investment and <strong>the</strong> EU has important opportunities to build upon <strong>the</strong> unique strengths that<br />
Europe has to offer.<br />
Europe has recognised expertise in a number of research areas including brain, cancer, infl ammation and diabetes. At an EU level<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is an opportunity to encourage and foster collaborations which bring toge<strong>the</strong>r recognised world-leading expertise across <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
For example, collaborative projects involving industry (both large companies and SMEs), academia and regulators may enable expertise<br />
in biomarker and surrogate technologies to be developed and applied to <strong>the</strong> drug development process.<br />
The development of medicines, vaccines, and medical diagnostics requires clinical research, with clinical trials providing <strong>the</strong> main<br />
evidence on effi cacy and safety. EU initiatives to encourage Member States to promote and support clinical research and facilitate <strong>the</strong><br />
conduct of clinical trials would build on European strengths in this area. Increasingly, epidemiological research is conducted to identify<br />
unmet needs and evaluate medicines in real life settings. Through socialised healthcare delivery, Europe has a signifi cant opportunity<br />
to develop patient level databases and build expertise in epidemiological research. The use of common standards for patient-level<br />
databases across Member States would enable a rich data source to be compiled and provide an unrivalled resource for research.<br />
There are signs that <strong>the</strong>se opportunities are beginning to be realised. For example, <strong>the</strong> proposal to double <strong>the</strong> budget for <strong>the</strong> EU’s 7th<br />
Research and Technological Development (RTD) Framework Programme is an important indication that <strong>the</strong> objective of establishing<br />
<strong>the</strong> most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in <strong>the</strong> world is being followed with tangible policy initiatives. We also<br />
welcome <strong>the</strong> proposal to establish an EU Technology Platform on “Innovative Medicines for Europe”, under <strong>the</strong> EU’s 7th RTD Framework<br />
Programme. Provided this can be effi ciently and effectively implemented it has <strong>the</strong> potential to stimulate fundamental and clinical<br />
research across <strong>the</strong> EU and help develop new technologies to remove some of <strong>the</strong> bottlenecks hampering <strong>the</strong> development of medicines.<br />
EU research policy that delivers a strong science base, toge<strong>the</strong>r with a market place that rewards and recognises innovation, will foster<br />
an environment in Europe where <strong>the</strong>re is world-leading scientifi c expertise and investment. Continued dialogue is key to delivering such<br />
an environment and we believe <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> should take steps, of <strong>the</strong> kind established by <strong>the</strong> “G10” high-level group on innovation<br />
and <strong>the</strong> provision of medicines.<br />
GlaxoSmithKline and <strong>the</strong> GSK logo are trade marks of <strong>the</strong> GlaxoSmithKline group of companies and are used with <strong>the</strong> permission of GlaxoSmithKline.<br />
39
Telecommunications and ICT<br />
by Florian Cartoux, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The overall objective of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is expected to focus on <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>mes of better regulation and I-2010 – <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Commission’s 5 year plan for <strong>the</strong> ICT sector.<br />
First, on <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me of better regulation, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will draw conclusions from <strong>the</strong> progress made under <strong>the</strong> 2003 new regulatory<br />
framework (NRF) for electronic communications. The lessons learnt are likely to be used as a basis for discussion in light of <strong>the</strong> 2006<br />
revision of <strong>the</strong> NRF. The new regulatory framework has generated greater competition and stimulated <strong>the</strong> development of new services<br />
across different platforms. Its implementation has, however, been uneven with certain Member States failing to adopt <strong>the</strong> directives<br />
on time and/ or failing to complete <strong>the</strong> market review process as defi ned in <strong>the</strong> European Commission’s recommendation on relevant<br />
product and service markets.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also devote time to <strong>the</strong> revision of <strong>the</strong> Universal Services Directive (USO), which is part of <strong>the</strong> NRF and for<br />
which <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> may decide to adopt a follow up action plan on. This Directive covers <strong>the</strong> scope, costing, fi nancing and<br />
designation of universal service providers. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also encourage fur<strong>the</strong>r dialogue at EU level on spectrum management<br />
following <strong>the</strong> Spectrum Framework Review by Ofcom (<strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> regulator and competition authority for <strong>the</strong> communications industries).<br />
A Spectrum conference is scheduled for <strong>the</strong> 27-28 October in Edinburgh. Also on <strong>the</strong> agenda will be <strong>the</strong> issue of e-accessibility. The<br />
main policy objective of e-accessibility is to increase <strong>the</strong> availability of harmonised ICT products and services in Europe. Inclusion forms<br />
a cornerstone of <strong>the</strong> Commission’s I-2010 programme (see below), <strong>the</strong> new road map for <strong>the</strong> ICT sector that promises to increase<br />
competitiveness across <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
Second, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will support I-2010 programme, whose objective is to ensure that Europe’s citizens, businesses<br />
and governments can reap <strong>the</strong> benefi ts of <strong>the</strong> converged world of ICTs. This programme is critical in order to improve industrial<br />
competitiveness, support growth and <strong>the</strong> creation of jobs.<br />
In preparation for this, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will organise a ministerial eGovernment conference to be held on 24 - 25 November in<br />
Manchester. It will bring toge<strong>the</strong>r ministers and politicians responsible for eGovernment in Europe toge<strong>the</strong>r with CEOs, managers and<br />
practitioners from industry and public administrations to discuss achievements and best practices of eGovernment in Europe.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> convergence of <strong>the</strong> media, audiovisual and <strong>the</strong> information society world, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also be keen to see what<br />
regulatory approach may need to be taken to cope with <strong>the</strong> emergence of new services particularly in <strong>the</strong> areas of new media and<br />
digital content. In this context, events such as <strong>the</strong> conference on 21-22 September on TV regulation organised by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s Department<br />
of Culture, Media, and Sport may provide some insights into <strong>the</strong> Commission’s end of year revision of <strong>the</strong> Television without Frontiers<br />
(TVWF) Directive.<br />
40
Robin Pauley, President European Affairs, BT<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> takes up <strong>the</strong> EU <strong>Presidency</strong> at a time when <strong>the</strong> contribution of <strong>the</strong> ICT sector to <strong>the</strong> EU's competitiveness is becoming widely<br />
recognised as crucial. DSL broadband, driven by BT, is now more widely available in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> than any o<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> G7 group of nations.<br />
The Knowledge Economy lies at <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> EU's future competitiveness and <strong>the</strong> special contribution of ICT towards this makes<br />
its policy a priority area. The new Commission has recognised that it cannot achieve its key goals of growth, productivity, new jobs and<br />
improved life for all EU citizens unless ICT is fully exploited.<br />
This is also a period when <strong>the</strong> ICT sector is in transition. With global consolidation and globalisation, national and regional economies<br />
continue to become increasingly interdependent - a process which is enhanced and underpinned by <strong>the</strong> spread of low-cost broadband<br />
connectivity and <strong>the</strong> adoption of open standards. In <strong>the</strong> emerging digital networked economy, companies are forging new relationships<br />
to create extended enterprises, consumers are being offered personalised products and improved customer service, and employees<br />
and employers are seeking new, more fl exible ways of working.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> key ICT policy initiatives on <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> Agenda will be <strong>the</strong> I-2010 initiative, which embraces all aspects of EU ICT<br />
policy. ICT policy has to recognise that <strong>the</strong> ICT sector is itself in a state of major transformation which will enable it to meet <strong>the</strong><br />
challenges, including expansion of broadband, technological change and convergence, evolving patterns of consumer expectations and<br />
user experience, emergence of new business models, and growing competition between platforms.<br />
To ensure <strong>the</strong>se changes happen rapidly and effectively, Europe’s policy-makers need to focus on four broad areas:<br />
▼ focus on investment - to deliver <strong>the</strong>se benefi ts, massive investment is needed in next generation networks and services,<br />
and regulation should recognise <strong>the</strong> risks inherent in making this investment<br />
▼ focus on content and new services - EU policies should remove barriers to new services<br />
▼ focus on implementation of <strong>the</strong> current regulatory framework - more work is needed on effective, proportionate and<br />
consistent implementation to ensure <strong>the</strong> key building blocks of competition are in place across <strong>the</strong> EU, whilst recognising<br />
<strong>the</strong> rapid increase in competition in <strong>the</strong> more dynamic markets<br />
▼ focus on public services - public authorities at all levels have an important role to play in adopting new services, in terms of<br />
effi ciency gains, and provision of enhanced service for citizens, and in acting as a role-model for wider take-up.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will be holding several workshops and conferences on <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r ICT matters, representing a welcome<br />
opportunity for <strong>the</strong> different stakeholders to participate in <strong>the</strong> EU policy debate. BT will take a leading role.<br />
41
Trade<br />
by Marco Chirullo, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The key priority for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will be <strong>the</strong> Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and <strong>the</strong> preparation of <strong>the</strong> WTO Hong Kong<br />
Ministerial Meeting which will take place from 13 to 18 December. The <strong>UK</strong> Government will press for substantial progress on DDA. A<br />
precondition for any deal to be made in Hong Kong is that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government secures an agreement on <strong>the</strong> EU sugar regime reform.<br />
Always as far as <strong>the</strong> multilateral forum is concerned, <strong>the</strong> accession of Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia to <strong>the</strong> WTO will be on<br />
<strong>the</strong> agenda, with <strong>the</strong> former in particular likely to have a huge impact on <strong>the</strong> WTO itself as well as global trade.<br />
As part of <strong>the</strong> “development” debate, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will focus on increasing <strong>the</strong> uptake of <strong>the</strong> Generalised System of Preferences<br />
Scheme by simplifying and liberalising it. Negotiations will also be supported during <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> on European Partnership<br />
Agreements which are intended to act as new instruments to promote development through trade by maintaining African, Caribbean<br />
and Pacifi c (ACP) countries preferential access to <strong>the</strong> EU market.<br />
As to <strong>the</strong> EU-Mercosur negotiations, it looks unlikely that <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government will push for a revamp of <strong>the</strong> negotiations that have been<br />
stalled for months. Given that <strong>the</strong> multilateral framework remains <strong>the</strong> main focus of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, a certain attention could be given<br />
instead to EU trade relations with Asia. In this respect <strong>the</strong> recent announcement by Commissioner Mandelson to assess <strong>the</strong> feasibility<br />
of an EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement is likely to encounter <strong>the</strong> favour of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government, which has shown particular interest in<br />
this geographical area.<br />
Trade and textiles will also be a key issue during <strong>the</strong> coming semester. The Commission has recently launched an investigation on<br />
imports from China. The investigation could lead <strong>the</strong> Commission to propose restrictions to Chinese textile products. In this case, <strong>the</strong><br />
issue would be dealt by <strong>the</strong> 133 Committee (formed by Member States representatives), chaired by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
Finally, EU-US economic integration will also be an issue <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will look at, as <strong>the</strong> dossier will arrive at <strong>the</strong> 133 Committee<br />
after <strong>the</strong> summer.<br />
42
y Jack Thurston,<br />
Senior Research Associate, Foreign Policy Centre<br />
Agriculture holds <strong>the</strong> key to <strong>the</strong> successful completion of <strong>the</strong> World Trade Organisation’s Doha Development Agenda and if <strong>the</strong> EU<br />
wishes to maximise its negotiating capital before <strong>the</strong> crunch summit in Hong Kong in December, it will have to reform <strong>the</strong> Common<br />
Agricultural Policy’s system of sugar subsidies. Reaching agreement on <strong>the</strong> Commission’s sugar reform proposals will be <strong>the</strong> top priority<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> Agriculture Council.<br />
Established in 1968, <strong>the</strong> objectives of EU sugar policy are to ensure price stability and decent incomes for European sugar beet growers<br />
and processors. This is achieved by fi xing <strong>the</strong> price of sugar above <strong>the</strong> world market price through import tariffs and national production<br />
quotas. As a concession to former colonial territories, <strong>the</strong> EU also granted limited access to its closed market for sugar growers from<br />
19 countries in Africa, <strong>the</strong> Caribbean and <strong>the</strong> Pacifi c (ACP). The result is an EU sugar price up to three times <strong>the</strong> prevailing world price<br />
and surpluses that must be dealt with by subsidised exports that cost EU taxpayers €1.27 billion a year.<br />
The system is misleadingly described as ‘self-fi nancing’ because most of <strong>the</strong> benefi ts to sugar growers and processors come in <strong>the</strong><br />
form of invisible transfers from consumers via higher sugar prices, ra<strong>the</strong>r than in <strong>the</strong> form of more visible direct payments. A diverse and<br />
politically powerful lobby has grown up in favour of <strong>the</strong> maintenance of a highly protectionist sugar market: sugar beet farmers tend to<br />
be larger and more wealthy than o<strong>the</strong>r farmers; signifi cant investment requirements and economies of scale mean that <strong>the</strong> sugar beet<br />
processing industry is concentrated into a few dozen sugar processing companies who enjoy unusually high profi ts; and fur<strong>the</strong>rmore,<br />
many poorer developing countries and <strong>the</strong>ir NGO advocates oppose <strong>the</strong> price reductions that would result from radical reform, as this<br />
threatens <strong>the</strong> sustainability of tropical sugar cane producers who have become reliant on exports to <strong>the</strong> high price EU market. The costs<br />
of <strong>the</strong> system are borne by European consumers, taxpayers and competitive sugar producers denied access to European markets (<strong>the</strong>se<br />
include Brazil, Australia, Thailand, Kenya, Sudan and Mozambique).<br />
Yet four developments point in <strong>the</strong> direction of reform. First, a WTO Appeals Panel has recently ruled that key aspects of <strong>the</strong> EU's<br />
sugar regime contravene international trade law. Second, <strong>the</strong> EU has promised duty-free access to fi fty of <strong>the</strong> world’s least developed<br />
countries under <strong>the</strong> Everything But Arms programme by <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> decade but to do so under <strong>the</strong> current regime would fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
increase <strong>the</strong> problem of surpluses. Third, as part of <strong>the</strong> Doha Development Agenda, <strong>the</strong> EU has offered to end all export subsidies in<br />
agriculture which will make impossible <strong>the</strong> disposal of sugar surpluses. Fourth, radical transformations of <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> CAP now make<br />
<strong>the</strong> sugar subsidy system look increasingly out of place in <strong>the</strong> wider context of European agriculture policy.<br />
The task for <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is to broker a deal on sugar reform before <strong>the</strong> critical WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December<br />
2005. This deal is likely to involve a signifi cant diminution and consolidation of EU sugar beet production and diffi culties for many<br />
uncompetitive ACP sugar growers. These downsides must be effectively managed with careful transitions and imaginative and generous<br />
assistance for those whose livelihoods have unfortunately become dependent on a protectionist policy that is well past its sell-by date.<br />
43
Transport<br />
by Nicolas Acker, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong><br />
The <strong>UK</strong> will hold <strong>the</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> of <strong>the</strong> EU at a key moment for <strong>the</strong> future of <strong>the</strong> EU transport policy. It will lead <strong>the</strong> debates on <strong>the</strong> midterm<br />
review of <strong>the</strong> 2000 Transport White Paper which is likely to refocus <strong>the</strong> European transport strategy until 2010.<br />
Safety and security will be on top of <strong>the</strong> agenda of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> which, like its predecessors, will examine possibilities, to improve<br />
<strong>the</strong> EU strategy in <strong>the</strong>se domains. Regarding transport security, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government will work in close co-operation with <strong>the</strong> US and<br />
favour an intensifi ed transatlantic dialogue between EU and US customs and transport authorities.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r major focus will be <strong>the</strong> continuing development of <strong>the</strong> EU passengers’ regime. The <strong>UK</strong> Government will work on extending <strong>the</strong><br />
current EU air passengers’ compensation regime to o<strong>the</strong>r modes of transportation. A special emphasis will also be given to <strong>the</strong> rights<br />
of passengers with reduced mobility.<br />
Regarding maritime transport, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will moderate <strong>the</strong> initial discussions on <strong>the</strong> third maritime safety package to be<br />
presented by <strong>the</strong> Commission in June 2005 addressing issues such as liability and compensation in case of maritime pollution,<br />
compulsory insurance, traffi c monitoring, port state and fl ag state control. The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also moderate <strong>the</strong> initial discussions<br />
for <strong>the</strong> future EU maritime policy. Following this round of consultation, a Green Paper on is scheduled to be published in <strong>the</strong> fi rst half of<br />
2006, and it is expected to include transport policy related elements.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will also work for a rapid adoption of <strong>the</strong> Third Railway Package aimed at continuing <strong>the</strong> reform of <strong>the</strong> railway sector<br />
by opening up international passenger services to competition within <strong>the</strong> EU, improving <strong>the</strong> rights of passengers using international<br />
services, establishing a certifi cation system for locomotive drivers and stepping up <strong>the</strong> quality of freight services. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> will push for a more effective EU road safety policy, working essentially on <strong>the</strong> mid-term review of <strong>the</strong> road safety action plan<br />
(2001-2010). The <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> is expected to focus on a new proposal to be presented by <strong>the</strong> Commission for a regulation concerning<br />
public service requirements.<br />
As far as aviation is concerned, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will continue work on new legislative proposals to be submitted by <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Commission in 2005 such as <strong>the</strong> proposals on airport slot allocation, <strong>the</strong> extension of <strong>the</strong> scope of <strong>the</strong> European Aviation Safety Agency,<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r competition in ground-handling and <strong>the</strong> allocation of air traffi c rights. They will also support <strong>the</strong> Commission in its continuing<br />
attempts to negotiate a balanced agreement on <strong>the</strong> EU-US Open Aviation Area, and in <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> Single European Sky<br />
(SES) work programme. But <strong>the</strong> real political innovation regarding air transport lies in <strong>the</strong> commitment by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government to make<br />
<strong>the</strong> inclusion of aviation in <strong>the</strong> EU Emissions Trading Scheme from 2008 a priority for its <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> will continue work on <strong>the</strong> European satellite navigation system "GALILEO", on <strong>the</strong> proposals extending <strong>the</strong><br />
trans-European networks (TENs) to neighbouring countries and on questions related to infrastructure charging.<br />
44
y Peter McClymont,<br />
Manager Industry and Government Affairs, bmi<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> European Union’s greatest achievements is <strong>the</strong> creation of <strong>the</strong> single aviation market. bmi, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s second largest fullservice<br />
carrier, campaigned for many years to liberalise <strong>the</strong> Internal Market. Now <strong>the</strong> EU must turn to liberalising external markets, most<br />
notably <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
EU-US negotiations towards an “Open Aviation Area” (OAA) resume this summer. The OAA concept would remove barriers to entry, liberalise<br />
traffi c rights and allow free movement of capital. Like <strong>the</strong> move to a single internal market, this goal needs to be realised in stages.<br />
A fi rst stage deal, opening up key markets, was left on <strong>the</strong> table in June 2004. Under <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re is a golden opportunity<br />
to move swiftly to a fi rst phase deal bringing substantial consumer benefi ts through greater choice and lower fares.<br />
bmi is prohibited from offering its awarding winning service from its Heathrow hub to US destinations by <strong>the</strong> archaic “Bermuda 2”<br />
agreement, ruled illegal by <strong>the</strong> European Court of Justice in November 2002. This legal uncertainty must be resolved ei<strong>the</strong>r through an<br />
OAA fi rst phase deal or denunciation by <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Government.<br />
The Commission has proposed fur<strong>the</strong>r negotiating mandates covering o<strong>the</strong>r major aviation markets. We want <strong>the</strong> Commission to<br />
concentrate on <strong>the</strong> US talks before consideration of whe<strong>the</strong>r it can add value elsewhere.<br />
We anticipate proposals on fur<strong>the</strong>r competition in groundhandling helping deliver improved effi ciencies. The Commission may also<br />
bring forward proposals on market mechanisms for slot allocation at congested airports. There was a cool response to <strong>the</strong> more radical<br />
proposals in last year’s consultation paper.<br />
Proposed legislation covering access to air transport for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) is high on <strong>the</strong> agenda. bmi welcomes<br />
measures to prevent discrimination. But we have to move forward and tackle <strong>the</strong> questions that arise over cost and service levels.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> technical side, fur<strong>the</strong>r work is expected on harmonisation (EU-OPS) - crucial to airline effi ciency – and progress on <strong>the</strong> Single<br />
European Sky (SES) work programme. SES could deliver signifi cant savings in air traffi c delays and consequently emissions reductions,<br />
but who pays is <strong>the</strong> single most important question.<br />
That leads to environmental issues, particularly aviation and global warming. International aviation emissions are not part of national<br />
inventories under <strong>the</strong> Kyoto Protocol. The <strong>UK</strong>’s sustainable development of aviation includes a priority for inclusion of aviation in <strong>the</strong><br />
EU emissions trading scheme from 2008. A Commission Communication on this and o<strong>the</strong>r possible economic instruments to address<br />
aviation emissions is expected in <strong>the</strong> summer.<br />
Taxes and charges are not a sustainable option and will not deliver emission savings. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with concerted action on improving<br />
infrastructure and technological development, a simple and transparent emissions trading system is, in our view, <strong>the</strong> best way in which<br />
to address this critical issue.<br />
More broadly, bmi urges <strong>the</strong> Commission, Council and Parliament to view legislative initiatives through <strong>the</strong> prism of <strong>the</strong> Lisbon Agenda.<br />
The Association of European Airlines, of which bmi is a member, published an Action Plan earlier this year setting out a forward looking<br />
vision for a competitive industry. The plan can be found at <strong>the</strong> AEA web site.<br />
45
People to Watch<br />
Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister<br />
Tony Blair was born in Edinburgh, but spent most of his childhood in Durham. At <strong>the</strong> age of 14 he returned to Edinburgh to fi nish his<br />
education at Fettes College. He studied law at Oxford, and followed in <strong>the</strong> footsteps of his fa<strong>the</strong>r to become a barrister, specialising in<br />
trade union and industrial law.<br />
After standing unsuccessfully for <strong>the</strong> Labour Party in a by-election, Blair went on to win <strong>the</strong> seat of Sedgefi eld in <strong>the</strong> 1983 General<br />
Election, aged 30. In 1984 he became opposition spokesperson for Treasury and Economic Affairs, and occupied a variety of posts<br />
until he became shadow Home Secretary in 1992. In 1994, following <strong>the</strong> sudden death of John Smith, he won a large majority of <strong>the</strong><br />
party’s support to become leader.<br />
He initiated <strong>the</strong> modernisation of <strong>the</strong> Labour Party, including <strong>the</strong> abolition of ‘clause four’ of <strong>the</strong>ir constitution, a decisive shift toward<br />
<strong>the</strong> centre ground which was seen as essential for victory. His modern take on socialism, specifi cally <strong>the</strong> removal of <strong>the</strong> commitment<br />
to public ownership, was labeled ‘New Labour’.<br />
In 1997 <strong>the</strong> Labour party won <strong>the</strong> general election and he became Prime Minister, winning a second term in 2001. He leads <strong>the</strong> fi rst<br />
Labour Government to have stayed in power for three successive terms, albeit with a slightly reduced majority of 66.<br />
He is married to <strong>the</strong> barrister Cherie Booth QC, and <strong>the</strong>y have four children. Their youngest, Leo, was <strong>the</strong> fi rst child born to a serving<br />
Prime Minister in over 150 years.<br />
Rt Hon John Prescott MP, Deputy Prime Minister<br />
Rt Hon Tony Blair Rt Hon John Prescott<br />
John Prescott was born in 1938 in Prestatyn, Wales. He is <strong>the</strong> son of a railway signalman, and he was educated at Ellesmere Port<br />
Secondary Modern. He worked as a steward in <strong>the</strong> Merchant Navy and a Union Offi cial in <strong>the</strong> National Union of Seamen before winning<br />
a seat in Kingston-upon-Hull east in 1970 (now Hull East).<br />
Having risen through <strong>the</strong> party to <strong>the</strong> level of shadow Secretary of State he became deputy leader in 1994, and on Labour’s win in <strong>the</strong><br />
1997 general election he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister by Tony Blair.<br />
Since 1997 he has headed up a revitalized Offi ce of <strong>the</strong> Deputy Prime Minister (created in 2002), with particular responsibility for<br />
housing, social regeneration, sustainable communities, and devolving responsibility to local neighbourhoods.<br />
He continues to stand in for <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister when required, and chairs a number of senior Cabinet Committees. He has a diplomatic<br />
role representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> abroad and has a formal role in promoting <strong>the</strong> interests of <strong>the</strong> North across Government.<br />
47
Rt Hon Gordon Brown Rt Hon Jack Straw<br />
Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> Exchequer<br />
Born in 1951, Mr Brown was educated at Kirkcaldy High School and Edinburgh University, where he gained First Class Honours and<br />
<strong>the</strong>n a Doctorate.<br />
He worked as a lecturer in politics at <strong>the</strong> Glasgow school of Technology, <strong>the</strong>n moved into journalism, working for <strong>the</strong> Scottish Television<br />
current affairs department. He won <strong>the</strong> seat of Dunfermline East in 1983 and became Chair of <strong>the</strong> Labour Party Scottish Council.<br />
Having held positions in Trade & Industry in opposition, in 1992 he became shadow Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> Exchequer, before being appointed<br />
Chancellor in 1997. In 2005 he was elected to <strong>the</strong> constituency of Kirkaldy and Cowdenbeath (as a result of boundary changes in<br />
Scotland).<br />
Mr Brown has had a number of works published including Maxton, The Politics of Nationalism and Devolution and Where There is Greed.<br />
He has also edited a number of books including John Smith: Life and Soul of <strong>the</strong> Party and Values, Visions and Voices.<br />
Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs<br />
Jack Straw was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in 2001 and has remained in this position following<br />
<strong>the</strong> 2005 post election reshuffl e.<br />
He started his career as a councilor in Islington in 1971, and entered <strong>the</strong> House of Commons as <strong>the</strong> member for Blackburn in 1979. He<br />
has been Opposition Frontbench Spokesman for Treasury and Economic Affairs and Environment, before becoming Shadow Secretary<br />
of State for Education, Environment, and Home Affairs. In 1997, when Labour came into power, he was made Home Secretary, where<br />
he remained until 2001. As Foreign Secretary he has overseen <strong>the</strong> war in Afghanistan and <strong>the</strong> Iraq War, two of <strong>the</strong> biggest overseas<br />
commitments of <strong>UK</strong> troops in recent years.<br />
48
Rt Hon David Blunkett Rt Hon Margaret Beckett<br />
Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions<br />
David Blunkett embarked on a career with East Midlands Gas Board, where he became a shop steward at <strong>the</strong> GMB. He became <strong>the</strong><br />
youngest councillor on Sheffi eld City Council in 1970 at <strong>the</strong> age of 21 and rapidly rose to become its leader. Entering Parliament in<br />
1987 he moved from being a traditional Labour loyalist to a moderniser, and was eventually rewarded with a cabinet position in 1997.<br />
Having chaired <strong>the</strong> Labour Party nationally, Mr Blunkett was put in charge of education and employment in Tony Blair’s fi rst Government.<br />
Appointed Home Secretary following <strong>the</strong> 2001 general election, Blunkett rapidly won a reputation as a man who was as ready to take<br />
on <strong>the</strong> police and legal establishment, as he had been <strong>the</strong> teaching and student’s unions as Education Secretary.<br />
David Blunkett survived <strong>the</strong> resignation of his deputy Beverly Hughes in April 2004 despite huge media and political pressure to follow<br />
her lead. Blunkett resigned from offi ce in December 2004 but has returned to this cabinet to replace Alan Johnson as Secretary of<br />
State for Work and Pensions.<br />
Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs<br />
Following four years in <strong>the</strong> post, Margaret Beckett remains as Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary following <strong>the</strong> 2005 Cabinet reshuffl e.<br />
She entered politics in 1974 as <strong>the</strong> member for Lincoln, and after four years without a seat from 1979 re-entered parliament in 1983<br />
as <strong>the</strong> member for Derby South.<br />
Between 1974 and 1979 she was a PPS, assistant government whip, and Parliamentary under-secretary of state. Through <strong>the</strong> 1980s<br />
she occupied various positions, including Shadow Minister for Social Security and Shadow Leader of <strong>the</strong> House. She was Deputy Leader<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Labour Party from 1992 – 1994, and led <strong>the</strong> party for two months in 1994 following <strong>the</strong> sudden death of John Smith. Appointed<br />
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 1997, she became Leader of <strong>the</strong> House in 1998, and moved to <strong>the</strong> Department for <strong>the</strong><br />
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in 2001.<br />
49
Rt Hon Dr John Reid Rt Hon Geoffrey William Hoon<br />
Rt Hon Dr John Reid MP, Secretary of State for Defence<br />
A highly-regarded defence specialist, John Reid returned to <strong>the</strong> Ministry of Defence as Secretary of State in May 2005, having served<br />
for a spell at <strong>the</strong> Department of Health. The appointment was considered overdue, as he had been expected to replace George<br />
Robertson as Defence Secretary in 1999 but was pipped to <strong>the</strong> post by Geoff Hoon.<br />
Born in Scotland in May 1947, John Reid went to school at Coatbridge. He read History at Stirling University, staying to take a Doctorate<br />
in Economic History.<br />
He worked as a research offi cer for <strong>the</strong> Labour Party from 1979 to 1983. He acted as political adviser to Neil Kinnock from 1983 to<br />
1985, having played a prominent role in Kinnock’s campaign to become leader, and organised Scottish Trade Unionists for Labour from<br />
1986 to 1987.<br />
He has held <strong>the</strong> following posts in Parliament: Opposition Spokesman on Children; Opposition Spokesman on Defence; Minister of State<br />
for Defence; Minister for Transport; Secretary of State for Scotland; Secretary of State for Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Ireland; Minister without Portfolio<br />
and Party Chair; Leader of <strong>the</strong> House of Commons and President of <strong>the</strong> Council.<br />
John Reid enjoys reading history and solving crosswords in his spare time. He is married to Carine Adler, a fi lm director from Brazil.<br />
Rt Hon Geoffrey William Hoon MP, Lord Privy Seal and Leader of <strong>the</strong> House of Commons<br />
Geoff Hoon became Lord Privy Seal and Leader of <strong>the</strong> House of Commons in May 2005.<br />
Mr Hoon served previously in <strong>the</strong> Lord Chancellor’s Department as Parliamentary Secretary from May 1997, surviving under Lord Irvine,<br />
to be promoted to Minister of State in July 1998. He <strong>the</strong>n joined <strong>the</strong> Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce in May 1999, as Minister of<br />
State with responsibility for Asia and <strong>the</strong> Pacifi c, <strong>the</strong> Middle East and North Africa. He was made Minister for Europe in July and was<br />
appointed Secretary of State for Defence in October that year.<br />
Before serving as a Member of Parliament, Mr Hoon was Member of <strong>the</strong> European Parliament (MEP) for Derbyshire and Ashfi eld from<br />
1984 until 1994. During that time he was a member of <strong>the</strong> European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee. He was successively<br />
Chairman of <strong>the</strong> Delegations for Relations with China and <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
He has previously lectured in law at Leeds University from 1976 to 1982, and was Visiting Professor of Law at <strong>the</strong> University of<br />
Louisville, Kentucky, in 1979 and 1980. He practised as a barrister in Nottingham between 1982 and 1984, having been called to <strong>the</strong><br />
Bar in 1978 by Gray’s Inn.<br />
Mr Hoon was born in Derby on 6 December 1953 and was educated at Nottingham High School and Jesus College, Cambridge. He<br />
married Elaine Dumelow in 1981; <strong>the</strong>y have one son and two daughters.<br />
50
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Health<br />
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt Rt Hon Tessa Jowell<br />
Patricia Hewitt was born in Canberra in 1948, <strong>the</strong> daughter of a leading Australian civil servant and businessman. She studied English<br />
Literature at Newnham College Cambridge, and went on to become General Secretary of <strong>the</strong> National Council for Civil Liberties.<br />
After failing to win <strong>the</strong> seat of Leicester East in 1983, she became press secretary to Neil Kinnock, <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n Labour Party Leader, a<br />
position she held for fi ve years. Following this Ms Hewitt was Deputy Director of <strong>the</strong> left-leaning think tank, <strong>the</strong> Institute for Public Policy<br />
Research, and a visiting Fellow of Nuffi eld College, Oxford.<br />
She was elected to Parliament in 1997 and entered <strong>the</strong> Cabinet after just four years. She was appointed Secretary of State for Trade and<br />
Industry, and Minister for Women and Equality. In Tony Blair’s 2005 Cabinet reshuffl e Ms. Hewitt was moved to <strong>the</strong> Health post.<br />
Twice married, she is a Fellow of <strong>the</strong> Royal Society for <strong>the</strong> Arts, and an enthusiastic gardener and horse rider.<br />
Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport<br />
Tessa Jowell has been at <strong>the</strong> heart of government and Tony Blair’s “Kitchen Cabinet” since he became leader in 1994 and her fate is<br />
very much linked with that of her friend and political master. Jowell fi rst entered Parliament for Dulwich in 1992 and was <strong>the</strong> fi rst of<br />
<strong>the</strong> women in <strong>the</strong> 1992 intake to achieve Minister of State rank (for Public Health in 1997). She has been Secretary of State for Culture,<br />
Media and Sport since 2001.<br />
As a former social care administrator and researcher, Tessa Jowell is well-respected in <strong>the</strong> social policy community. Despite coming<br />
from a Tory-voting family, Mrs Jowell joined <strong>the</strong> party in 1969 and was elected to Camden Borough Council in 1971 (following fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
education at Aberdeen and Edinburgh universities, and Goldsmith’s College). Her most active early opposition in Parliament was on <strong>the</strong><br />
Health agenda forcing Virginia Bottomley to admit to bed shortages in London’s hospitals. Early campaigns in power included research<br />
into and action to reduce health inequalities, and <strong>the</strong> connection between wealth and well-being.<br />
She was promoted to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, though with no known track record on any of <strong>the</strong> three, following<br />
<strong>the</strong> General Election in June 2001. Her elevation to <strong>the</strong> Cabinet followed two years as Minister of State at <strong>the</strong> Department of Education<br />
and Employment, implementing <strong>the</strong> New Deal to get <strong>the</strong> long-term unemployed into jobs; and two years as Minister for Public Health,<br />
with responsibility for <strong>the</strong> Sure Start Programme, and for Women’s Issues.<br />
51
Rt Hon Charles Clarke<br />
Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP, Secretary of State for <strong>the</strong> Home Offi ce<br />
Charles Clarke grew up in North London, and went to Highgate School before graduating from King’s College, Cambridge with a<br />
degree in Maths and Economics where he had been known as a Marxist student radical. In 1981 he joined Neil Kinnock’s offi ce as a<br />
researcher, and became his Chief of Staff in 1983 where he continued until 1992.<br />
Clarke was one of <strong>the</strong> fi rst two of <strong>the</strong> “class of ‘97” (along with Patricia Hewitt) to be promoted to offi ce, having maintained <strong>the</strong> Norwich<br />
South seat he was selected for with a swing to Labour of 10.10%, which more than doubled <strong>the</strong> majority. Clarke served a wellrespected<br />
term as Secretary of State for Education and Skills from 2002 – 2004. He took over as Home Secretary after Blunkett’s<br />
dramatic departure in 2004 and faced opposition over <strong>the</strong> Identity Cards Bill and controversy over powers to detain suspected terrorists<br />
raging in <strong>the</strong> Commons. In <strong>the</strong> post-Election reshuffl e, Clarke remains in his post at <strong>the</strong> Home Offi ce.<br />
The Rt Hon Baroness Amos, Leader of <strong>the</strong> House of Lords<br />
Baroness Amos has held <strong>the</strong> position of Leader of <strong>the</strong> House of Lords and President of <strong>the</strong> Council since October 2003. She fi rst joined<br />
<strong>the</strong> Cabinet as International Development Secretary in May 2003, having previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce in 2001.<br />
Baroness Amos was born in Guyana and studied at <strong>the</strong> Universities of Warwick, Birmingham and East Anglia. She was awarded an<br />
Honorary Professorship at Thames Valley University in 1995 in recognition of her work on equality and social justice.<br />
After working in Equal Opportunities, Training and Management Services in local government in <strong>the</strong> London boroughs of Lambeth,<br />
Camden and Hackney, she became Chief Executive of <strong>the</strong> Equal Opportunities Commission 1989-94.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> House of Lords, Baroness Amos was a co-opted member of <strong>the</strong> Select Committee on European Communities Sub-Committee F<br />
(Social Affairs, Education and Home Affairs) 1997-98.<br />
She was appointed a Government Whip in <strong>the</strong> House of Lords in July 1998. In addition to her role as a Spokesperson on International<br />
Development, she also spoke on Social Security and Women’s Issues. She was created a life peer in August 1997.<br />
She has also been Deputy Chair of <strong>the</strong> Runnymede Trust 1990-98, a Trustee of <strong>the</strong> Institute of Public Policy Research, a non-executive<br />
Director of <strong>the</strong> University College London Hospitals Trust, a Trustee of Voluntary Services Overseas, Chair of <strong>the</strong> Afi ya Trust, a director of<br />
Hampstead Theatre and Chair of <strong>the</strong> Board of Governors of <strong>the</strong> Royal College of Nursing Institute.<br />
52
The Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton QC, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor<br />
Lord Falconer of Thoroton was appointed as Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor in June 2003. He has<br />
built on his previous experience as Solicitor General, appointed in May 1997, and as a barrister having been called to <strong>the</strong> Bar (Inner<br />
Temple) in 1974.<br />
He moved to <strong>the</strong> Department for Constitutional Affairs after a stint in <strong>the</strong> Home Offi ce (from May 2002) as Minister of State for Criminal<br />
Justice, Sentencing and Law Reform.<br />
Lord Falconer previously served as Minister of State at <strong>the</strong> Cabinet Offi ce from July 1998 to June 2001. He subsequently joined <strong>the</strong><br />
Department for Transport, Local Government and <strong>the</strong> Regions, where he was appointed Minister for Housing, Planning and Regeneration.<br />
A former fl atmate of Tony Blair, he was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, and Queens’ College, Cambridge and was called to <strong>the</strong><br />
Bar (Inner Temple) in 1974.<br />
He is married with three sons and one daughter.<br />
The Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton Rt Hon Hilary Benn<br />
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development<br />
Hilary Benn was born in 1953, and attended Holland Park Comprehensive School. He later received a degree in Russian and East<br />
European studies from <strong>the</strong> University of Sussex in 1974.<br />
The son of Tony Benn, <strong>the</strong> long serving former cabinet minister and icon of <strong>the</strong> Labour Left, Hilary Benn began his career at Médecins<br />
Sans Frontières before moving into politics. In 1997 he became Special Adviser to David Blunkett, as Secretary of State for Education<br />
and Employment before being elected to Parliament in a by-election in 1999.<br />
His meteoric rise saw him in 2001 become fi rst Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for <strong>the</strong> Department for International Development,<br />
<strong>the</strong>n for Community and Custodial Provision at <strong>the</strong> Home Offi ce. In 2003 he was made a Minister of State at <strong>the</strong> Department for<br />
International Development and later in <strong>the</strong> same year was appointed Secretary of State for International Development.<br />
He is married with three daughters and one son and enjoys sport and gardening.<br />
53
Rt Hon Alan Johnson Rt Hon Ruth Kelly<br />
Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry<br />
Alan Johnson was born in 1950 and educated at Sloane Grammar School. Prior to becoming an MP in 1997, Mr. Johnson was a<br />
postman and held a number of positions at <strong>the</strong> Union of Communication Workers, including General Secretary. In <strong>the</strong> mid 90’s he was<br />
a Director at Unity Bank Trust.<br />
Since becoming elected Mr. Johnson has held a number of prominent ministerial positions including Minister of State, Minister for<br />
Employment Relations and Regions, and Minister of State for Lifelong Learning and Fur<strong>the</strong>r and Higher Education.<br />
He entered <strong>the</strong> Cabinet in 2004 as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Tony Blair’s post-election Cabinet reshuffl e has placed Mr.<br />
Johnson at <strong>the</strong> helm of <strong>the</strong> newly named DTI – now <strong>the</strong> Department for Productivity, Energy and Industry.<br />
Mr. Johnson is married with and enjoys tennis, cooking and reading.<br />
Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Education and Skills<br />
Ruth Kelly joined <strong>the</strong> Labour party after graduating from Queen’s College Oxford. Having completed a masters at <strong>the</strong> London School of<br />
Economics in 1992, she went on to work at <strong>the</strong> Guardian as an economics writer for four years. Following that she worked from 1994<br />
until 1997 as <strong>the</strong> Deputy Head of <strong>the</strong> Infl ation Report Division at <strong>the</strong> Bank of England.<br />
Winning her Bolton West seat in 1997, Kelly was one of <strong>the</strong> youngest of <strong>the</strong> female intake of that year. She worked at <strong>the</strong> HM Treasury<br />
from 2001- 2004; fi rst as Economic and <strong>the</strong>n as Financial Secretary. Appointed Minister in <strong>the</strong> Cabinet Offi ce in 2004, she was<br />
Secretary of State for Education and Skills within <strong>the</strong> year after Charles Clarke left to fi ll David Blunkett’s gap at <strong>the</strong> Home Offi ce. Ruth<br />
Kelly held fi rmly to her position following <strong>the</strong> post-Election reshuffl e.<br />
54
Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, Secretary of State for Transport<br />
Alistair Darling was promoted in May 2002 to be Secretary of State for Transport, following <strong>the</strong> resignation of Stephen Byers. He moved<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Department of Work and Pensions, where he had been Secretary of State since <strong>the</strong> general election in 2001.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> abolition of <strong>the</strong> Scottish Offi ce and <strong>the</strong> post of Scottish Secretary in June 2003, he also became <strong>the</strong> Government’s spokesman<br />
on Scottish matters in <strong>the</strong> Commons.<br />
A convert to devolution and proportional representation, he acquired experience of local government and <strong>the</strong> law before defeating Sir<br />
Alex Fletcher in a close contest in Central Edinburgh in 1987, winning back <strong>the</strong> seat lost by Robin Cook in 1983. He handled a range<br />
of home affairs issues as Roy Hattersley’s deputy - notably electoral systems and immigration - before becoming deputy to Gordon<br />
Brown in 1992.<br />
He dealt with economic matters from <strong>the</strong> Labour front bench, and opposed a series of Tory fi nance Bills - getting involved with such<br />
issues as banking supervision, fraud, and self-regulation in <strong>the</strong> City.<br />
When Labour came to power he stayed with Brown and went to <strong>the</strong> Treasury as <strong>the</strong> minister in charge of public expenditure.<br />
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State for Europe<br />
Rt Hon Alistair Darling Rt Hon Douglas Alexander<br />
Douglas Alexander was appointed Minister of State for Europe in May 2005.<br />
Alexander was previously Minister of State for E-commerce and Competitiveness at <strong>the</strong> Department of Trade and Industry after <strong>the</strong><br />
election of June 2001.<br />
In May 2002, he was moved sideways to <strong>the</strong> Cabinet Offi ce in <strong>the</strong> reshuffl e following <strong>the</strong> resignation of Stephen Byers. As Chancellor<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Duchy of Lancaster he had a more political, cross-ministerial role in <strong>the</strong> Cabinet Offi ce, reporting directly to <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister.<br />
In September 2004, however, he lost his title to <strong>the</strong> returning Alan Milburn, and was moved back to DTI as Minister of State for Trade,<br />
also working in <strong>the</strong> Foreign offi ce.<br />
Until 2001 seen mainly behind <strong>the</strong> scenes, he had been a key campaign strategy manager, part of <strong>the</strong> small group who advised <strong>the</strong><br />
Prime Minister on <strong>the</strong> general election.<br />
He also took charge of campaign strategy in <strong>the</strong> Scottish Parliamentary election campaign of 1999.<br />
Alexander is an associate of <strong>the</strong> Glasgow solicitors Digby Brown, a member of a Scottish policy advisory board and is on <strong>the</strong> liaison<br />
committee of <strong>the</strong> Scottish Royal College of Physicians. He used to write a fortnightly column for The Herald newspaper.<br />
55
Rt Hon Ian McCartney<br />
Rt Hon Ian McCartney MP, Minister without Portfolio and Party Chair<br />
Mr Ian McCartney was appointed Minister Without Portfolio and Party Chair in April 2003, and has retained <strong>the</strong> position following <strong>the</strong><br />
2005 Election reshuffl e.<br />
Mr McCartney was previously Minister of State for Pensions at <strong>the</strong> Department for Work and Pensions (2001-2003); Minister of State<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Cabinet Offi ce (1999-2001) where he was responsible for modernising Government and E-Government, and Minister of State<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) (1997-1999). Prior to that, Mr McCartney held a number of positions in Opposition -<br />
spokesperson on Health, Employment, Education and Social Services.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> DTI, Mr McCartney was responsible for employment relations, <strong>the</strong> Post Offi ce, Company Law and inward investment. There he<br />
succeeded in steering through legislation creating a national minimum wage, <strong>the</strong> fairness at work legislation and <strong>the</strong> Competition Act.<br />
Born in 1951, Mr McCartney had a number of jobs after leaving school, including working as a seaman and a local government manual<br />
worker. He was a councillor for Wigan Borough from 1982-87. Mr McCartney is married with one son (Hugh, who died tragically in<br />
1999), two daughters and seven grandchildren. He is a keen supporter of Wigan Rugby League.<br />
Rt Hon Des Browne QC MP, Chief Secretary to <strong>the</strong> Treasury<br />
Mr Browne has served as Minister of State for Work at <strong>the</strong> Department of Work and Pensions from 2003-2004 and <strong>the</strong>n as Minister of<br />
State responsible for Citizenship, Immigration and Nationality at <strong>the</strong> Home Offi ce until May 2005, before being moved to <strong>the</strong> Treasury.<br />
Educated at Glasgow University, Mr Des Browne trained as a lawyer and served in Scotland before becoming MP for Kilmarnock &<br />
Loudoun in 1997. A QC specialising in family law, Browne was parachuted into contest <strong>the</strong> SNP-threatened seat where he had formerly<br />
been a local solicitor.<br />
Mr Browne has held his seat since 1997, and maintained his position in <strong>the</strong> recent elections despite <strong>the</strong> boundary changes in Scotland<br />
which have seen his constituency signifi cantly enlarged. Browne has said that his proudest achievement in Parliament since 1997 has<br />
been <strong>the</strong> private member’s bill he introduced to establish a register of serious drug dealers.<br />
Rt Hon John Hutton MP, Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> Duchy of Lancaster<br />
John Hutton was born in 1955 and attended Oxford University where he received an MA in Law. He began his career as a research<br />
fellow at Oxford University and went on teach law at Newcastle Polytechnic.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> late1980s he contested both European and National elections. In 1992 he was elected MP for Barrow and Furness. 1997 saw him<br />
appointed PPS to Margaret Beckett as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, President of <strong>the</strong> Council and Leader of <strong>the</strong> House. In 1998<br />
he was made Parliamentary – Under Secretary of State at <strong>the</strong> Department of Health and later Minister of State for Health in 1999.<br />
Mr. Hutton entered <strong>the</strong> Cabinet for <strong>the</strong> fi rst time as Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> Duchy of Lancaster in Blair’s recent post-election reshuffl e.<br />
His recreational interests include cricket, football and fi lms.<br />
56
Key Contacts<br />
Permanent Representative<br />
Sir John Grant KCMG<br />
Permanent Representative<br />
Susan Sills<br />
PA to Sir John Grant KCMG<br />
+32 2 287 8271<br />
Susan.Sills@fco.gov.uk<br />
Delyth Evans<br />
APA to Sir John Grant KCMG<br />
+32 2 287 8251<br />
Delyth.Evans@fco.gov.uk<br />
Deputy Permanent Representative<br />
Anne Lambert<br />
Deputy Permanent Representative<br />
Kay Sweet<br />
PA to Anne Lambert (a.m.)<br />
+32 2 287 8262<br />
Kay.Sweet@fco.gov.uk<br />
Alison Fergusson<br />
PA to Anne Lambert (p.m.)<br />
+32 2 287 8262<br />
Alison.Fergusson@fco.gov.uk<br />
Representative to <strong>the</strong> Political<br />
and Security Committee<br />
Julian King<br />
Representative to <strong>the</strong> Political and Security<br />
Committee<br />
Andrew Davis<br />
PA to Julian King<br />
+32 2 287 8288<br />
Andrew.Davis@fco.gov.uk<br />
Permanent Representation of <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> to <strong>the</strong> EU<br />
T +32 2 287 8211<br />
Military Representative to <strong>the</strong> EU<br />
Air Marshall Robert Wright<br />
Military Representative to <strong>the</strong> EU<br />
+32 2 707 7560<br />
Political Affairs Section<br />
Michael Aron<br />
Head of Section<br />
+32 2 287 8272<br />
Michael.Aron@fco.gov.uk<br />
Genevieve Wicks<br />
PA to Michael Aron<br />
+32 2 287 8245<br />
Genevieve.Wicks@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8317<br />
James Morrison<br />
<strong>UK</strong> 2005 <strong>Presidency</strong><br />
+32 2 287 8388<br />
James.Morrison@fco.gov.uk<br />
Lindsy Thompson<br />
<strong>UK</strong> 2005 <strong>Presidency</strong> Assistant<br />
+32 2 282 8957<br />
Lindsy.Thompson@fco.gov.uk<br />
Corin Robertson<br />
Antici Group - Coreper 2<br />
Interinstitutional reform and future of EU,<br />
Council working methods<br />
+32 2 287 8385<br />
Corin.Robertson@fco.gov.uk<br />
Nishi Dholakia<br />
Deputy Antici Group - Coreper 2<br />
Council Reform<br />
+32 2 282 8937<br />
Nishi.Dholakia@fco.gov.uk<br />
57<br />
Danae Meacock-Bashir<br />
Mertens Group - Coreper 1<br />
+32 2 282 8937<br />
Danae.Meacock-Bashir@fco.gov.uk<br />
Institutions Section<br />
Scott Furssedonn<br />
Head of Section<br />
European Parliament, Comitology<br />
+32 2 287 8292<br />
Scott.Furssedonn@fco.gov.uk<br />
Jayne Morris<br />
PA to Scott Furssedonn<br />
+32 2 287 8265<br />
Jayne.Morris@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8313<br />
Olivier Evans<br />
European Parliament, Economic and<br />
Social Committee, European Ombudsman,<br />
Gibraltar<br />
+32 2 287 8299<br />
Olivier.Evans@fco.gov.uk<br />
Sarah Bell<br />
Committee of <strong>the</strong> Regions, Devolution<br />
+32 2 287 8376<br />
Sarah.Bell@fco.gov.uk<br />
Dominique Clement<br />
Secretarial Support<br />
+32 2 287 8269<br />
Dominique.Clement@fco.gov.uk<br />
In Strasbourg during European<br />
Parliament Plenary weeks:<br />
+33 3 88 17 68 15<br />
Fax: +33 3 88 35 41 30
Agriculture and Fisheries Section<br />
David Barnes<br />
Head of Section<br />
+32 2 287 8254<br />
David.Barnes@fco.gov.uk<br />
Carla Bates<br />
PA to David Barnes<br />
+32 2 287 8238<br />
Carla.Bates@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8394<br />
Eleanor Brooks<br />
CAP, Rural Development, Agricultural<br />
Aspects of WTO and Enlargement<br />
+32 2 287 8249<br />
Eleanor.Brooks@fco.gov.uk<br />
Caoimhe Treanor<br />
CAP, Designations of Origin, Geographical<br />
Indications<br />
+32 2 287 8225<br />
Caoimhe.Treanor@fco.gov.uk<br />
Gareth Baynham-Hughes<br />
<strong>UK</strong>Rep Mertens representative<br />
Fisheries, Pesticides, Plant Health,<br />
Veterinary Medicines<br />
+32 2 287 8389<br />
Gareth.Baynham-Hughes@fco.gov.uk<br />
Keith Morrison<br />
Fisheries, Pesticides, Plant Health,<br />
Forestry, Veterinary Medicines, State Aids<br />
and Infractions<br />
+32 2 287 8336<br />
Keith.Morrison@fco.gov.uk<br />
Roy Norton<br />
Food and Veterinary, Animal Health/<br />
Welfare/Feeding Stuffs, Meat Hygiene<br />
+32 2 287 8214<br />
Roy.Norton@fco.gov.uk<br />
Simon Stannard<br />
Veterinary Affairs and Food, Animal Health/<br />
Welfare/Feeding Stuffs, Meat Hygiene,<br />
GMO<br />
+32 2 287 8286<br />
Simon.Stannard@fco.gov.uk<br />
Helen Stokes<br />
<strong>UK</strong> Agriculture <strong>Presidency</strong> Coordinator,<br />
State Aids and Infractions<br />
+32 2 282 8970<br />
Helen.Stokes@fco.gov.uk<br />
Nigel Barclay<br />
General Enquiries and European<br />
Parliament Issues<br />
+32 2 287 8230<br />
Nigel.Barclay@fco.gov.uk<br />
Industry and <strong>the</strong><br />
Internal Market Section<br />
Antony Vinall<br />
Head of Section<br />
+32 2 287 8240<br />
Antony.Vinall@fco.gov.uk<br />
Margaret McKie<br />
PA to Antony Vinall<br />
+32 2 287 8275<br />
Margaret.McKie@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8395<br />
Chris Barton<br />
Competition Policy (merger control,<br />
anti-trust), State aid (except agriculture),<br />
Company Law and Accounting, Takeovers,<br />
Services of General Economic<br />
Interest<br />
+32 2 287 8236<br />
Chris.Barton@fco.gov.uk<br />
Lynne Vallance<br />
State Aid - casework and policy issues<br />
(except agriculture), Competition Policy<br />
(merger control, anti-trust), Company Law<br />
and Accounting<br />
+32 2 282 8918<br />
Lynne.Vallance@fco.gov.uk<br />
Ben Turner<br />
Innovation and Information Society,<br />
Telecoms, Research and Biotechnology,<br />
eEurope, Postal Services<br />
+32 2 287 8218<br />
Ben.Turner@fco.gov.uk<br />
Vicki Voulgaraki<br />
Secretary to Chris Barton, Lynne Vallance<br />
Ben Turner<br />
+32 2 287 8926<br />
Vassiliki.Voulgaraki@fco.gov.uk<br />
Bill Jones<br />
Energy. Nuclear (except research)<br />
+32 2 287 8253<br />
Bill.Jones@fco.gov.uk<br />
58<br />
Michael Rossell<br />
Transport: Aviation, Infrastructure Charging<br />
and Road Safety<br />
+32 2 287 8302<br />
Michael.Rossell@fco.gov.uk<br />
Johanna Keech<br />
Transport: Maritime, Public Service<br />
Requirements and Tunnel Safety, Tourism<br />
+32 2 287 8203<br />
Johanna.Keech@fco.gov.uk<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Callaghan<br />
Secretary to Michael Rossell,<br />
Johanna Keech<br />
+32 2 287 8290<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r.Callaghan@fco.gov.uk<br />
Andrew van der Lem<br />
General Internal Market (strategy,<br />
compliance, infractions etc.), Intellectual<br />
property rights (Patents, copyright, trade<br />
marks), Public procurement, Single market<br />
in services, Industrial standards, Data<br />
protection Competitiveness Council coordinator<br />
+32 2 287 8295<br />
Andrew.vanderLem@fco.gov.uk<br />
Aidan Liddle<br />
Consumer policy issues (including duty<br />
to trade fairly, consumer credit, safety of<br />
services, sales promotion), Product safety<br />
and dangerous substances (cosmetics,<br />
CMR’s etc.), Mutual recognition of<br />
qualifi cations, Lisbon Economic Reform<br />
co-ordinator.<br />
+32 2 287 8278<br />
Aidan.Liddle@fco.gov.uk<br />
Jenny Young<br />
Competitiveness, Small Business,<br />
Better Regulation, Industrial Policy,<br />
Pharmaceuticals, REACH chemicals<br />
legislation<br />
+32 2 282 8925<br />
Jenny.Young@fco.gov.uk<br />
Owain Service<br />
REACH chemicals regulation, Dangerous<br />
substances, Industrial standards<br />
and technical harmonization, Public<br />
procurement, Information society,<br />
Telecoms, e-europe and postal services<br />
+32 2 282 8991<br />
Owain.Service@fco.gov.uk
Lisa Rhodes<br />
Secretary to Andrew van der Lem,<br />
Jenny Young<br />
+32 2 287 8296<br />
Lisa.Rhodes@fco.gov.uk<br />
Kai Keski-Korhonen<br />
Support Team Coordinator Liaison with<br />
European Parliament,<br />
Support team co-ordinator<br />
+32 2 287 8369<br />
Kai.Keski-Korhonen@fco.gov.uk<br />
Social, Environmental and<br />
Regional Affairs Section<br />
Shan Morgan<br />
Head of Section<br />
+32 2 287 8266<br />
Shan.Morgan@fco.gov.uk<br />
Sue Wright<br />
PA to Shan Morgan<br />
+32 2 287 8208<br />
Sue.Wright@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8397<br />
Section Mail:<br />
ukrep-environment@fco.gov.uk<br />
Marc Holland<br />
Employment and labour market policy,<br />
Industrial relations, labour law, Antidiscrimination,<br />
Gender equality, legislative<br />
dossiers<br />
+32 2 287 8213<br />
Marc.Holland@fco.gov.uk<br />
Liz Wood<br />
Social security, Social protection, Health<br />
and safety, Pensions Directive, Movement<br />
of Workers<br />
+32 2 287 8350<br />
Liz.Wood@fco.gov.uk<br />
Kevin Dench<br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> Co-ordinator for social affairs<br />
+32 2 287 8221<br />
Kevin.Dench@fco.gov.uk<br />
Jo Hawley<br />
Education, Vocational training and lifelong<br />
learning, Youth<br />
+32 2 287 8244<br />
Jo.Hawley@fco.gov.uk<br />
Caroline Adan<br />
PA to Marc Holland, Liz Wood, Kevin<br />
Dench, Jo Hawley<br />
+32 2 287 8303<br />
Caroline.Adan@fco.gov.uk<br />
Philip McMurray<br />
Air Quality issues (Volatile Organic<br />
Compounds, Sulphur in Marine Fuels,<br />
Non-Road Mobile Machinery, Vehicle<br />
Emissions), Fuel Quality issues (EU<br />
Strategy to Reduce Atmospheric Emissions<br />
from Seagoing Ships), Infractions<br />
+32 2 287 8351<br />
Philip.McMurray@fco.gov.uk<br />
Lindsay Appleby<br />
Waste issues (Packaging and Packaging<br />
Waste, Mining Waste, WEEE, Waste<br />
Shipment Regulation), Climate change<br />
(Kyoto Monitoring Mechanisms,<br />
Fluorinated Gases, Linking Kyoto Projects<br />
to Emissions Trading), GMO’s, Sustainable<br />
Development including Environmental<br />
Technologies, Biodiversity<br />
+32 2 287 8301<br />
Lindsay.Appleby@fco.gov.uk<br />
Robert Watt<br />
Water Quality issues (Bathing water,<br />
Groundwater), Chemicals (Persistent<br />
Organic Pollutants), Environmental Liability,<br />
Governance (Aarhus Convention)<br />
+32 2 287 8201<br />
Rob.Watt@fco.gov.uk<br />
Lorraine Emsbach<br />
PA to Philip McMurray, Lindsay Appleby,<br />
Robert Watt (a.m.)<br />
+32 2 287 8202<br />
Lorraine.Emsbach@fco.gov.uk<br />
Sofi a Moratinos<br />
PA to Philip McMurray, Lindsay Appleby,<br />
Robert Watt (p.m.)<br />
+32 2 287 8202<br />
Sofi a.Moratinos@fco.gov.uk<br />
Tim Figures<br />
European Structural Funds, Regional<br />
Policy, Liaison with offi ces of <strong>UK</strong> regions<br />
+32 2 287 8358<br />
Tim.Figures@fco.gov.uk<br />
59<br />
Mayerling Patel<br />
Health<br />
+32 2 287 8270<br />
Mayerling.Patel@fco.gov.uk<br />
Sam Baker<br />
Culture, Sport, Regional Policy, Health<br />
+32 2 282 8968<br />
Sam.Baker@fco.gov.uk<br />
Fiona Flynn<br />
PA to Tim Figures, Mayerling Patel, Sam<br />
Baker<br />
+32 2 287 8321<br />
Fiona.Flynn@fco.gov.uk<br />
Economic Affairs, Finance<br />
and Tax Section<br />
Peter Curwen<br />
Head of Section<br />
+32 2 287 8264<br />
Peter.Curwen@fco.gov.uk<br />
Joan Nisbett<br />
PA to Peter Curwen<br />
+32 2 287 8258<br />
Joan.Nisbett@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8333<br />
Andrew Olive<br />
EC Annual Budget, Inter-Institutional<br />
Agreement (IIA), Financial Management<br />
and Control Issues, Counter-Fraud, Court<br />
of Auditors<br />
+32 2 287 8283<br />
Andrew.Olive@fco.gov.uk<br />
Priyen Patel<br />
EC Budget. Court of Auditors, Discharge of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Budget, Building Group, Group Statut,<br />
Financial Perspectives<br />
+32 2 287 8284<br />
Priyen.Patel@fco.gov.uk<br />
Edward Smith<br />
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU),<br />
Future Financing, Financial Aspects of<br />
External Policy, EU Borrowing/Lending,<br />
Financial Perspectives, Statistics<br />
+32 2 287 8223<br />
Edward.Smith@fco.gov.uk
Natacha Alexander<br />
Ecofi n <strong>Presidency</strong> Coordinator, Lisbon<br />
Dossier, EIB<br />
+32 2 282 8933<br />
Natacha.Alexander@fco.gov.uk<br />
Jill Holt<br />
Secretary for Andrew Olive, Priyen Patel,<br />
Edward Smith, Natacha Alexander<br />
+32 2 287 8320<br />
Jill.Holt@fco.gov.uk<br />
Gary Roberts<br />
Financial services, Export Credits<br />
+32 2 287 8293<br />
Gary.Roberts@fco.gov.uk<br />
David Eacott<br />
Financial services<br />
+32 2 282 8940<br />
David.Eacott@fco.gov.uk<br />
James Robertson<br />
VAT, Direct Taxation including Code of<br />
Conduct<br />
+32 2 287 8378<br />
James.Robertson@fco.gov.uk<br />
Karen Parkes<br />
Customs Union, Excise Duties, Energy/<br />
Environmental taxes<br />
+32 2 282 8938<br />
Karen.Parkes@fco.gov.uk<br />
Charlotte Daly<br />
Taxation<br />
+32 2 287 8393<br />
Charlotte.Daly@fco.gov.uk<br />
Anne-Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Bultot<br />
Secretary for Gary Roberts, David Eacott,<br />
James Robertson, Karen Parkes<br />
+32 2 287 8289<br />
Anne-Ca<strong>the</strong>rine.Bultot@fco.gov.uk<br />
Marie-Claire Piper<br />
Secretary for Gary Roberts, David Eacott,<br />
James Robertson, Karen Parkes<br />
+32 2 287 8289<br />
Marie-Claire.Piper@fco.gov.uk<br />
External Relations, Development<br />
and Trade PolicySection<br />
Carolyn Browne<br />
Head of Section<br />
+32 2 287 8248<br />
Carolyn.Browne@fco.gov.uk<br />
Andrew Davis<br />
PA to Carolyn Browne<br />
+32 2 287 8288<br />
Andrew.Davis@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8326<br />
Enlargement Team<br />
Giles Portman<br />
Enlargement<br />
+32 2 287 8222<br />
Giles.Portman@fco.gov.uk<br />
Sarah Cullum<br />
Enlargement, Central European Countries,<br />
EFTA<br />
+32 2 287 8291<br />
Sarah.Cullum@fco.gov.uk<br />
Vincenza Saetta<br />
Secretarial Support<br />
+32 2 287 8261<br />
Vincenza.Saetta@fco.gov.uk<br />
Geographical Team<br />
Duncan Sparkes<br />
Western Balkans<br />
+32 2 287 8377<br />
Duncan.Sparkes@fco.gov.uk<br />
Victoria Courtney<br />
Russia, Eastern Europe<br />
+32 2 287 8307<br />
Victoria.Courtney@fco.gov.uk<br />
Karen Betts<br />
Latin America, Middle East Peace Process<br />
(MEPP), Maghreb/Mashraq, Middle East/<br />
Gulf<br />
+32 2 287 8322<br />
Karen.Betts@fco.gov.uk<br />
Jeltske Boogaard<br />
Secretarial Support<br />
+32 2 287 8260<br />
Jeltske.Boogaard@fco.gov.uk<br />
60<br />
Stephen Hickey<br />
Latin America, Human Rights, Assistant<br />
Desk Offi cer for Asia<br />
+32 2 287 8355<br />
Stephen.Hickey@fco.gov.uk<br />
Nina Severn<br />
Secretarial Support<br />
+32 2 282 8929<br />
Nina.Severn@fco.gov.uk<br />
Trade Policy and Transatlantic<br />
Issues Team<br />
Ian Vollbracht<br />
WTO and o<strong>the</strong>r trade policy issues, The<br />
Article 133 Committee, Relations between<br />
<strong>the</strong> EU and <strong>the</strong> US, Canada, Japan, Hong<br />
Kong, Australia and New Zealand<br />
+32 2 287 8232<br />
Ian.Vollbracht@fco.gov.uk<br />
Harriet Rodger<br />
Anti-Dumping, Commodities, Steel, Commercial<br />
Defence Instruments, Textiles, GSP<br />
+32 2 287 8205<br />
Harriet.Rodger@fco.gov.uk<br />
Laura Guy<br />
Trade Policy and Transatlantic issues<br />
+32 2 282 8990<br />
Laura.Guy@fco.gov.uk<br />
Development Policy Team<br />
Peter Landymore<br />
Counsellor Development, Development<br />
Policy, Reform of External Services<br />
+32 2 287 8235<br />
Peter.Landymore@fco.gov.uk<br />
Philip Rose<br />
Sub-Saharan Africa (including South<br />
Africa), Development Cooperation EU/ACP,<br />
Humanitarian Aid<br />
+32 2 287 8347<br />
Philip.Rose@fco.gov.uk<br />
Michele Moore<br />
Secretarial Support<br />
+32 2 287 8209<br />
Michele.Moore@fco.gov.uk
Pol-Mil Team<br />
Anna Clunes<br />
RELEX Counsellors Group, ESDP, CFSP<br />
+32 2 287 8255<br />
Anna.Clunes@fco.gov.uk<br />
Sandy Johnston<br />
ESDP, especially Military Capabilities and<br />
Review Mechanism<br />
+32 2 287 8256<br />
Sandy.Johnston@fco.gov.uk<br />
Chris Hodge<br />
Civilian Crisis Management, OSCE<br />
+32 2 287 8252<br />
Chris.Hodge@fco.gov.uk<br />
Benedict Mann<br />
Crisis Management Procedures<br />
+32 2 282 8936<br />
Benedict.Mann@fco.gov.uk<br />
Damian Thwaites<br />
PSC Coordinator<br />
+32 2 287 8219<br />
Damian.Thwaites@fco.gov.uk<br />
Graham Muir<br />
ESDP Military Ops and Assistance<br />
+32 2 282 8346<br />
Graham.Muir@fco.gov.uk<br />
Helen Collin<br />
Secretarial Support<br />
+32 2 282 8904<br />
Helen.Collin@fco.gov.uk<br />
Commodore Nick Harland<br />
+32 2 287 8220<br />
Nick.Harland@fco.gov.uk<br />
Col Hugo Fletcher<br />
+32 2 287 8335<br />
Hugo.Fletcher@fco.gov.uk<br />
Cdr Philip Stonor<br />
+32 2 287 8318<br />
Philip.Stoner@fco.gov.uk<br />
Wg Cdr Tony Leggett<br />
+32 2 287 8343<br />
Tony.Leggett@fco.gov.uk<br />
Max Houghton<br />
+32 2 287 8363<br />
Max.Houghton@fco.gov.uk<br />
Jeremy Greenop<br />
+32 2 287 8330<br />
Jeremy.Greenop@fco.gov.uk<br />
Vincent Devine<br />
+32 2 282 8921<br />
Vincent.Devine@fco.gov.uk<br />
Alison MacLauchlan<br />
+32 2 287 8340<br />
Alison.MacLauchlan@fco.gov.uk<br />
Nuala Johnson<br />
+32 2 287 8357<br />
Nuala.Johnson@fco.gov.uk<br />
Justice and Home Affairs Section<br />
Jonathan Sweet<br />
Head of Section<br />
+32 2 287 8281<br />
Jonathan.Sweet@fco.gov.uk<br />
Maureen Davies<br />
PA to Jonathan Sweet<br />
+32 2 287 8274<br />
Maureen.Davies@fco.gov.uk<br />
Section Fax: 02 287 8277<br />
Neil Bradley<br />
Visas, Asylum, Immigration<br />
+32 2 287 8257<br />
Neil.Bradley@fco.gov.uk<br />
Emily Maltman<br />
<strong>Presidency</strong> Coordination, JHA Funding<br />
Programmes, EP Coordination<br />
+32 2 282 8915<br />
Neil.Bradley@fco.gov.uk<br />
Peter Spreadbury<br />
Asylum, European Refugee Fund,<br />
ODYSSEUS, EURODAC, Dublin Convention<br />
+32 2 282 8916<br />
Peter.Spreadbury@fco.gov.uk<br />
Emma Gibbons<br />
Judicial Cooperation (Criminal Matters),<br />
Organised Crime, Europol<br />
+32 2 287 8259<br />
Emma.Gibbons@fco.gov.uk<br />
David Chitty<br />
Terrorism, JHA aspects of enlargement,<br />
Data Protection, Customs Cooperation<br />
+32 2 282 8915<br />
David.Chitty@fco.gov.uk<br />
61<br />
Ben Llewellyn-Jones<br />
Police and drugs cooperation, Civil<br />
Protection<br />
+32 2 287 8241<br />
Ben.Llewellyn-Jones@fco.gov.uk<br />
Benjamin Saoul<br />
Civil Protection, Customs Cooperation,<br />
Terrorism WG<br />
+32 2 287 8368<br />
Benjamin.Saoul@fco.gov.uk<br />
Andrew Cannon<br />
Judicial Cooperation (Civil Matters), Civil<br />
Law Committee<br />
+32 2 287 8384<br />
Andrew.Cannon@fco.gov.uk<br />
Amanda Lee<br />
Secretary for Jane Ferrier, Paul McKell,<br />
Rod McLean<br />
+32 2 287 8382<br />
Amanda.Lee@fco.gov.uk<br />
Heike Nihoul<br />
Secretary for Jane Ferrier, Paul McKell,<br />
Rod McLean<br />
+32 2 287 8382<br />
Heike.Nihoul@fco.gov.uk<br />
Karine Engelen<br />
Secretary for Neil Bradley, Ben Llewellyn-<br />
Jones, David Chitty<br />
+32 2 282 8914<br />
Karine.Engelen@fco.gov.uk<br />
Press Offi ce<br />
Jonathan Allen<br />
Press Offi cer<br />
+32 2 287 8206<br />
Jonathan.Allen@fco.gov.uk<br />
Steve Grant<br />
Visits Offi cer: Arrangements for <strong>UK</strong><br />
Ministers attending EU meetings, including<br />
European Councils<br />
+32 2 287 8305<br />
Steve.Grant@fco.gov.uk<br />
Press Offi ce Fax: +32 2 287 8316
State Institutions<br />
Useful Links<br />
Parliament: www.parliament.uk<br />
House of Commons: www.parliament.uk/<br />
about_commons/about_commons.cfm<br />
House of Lords: www.parliament.uk/<br />
about_lords/about_lords.cfm<br />
No 10: www.number-10.gov.uk<br />
British Monarchy: www.royal.gov.uk<br />
Metropolitan Police: www.met.police.uk<br />
Bank of England: www.bankofengland.co.uk<br />
Crown Prosecution Service: www.cps.gov.uk<br />
HM Court Service: www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk<br />
Regional Government<br />
<strong>UK</strong> Regional Chambers: www.odpm.gov.uk<br />
Regional Development Agencies: www.dti.gov.uk/regions<br />
Government Offi ces: www.government-offi ces.gov.uk<br />
National Assembly for Wales: www.wales.gov.uk<br />
Welsh Assembly Government: www.wales.gov.uk/wag/wag.htm<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Ireland Assembly: www.niassembly.gov.uk<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Ireland Executive: www.nics.gov.uk<br />
Scottish Parliament: www.scottish.parliament.uk<br />
Scottish Executive: www.scotland.gov.uk<br />
Greater London Assembly: www.london.gov.uk<br />
Mayor of London: www.london.gov.uk/londonissues<br />
62<br />
Local Government<br />
Local Government Association: www.lga.gov.uk<br />
National Association of Local Councils: www.nalc.gov.uk<br />
Core Cities Group: www.corecities.com<br />
Political Parties<br />
The Labour Party: www.labour.org.uk<br />
The Conservative Party: www.conservatives.com<br />
The Liberal Democrat Party: www.libdems.org.uk<br />
Scottish National Party: www.snp.org<br />
Plaid Cymru: www.plaidcymru.org<br />
Sinn Fein: sinnfein.org<br />
Democratic Unionist Party: www.dup.org.uk<br />
Ulster Unionist Party: www.uup.org<br />
Social Democratic Labour Party: www.sdlp.ie<br />
The Green Party: www.greenparty.org.uk<br />
<strong>UK</strong> Independence Party: www.ukip.org<br />
British National Party: www.bnp.org.uk<br />
Ministries<br />
FCO – Britain & <strong>the</strong> EU: www.fco.gov.uk<br />
HM Treasury: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk<br />
Cabinet Offi ce: www.cabinetoffi ce.gov.uk<br />
Department for Constitutional Affairs: www.dca.gov.uk<br />
Department for Culture Media & Sport: www.culture.gov.uk<br />
Ministry of Defence: www.mod.uk<br />
Department for Education & Skills: www.dfes.gov.uk
Department for Environment<br />
Food & Rural Affairs: www.defra.gov.uk<br />
Foreign & Commonwealth Offi ce: www.fco.gov.uk<br />
Department of Health: www.dh.gov.uk<br />
Home Offi ce: www.homeoffi ce.gov.uk<br />
Inland Revenue: www.hmrc.gov.uk<br />
Department for International Development: www.dfi d.gov.uk<br />
The Law Offi cers’ Department: www.lslo.gov.uk<br />
The Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Ireland Offi ce: www.nio.gov.uk<br />
Offi ce of <strong>the</strong> Deputy Prime Minister:<br />
Offi ce of <strong>the</strong> Leader<br />
www.odpm.gov.uk<br />
of <strong>the</strong> House of Commons: www.commonsleader.gov.uk<br />
Scotland Offi ce: www.scotlandoffi ce.gov.uk<br />
Department for Trade & Industry: www.dti.gov.uk<br />
Department for Transport: www.dft.gov.uk<br />
Department for Work & Pensions: www.dwp.gov.uk<br />
The Wales Offi ce: www.walesoffi ce.gov.uk<br />
HM Customs & Excise: www.hmrc.gov.uk<br />
HM Paymaster General: www.opg.gov.uk<br />
63<br />
Industry and Commerce<br />
Chamber of Commerce: www.chamberonline.co.uk<br />
Confederation of British Industry: www.cbi.org.uk<br />
London Chamber of Commerce: www.londonchamber.co.uk<br />
Commercial Property Register:<br />
<strong>UK</strong> Competition Agency<br />
www.compropregister.co.uk<br />
for communication industries: www.ofcom.org.uk<br />
<strong>UK</strong> Post Offi ce: www.postoffi ce.co.uk<br />
<strong>UK</strong> Postal Commission: www.psc.gov.uk<br />
Trade Union Congress: www.tuc.org.uk<br />
Transport for London: www.tfl .gov.uk<br />
European Institutions<br />
Central European Bank: www.ecb.de<br />
Committee of <strong>the</strong> Regions: www.cor.eu.int<br />
Council of <strong>the</strong> European Union: ue.eu.int<br />
European Court of Justice: www.curia.eu.int<br />
Economic and Social Committee: www.esc.eu.int<br />
European Commission: www.europa.eu.int<br />
European Chamber of Accounts: www.eca.eu.int<br />
European Constitution: europa.eu.int/constitution<br />
European Parliament: www.europarl.eu.int<br />
Europol: www.europol.eu.int
JULY<br />
Key Dates<br />
1 PSC<br />
Visit of <strong>the</strong> Brussels Press Corps FCO TBC<br />
[br]<br />
Visit of <strong>the</strong> Commission FCO, TBC [lo]<br />
4 Coreper I [br]<br />
5 PSC [br]<br />
6 Coreper I tbc [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
7 DWP Ministerial Conference [no]<br />
8 DWP Ministerial Conference [no]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
11 Competitiveness Informal [ca]<br />
12 ECOFIN [br]<br />
Competitiveness Informal [ca]<br />
DFES Ministerial Conference [lo]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
13 DFES Ministerial Conference [lo]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
14 DFES Ministerial Conference [lo]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
15 ECOFIN (budget) [br]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
18 GAERC [br]<br />
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
19 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
20 Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
22 PSC [br]<br />
26 JHA Council [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
27 Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
29 PSC [br]<br />
[ba] = Bath<br />
[bn] = Brize Norton<br />
[br] = Brussels<br />
[ca] = Cardiff<br />
AUGUST<br />
[cm] = Celtic Manor<br />
[co] = Cotswolds<br />
[ed] = Edinburgh<br />
[le] = Leeds<br />
2 PSC (possible) [br]<br />
9 PSC (possible) [br]<br />
16 PSC (possible) [br]<br />
23 PSC (possible) [br]<br />
30 PSC (possible) [br]<br />
SEPTEMBER<br />
1 Gymnich [cm]<br />
2 Gymnich [cm]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
6 PSC [br]<br />
7 Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
8 JHA Informal [n/g]<br />
Coreper I Informal Meeting [ba]<br />
9 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]<br />
ECOFIN Informal [ma]<br />
JHA Informal [n/g]<br />
Coreper I Informal Meeting [ba]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
10 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]<br />
ECOFIN Informal [ma]<br />
Coreper I Informal Meeting [ba]<br />
11 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]<br />
12 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]<br />
13 PSC [br]<br />
Conciliation (starts at 18:30) [br]<br />
14 Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
64<br />
[lo] = London<br />
[lu] = Luxembourg<br />
[ma] = Manchester<br />
[n/g] = Newcastle/Gateshead<br />
[no] = Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Ireland<br />
15 PSC Informal Meeting [co]<br />
16 Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC Informal Meeting [co]<br />
19 Agriculture & Fisheries Council<br />
DCMS Ministerial Conference<br />
[br]<br />
20 Agriculture & Fisheries Council<br />
DCMS Ministerial Conference<br />
[br]<br />
PSC<br />
21 DCMS Ministerial Conference<br />
[br]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II<br />
22 DCMS Ministerial Conference<br />
[br]<br />
Coreper II Informal Meeting [ed]<br />
23 Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II Informal Meeting [ed]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
24 Coreper II Informal Meeting [ed]<br />
27 PSC [br]<br />
28 Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
29 Coreper II [br]<br />
30 Coreper I [br]<br />
OCTOBER<br />
3 GAERC, tbc<br />
Start of Accession<br />
[lu]<br />
Negotiations with Turkey [lu]<br />
4 PSC [br]<br />
Conciliation (starts at 18:30) [br]<br />
5 Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
6 Transport, Telecoms &<br />
Energy Council [lu]<br />
7 Transport, Telecoms &<br />
Energy Council [lu]<br />
PSC [br]
11 Competitiveness Council [lu]<br />
ECOFIN [lu]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
12 Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
13 JHA Council [lu]<br />
14 JHA Council [lu]<br />
Defence Ministeral Conference [bn]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
17 Environment Council [lu]<br />
18 PSC [br]<br />
19 Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC<br />
20 Informal Health Council<br />
[br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
21 Informal Health Council [br]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
24 GAERC, tbc [lu]<br />
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [lu]<br />
25 GAERC, tbc [lu]<br />
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [lu]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
26 Coreper I [br]<br />
27 European Council, tbc [br]<br />
28 European Council, tbc [br]<br />
NOVEMBER<br />
3 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer<br />
Affairs Council [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
4 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer<br />
Affairs Council [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
7 GAERC, tbc<br />
Equality Ministerial Conference<br />
[br]<br />
8 ECOFIN [br]<br />
Equality Ministerial Conference PSC [br]<br />
Conciliation tbc [br]<br />
9 Equality Ministerial Conference<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
11 Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
14 Education, Youth & Culture Council [br]<br />
15 Education, Youth & Culture Council [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
16 Development Ministerial Conference [le]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
17 Development Ministerial Conference [le]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
18 Coreper I [br]<br />
21 GAERC (including Defence/Development/<br />
Trade Ministers) [br]<br />
Trade Ministers Informal Dinner<br />
22 GAERC (including<br />
[br]<br />
Defence/Development/Trade Ministers) [br]<br />
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
23 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
24 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
ECOFIN (budget) [br]<br />
25 Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
28 Competitiveness Council [br]<br />
65<br />
DECEMBER<br />
1 JHA Council [br]<br />
Telecoms & Energy Council [br]<br />
2 Environment Council [br]<br />
JHA Council [br]<br />
Telecoms & Energy Council [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
5 Environment Council tba [br]<br />
Transport Council [br]<br />
6 ECOFIN [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
Conciliation (evening) [br]<br />
7 Coreper I [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
8 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer<br />
Affairs Council [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]<br />
9 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer<br />
Affairs Council [br]<br />
12 GAERC [br]<br />
Coreper I [br]<br />
13 GAERC [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
14 Coreper I [br]<br />
15 European Council [br]<br />
16 European Council [br]<br />
19 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
20 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
PSC [br]<br />
21 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]<br />
Coreper II [br]
About <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom<br />
The United Kingdom has a current population of around 60 million, concentrated in urban areas such as London and o<strong>the</strong>r major cities, such<br />
as Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds. The population is diverse, with many different ethnic groups who contribute to <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s<br />
vibrant and varied culture. There are devolved Parliaments in Scotland, Wales, and Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Ireland, with varying levels of jurisdiction.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> is described as a ‘constitutional monarchy’, in which Queen Elizabeth II is <strong>the</strong> head of state. The monarch’s executive powers<br />
are limited by constitutional rules and her role is mostly symbolic, representing Britain on state visits and ceremonial occasions. The <strong>UK</strong><br />
Government serves for a maximum 5-year term and is elected by First Past <strong>the</strong> Post electoral system which contributes to a prevailing<br />
political landscape that has led to <strong>the</strong> dominance of two major parties.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Parliament is one of <strong>the</strong> oldest representative assemblies in <strong>the</strong> world, having its origins in <strong>the</strong> mid-13th Century. The twochamber<br />
system began in <strong>the</strong> 14th Century in England: <strong>the</strong> House of Lords (<strong>the</strong> upper house) and <strong>the</strong> House of Commons (<strong>the</strong> lower<br />
house) sit separately and are constituted on entirely different principles.<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> General Election in May, <strong>the</strong> centre-left Labour Party led by Tony Blair was returned to power for a third term, with a majority<br />
reduced from 161 to 66 votes. The right-leaning Conservative Party is <strong>the</strong> main opposition and <strong>the</strong> centrist Liberal Democrats are <strong>the</strong> third<br />
party. In Europe, <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> has been a member of <strong>the</strong> European Union since 1973 and has 78 members of <strong>the</strong> European Parliament.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong>’s cultural heritage is diverse, and its history is celebrated as playing a crucial part in <strong>the</strong> identity and social fabric of <strong>the</strong> country<br />
today. The <strong>UK</strong> has produced some of <strong>the</strong> world’s most popular pop bands such as <strong>the</strong> Beatles and <strong>the</strong> Rolling Stones. Architectural<br />
achievements of its past and present, from Sir Christopher Wren to Sir Norman Foster are actively preserved and enjoyed by visitors<br />
and citizens alike. From <strong>the</strong> classic works of William Shakespeare, to Damien Hurst’s formaldehyde sheep - <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> has something to<br />
suit every taste. Its galleries, restaurants and <strong>the</strong>atres are a testament to <strong>the</strong> freedom of expression and <strong>the</strong> breadth of <strong>the</strong> cultural<br />
infl uences at work in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
Sport also plays its part in <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s culture, and London is currently bidding to play host to <strong>the</strong> 2012 Olympics. Football is <strong>the</strong> national<br />
sport with rugby union having recently seen a popular revival following <strong>the</strong> England team’s victory in <strong>the</strong> Sydney 2003 World Cup.<br />
The <strong>UK</strong> Government is also making signifi cant investments in sport across <strong>the</strong> country and has some of <strong>the</strong> best sports stadium in<br />
Europe, including <strong>the</strong> Millennium Stadium at Cardiff, and <strong>the</strong> soon to be completed, new Wembley Stadium in London.<br />
Science and technology, and British industry, have benefi ted from <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s emphasis on an enterprise economy and government<br />
investment. More than £16 billion per annum is spent on research and development in science, with a third of this provided by <strong>the</strong><br />
government. This has helped <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> to remain competitive within <strong>the</strong> global market.<br />
66
Credits<br />
Editorial team: Stephanie Bell, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> in London and Florian Cartoux and Romit Jain, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> in Brussels.<br />
The Editorial team and <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> would like to thank all those involved in contributing to and producing <strong>Inside</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong>.<br />
For <strong>the</strong>ir extended help we would like to thank in particular: Daniel Brinkwerth from <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> in Brussels and Emma Bowen-<br />
Davies, European Marketing Director, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong>.<br />
The views expressed in <strong>Inside</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> are those of <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> and those third parties directly attributed to specifi c<br />
sections, and not <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> ministries or Government.<br />
The content remains <strong>the</strong> intellectual property of <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong>, o<strong>the</strong>r than that accredited to third parties. All information is correct<br />
to <strong>the</strong> best of our knowledge at <strong>the</strong> time of going to print.<br />
The images for <strong>Inside</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Presidency</strong> were provided by Lawrence White. Lawrence White is a specialist PR and corporate PR<br />
photographer. For more information, please visit www.lolwhite.com or call +44 7956 272 672.<br />
12 May 2005<br />
67
John Russell, chief executive, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong>, Park Leopold, Rue Wiertz 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium<br />
Tel: +32 2 230 0775 - Fax: +32 2 230 1496 - eu-presidency@webershandwick.com<br />
www.webershandwick-eu.com<br />
Jon Mcleod, Managing Director, <strong>Weber</strong> <strong>Shandwick</strong> | Public Affairs, Fox Court, 14 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8WS, United Kingdom<br />
Tel: +44 20 7067 0000 - Fax: +44 870 990 5441 - jmcleod@webershandwick.com<br />
www.webershandwick.co.uk