Inside the UK Presidency - Weber Shandwick

9 th in our series of Presidency Guides
Inside the UK Presidency
July 2005 - December 2005

Contents
About Weber Shandwick
Introduction
05 John Russell and Jon Mcleod
Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries
06 Marco Chirullo
07 Stephen Rossides, Meat and Livestock Commission
Climate change
08 Iván Martín
09 Malcolm Brinded, Royal Dutch Shell
Competitiveness
10 Han Ten Broeke
11 Ian A Smith, Oracle
Consumer Policy
12 Tristan Suffys
13 Stephen Crampton, Which?
Culture
14 Khalid Ali
15 Ian Locks, PPA
Defence and Security
16 Nicolas Acker
17 Graham Cole, Agusta Westland
Development
18 Christian Hierholzer
19 George Gelber, CAFOD
Economic and Financial Affairs
20 Pierre-Gilles Denis and Francesco Laera
21 Anthony Belchambers, Futures and Options Association
Education
22 Sophie Jacobs
23 Sir David Green, British Council
Employment and Social Affairs
24 Tristan Suffys
25 Adrian Askew, Connect
Energy
26 Tove Larsson
27 Giuseppe de Palma, ExxonMobil Europe
Weber Shandwick contribution
Enlargement and Beyond
28 Aurica Pripa
29 Dr. Bahadir Kaleagasi, Turkish Industry and Business
Association
Environment
30 Patrick van Leeuwen
31 John Hontelez, European Environmental Bureau
External Relations
32 Romit Jain and Aurica Pripa
33 Joris Vos, The Boeing Company
Justice and Home Affairs
34 Romit Jain
35 Edward Nally, Law Society of England and Wales
Public Health and Pharmaceuticals
36 Ingrid van den Neucker
37 Frances Charlesworth, AstraZeneca
Research
38 Colin Mackay
39 Tachi Yamada, GlaxoSmithKline
Telecommunications and ICT
40 Florian Cartoux
41 Robin Pauley, BT
Trade
42 Marco Chirullo
43 Jack Thurston, Foreign Policy Centre
Transport
44 Nicolas Acker
45 Peter McClymont, bmi
47 People to Watch
57 Key Contacts
62 Useful Links
64 Key Dates
66 About the United Kingdom
67 Credits

About Weber Shandwick
The strong choice in public affairs
Weber Shandwick is one of the world's leading public relations agencies, and was recently named PR Agency of the Year 2005 by
PRWeek U.S. We have a core of over 75 owned offi ces in 38 countries and affi liates that expand the network to more than 100 offi ces
in 65 countries, including public affairs hubs in the heart of London and the EU quarter in Brussels. Each serves as a centre for clients
wanting to communicate with a range of audiences in a number of European countries.
Over time, Weber Shandwick has proven itself to be the strong choice in public affairs, securing its place as the number one agency
in terms of size, skill base and an unrivalled client list. We are uniquely placed to deliver public affairs excellence to clients across a
number of specialist industry sectors.
Both offi ces offer an unparalleled mix of senior communication experts and seasoned consultants drawn from the media, politics
and government, and the corporate sector. With a track record of more than 20 years advising companies on their relationship with
legislators, regulators and their infl uencers, we not only understand our client businesses but also how to manage the policy environment
in which they operate.
While many fi rms talk about their ability to monitor and track legislation, Weber Shandwick goes further. We help companies and
organisations to communicate with their stakeholders, advising on what to say, how to say it and who to say it to. One of our strengths
is a proven track record of involving important interest groups from industry to NGOs in the political debate. We specialise in leveraging
public affairs activities to create media opportunities, lobby for change in legislation or regulation, and ensure that organisations are in
a position to benefi t from opportunities created by the political environment.
The ninth in our series of guides to the Presidency of the European Union, Inside the UK Presidency provides an insight into the
Government’s priorities across each of the key policy competencies of the Council, and presents a revealing selection of views from a
host of businesses, NGOs, and industry associations, on what matters to them. It provides a pertinent reminder of a growing trend towards
public affairs engagement at the EU level, and of the increasing convergence of policy activity at the national, and supranational level.
John Russell Jon Mcleod
Chief Executive Offi cer, Brussels Managing Director, London
jrussell@webershandwick.com jmcleod@webershandwick.com
Parc Leopold Fox Court
Rue Wiertz 50 14 Gray’s Inn Road
B-1050 Brussels London WC1X 8WS
T +32 2 230 0775 T +44 20 7067 0000
F +32 2 230 1496 F +44 870 990 5441
www.webershandwick-eu.com www.webershandwick.co.uk
4

Introduction
John Russell and Jon Mcleod, Weber Shandwick
In Italy there is a saying that a thin pope is followed by a fat pope, and following the minnows of Luxembourg comes the UK Presidency of the
EU. More than simply one of the ‘heavyweight’ Member States, the UK is also seen as one of the most eurosceptic members of the Union.
There has been an air of anticipation for the UK’s Presidency of the EU, and with the General Election out of the way, the third-term Blair
administration has been settling its priorities for the second half of the year.
The elephant in the room for the UK's semester will be the outcome of the constitutional treaty referendum in France and that in the
Netherlands. 'No' votes will not only cast doubt on the UK's own referendum, but will also force it to choose whether to park, re-open
or write off the whole project. None of the options are politically appealing.
The workload for the UK Presidency is looking heavy, but the following priorities have already emerged:
▼ Better regulation will be a key agenda, with the Government keen to be seen to put pressure on the Commission to cut red tape,
and think harder about the impact of what it does
▼ the Services Directive, designed to better the operation of the two thirds of EU GDP that the services sector comprises, will be driven forward
▼ an action plan on fi nancial services will see pressure for improved implementation and enforcement of regulatory safeguards and
backing for alternatives to regulation
▼ the environment will be addressed through a new regulation on chemicals known as REACH (see p30) and a review of air quality standards
▼ agriculture will be dominated by a reform of the sugar regime designed to improve the balance between consumer and producer interests
▼ the trade agenda will be dominated by the December WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong, where it is expected that the Presidency
and Commission will be aligned, given that the European Commissioner for Trade is former UK Government minister Peter Mandelson
▼ development and Africa especially is an area where there will be a read-across with the UK's concurrent leadership of the G8
agenda: there will be a drive to increase the quality and quantity of aid to that continent
▼ the same is true of climate change, on which the Prime Minister will act for the EU in major summits with India, China and Russia,
among others: emissions trading and its extension to aviation will also be hot topics
▼ at the same time, an important transatlantic agenda will shine a light on trade and investment barriers vis-à-vis the US, not to
mention shared foreign policy concerns
▼ counter-terrorism will loom large with a twin-track of home affairs measures and a foreign policy action plan already agreed by member states
▼ the signifi cant role of the EU in the Middle East process will be a key feature, as will Iraq
▼ the 10th anniversary of the Euromed agenda, designed to enhance security and co-operation in Europe's back yard, will be
marked in November in Barcelona
▼ future relations with Russia and the Ukraine will be a big priority, with the future status of the latter as a candidate for accession a real hot button
▼ fi nally, accession negotiations regarding Turkey will kick off on 3 October: the UK has been a vocal supporter of Turkey’s joining the EU
Given the growing speculation surrounding the future of Tony Blair as Prime Minister, the UK Presidency provides a timely occasion on
which to augment his profi le internationally, and to enhance his legacy on the European and World stage. Blair will try hard to please the
domestic audience with the UK's agenda, though the spikey British media will focus on his succession, and trouble with the referendum on
the constitution due in 2006. At the same time questions are still looming about the desirability of the UK joining the euro at some point.
These debates look set to be re-ignited over the coming months.
5

Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries
by Marco Chirullo, Weber Shandwick
The absolute priority for agriculture policy in 2005 will be the reform of the EU sugar regime. Following a delay caused by a case in the
WTO against the EU sugar regime, the Commission is expected to publish legislative proposals for reform on 22 June.
The Agricultural Council will aim at agreeing on the regime by November, in time for the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Hong Kong, from
13 to 18 December. The Commission may produce, in tandem with the proposals, a package of transitional assistance measures to
help African, Caribbean and Pacifi c countries to deal with the negative effects of the sugar reform. This package would be dealt with
during the UK’s semester in charge.
The Council will also take forward negotiations on a new Rural Development Regulation that aims to provide EU fi nancial contribution
to schemes which promote restructuring of the agricultural industry, protect the environment or help diversifi cation in rural economies.
The UK is pressing for Member States’ programmes to have a much stronger emphasis on environmental land management schemes
which the Commission has proposed.
The Council has to agree, also as part of the Future Financing negotiations, to a new regulation on the framework for fi nancing the CAP.
Regarding food safety, the Council will continue to progress work on proposals for strengthening food and feed legislation as set out in
the Commission’s White Paper on Food Safety of January 2001. Work on food safety will include a new proposal on novel foods. The
issue of the coexistence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming will continue to be addressed. The Council will fi nalise work
on maximum residue levels of pesticides and start working on the placing of plant protection products on the market, the recasting of
feed labelling legislation and the proposal for a regulation on cadmium in fertilizers. If an agreement in the Council is not reached before
the end of the Luxembourg semester, the UK will also takeover work in the Health Council on the proposed regulations concerning health
and nutrition claims and fortifi ed foods.
As to fi sheries, the UK semester will continue to implement the reformed Common Fisheries Policy with measures aimed at streamlining
it and to ensure uniformity in the enforcement of EU measures and inspection. The semester could see the establishment of a number of
new Regional Advisory Councils (RAC) which the UK considers a key step to providing more regional management and better stakeholder
involvement in the fi sheries management process. Recovery plans will be adopted for depleted stocks and work will continue towards
meeting these important ecological goals. Other major issues will be defi ning a new fi sheries policy for the Mediterranean, setting up
a joint inspection structure and improving scientifi c advice for management decisions. The Council will also look at the Commission’s
proposal to simplify rules applied to fi sheries in the Baltic Sea.
6

y Stephen Rossides, Head of Policy,
Meat and Livestock Commission
The Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) is focussed on improving the effi ciency and promoting the interests of the British red meat
industry, with due regard for consumers. A wide range of EU policies and activities bear on the food and farming industry. We therefore
take a close interest in the work of the European institutions and the role of the rotating Presidency in shaping the EU policy agenda.
Negotiations on the future fi nancing of the EU will continue during the UK Presidency. With the UK amongst those Member States
favouring a 1% GNI limit, we have concerns about the implications for the adequate fi nancing of the Common Agricultural Policy
(CAP), including rural development. With talk of possible “co-fi nancing” arrangements, we are worried about the scope for possible
re-nationalisation of the CAP and attendant distortions of competition amongst Member States.
Sustainable development is a strategic priority across government in the UK and increasingly at the EU level also. Maintaining and
improving the competitiveness of the food and farming industry is a key priority for MLC, particularly following reform of the CAP. So,
whether in the UK or in Europe, MLC looks to the UK Government and the EU authorities to place the economic dimension of sustainable
development on an equal footing with the environmental and social components.
Regulation is a major burden on the food and farming industry. MLC would like to see better regulation from Brussels. A good starting
point would be proper regulatory impact assessments by the European Commission of draft EU legislation, as well as the simplifi cation
and consolidation of existing legislation.
Globalisation of food supply and the expectation of further trade liberalisation through the WTO, together with CAP reform, pose
challenges and offer opportunities for EU and British food producers. As WTO talks progress, the EU’s negotiators must strive for a fair
and balanced outcome which, while progressing the Doha Development Agenda, also protects the EU’s legitimate non-trade concerns,
including our high animal welfare standards and food origin concerns. We also we look for consistency in the way third countries treat
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
higher, not lower, production standards globally.
We expect the important diet and health debate that is taking place here in the UK to be echoed at the EU level. The issues are
complex. While consumers rightly seek clear information and guidance, it is important to avoid responding with simplistic and potentially
misleading advice and food labelling systems.
We also expect a new Rural Development Regulation to be adopted. As the balance of spending within the CAP begins to shift, MLC
wants to see a well-funded rural development policy, effective so-called “axis 1” (competitiveness) measures in the new Regulation and
a fair share of EU rural development funds for the UK.
Given the rapid fall in BSE cases in the UK, and with the UK now on the same “BSE risk status” as other Member States, a specifi c priority
for the UK meat and livestock industry is to restore normal beef exports to the rest of the EU by ending the Date-Based Export Scheme.
7

Climate change
by Iván Martín, Director, Weber Shandwick
With climate change at the top of the political agenda for its parallel presidencies of the EU and the G-8 during the second half of 2005,
the UK will be at the forefront of the international climate change negotiations, which will continue in November 2005 in the framework
of the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention.
The UK Government’s climate change strategy focuses on three main elements:
▼ Improving the scientifi c understanding of the relationships between greenhouse gas emissions and the associated level of
climate change.
▼ Dissemination and promotion of already existing low carbon technologies, such as photovoltaic technologies, fuel cells, and
carbon capture and long-term storage, the latter emphasised by the UK Government as one of the crucial elements of a
carbon reductions strategy in the decades to come.
▼ Securing worldwide action to combat climate change, notably by seeking the engagement of countries with growing energy
needs, including China and India.
As the basis for the policy discussions during the UK Presidency is the Commission Communication on “Winning the battle against
climate change”, presented in February this year, which focuses on medium- and longer-term targets and post-2012 Kyoto strategies.
In this context, the UK Presidency is expected to emphasise the need for broader international participation to the Kyoto Protocol as
well as the inclusion of more sectors. On the table is the Commission recommendation to extend the scope of international action to
cover all greenhouse gases and sectors, including “the fast growing emissions from aviation and maritime transport”. As for future
goals, a reference is the indicative targets considered by the EU Heads of State and Government at the March Spring Council to achieve
emissions reductions of 15-30% by 2020.
Another key task for the UK Government will be the preparations for the 11th meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (COP-11), taking place between 28 November and 9 December in Montreal, Canada. The UK Presidency will have to
coordinate the Council position on a new post-2012 arrangement ahead of the COP-11, ensuring the widest possible cooperation by
all countries and seeking at the same time to ensure that the EU consolidates its leading role by demonstrating progress towards its
Kyoto commitments. The summits with China, India and Russia, taking place during the UK Presidency will provide further opportunities
to infl uence international climate change policy developments.
The expected growth in demand and consequently emissions for transport, including aviation, has led the UK Government to emphasise
the need to develop cleaner and more effi cient aircraft and vehicles. As a key measure in this direction, the UK Government will argue
strongly for bringing the aviation sector into the EU emissions trading scheme in the next phase of its development in 2008. Other
possible options which could be addressed during the Presidency include a charging system based on the quantities of fuel burned and
a tax on kerosene. A Commission Communication on reducing the climate change impact of aviation, expected in September 2005,
would provide the background for future discussions.
Finally, the UK Presidency will aim to reach an agreement with the European Parliament on the legislative proposals relating to fl uorinated
greenhouse gases, including from mobile air conditioning in cars at the December Environment Council.
8

y Malcolm Brinded,
Executive Director, Royal Dutch Shell
The EU has become a clear leader in the development of climate change policy measures, embracing market mechanisms such as
emissions trading and more recently setting out a longer-term objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15-30% by 2020.
Whilst such an objective is laudable, it has a profound effect on the energy infrastructure that must be developed over the next 20 years,
starting with investment decisions being made by business today. This means that any attempt to address climate change will also
impact on the delivery of energy and that energy and climate change policy development must be closely integrated. As an illustration
of this point, it is useful to explore one potential path forward.
Today the EU-25 uses about 70 ExaJoules (EJ) of primary energy and as a result emits about 1.3 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon to the
atmosphere (about one sixth of the global total). Energy demand across the EU 25 can be expected to grow over the next 20 years,
with particular pressure coming from the expanding economies of the ten new members. With energy effi ciency measures in place, this
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
of the following by 2025:
▼ Nearly a third of all coal fi red power generation capacity will need to utilise carbon capture and storage technology,
which means this technology must be commercialised by the end of this decade. Today it is principally a research and
development activity.
▼ Natural gas use needs to grow by some 50%, with the emphasis on power generation.
▼ Nuclear power remains a key zero carbon energy source (growing by some 10% over the period), yet the future of this
technology is unclear in many parts of the EU.
▼ Renewable energy (wind and solar) will need to grow substantially, with wind power alone being some 10-20 times today’s
levels across the EU 25. This means a consistent approach across the EU to renewables development policy.
▼ With the call on mobility continuing to grow, transport must change considerably. Average on-the-road vehicle effi ciency will
need to improve by 50% and a zero emission alternative (e.g. advanced bio-fuels or hydrogen from renewables) must have
a strong foothold in the sector (approaching 10% on-the-road).
This example is illustrative and clearly challenging, but demonstrates the need for energy and transport policy also to address climate
change, rather than environmental policy alone. The environmental objectives and resultant policy must be consistent with changes in
the energy infrastructure that can feasibly take place given the long development and life times for large energy projects. The opportunity
for the UK Presidency is to make signifi cant progress in establishing the way forward, such that the necessary long-term investment
decisions required by business today align with an energy policy framework that also delivers the required environmental objectives.
9

Competitiveness
by Han Ten Broeke, Director, Weber Shandwick
Competitiveness is expected to be a key theme for the UK Presidency as the EU fi nds itself at the halfway point of its 2000 goal of
becoming ‘the world’s most competitive knowledge based economy by 2010’. Earlier this year the new Barroso Commission unveiled
its mid term review of the Lisbon Strategy placing priority on higher economic growth and employment over social inclusion and
sustainable environment. This puts the ball back in Member States’ courts and refocuses the Lisbon Strategy to the central goal of
more growth and job creation.
Under the UK Presidency, Member States will start implementing the Commission's Broad Economic Policy Guidelines (BEPG) and the
Commission’s proposals on Employment Guidelines. It is under the same Presidency that the Commission will publish the fi rst results
on progress made with respect to their "national Lisbon/reform programmes".
The UK Presidency will be also keen to make progress on the controversial issue of the Services Directive. As the second largest
exporter of market services in the world, the UK Government has been a strong supporter of the Commission’s proposal. Services in
Europe represent two thirds of Europe’s growth national product (GNP) and its benefi ts have already been felt in areas like telecoms,
transport and the car industries. The UK Presidency will now hope that the European Parliament can fi nd a compromise between job
creation and safeguard areas crucial to public interest. A swift adoption by the European Parliament in the fi rst reading (scheduled for
the end of the summer) would pave the way for the Council to adopt a political agreement before the end of the year.
The UK Presidency will hope to have a policy debate at its November Competitiveness Council on the Commission’s Competitiveness
and Innovation Framework (CIF) Programme, their new spending programme aimed at creating economic growth and more jobs.
Though this programme has several facets, we expect the UK Presidency to focus widely on the theme of better regulation. This is
particularly applicable for ICTs that account for only 40% of Europe’s productivity instead of 60%, as they do in the United States. Better
regulation is a key driver for enhancing competitiveness in the ICT sector and the development of new communication technologies
such as Internet telephony. New services like Internet telephony, known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) have huge growth potential
as they will lower costs, boost productivity and free cash up for households and SMEs to invest in new products and services. Their
growth potential creates also a regulatory challenge to traditional telecommunication companies and new service providers. On this
particular matter, the UK Presidency will be keen to see the Commission/European Regulators Group adopt a common approach.
Finally, the UK Presidency will make a high priority of REACH, the EU’s chemical legislation, and will have the challenging task to lead
EU ministers towards reaching a political agreement on this complex and politically charged dossier. REACH is the new EU chemicals
policy framework impacting virtually all sectors across the supply chain and could create new markets for safer chemicals, and pushing
companies to innovate and raise standards.
10

y Ian A Smith, Senior Vice President, Oracle Corp. and
Managing Director, Oracle, UK, Ireland and South Africa
Oracle is one of the world’s most innovative organisations. We are continually developing new technologies to help transform our
customers’ business and enable them to compete effectively. To that end, Oracle is greatly concerned that growth in the European Union
remains low compared with other economic regions of the world.
Europe’s economic output per head is approximately one third lower than the US and worryingly, productivity is growing less over time.
Europe’s competitiveness is critical to both the growth of our business and the success of our customers’ business. Oracle has fully
endorsed Commission President Barroso’s commitment to the Lisbon Agenda and his intention to “seek new high-tech means to foster
growth.” We fi rmly believe that the UK Government should use its imminent Presidency to commit to driving Europe’s competitiveness
on the global stage.
At Oracle we believe there are two inter related issues that the UK Presidency must seek to address to achieve Europe’s growth goals:
▼ The skills gap in Europe
▼ The region’s shortfall in Information Technology (IT) investment
Europe frustratingly spends only 1.9 percent of GDP on research and development (R&D), while in the more productive economies of
US, Korea and Japan, the fi gure is nearly twice that. In the US, IT contributes to 60 percent of productivity, but in Europe IT contributes
to only 40 percent of productivity.
The European Commission’s own Competitiveness Report found a positive correlation between productivity and levels of research
& development, the number of students in higher education and specialisation in high-tech activities. Regions rich in this type of
investment are far more likely to have a well-developed entrepreneurial culture, helping to continue to foster the type of exciting
industries that Europe can and does lead the world in - bio-technology, wireless mobility and Grid Computing. The European Union
objective of increasing our R&D level to 3 percent is warmly welcomed.
Europe’s future growth is tied to the skills of its workers. We believe that a focus on education, particularly a greater commitment
to maths and science subjects, can help drive future productivity. Education reform must be a priority to ensure that we produce an
innovative workforce with the necessary enterprise and business skills to compete in the global economy. The UK Presidency should be
seen as an opportunity to actively promote co-operation between European businesses and educational institutions, something that we
have been successfully spearheading at Oracle UK. We have a responsibility to help all young people achieve.
By taking a shared approach to the skills gap through partnerships with schools, universities, businesses, venture capitalists and
government, and by harnessing the latest innovations in IT, Europe has the opportunity to become the economic tiger of the world.
11

Consumer Policy
by Tristan Suffys, Weber Shandwick
The UK Government has been very active on nutrition policy and in the fi ght against obesity at home. In taking over the Presidency of
the European Union, the UK has identifi ed nutrition and obesity as priority issues for its six-month term. As these issues are also high on
the agenda of other EU institutions, in particular for European Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, substantive progress can be expected
on a number of nutritional issues.
The UK Presidency is likely to prioritise the achievement of a common position on the draft Regulation on health and nutritional claims
used in labelling, which is currently under discussion in the European Parliament. The Presidency may also push for progress on the
draft Regulation on sales promotions, which has been deadlocked in the Council since 2002; but they will have to untangle the problems
of the duration of the transitional period before applying the Regulation and the principle of mutual recognition of national laws.
In the fi eld of consumer protection, the Luxembourg Presidency was marked by the adoption of the Directive on unfair commercial
practices. The UK Presidency is likely, for its part, to achieve progress on cross-border litigation on consumer and commercial claims.
The UK has been strongly supportive of a regulation on small claims, which was recently presented by the Commission.
Another consumer protection issue where progress is expected is consumer credit. While the initial Commission’s proposal for a
directive on credit for consumers foresaw full harmonisation, the European Parliament has opposed this approach. As the European
Commission has indicated that it will adopt an amended proposal, different to the text it proposed in November 2004, the Luxembourg
Presidency has not made any progress on this issue. The UK Presidency is thus expected to work intensively on the Commission’s new
draft, which should be published before the UK starts its Presidency. The UK’s objective is to reach a common position by the end of
2005, depending on Member States’ reactions to the Commission’s new amended proposal. Although, this seems somewhat ambitious
given the diffi culties the Commission is experiencing internally to agree on the proposal.
But the most sensitive issue the UK Presidency will have to deal with is certainly the draft Directive on Services in the internal market,
aimed at removing trade barriers and burdensome national legislation that hinder the free provision of services and free establishment
of service providers in another Member State. This proposal to open up the EU market for services is a key element of the Lisbon
Strategy and its implementation should result in 600,000 new jobs.
Following emotional debate on the impact of this Directive to public services, and in general to the conditions of work and ‘social
dumping’, the need for profound changes to the initial draft has been recognised by all EU institutions. Some MEPs and Member States
have argued for the removal of the country of origin principle or for exempting many sectors from its application. The UK Government
has been a strong supporter of the Commission’s proposal, particularly because of the importance the provision of services makes to
the UK economy. It will now play an active role in helping fi nd a compromise between job creation and the safeguard of areas crucial to
the public interest, as the European Parliament is expected to complete its First Reading in the autumn of 2005.
12

y Stephen Crampton, EU Advisor, Which?
Stephen Crampton, EU Adviser of Which?, looks ahead to the UK Presidency and the prospects for consumers. Which? (formerly
Consumers' Association) is an independent, not-for-profi t consumer organisation and is the largest consumer association in Europe.
The UK Presidency comes at a time of major change in EU consumer affairs. High on its agenda will be the Commission’s new
consumer and health programme, which includes a proposal to expand the existing EU public health executive agency so that it can
take on a consumer research role, focusing on market analysis and improving the knowledge base.
The adoption of the unfair commercial practices Directive in April, designed to tackle aggressive and misleading selling, kicks off a major
review of both the consumer acquis and Member States’ own consumer protection legislation. Together with our colleagues in BEUC,
our Europe-wide association, we are looking to see rapid progress in implementing the new EU regulation on cross-border co-operation,
to enable national consumer enforcement authorities to work effectively with their counterparts elsewhere in the EU to crack down
on cross-border scams. The UK’s Offi ce of Fair Trading has recently shown how important this is, with its action in the Belgian courts
against a company in Belgium trading in the UK.
A revised consumer credit draft Directive will also be on the agenda. Which? supports the opening up of the single market in consumer
credit, but does not want valuable national provisions to be sacrifi ced. One example is the UK’s legal protection under which credit
card issuers are jointly liable with the retailer where problems arise with purchases over £100 – something that benefi ts business too,
because it contributes to consumer confi dence.
We hope that the UK Presidency will make progress on the Commission's proposals on health and nutrition claims, to put an end
to misleading health and nutrition claims. We hope too that the UK Presidency will actively support the EU Platform for Action on
Diet, Physical Activity and Health. Key proposals to improve nutrition labelling on pre-packed foods may also emerge during the UK
Presidency.
Which? is also looking for gains for consumers in other policy areas through initiatives to make sure that consumer concerns are taken
into account in Community policies such as fi nancial services, trade, transport and agriculture, where too often producer interests are
dominant. A new WTO agreement to cut Europe’s trade protectionism, which costs over £1,000 for every EU citizen each year, must
be a high priority.
We are also hoping for progress on the beleaguered Services Directive which should increase competition and consumer choice,
subject to changes to ensure that consumers can buy services cross-border with confi dence.
Which? is also pressing for tougher enforcement of EU competition policy and wants to see the introduction of an EU ‘supercomplaints’
procedure to enable consumer bodies such as Which? to raise cases formally with the Commission. We have recently persuaded the
Commission to intervene in the arrangements for selling tickets to the football World Cup, which discriminated against UK consumers:
we await the outcome of a complaint about the pricing of music downloads by iTunes in different Member States.
Which? is keen to see initiatives to promote real reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Top of our list is action on the immoral and
discredited EU sugar regime, which forces Europe’s consumers to pay high prices in order to help EU producers steal markets from
some of the world’s poorest countries.
13

Culture
by Khalid Ali, Weber Shandwick
With so much of Europe’s richness being derived from its culture, its signifi cance as a policy domain cannot be under-estimated. A
glance at the European Treaties shows that the reference to ‘culture’ is embedded into the very same texts that prevent companies from
holding a dominant position and allow the people of Europe to move freely.
With 10 new fl avours added to the EU mix (the EU expansion in May 2004) and the growing attention on the relationship between
immigrant communities and their recipient societies, there is recognition amongst Member States and civil society for the need of a
more structured dialogue on culture. With this in mind the UK Presidency will be trying to ensure the implementation of a proposed
work plan in favour of culture by addressing themes of intercultural dialogue (ICD). The key themes being addressed by the ICD pull on
the strings of mutual understanding between new and old Member States, creating a dialogue between religious or ethnic groups and
combating prejudice.
The Culture and MEDIA 2007 programmes are two initiatives that the UK Presidency hopes to make progress on. Culture 2007 will
replace and extend the existing programme (Culture 2000) by promoting trans-national mobility for everyone working in the cultural
sector in the EU, while also encouraging the circulation of cultural works and artistic products.
MEDIA 2007 will follow on from the current MEDIA Plus and MEDIA Training programmes. Its principal aim will be to preserve and
promote Europe’s cultural diversity and cinematic/ audiovisual heritage by ensuring public access to this heritage and encouraging
dialogue between cultures. Although negotiations on the Financial Perspectives are ongoing, the UK Presidency is optimistic that it will
be able to wrap up a political agreement for both programmes by the end of its term.
The Presidency will also look to make progress on priority initiatives fl owing from the new culture work plan, agreed during the Dutch
Presidency, including those on mobility of collections and the digitalisation of cultural heritage. The Presidency will also start discussions
on the new Capitals of Culture proposal, which revises the decision taken in May 1999 setting out the procedure for naming the
European Capitals of Culture, particularly with regard to the role of the selection panel.
Two key events will be held under the UK Presidency include CATALYST; a four day event (13 -17 September) spread out in Manchester
and Liverpool, which will focus on cultural learning in Eastern Europe. On 5 -7 October, a creative economy conference will be held in
London, issues on the table include anti-piracy, copyright and the protection of artists.
14

y Ian Locks,
Chief Executive, PPA (Periodical Publishers Association)
PPA is looking for the UK Presidency to reinforce the strong UK principles of press freedom and self-regulation. Publishers need to see
current regulatory creep being pushed back, and they need and expect the UK Presidency to take a strong stance on country of origin
– a position that enhances cross-border trade.
Within these overall aims, there are specifi c issues that need to be addressed, many of which do not fall under the direct title of culture.
PPA is concerned that the UK Presidency may seek to avoid confronting issues necessary to deliver a more harmonious and less
restrictive legislative environment.
Rome II: This is the draft Regulation on choice of law in non-contractual cross-border disputes such as for violations of privacy or rights
relating to the personality. Publishers need to know what legal standard their material must meet with certainty otherwise their ability
to communicate will be materially restricted.
The UK Government is urged to support the proposal that the relevant law should be that of the country where editorial decisions are
taken, both in the case of international and online publications.
Television Without Frontiers Directive (TVWF): Publishers have also been concerned that the TVWF Directive will be extended to online
material, but have been reassured by Commission offi cials that the new Directive will only apply to audiovisual services.
Whilst publishers welcome recent clarifi cations it must be questionable whether there is a need for EU regulation of audiovisual services
which should otherwise be in the competence of member states - except where this amounts to a restriction of cross-border trade.
Regulation on the protection of minors and human dignity and the right of reply: The proposal for this regulation is for debate in the
Culture Committee of the European Parliament. The legislative justifi cation for a regulation is debatable and the nature of the proposal
ambiguous. Under Article 157, to which the resolution has regard, the Council may only decide on measures to support action taken
by Member States.
This does not have the support of publishers and should not be pursued by the UK Presidency.
Food advertising: The issue of food advertising to children, and associated obesity of all age groups, is currently high profi le in the UK
and other EU countries. Self-regulation should be strongly supported by the UK Presidency, especially given its proven UK track record.
Again, Commissioner Reding has strongly suggested this is the preferred route alongside co-regulation where appropriate. In the UK,
PPA is working with the Advertising Association to deliver a self-regulatory framework by 2006.
Alcohol advertising: In the EU alcohol is a more sensitive topic than food advertising, as some offi cials view alcohol alongside tobacco
as a drug to be controlled, and therefore seek a total ban.
It is possible that despite assurances from Commissioner Reding, political considerations will see an attempt to resurrect this issue.
PPA is working with Combined Academic Publishers in the UK to ensure advertising guidelines are properly refl ective of current thinking
but not unnecessarily restrictive.
15

Defence and Security
by Nicolas Acker, Weber Shandwick
On 5 November 2004, EU Heads of State renewed their commitment to security by agreeing a comprehensive fi ve-year work programme
aimed at creating an area of Freedom, Security and Justice across the EU. The UK Government particularly welcomed the focus on
measures which add value to Member States’ efforts to counter terrorist threats such as the incorporation of biometrics into travel
documents and will implement the Commission’s detailed action plan as part of its Presidency of the EU.
Preventing new individuals turning to terrorism, pursuing terrorists and their sponsors, protecting the public and preparing for the
consequences of an attack are key elements of the UK Presidency strategy. For instance, the UK Presidency will continue working on
creating the legal framework for the development of the Visa Information System (VIS) and also take forward work on the European
Evidence Warrant, which will help fi ght terrorist organisations.
It is also under the UK Presidency that the budget allocated to security research under the 7th EU Research Framework Programme will
be discussed. On 7 April 2005, the Commission proposed 4 billion for security and space for the period 2007-2013.
Prime Minister Tony Blair remains committed to a European Security and Defence Policy within the context of a strong transatlantic
alliance and with NATO as the key element of EU security, emphasising the role of the United Kingdom as a transatlantic bridge.
The UK Presidency priority regarding ESDP will be the success of the EU Force mission in Bosnia, launched in December 2004 and
currently led by a British Commander. More generally, the UK is in favour of expanding the Petersberg Tasks – i.e. humanitarian and
rescue, peacekeeping and peacemaking tasks – and would like to see the EU move beyond dealing with long-term problems and
instead tackle more immediate ones, which require more responsive and effective military instruments.
Another major focus will be the continuing development of crisis management instruments. The EU will generate new capabilities in order to
complement and enhance what NATO already provides. The UK Presidency will help ensure the new Civil/ Military Cell, aimed at strengthening
the EU strategic planning for joint military and civilian missions, plays an effective role as soon as possible once operational.
The UK Presidency will work with the new European Defence Agency, led by Nick Witney, former Director General of International
Security Policy at the UK Ministry of Defence, to generate fresh momentum towards the "Headline Goal 2010" which aims at addressing
EU capabilities shortfalls. The UK Government sees the Agency as an important means through which to improve European capabilities
and wants it to be “capability led”. However, the UK Government does not view, nor would it support, the Agency as a nucleus for
European procurement and a single budget for defence.
The UK Presidency will also lead the follow-up debates on the Commission Green Paper on Defence Procurement aimed at clarifying the rules
in force that govern defence spending and the possibility, in the long run, of freeing up the European defence public procurement market.
Finally, the UK Government plans as the Presidency to revise and prioritise the EU counter nuclear proliferation strategy. Also, even if
experts believe the ban will probably stay in place at least until next year, it will also have to moderate discussions within the EU on the
possible lifting of the EU’s arms embargo on China.
16

y Graham Cole,
Non-Executive Director, Agusta Westland
Battlefi eld helicopters now more than ever play a key role in military operations and are a pre-requisite for expeditionary forces. In
partnership with the UK’s Ministry of Defence, we are working to support the UK’s helicopter fl eet. We want to ensure that we continue to
be at the centre of what Lord Bach calls the “most capable fl eet in Europe”. This partnership, however, exists in a much wider context.
Security – and its natural partner, Defence – is one of three top Government priorities for the UK Presidency. There was an element of choice,
but events would have forced it on to the agenda. There are major global factors which are likely to infl uence the course of the Presidency.
Firstly, the EU arms embargo on China is still in place. US objections have delayed a decision and Europe may very well turn to the UK
for leadership. While many European countries view the embargo – imposed after Tiananmen – as outdated, it still serves a purpose
for the US. Without it, there is genuine anxiety that China, armed with a shopping list, may splurge on weaponry, altering the balance of
power in the Pacifi c and acquiring sensitive technology in the process.
The US has therefore adopted a two-pronged approach: diplomatic efforts are focused on other European Governments, while the
Pentagon has begun to tug on the purse strings of its European contractors in the certain knowledge that few companies will wish to
jeopardize their position in the US for the sake of uncertain future rewards from the Chinese market.
Secondly, European defence companies are increasingly impacted by the low levels of domestic defence spending. In 2003, NATO’s
European members were only spending 1.9% of their GDP on defence compared with the US’s 3.7%. As that spending gap grows the
US market will become more and more important.
Unfortunately, the EU’s search for an ‘autonomous defence identity’ has added to transatlantic tension. If the EU both lifts the embargo
on China and aggressively pursues a separate defence plan, it will run counter to US interests.
Thus, the UK Presidency will see Tony Blair pulled in separate directions: by his duty to lead the EU and the fear that if he does he will
irreparably damage the ‘special relationship’ with the US. He will have to work hard to maintain the balance which he has established
between the US and Europe.
The Government has already indicated the line it plans to tread: supporting the European Defence Agency while emphasising the need
for co-operation. The EU’s growing capability will be made to complement and enhance what NATO already provides.
Such changes to the transatlantic relationship may have unexpected consequences. Europe, driven by fear of a US monopoly and
restricted access to US technology, may fi nally fi nd the will to restructure the European defence industry. We shall have to see whether
greater unity between the separate defence industrial interests of Britain, France, Germany and Italy will help to secure the economic
future of the industry as a whole.
17

Development
by Christian Hierholzer, Weber Shandwick
Even before its launch, one of the outstanding features of the UK Presidency is the priority it has given to development policy. More than
any EU Presidency in the recent past the UK Government has emphasised the responsibility of developed countries for the poor regions
of the world and the need for an ambitious EU development policy.
The enormous political importance that the UK is placing upon development is partly linked to the UK Government’s conviction of its
necessity and partly that three international key events will coincide with the UK Presidency’s period in offi ce: the G8 summit in July,
also presided over by the UK, the high-level UN Millennium Review Summit in September and the WTO Ministerial Meeting taking place
in Hong Kong in December.
The preparation of the UN Millennium Review Summit will especially dominate the EU development policy agenda in the coming months.
The EU’s wish to take a leading role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals will refl ect in its input for the September meeting
which will be prepared and discussed by the European Parliament and Council under the supervision of the UK Presidency.
In addition, the UK Presidency will also oversee the general revision of the EU’s Development Policy Statement that dates back to the
year 2000. The revision commenced with the launch of a stakeholder consultation earlier this year. Based upon the outcome of the
consultation the Commission will present a report in the coming months in which it is expected to suggest the setting of new objectives
and key policy principles. It is very likely that the UK Presidency will work to ensure that the revised Statement remains focused on
poverty reduction and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Another focus of the UK Presidency in the development policy area will be the simplifi cation and rationalisation of the EU’s external
spending structure in line with the UK’s believe that such a reform is key to improve the transparency and effectiveness of external
spending. In this context, the UK Presidency will remain opposed to the integration of the European Development Fund into the main
Community budget.
A particular priority will be given to Africa. In March the UK-sponsored Commission for Africa presented a report which calls for a radical
change in the way donors behave and deliver assistance. The report which was warmly welcomed by the European Commission argues
for a dramatic increase of aid to Africa, better governance, wider debt-relief, a shift towards capacity-building and the gradual removal
of trade barriers for the poorest countries. It can be expected that the UK Presidency will work to infl uence the EU development policy,
in general, and the EU policy towards Africa, in particular, along these lines.
Regarding the latter, the Commission is currently working on a Communication on a EU Strategy for Africa which is scheduled to come
out towards the end of the UK Presidency in November.
Finally, the UK will drive forward the EU’s agreement to draw a package of further measures to help the countries affected by the
Tsunami in line with its credo to focus the aid where it is most needed.
18

y George Gelber, Head of Public Policy, CAFOD
For the development community, the UK Presidency of the European Union will start with a bang, as it coincides with the meeting of
G8 leaders at Gleneagles.
At the beginning of July thousands of Make Poverty History campaigners are expected to fl ock to Edinburgh to make clear their
demands for a fairer deal for the world’s poor from G8 and EU leaders. Unfair trade rules, debt and inadequate levels of development
aid all contribute to keeping one in six of the world’s population living in absolute poverty. Every three seconds a child dies as a result
of extreme poverty.
CAFOD is anticipating that the UK will champion a “Development Presidency” in which the EU looks beyond its borders to Africa and
the rest of the developing world.
The timing is crucial as the world has only a decade left to achieve the 2015 target date for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
launched by the United Nations in 2000 to reduce global poverty. At present it is estimated that the goals will not be met for another
150 years in many parts of Africa. The only way that the goals will be met is with considerable commitment from the richest countries
to help the poorest countries through the areas trade, aid and debt.
The EU – the European Commission together with EU Member States – is already the world’s largest donor of humanitarian and
development aid but a key goal for the UK Presidency should be to ensure that the EU sets a timetable for reaching the long-promised
United Nations target of 0.7% of GNI earmarked for development aid.
To ensure that the MDGs are met, an additional $50 billion a year is needed. Currently, the “old EU” of 15 Member States gives 0.35%
of its collective wealth. By raising its development spending to the UN target the EU would put a staggering additional $37 billion on the
aid table – enough to put many countries on track to achieve the MDGs.
On the issue of trade, in March the Blair Government dropped its previous commitment to enforced liberalisation of markets and instead
endorsed the fi ndings of the Commission for Africa report, that without the necessary economic capacity and infrastructure to trade
competitively, trade liberalisation can be harmful to developing country economies.
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
poverty, lower labour standards and cause environmental damage within the developing world.
The stance may bring the UK into confl ict with fellow members and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson as they work towards
the adoption of new trading agreements with African, Caribbean and Pacifi c countries under WTO- compatible Economic Partnership
Agreements (EPAs), which scrap preferential market access deals in favour of free trade agreements.
Under EPA agreements, developing countries would be forced to open up their markets and scrap trade tariffs, which provide a vital
source of income that historically has proved impossible to recoup from other areas of tax for the poorest countries.
The UK Government should use its infl uence to persuade fellow Member States to allow developing countries to prioritise poverty
reduction in their trade strategies and liberalisation commitments.
19

Economic and Financial Affairs
by Pierre-Gilles Denis, Senior Advisor
and Francesco Laera, Weber Shandwick
The main driving force of the UK Presidency economic and fi nancial agenda will be the reduction of the barriers to trade and the free
movement of workers, goods, capital and services within the Union.
Progress in this fi eld will not necessarily be achieved by far-reaching legislation, as the UK Presidency is expected to adopt a light-touch
approach. Alongside the Commission and Parliament, the UK Presidency welcomes proposals for impact assessments and screening
exercises on future legislative proposals. The UK Presidency will start the work on the better regulation dossier around October, after the
publication of the Commission’s communication on the results of the ongoing impact assessment to promote simplifi cation.
The UK Presidency is expected to take forward dossiers such as the Capital Requirements Directive (Basel II), the post-Financial
Services Action Plan, and the Company Law and Corporate Governance.
Substantial progress is expected in the fi eld of the implementation of the Basel II Accord. After the expected approval of the Capital
Requirements Directive by the European Parliament in July 2005, the Council will work to achieve a common position and look to adopt
the Directive by the end of the year.
The UK Presidency will continue to focus on implementation and enforcement of the Financial Services Action Plan with the aim of
competitive integration of the EU fi nancial markets. The Council agenda will be infl uenced by the Commission’s recent green paper on
fi nancial services. The UK Presidency will work to reduce the fragmentation of the retail fi nancial services market and to make crossborder
use of bank accounts more consumer friendly. Other issues where progress will be achieved include supervisory practices
convergence, cross-border investment, and asset management.
Building on the work done during the Luxembourg Presidency, the UK aims to achieve a smooth and uniform implementation of the
controversial Savings Directive, which is due to come into force on 1 July 2005. Together with the Commission, the UK Presidency will
ensure that third countries apply the Directive correctly.
Substantial progress is expected on company law and corporate governance. In particular, the Council will formally adopt the “10th Company
Law” Directive on cross-border mergers on the basis of an expected political agreement in June 2005, and the “8th Company Law” Directive
on statutory audit. A proposal for a directive on the cross-border transfer of company "seat" (the “14th Company Law”) is also expected in the
second half of the year. The UK Presidency is also expected to start the work on the "2nd Company Law Directive" on capital maintenance
and alteration, which aims at simplifying EU rules on companies' capital, while ensuring safeguards for creditors and investors.
The Luxembourg Presidency worked closely with the UK Presidency to move toward a political agreement on the next multi-annual framework
on “Financial Perspectives 2007-2013”. As Member States’ positions still diverge, this issue may run into the UK Presidency. The British
Government is currently suggesting a 1% of gross national income (GNI) ceiling for the EU budget, as opposed to an average of 1.14%
proposed by the Commission. Within this budgetary context, the UK Presidency will also continue to assert the need for their abatement.
Other priorities in the fi eld of economic and fi nancial affairs will be the regulatory convergence between the EU and the USA, and the
post-trading securities market. The UK Presidency is expected to start work on this on the basis of the Commission’s impact assessment
and the European Parliament’s report, expected in the second half of the year.
20

y Anthony Belchambers, Chief Executive,
Futures and Options Association
On 1 July this year, the UK takes over the Presidency and so far as fi nancial services are concerned, it is essential that HM Treasury
concentrates its efforts on securing the delivery of an effi cient internal market in fi nancial services and advancing the international
competitiveness of the EU’s fi nancial services industry, which requires:
▼ a) delivering on the economic and commercial targets that stand behind the Financial Services Action Plan (FSAP) i.e. liberal
market access, effective and appropriate standards of investor protection, wider consumer choice and reductions in the
cost of trading, investing and raising capital;
▼ b) identifying and initiating the dismantling of any continuing internal barriers to cross-border EU business;
▼ c) progressing the delivery across the EU of balanced, proportionate and fair implementation and enforcement of EU Directives
and the enabling rules of Member States;
▼ d) accelerating the regulatory dialogue with non-EU countries, particularly with the US, in order to establish a more simplifi ed
and coherent framework of regulation for cross-border business;
▼ e) establishing a framework for delivering on the recognised need for “better“ regulation i.e. regulation which not only
meets the objectives of market confi dence and investor protection, but which is also demonstrably necessary, effi cient,
proportionate and affordable;
▼ f) developing consensual pan-EU “principles of good regulation” and encouraging their “hard coding” into EU legislation;
▼ g) accelerating progress on the WTO agenda for liberalisation in trade in services, particularly fi nancial services.
For example, in relation to (d) above, a group of EU and US trade associations in the fi nancial services sector have already come together,
fi rstly to compare and contrast EU and US legislative and regulatory requirements governing cross-border wholesale business in equity and
equity derivatives and, secondly, put forward a “business case” for priority regulatory action in respect of identifi ed areas of unnecessary
regulatory complexity and confl ict which are obstructing the establishment of a cost-effective and commercially effi cient Transatlantic
market place. It is anticipated that the fi ndings will be published in June in advance of the UK assuming the EU Presidency.
By way of a general conclusion, it is recognised that delivering on the criteria set out above will last over several EU Presidencies and,
in many respects, will entail continuous in-depth monitoring, but it is to be hoped that the UK Presidency will see strong leadership in
each of these areas and the setting up of a number of mechanisms in order to deliver on these objectives. It is essential, however, that
full recognition is given to the business needs of market operators and fi nancial service providers and the trading and investment needs
of fi nancial service consumers. That can only be done effectively by affording a much higher level of participation to both providers and
consumers of fi nancial services as critically important stakeholders in the process – and that does not mean just periodic consultation,
but the establishment of technical focus groups and possibly, even secondment. For some regulatory authorities, building a consensus
with the regulated community that goes beyond the mere process of consultation may represent a challenge to deep-seated regulatory
traditions. However, attaining a competitive single market in fi nancial services is about much more than establishing a regulatory
framework. If we fail to give full and proper place to business priorities and the need for market effi ciency, we will fail to establish an
internationally competitive Europe in fi nancial services.
21

Education
by Sophie Jacobs, Weber Shandwick
Previous EU Presidencies have identifi ed education as one of the principal vectors for re-launching the Lisbon Strategy. The UK Presidency
will continue to focus on the contribution which education and training can make to the Strategy under the open method of coordination
and to economic reform and social cohesion in particular. The UK sees education as the key to employability, competitiveness, adaptability
and active citizenship, which interact with one another very closely. We can expect discussions on education during the July 2005
informal ministerial meeting in London and during a conference on higher education in October 2005 in Manchester.
The UK Presidency will continue efforts to reach agreement on the Integrated Action Programme in the area of Education and Lifelong
Learning for 2007-2013, as proposed by the Commission in July 2004 as part of the next Financial Perspective. It comprises the
Comenius, Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci, Grundtvig and the Jean Monnet programmes. These programmes should help raise skills levels
and promote mobility, both important elements of European efforts to boost the Union’s competitiveness. Based on the work accomplished
under the Luxembourg Presidency, the objective will be to move towards concluding the fi rst reading in the European Parliament.
In addition, the House of Lords has urged the European Commission to give higher priority to adult education, by considering more
innovative use of information and communications technologies and distance-learning packages to help adults participate in the
programmes. In a report published in April 2005 the EU Select Committee of the House of Lords stated that the Grundtvig programme
for adult education is the "acid test" of the Commission's commitment to genuine lifelong learning.
Another piece of legislation the Presidency will try to get approved in the European Parliament is the proposal for a recommendation on
further European co-operation in quality assurance in higher education.
The UK Government will work closely with the Commission on the implementation of a new communication entitled “Mobilising the
brainpower of Europe: enabling universities to make their full contribution to the Lisbon Strategy”. It underlines the fact that European
universities are faced with many challenges and that, if nothing is done, the gap with the EU’s main competitors in the fi eld will continue
to widen. Member States are to be urged to ensure that their regulatory frameworks allow universities to undertake genuine change
and pursue strategic priorities. The Commission has also invited the Council to adopt a Resolution backing its call for a new type of
partnership between public authorities and universities and for suffi cient investment in higher education.
22

Sir David Green, Director-General, British Council
In 2000 European Union leaders set themselves the ambitious goal of making the EU the most competitive and dynamic knowledgebased
economy in the world.
Now, in 2005, we are at the half-way point in the ten-year economic reform programme set out at Lisbon -- and if we are to make the Europe
of 450 million citizens a world leader, we must make progress in improving our capacity and performance in education and training.
The European Commission has identifi ed a number of areas needing more attention. These include reducing the high number of early
school leavers, increasing the numbers completing upper secondary-level education, and improving participation in life-long learning.
And while Europe as a whole now appears to be on track in attracting more people into science, we still collectively suffer from underinvestment
in education, and in achieving the objective of at least two foreign languages learned by all.
Through the Presidency of the EU starting in July and, coincidentally, of the G8 throughout 2005, the United Kingdom is committed
to improving international standards in education and training. But in doing so, we acknowledge that each country’s experiences are
unique. We have much to share with our European partners by comparing best practice in our varying approaches in equipping our
citizens for life in a global economy.
As a country, the UK is committed to the mutual recognition of qualifi cations and, in the area of non-formal learning, working with the
Commission to formulate YouthPass, along the lines of the skills recognition in EuroPass. We will also continue to champion diversity
and challenge racism through our youth work.
The British Council is involved in a number of events on youth, adult and further education taking place during the UK’s dual Presidencies.
Our work reaching more than ten million young people in 110 countries every year, combined with our role as an EU national agency
implementing key European programmes such as Socrates, Leonardo and YOUTH, gives us a unique perspective in expanding the
international experience of our young people.
Much of the political work programme in the EU presidency revolves around meeting the indicators and benchmarks set under the
Lisbon objectives. It is indeed highly encouraging these already show several new member states performing at the highest level in
education and training.
But our ambitions must be broader: we must use education to widen the horizons of our young people, those professionals who work with
them, and their peers from other countries and continents. We urgently need to improve mutual understanding across cultures in what is
a far from stable world: together, advances in ICT and educational systems at last give us the scope for achieving this crucial goal.
23

Employment and Social Affairs
by Tristan Suffys, Weber Shandwick
The UK will hold the fi rst full EU Presidency after the mid-term review of the Lisbon Strategy, which has seen a refocus on growth and
employment. General objectives the UK Presidency will emphasise are to reduce the regulatory burden, improve labour market fl exibility
and promote innovation, as a way to meet the Lisbon goals. The UK, which has a track record of good employment rates, will play an
active part in helping the EU meet the target it set itself at Lisbon to achieve the EU employment rate of 70% in 2010.
Initial refl ections are expected on the new Social Policy Agenda to modernise Europe’s social model, presented by the Commission in
early 2005. Some work is also expected on the publication of the fi rst annual Joint Council/ Commission report on social protection
and social inclusion. The Presidency will also try and reach an agreement on “PROGRESS”, the proposal to establish a community
programme for employment and social solidarity, following adoption in the European Parliament in July 2005 and provided that Member
States agree on the Community fi nancial framework for 2007-2013.
But a major highlight of the UK Presidency will certainly be the controversial proposal amending the Working Time Directive. The UK
Government has been active in defending individual workers’ freedom to choose to work more than 48 hours a week. This is despite
many other Member States and the European Parliament, including Labour Party (which is in Government in the UK) MEPs, calling for
the phasing out of the opt out from this working time limit. The UK Presidency will build on the efforts undertaken by the Luxembourg
Presidency, and aims to reach an agreement in the Council after the European Parliament’s First Reading.
The UK Presidency will also try to revive and reach a settlement on the diffi cult Temporary Workers Directive. The length of the qualifying
period as well as the issue of equal pay for temporary workers has been at the core of the dispute between Member States.
Regarding health and safety at work, the UK Presidency envisages the fi nal adoption of the Directive on the exposure of workers to optical
radiation, and will closely follow the Commission’s work towards amending the Directive on exposure of workers to carcinogens.
As the 2000-2005 Commission’s Strategy for gender equality is coming to an end, much of the work on equality and non-discrimination
will focus on the upcoming Communication the Commission should present before the end of the year. The main legislative priority for
the UK Presidency will be the proposal for a regulation establishing a European Gender Institute, which the Commission presented in
early 2005 and which should start operating from 2007. The UK Presidency will also have to reach an agreement in the Council, after
a vote in the European Parliament scheduled for July 2005, on the ‘Recast’ Directive, which intends to merge and re-cast six separate
Directives on equal treatment for men and women in employment. The Presidency will follow closely the Commission’s work on the
strategic approach to combating discrimination, which is expected by the end of 2005.
Among other priorities will be a new proposal on the implementation of the Regulation on the coordination of social security schemes,
due before the UK Presidency starts. Another important priority for the UK will be the new initiative the Commission intends to present
this year regarding the protection of personal data of workers and privacy. This initiative should ensure protection of sensitive data both
during the recruitment process and in employment for the respect of individual rights.
24

y Adrian Askew, General Secretary, Connect
The UK Government’s European record on employment and social affairs is an interesting one. After years of being the social pariah in
Europe, with opt-outs leaving UK workers the least protected in the EU, unions were optimistic when one of Tony Blair’s early acts was
to bring the UK into the Social Chapter. Whilst many have been disappointed by the UK’s recent stance on some European issues (the
Working Time Directive is one example), there have been positive movements, including a public commitment to fi nd agreement on the
Temporary Agency Workers Directive. It will be interesting to see how this particular dossier progresses during the UK’s Presidency.
The Lisbon Strategy is likely to be an important theme in many policy fi elds. The EU’s ability to achieve these ambitious goals must be in
doubt, but even to make progress in this area, employment and skills has got to be at the heart of EU policy-making. Domestically the UK
Government has focussed on strengthening the economy by getting people into work. How to do the same at a European level presents
a number of challenges, but the social partners can bring expertise in promoting skills and better workplace practices to help Europe
make headway in the global market. This also needs to be recognised when new proposals for the Services Directive are drawn up.
We must avoid a race to the bottom in skills and social protection.
A fl exible workforce will be important in improving European competitiveness. But it is a fl exibility in skills, not weaker workplace rights,
that trade unions see as key to making progress.
25

Energy
by Tove Larsson, Weber Shandwick
New challenges have emerged in energy policy during the past years. EU Member States’ increased concern for energy security, higher
energy prices and climate change have led the upcoming UK Presidency to steer energy policy discussions above all towards emission
reductions in energy production, increased energy effi ciency and securing future energy supply.
The UK Presidency intends to work along the following main energy themes:
Sustainability of energy production and consumption: As part of controlling the rise in greenhouse gases, the UK Presidency will initiate
discussions on the Commission proposal for a regulation on car air emissions, which will set emission limits for light duty vehicles
and defi ne technical requirements concerning hybrid vehicles. For the further improvement of energy demand management, the
Presidency will progress work on the Directive on end-use energy effi ciency and energy services, in parallel with the second reading in
Parliament. The UK Presidency is likely to hold a fi rst discussion on the Commission’s Green Paper on energy effi ciency at the October
Energy Council following a stakeholder debate expected to take place during the fi rst part of the Presidency. On renewable energy, the
Presidency will follow up from the Commission report on Member State implementation of the Directive on Electricity Production from
Renewable Energy Sources and might adopt Conclusions on the Commission Communication on a biomass action plan.
Securing energy supply: The UK Presidency will work towards an agreement on the Directive on security of electricity supply and on a
decision on laying down guidelines for trans European energy networks. In view of the announced Communication on the implementation
of the Green Paper on the security of energy supply, expected in November, discussions could be initiated during the UK chairmanship. The
Presidency might also address a Commission Communication on the transparency and functioning of the European market on oil stocks.
Consolidating the internal energy market: A liberalised energy market is still far from being realised, as several Member States have not
implemented the Directives for opening up the gas and electricity markets for business by July 2004, as stipulated in the Directives. The
UK Presidency will therefore seek to encourage Member States to transpose the Directives on energy market liberalisation.
External energy relations: The UK Presidency will conclude the Energy Community Treaty between South-East Europe and the European
Community, as well as making progress with the EU-Russia energy dialogue. The latter would involve working towards a closer
collaboration in promoting energy savings, energy effi ciency and renewable energy as well as investment in broadening network
infrastructure and technology transfer following Russia's ratifi cation of the Kyoto protocol. Furthermore, the UK Presidency will follow up
on the new political dialogue with OPEC countries with the fi rst ministerial meeting being held in June.
Finally, on nuclear energy, the UK Presidency will continue efforts to give practical effect to the Council Conclusions of June 2004 on
nuclear safety and the safe management of radioactive waste through the ad hoc working party on nuclear safety.
26

y Giuseppe de Palma,
Vice-President EU Affairs, ExxonMobil Europe
The UK’s intention to make energy and climate policy one of the corner stones of their EU presidency refl ects the reality that energy use
is closely linked to economic growth and environmental care.
This is a truly global issue. It is not generally recognized that the portion of the world that can be classifi ed as economically developing
is now using more total energy than that of all industrialised countries combined.
Moreover, because developing countries’ economies are growing faster than those of industrialised countries, the developing world’s
share of energy is rising rapidly.
While developing countries use 54 percent of total energy today, these same countries will be using 63 percent of total energy by 2030.
The developing world’s share of carbon dioxide emissions is also larger than that of the developed world and is rising faster.
In this context, the effi ciency of energy use matters. Developing countries use energy less effi ciently than industrialised countries
because they lack critical technology and investments.
Energy effi ciency is important for everyone, of course. While Europe needs just two barrels of oil to generate each €800 of economic
activity, the United States needs three barrels, China more than six and India nearly eight barrels.
Does that mean that Europeans need not do their utmost to maximize energy effi ciency? Absolutely not. We have considerable room
to improve energy effi ciency.
The challenges of ensuring adequate energy to meet rising demand as well as the effects of energy use on environmental emissions
provide incentive for all of us to use energy effi ciently.
To help do so, ExxonMobil is partnering with industry and government organisations on programs that could improve the effi ciency of
internal combustion engines by as much as 50 percent. Also, broader consumer use and the continued development of hybrid engines
could have a signifi cant near-term impact on energy use and carbon dioxide emissions from personal vehicles.
But one of the most effective ways to save energy is to facilitate and accelerate the transfer of effi cient technologies from the
industrialised to the developing world so they can use less than they might otherwise.
ExxonMobil is also committed to helping in this effort. For example, we are applying the latest effi ciency technologies and operating
procedures to our refi neries, chemical plants and production facilities worldwide. Programmes such as our Global Energy Management
System and our investments in cogeneration capacity to effi ciently generate steam and electricity have been applied globally, with
signifi cant, measurable results.
Developing new technologies and applying them worldwide will be very important in moderating energy demand and emissions growth.
It is one way that everyone can make a practical contribution to extending the availability of energy supplies and to environmental
improvement.
27

Enlargement and Beyond
by Aurica Pripa, Weber Shandwick
The year of 2004 saw the biggest ever single EU enlargement from 15 to 25 Member States, which is generally viewed in Brussels
as a success. The feared mass infl ux of cheap labour and halting EU decision-making have failed to materialise. On the contrary, the
EU has gained fresh dynamisms because of more rapidly growing economies in the Central and Eastern Europe. Keeping the enlarged
Union working effectively will be a key challenge for the UK Presidency in particular to ensure that the Union’s rules and principles of
the internal markets are properly applied.
2005 has already seen Bulgaria and Romania signing a joint Treaty of Accession that paves the way for the ratifi cation procedures that will
formalise their EU membership on 1 January 2007. Throughout the UK Presidency, the EU will continue to support both countries in their
preparations. The two countries' accession may be delayed by one year if they fail to meet commitments undertaken in the course of the
negotiations, which include fi ghting corruption, strengthening their administration systems and introducing competition policy measures.
As in previous enlargements, after signing of the Accession Treaty and before actual EU membership, Bulgaria and Romania will send
observers to represent them in the EU institutions, albeit without the full rights of the other Member States. In the Council of Ministers,
they are already participating in ministerial meetings as observers. As for the European Parliament, the observers from the Bulgarian
and Romanian parliaments will be welcomed by that Institution from September or October 2005.
After a positive assessment of Turkish progress in the Commission’s Regular Report, in particular its compliance with the political criteria
(democracy and human rights), the European Council decided that accession negotiations should start on 3 October 2005. The start
of the negotiations is solely conditional upon Turkey’s ratifi cation of the protocol extending the Association Agreement to all Member
States, which has now been initiated. This might have been a sticking point as this includes some form of recognition of Cyprus.
The UK Presidency will attempt to give future impetus to the Stabilisation and Association Process for the countries of the Western Balkans
region. The gradual conditional approach is based on a fi nancial assistance programme, trade preferences, political dialogue and ultimately
contractual relations with Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro.
Croatia's possible future membership is already paving the way for the subsequent enlargement wave to take in the Western Balkan
states. The negotiations with Croatia could begin in the coming months, provided that it is co-operating fully with the International
Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Also, Macedonia applied to join the EU on 22 March 2004. The Commission is
currently assessing its application against the established political and economic criteria and is likely to issue its opinion in the second
half of 2005. If successful, the UK will support Macedonia’s membership aspirations.
Although Turkey’s accession negotiations will dominate the political agenda and headlines over the UK Presidency, there are numerous
other countries also knocking on the EU’s door, not least Bulgaria and Romania whose membership is closer than many realise.
28

y Dr. Bahadir Kaleagasi, Representative to the EU and
UNICE, Turkish Industry and Business Association
The European Council decided to open membership negotiations with Turkey on 3 October 2005.
With this historic decision, the European Council is heralding a new era both for Europe as well as Turkey. However, the opening of
negotiations is only the beginning of a long, challenging but irreversible process. It will require adoption of the Acquis Communautaire
with a signifi cant commitment and hard work on the part of Turkey.
We are both realistic and optimistic about this process. Turkey has undergone a serious transformation in recent years and this has
important repercussions on its prospective membership to the EU. Turkey’s accession, on the other hand, would potentially have much
broader economic and political consequences for the EU than any of the past expansions.
Various developments on the Turkish economic and political agenda have been ongoing over past years, focusing on EU membership.
Besides the progress on the lines of meeting the Copenhagen political criteria for democratisation and rule of law, the economic
fundamentals exhibit an outspoken improvement. The improving macroeconomic framework and the progress in structural reforms will
probably change the way that the Turkish economy is evaluated in foreign markets, especially in EU countries.
The UK Presidency and Turkey should simultaneously undertake diplomatic, non-diplomatic, and non-governmental efforts to convince
European public opinion that the benefi ts of Turkey’s membership exceed the costs. Turkey will contribute positively to Europe’s global
economic competitiveness and political infl uence.
The Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) will focus particularly on this issue formulated as Third Pillar in the European
Commission Recommendations of October last year. We established a new Committee for Turkey’s promotion abroad and, in particular,
in the European Union countries. We are also in the process of devising a strategy targeting each country on its own distinctiveness.
Lastly, on the Cyprus issue, we believe that Turkey has taken initiatives for the resolution of the issue within the framework of a
comprehensive understanding of political and social compromise to be reached within the context of the Annan Plan. We should keep in
mind that the process entails a collective responsibility and that each party to the confl ict should bear its share of responsibility.
We will closely watch and contribute to the EU’s evolution towards a globally competitive economy and towards an institutionally
efficient political entity.
Within this context, we do believe that we shall be successful in transforming Turkey’s potential into political, economic, social, cultural
and security assets for Europe’s future. We sincerely hope that the UK Presidency of the European Union will be a great opportunity to
shape this new momentum.
29

Environment
by Patrick van Leeuwen, Weber Shandwick
Environment policy is increasingly considered as an integral part of the EU's endeavours to become the most competitive region in
the world by 2010, as aspired to in the Lisbon Strategy. Building on and continuing the approach set by the Dutch Presidency, i.e.
formulating policies that can trigger economic opportunities will be essential to reconcile the often contradicting objectives of achieving
a high level of environment and health protection and enhancing competitiveness.
In this context, the UK will have a challenging environment policy agenda to lead and manage. Its Presidency coincides with a number
of important environment policy milestones that include advancing negotiations on the new EU chemicals regulatory framework and
the long-awaited Thematic Strategies outlined in the European Commission’s Sixth Environmental Action Programme. The Thematic
Strategies form a key component of the Commission’s long-term environmental objectives that run until 2010, and the UK will need
to manage the political debates surrounding them. In addition, the Presidency will also have the task of negotiating with the European
Parliament a number of controversial ongoing legislative dossiers which are outlined below. Climate change is also at the top of the UK
Presidency's agenda, and is considered elsewhere this Guide.
One of the UK Presidency’s main priority dossiers will be the EU Chemicals Policy Review. Since October 2003, the so-called “REACH”
proposal (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) has been at the forefront of consecutive EU Presidencies. Much
of the legislative text has now been scrutinised in both the Council and the Parliament and the latter is expected to conclude its fi rst
reading opinion in October/ November. This Presidency will therefore have the challenging task of leading Ministers towards a political
agreement on this controversial dossier by December 2005.
The UK Presidency also coincides with the launch of a number of Thematic Strategies from the Commission. It is highly likely that the
Presidency will kick off discussions on those strategies in view of adopting conclusions at the December 2005 Environment Council.
The strategies are:
▼ Thematic Strategy on Waste Prevention and Recycling
▼ Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
▼ Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution
▼ Thematic Strategy on the Marine Environment
▼ Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides
The UK may also inherit ongoing legislative and non-legislative dossiers from the Luxembourg Presidency if the latter does not succeed
to reach agreements at the June Environment Council. These include reaching a common position on the Protection of Groundwater
against Pollution and conclusions on the Environment Technologies Action Plan.
The Presidency will negotiate on a number of ongoing legislative dossiers pending a second reading in the Parliament. As far as
politically possible, the UK will seek to secure second reading agreements on the legislative proposals listed below to avoid enlarged
and cumbersome conciliation proceedings.
▼ Fluorinated gases/ Mobile air conditioning
▼ Shipments of Waste
▼ Waste from Extractive Industries
▼ Batteries and Accumulators.
30

y John Hontelez,
Secretary General, European Environmental Bureau
Climate Change is rightfully high on the UK Government agenda. As this issue is addressed elsewhere in this Guide, I concentrate on
other issues of high concern for the European Environmental Bureau (EEB).
The previous UK Presidency started the discussion that led to the famous REACH proposal, an attempt to reorganise EU’s chemicals
policy completely with the aim of phasing out the use and penetration of hazardous chemicals in our societies and natural environments.
In 1998, the principles for such a policy sounded clear and simple: chemicals should be allowed only when proven safe, industry should
play a major part in the testing, and the system should provide information to business, industry and the general public. These principles
were compromised in the draft published by the Commission in October 2003, and are now in danger of being weakened further.
The UK Presidency will bring these discussions on a European Chemicals Policy in the Council of Ministers to a close. The Commission
proposal should be strengthened not weakened, in order to ensure that the system is effective, clear and will produce the results which
were originally intended: prevention of further poisoning of people and the planet. The EEB has fi ve specifi c demands for improvement:
a widening in the scope of the proposal (to include all substances produced in amounts which exceed 10 tonnes/year), the use of the
“substitution principle” (if substances are considered dangerous but necessary they need to be banned as soon as safer alternatives
are available), robust verifi cation procedures of the information provided by industry, access to the information collected and, last but
not least the expansion of REACH to cover chemicals in imported articles.
In the autumn a new discussion will start on the future of EU environmental policies. Seven thematic strategies will be published by
the Commission, on air quality, waste management, resource effi ciency, marine environment, pesticides, soil protection and urban
environment. The EEB is concerned that in several cases the Commission will show a serious lack of ambition, pressed as it is with
the massive demand for simplifi ed legislation and competitiveness proofi ng. We know that the UK Presidency will promote a critical
scrutiny of such proposals, based on its own impact assessment practice. However, we have hopes that the UK Presidency can make
a clear distinction between fi nding more clever ways to reach objectives, and the weakening of the objectives themselves. In fact, a
practical assessment of the Commission’s proposals might help to highlight the fact that complaints about the administrative burdens
and competitiveness disturbance caused by EU environmental policies are highly exaggerated.
The UK is a frontrunner in integrating Sustainable Development into its national policies. December’s European Council is to agree on a
renewed, hopefully reinforced, EU Sustainable Development Strategy, building on the one that was adopted in Göteborg in June 2001.
We look to the UK Presidency to lead this debate towards a clear vision for the EU, ambitious targets and timetables, and agreement
over a number of concrete steps towards moving the EU away from its current path of unsustainable development. It is essential that
the conclusions of such a Strategy be translated into concrete measures to make the market work for the environment, such as national
green public procurement initiatives, environmental tax reforms, shifting government subsidies and other forms of assistance, away
from environmentally destructive activities and towards eco-innovation. In particular, a whole new initiative is needed to provide the EU
of the future with mobility and a transport system which has a dramatically reduced impact on the environment.
31

External Relations
by Romit Jain and Aurica Pripa, Weber Shandwick
A variety of facets make up external relations policy such as development, trade and defence and security, and these are considered
elsewhere in more detail in this publication. Overall, a number of key events will keep the UK Government busy during the Presidency
of the EU. These include the EU-India and EU-China summits, a WTO ministerial meeting that will look at the next steps on the Doha
Development Agenda, a UN conference to review the Millennium Development Goals and the continued operations of the EU’s largest
military operation to date in Bosnia.
With the review of the EU arms embargo to China currently under review, the UK will have to tread a delicate diplomatic line. Some large
EU members wish to see the embargo lifted as would China itself, but the USA has made it clear that it believes this to be premature.
The fabled special relationship between the UK and the USA will be important in determining how the UK Presidency reconciles these
differences. Another topic likely to be addressed during the December Summit with China in Beijing shall be climate change, which is
also one of the top overall priorities for the UK Presidency.
Similarly, during the EU-India Summit in September the question of climate change can be expected to be brought up as India rapidly
industrialises. The EU-India Summit will in fact follow a trialogue meeting between the two and the USA as well. The topic of India-
Pakistan relations shall also be discussed, with the recent reconciliations between the two being supported.
The UK Government is likely to promote a more strategic partnership dialogue with Russia. Throughout the UK Presidency, work is
expected to intensify on the implementation of the Road Maps to create four "common spaces" in the fi elds of economy, external
security, freedom, security and justice and education, research and culture.
The Permanent Partnership Council (PPC), the body bringing together relevant EU and Russian ministers will oversee the implementation
of the measures and action agreed at the May EU-Russia Summit. Various meetings of the PPC in different formats are likely to take
place during the course of the UK Presidency.
The May 2004 enlargement has transformed the EU's outlook on foreign policy. The Union is more than ever committed to working with
its immediate neighbours with a view to progressively integrating them into the internal market, energy security, border management,
good governance and institution building. Under the so-called European Neighbourhood Policy, the Union is offering closer association
ties to Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the southern Mediterranean countries. However, it will be up to the countries
themselves to determine the pace of such agreements, giving them eventually a stake in the Internal Market and other EU policies.
Commission has now agreed on tailor-made action plans, focussing on a limited number of key priorities with seven countries - Israel,
Jordan, Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Tunisia and Ukraine and is now focussing on their implementation. Another fi ve
action plans with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Georgia and Lebanon are likely to be agreed during the UK Presidency.
32

y Joris Vos, President EU and NATO Relations,
The Boeing Company
The EU is an increasingly important global actor on the world stage and, as such, its external relations and strategic relationships with
countries across the world will form an essential element of the UK Presidency this year. The EU-US relationship, in particular, has been
a focus of attention in recent months and years. The UK and The Boeing Company share a keen interest in the transatlantic relationship.
This relationship should, in our view, be seen as neither competitive nor incompatible with the further progress and development of
European integration, but rather as complementary. The transatlantic economic relationship, worth over three trillion dollars annually,
remains by far the most important economic relationship in the world. In this framework, Boeing intends to be active in Europe for the
long-term, in mutual interest and as part of the European fabric.
In order to understand the importance and relevance of external relations to Boeing, it is helpful to outline the globalisation and
transformation process the company is currently undertaking. In support of its transformation, Boeing has established its International
Relations organisation to lead the expansion of the company's global business. This includes our offi ce in Brussels, which is dedicated to
fostering relations with the EU and other Brussels-based organisations. Europe represents Boeing's largest market outside of the United
States; a market in which we are committed to establishing an ever stronger presence. Being global has, somewhat paradoxically,
required Boeing to become more of a local company in European countries critical to its current and future business growth. With a
well-established presence in Europe, Boeing works with approximately 450 suppliers in 19 European countries.
Given the importance of Europe to Boeing, it is encouraging for us that the external relations priorities of the forthcoming UK Presidency
tally so closely with those of our company. One important shared priority is supporting an open market and favourable trade environment;
one that will create and promote a level playing fi eld in the aviation sector. We hope that during the UK Presidency the EU and the United
States, the main transatlantic partners, will be able to reach a fair, equitable and lasting solution to the problems that still exist in this
fi eld, thereby removing an irritant that for so many years has cast a shadow over the relationship.
Another shared key priority is security. Central to a well-functioning trade environment is the enhancement of security and stability in
the transatlantic region and beyond. While increased security regulation is necessary, efforts to facilitate a balance between maximum
security and minimum constraints on the free fl ow of trade are to be welcomed.
33

Justice and Home Affairs
by Romit Jain, Weber Shandwick
Last year the Dutch Presidency brokered an agreement that set the framework for the EU’s work on justice, security and home affairs for
the coming years: the Hague Programme. The Commission has been tasked to develop a detailed action plan and calendar for the Hague
Programme, which is now expected to be published in June 2005, immediately before the UK takes on the Presidency of the EU.
The UK Presidency will also continue working to establish and deliver an EU strategy to tackle organised crime; currently the Luxembourg
Presidency are working with the British on this. Rather than seek to work through all 25 EU members, the UK will continue work through
groups of Member States to tackle organised crime involved in human traffi cking and drugs, two key areas for the EU. This will be
undertaken with the help and support of the EU institutions.
A new EU Drugs Strategy for 2005-2012 was agreed in December 2004 by the Council and the Commission has followed up this
with its corresponding action plan in February 2005. The Strategy looks to combat the demand and supply of illegal drugs in Europe,
with the Commission’s action plan being an organic policy tool aiming to bring about measurable results. The UK Presidency will need
to continue implementation of the detailed action plan focussing on the responsibilities assigned to the Council. In particular, the UK
Presidency will need to ensure coordination between the various different working parties within the Council in order for anti-drugs
policy to be mainstreamed into relations and agreements with third countries. The UK Presidency, alongside the Commission, will look
to bring together those responsible for drug coordination from the national authorities to review possibilities for greater cooperation and
to feed into the implementation of the EU action plan. Another priority for the UK shall be to secure a commitment to tackle the supply
of heroin from Afghanistan.
Naturally the UK Government intends to work closely with the relatively new Director of Europol to strengthen Europol’s ability to support
national police organisations. Equally the UK will continue to support Eurojust.
Although unlikely to be completed under its stewardship, the UK will focus attention on improving the exchange of information on
criminal convictions. A possible long-term objective is a European Register of Convictions and disqualifi cations, recognising the
increased mobility within Europe and the corresponding response from judicial authorities required. Other areas where the UK shall
continue work on are the European Evidence Warrant and developing EU-wide minimum standards for procedural rights during criminal
proceedings (such as the right to interpretation and translation).
The Commission has recognised that a number of proposals it has made on third country nationals and immigration and migration
questions have become blocked in the Council of Ministers, including the proposal for a directive on entry and residence conditions
for the purposes of work. In response, the Commission has take a step back and issued a Communication on Economic Migration in
February 2005 with an open consultation to reinvigorate this important policy area. This will be followed by a hearing on economic
migration on 14 June. The UK Government, whose history of immigration is signifi cantly different to most other European countries, will
then need to push this agenda forward within the Council if the EU is to make any progress in this area.
34

y Edward Nally, President,
Law Society of England and Wales
The advent of the UK Presidency is an opportune moment to take stock of the developments in the EU Justice and Home Affairs
arena. The UK takes the European helm at a time when the fi ght against terrorism and cross-border crime is top of everyone’s political
agenda, and asylum and immigration matters, as we know from our own domestic political scene, dominate the debate. Adding this to
mechanisms designed to deal with the problems of cross-border litigation, namely complexity and cost, it is fair to say that in Europe
we have come a long way from an economic union to one of political, social and judicial co-operation. Co-operation that brings rights,
opportunities and hopefully solutions to the problems that may arise when we live, work, travel, and indeed shop abroad! With that in
mind it is clear that mechanisms for access to justice have had to be developed to underpin the Internal Market right to free movement.
EU law is no longer the province of the commercial litigator or competition lawyer - it affects us all.
The wealth of issues that make up EU Justice and Home Affairs policy are exemplifi ed in the Hague Programme, the multi-annual
framework programme for the creation of an area of freedom security and justice and the recently adopted Action Plan. This blueprint
for EU Justice and Home Affairs will not only chart the UK Presidency’s work in this area but map out progress in the years to come.
As a legal professional body our duty is to represent the views of the legal profession but also to act in the public interest. We value our
role in working towards law reform domestically and are heavily engaged in the EU law reform agenda. We consider that the Hague
Programme will provide for concrete developments in the area of freedom, security and justice.
We welcome the explicit reference in the Hague Programme to the “need to guarantee fundamental rights, minimum procedural
safeguards and access to justice”, as we have long been concerned that there is a defi cit in relation to respect for fundamental rights
at European Union level. We believe that access to justice must be promoted and are anxious that fundamental rights are not only
protected, but also championed!
In addition to fundamental principles in this area of EU strategy we look at proposed legislation with the eyes of a practitioner –
examining whether measures will actually work in the local county court or police station. With a view to the Law Society’s own “Better
Law Making” campaign we welcome the UK Presidency’s Better Regulation agenda and endorse references in the Hague Programme
to improved implementation and systematic scrutiny of the quality and coherence of all European law instruments. Improving the quality
of legislation and the legislative process in all fi elds of EU law is a must. Only then will the opportunities and rights in the European
Treaties become a reality.
35

Public Health and Pharmaceuticals
by Ingrid van den Neucker, Weber Shandwick
The UK Presidency will drive initiatives coming out of the new EU Health Strategy to make EU citizens healthier, safer and more confi dent.
It will pursue the work with other Member States to develop a better understanding of the causes and effective interventions to reduce
inequalities in health outcomes within Member States. The UK will place an emphasis on cross-cutting strategies focussing on key
target groups such as the aged and the young.
Throughout its Presidency, the UK is likely to continue to pay special attention to developments in healthcare, a current priority for the EU.
It will look to promote the work of the High Level Group on Health Services and Medical Care. This group was set up by the Commission
in response to the December 2003 report on the high level process of refl ection on patient mobility and healthcare developments in the
EU. The UK Presidency will pursue the work done to facilitate patient mobility and assess the importance of developments in the Internal
Market for health systems. It will play a major role in evaluating the EU e-health strategy and determining the next steps. Wanting to
contribute to the development of more effective and effi cient health systems, the UK will pursue the extension of the open method of
coordination to health.
In particular, the UK will continue to support the ongoing Council work on legislative proposals for regulating pharmaceuticals for
children, tissue engineering and on the revision of legislation on medical devices. Health issues will be dealt with at a ministerial level
at the Employment, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection Council on 9 December and at a meeting of the health ministers
on 20-21 October.
There is a possibility that the UK will see other health issues, such as those relating to epidemics, become priorities for the EU.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the newly established European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in this area, the UK
Presidency will continue to look into EU preparedness for pandemic diseases and any work relating to structures that may arise
from this. In particular, it will follow up on the expected conclusions of the Luxembourg Presidency with regards HIV/AIDS. It will also
contribute to reducing the impact of an eventual infl uenza pandemic by supporting a simulation exercise on communicable disease
control which will be held on 20 to 22 November.
Other issues where action may be taken are the implementation of the International Health Regulations and any changes relating to
tobacco (ingredients, health warnings etc) at an international level notably the WHO. Also a conference on health inequalities is planned
for 17-18 October, and another conference on one of the UK’s priorities is scheduled for 28-30 November on patient safety. The UK will
also be promoting projects highlighting good practices in relation to health and ageing and young people.
36

y Frances Charlesworth, Director of Global Government
Affairs and Policy, AstraZeneca
The United Kingdom is assuming the Presidency of the European Union at a critical time. The challenge for policy makers is to develop
an environment that not only improves the health of the EU citizen but also encourages and rewards innovation while delivering value
for money for the taxpayer.
The ability of the pharmaceutical industry to develop innovative medicines to treat diseases not only benefi ts the health of the European
citizen but also makes it a major asset to the European economy. The pharmaceutical industry provides over 580,000 jobs including
over 100,000 in research and development. We spend 15% of the total EU private sector research and development on pharmaceuticals
and we consistently generate a trade surplus for the EU, which amounted to €40 billion in 2003.
However the pharmaceutical industry is facing fi erce competition notably from the USA, and sadly, Europe is losing out. Between 1990
and 2003 for example, Research and Development investment in pharmaceuticals in the USA rose more than four fold. In Europe by
contrast it grew by just over two and half times.
Ten years ago Europe had a global pharmaceutical market share of 38% and the USA had 31%. By 2003 Europe’s market share had
fallen to 27 per cent, while America’s has grown to 50 per cent. It is perhaps not surprising then to report that America is now the most
productive source of new medicines worldwide. In 1980 eight of the out of the top ten medicines worldwide originated in the EU and
only two originated in America. By 2003 this position had reversed so America now accounts for 8 out of the world’s top ten selling
medicines and the EU accounts for only 2.
This trend is likely to continue unless steps are taken to reverse it. To that end I am pleased that the European Commission has recognised
that the decline of the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry needs addressing. AstraZeneca welcomes President Barroso’s
and Vice President’s Verheugen’s commitment to make a new start to address the commitments made in the Lisbon Strategy.
What is required in concerted action by the Commission and the Member States. The Paediatric Regulation is an excellent example of
where the EU could make a real difference and attract paediatric research back into the EU. It is pleasing to see that the United Kingdom
intends to make the competitiveness of the EU one its key themes. Over the next six months AstraZeneca looks forward to working
closely with the Presidency and the Commission to deliver their objectives on competitiveness and the Lisbon Strategy.
37

Research
by Colin Mackay, Director, Weber Shandwick
The European Union strives for signifi cant improvements in competitiveness through boosting research and innovation. Raising Europe’s
innovation and R&D performance is central to achieving the strategic goals set at Lisbon for Europe to become the most competitive
and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010.
The UK Government has invested much into transferring science, innovation and knowledge into a strong British economy. Britain’s
researchers are among the most successful in the world and UK’s research facilities are playing a signifi cant role for innovation and
technology in Europe.
During its Presidency the UK will focus on key mechanisms which foster research and development, innovation and a knowledge society:
the 7th Research Framework Programme 2007-2013 – “Building Knowledge Europe” (FP7), the implementation of the European
Research Council and strengthening the European Research Area.
In April 2005 the European Commission presented its plans for FP7 with a budget of €73 billion and a structure based on four specifi c
programmes: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. While FP7 provides key mechanisms by which Europe can increase its
research capacities, it also aims to create greater integration of research (European Research Area (ERA)). The UK supports the further
development of the ERA, positioning Europe to compete effectively with other major global R&D markets that underpin the Lisbon and
Barcelona goals Europe has set itself.
However an innovative EU can be hampered by bureaucratic, lengthy and complicated procedures. One of the priorities of the UK is
therefore a simplifi cation and rationalisation of FP7, concentrating on high-quality and effi cient research instruments. In addition, one
of the relatively new instruments, the Technology Platforms will be further discussed.
In order to achieve global competitiveness and enhance basic research, the creation of the European Research Council is strongly
supported by the UK. A European Research Council (ERC) with an independent Governing Council of scientists, once up and running,
should provide a distinctive and autonomous mechanism for the implementation of frontier research programmes. The European
Commission has established a committee mandated to name members of the Governing Council, which is chaired by Lord Chris Patten.
The ERC will offer support for the best European investigator-driven research. The focus will be on excellence with recipients eligible
from both the public and private sectors.
The UK Presidency wants to further promote ongoing programmes on innovative technology, including Satellite Navigation (GALILEO),
Nanotechnology and Fusion. During the UK Presidency, the British Government will seek to ensure that the Council will take the
necessary formal decisions on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project. In addition, the UK Presidency has
made clear that it supports the European site for ITER.
The UK vision is based upon the strong belief that European research policies must deliver added value to pertinent national activities.
The key positive outcomes will be to raise the EU’s research capabilities, simplify procedures and concentrate on the best research for
the improvement of industrial competitiveness in Europe.
38

y Tachi Yamada M.D.Executive Director, Chairman,
Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline
The UK Presidency will give the UK Government the opportunity to build on the renewed commitment to the Lisbon agenda. One of
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
originating in the private sector. GSK invests heavily in R&D in Europe and supports European R&D not only through our own operations,
but also through our wide network with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology fi rms, as well as academic centres of excellence.
A strong science base is critical to this investment and the EU has important opportunities to build upon the unique strengths that
Europe has to offer.
Europe has recognised expertise in a number of research areas including brain, cancer, infl ammation and diabetes. At an EU level
there is an opportunity to encourage and foster collaborations which bring together recognised world-leading expertise across the EU.
For example, collaborative projects involving industry (both large companies and SMEs), academia and regulators may enable expertise
in biomarker and surrogate technologies to be developed and applied to the drug development process.
The development of medicines, vaccines, and medical diagnostics requires clinical research, with clinical trials providing the main
evidence on effi cacy and safety. EU initiatives to encourage Member States to promote and support clinical research and facilitate the
conduct of clinical trials would build on European strengths in this area. Increasingly, epidemiological research is conducted to identify
unmet needs and evaluate medicines in real life settings. Through socialised healthcare delivery, Europe has a signifi cant opportunity
to develop patient level databases and build expertise in epidemiological research. The use of common standards for patient-level
databases across Member States would enable a rich data source to be compiled and provide an unrivalled resource for research.
There are signs that these opportunities are beginning to be realised. For example, the proposal to double the budget for the EU’s 7th
Research and Technological Development (RTD) Framework Programme is an important indication that the objective of establishing
the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world is being followed with tangible policy initiatives. We also
welcome the proposal to establish an EU Technology Platform on “Innovative Medicines for Europe”, under the EU’s 7th RTD Framework
Programme. Provided this can be effi ciently and effectively implemented it has the potential to stimulate fundamental and clinical
research across the EU and help develop new technologies to remove some of the bottlenecks hampering the development of medicines.
EU research policy that delivers a strong science base, together with a market place that rewards and recognises innovation, will foster
an environment in Europe where there is world-leading scientifi c expertise and investment. Continued dialogue is key to delivering such
an environment and we believe the UK Presidency should take steps, of the kind established by the “G10” high-level group on innovation
and the provision of medicines.
GlaxoSmithKline and the GSK logo are trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies and are used with the permission of GlaxoSmithKline.
39

Telecommunications and ICT
by Florian Cartoux, Weber Shandwick
The overall objective of the UK Presidency is expected to focus on the themes of better regulation and I-2010 – the European
Commission’s 5 year plan for the ICT sector.
First, on the theme of better regulation, the UK Presidency will draw conclusions from the progress made under the 2003 new regulatory
framework (NRF) for electronic communications. The lessons learnt are likely to be used as a basis for discussion in light of the 2006
revision of the NRF. The new regulatory framework has generated greater competition and stimulated the development of new services
across different platforms. Its implementation has, however, been uneven with certain Member States failing to adopt the directives
on time and/ or failing to complete the market review process as defi ned in the European Commission’s recommendation on relevant
product and service markets.
The UK Presidency will also devote time to the revision of the Universal Services Directive (USO), which is part of the NRF and for
which the UK Presidency may decide to adopt a follow up action plan on. This Directive covers the scope, costing, fi nancing and
designation of universal service providers. The UK Presidency will also encourage further dialogue at EU level on spectrum management
following the Spectrum Framework Review by Ofcom (the UK regulator and competition authority for the communications industries).
A Spectrum conference is scheduled for the 27-28 October in Edinburgh. Also on the agenda will be the issue of e-accessibility. The
main policy objective of e-accessibility is to increase the availability of harmonised ICT products and services in Europe. Inclusion forms
a cornerstone of the Commission’s I-2010 programme (see below), the new road map for the ICT sector that promises to increase
competitiveness across the EU.
Second, the UK Presidency will support I-2010 programme, whose objective is to ensure that Europe’s citizens, businesses
and governments can reap the benefi ts of the converged world of ICTs. This programme is critical in order to improve industrial
competitiveness, support growth and the creation of jobs.
In preparation for this, the UK Presidency will organise a ministerial eGovernment conference to be held on 24 - 25 November in
Manchester. It will bring together ministers and politicians responsible for eGovernment in Europe together with CEOs, managers and
practitioners from industry and public administrations to discuss achievements and best practices of eGovernment in Europe.
With the convergence of the media, audiovisual and the information society world, the UK Presidency will also be keen to see what
regulatory approach may need to be taken to cope with the emergence of new services particularly in the areas of new media and
digital content. In this context, events such as the conference on 21-22 September on TV regulation organised by the UK’s Department
of Culture, Media, and Sport may provide some insights into the Commission’s end of year revision of the Television without Frontiers
(TVWF) Directive.
40

Robin Pauley, President European Affairs, BT
The UK takes up the EU Presidency at a time when the contribution of the ICT sector to the EU's competitiveness is becoming widely
recognised as crucial. DSL broadband, driven by BT, is now more widely available in the UK than any other of the G7 group of nations.
The Knowledge Economy lies at the heart of the EU's future competitiveness and the special contribution of ICT towards this makes
its policy a priority area. The new Commission has recognised that it cannot achieve its key goals of growth, productivity, new jobs and
improved life for all EU citizens unless ICT is fully exploited.
This is also a period when the ICT sector is in transition. With global consolidation and globalisation, national and regional economies
continue to become increasingly interdependent - a process which is enhanced and underpinned by the spread of low-cost broadband
connectivity and the adoption of open standards. In the emerging digital networked economy, companies are forging new relationships
to create extended enterprises, consumers are being offered personalised products and improved customer service, and employees
and employers are seeking new, more fl exible ways of working.
One of the key ICT policy initiatives on the UK Presidency Agenda will be the I-2010 initiative, which embraces all aspects of EU ICT
policy. ICT policy has to recognise that the ICT sector is itself in a state of major transformation which will enable it to meet the
challenges, including expansion of broadband, technological change and convergence, evolving patterns of consumer expectations and
user experience, emergence of new business models, and growing competition between platforms.
To ensure these changes happen rapidly and effectively, Europe’s policy-makers need to focus on four broad areas:
▼ focus on investment - to deliver these benefi ts, massive investment is needed in next generation networks and services,
and regulation should recognise the risks inherent in making this investment
▼ focus on content and new services - EU policies should remove barriers to new services
▼ focus on implementation of the current regulatory framework - more work is needed on effective, proportionate and
consistent implementation to ensure the key building blocks of competition are in place across the EU, whilst recognising
the rapid increase in competition in the more dynamic markets
▼ focus on public services - public authorities at all levels have an important role to play in adopting new services, in terms of
effi ciency gains, and provision of enhanced service for citizens, and in acting as a role-model for wider take-up.
The UK Presidency will be holding several workshops and conferences on these and other ICT matters, representing a welcome
opportunity for the different stakeholders to participate in the EU policy debate. BT will take a leading role.
41

Trade
by Marco Chirullo, Weber Shandwick
The key priority for the UK Presidency will be the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and the preparation of the WTO Hong Kong
Ministerial Meeting which will take place from 13 to 18 December. The UK Government will press for substantial progress on DDA. A
precondition for any deal to be made in Hong Kong is that the UK Government secures an agreement on the EU sugar regime reform.
Always as far as the multilateral forum is concerned, the accession of Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia to the WTO will be on
the agenda, with the former in particular likely to have a huge impact on the WTO itself as well as global trade.
As part of the “development” debate, the UK Presidency will focus on increasing the uptake of the Generalised System of Preferences
Scheme by simplifying and liberalising it. Negotiations will also be supported during the UK Presidency on European Partnership
Agreements which are intended to act as new instruments to promote development through trade by maintaining African, Caribbean
and Pacifi c (ACP) countries preferential access to the EU market.
As to the EU-Mercosur negotiations, it looks unlikely that the UK Government will push for a revamp of the negotiations that have been
stalled for months. Given that the multilateral framework remains the main focus of the UK Presidency, a certain attention could be given
instead to EU trade relations with Asia. In this respect the recent announcement by Commissioner Mandelson to assess the feasibility
of an EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement is likely to encounter the favour of the UK Government, which has shown particular interest in
this geographical area.
Trade and textiles will also be a key issue during the coming semester. The Commission has recently launched an investigation on
imports from China. The investigation could lead the Commission to propose restrictions to Chinese textile products. In this case, the
issue would be dealt by the 133 Committee (formed by Member States representatives), chaired by the UK Presidency.
Finally, EU-US economic integration will also be an issue the Presidency will look at, as the dossier will arrive at the 133 Committee
after the summer.
42

y Jack Thurston,
Senior Research Associate, Foreign Policy Centre
Agriculture holds the key to the successful completion of the World Trade Organisation’s Doha Development Agenda and if the EU
wishes to maximise its negotiating capital before the crunch summit in Hong Kong in December, it will have to reform the Common
Agricultural Policy’s system of sugar subsidies. Reaching agreement on the Commission’s sugar reform proposals will be the top priority
for the UK’s Presidency of the Agriculture Council.
Established in 1968, the objectives of EU sugar policy are to ensure price stability and decent incomes for European sugar beet growers
and processors. This is achieved by fi xing the price of sugar above the world market price through import tariffs and national production
quotas. As a concession to former colonial territories, the EU also granted limited access to its closed market for sugar growers from
19 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacifi c (ACP). The result is an EU sugar price up to three times the prevailing world price
and surpluses that must be dealt with by subsidised exports that cost EU taxpayers €1.27 billion a year.
The system is misleadingly described as ‘self-fi nancing’ because most of the benefi ts to sugar growers and processors come in the
form of invisible transfers from consumers via higher sugar prices, rather than in the form of more visible direct payments. A diverse and
politically powerful lobby has grown up in favour of the maintenance of a highly protectionist sugar market: sugar beet farmers tend to
be larger and more wealthy than other farmers; signifi cant investment requirements and economies of scale mean that the sugar beet
processing industry is concentrated into a few dozen sugar processing companies who enjoy unusually high profi ts; and furthermore,
many poorer developing countries and their NGO advocates oppose the price reductions that would result from radical reform, as this
threatens the sustainability of tropical sugar cane producers who have become reliant on exports to the high price EU market. The costs
of the system are borne by European consumers, taxpayers and competitive sugar producers denied access to European markets (these
include Brazil, Australia, Thailand, Kenya, Sudan and Mozambique).
Yet four developments point in the direction of reform. First, a WTO Appeals Panel has recently ruled that key aspects of the EU's
sugar regime contravene international trade law. Second, the EU has promised duty-free access to fi fty of the world’s least developed
countries under the Everything But Arms programme by the end of the decade but to do so under the current regime would further
increase the problem of surpluses. Third, as part of the Doha Development Agenda, the EU has offered to end all export subsidies in
agriculture which will make impossible the disposal of sugar surpluses. Fourth, radical transformations of the rest of the CAP now make
the sugar subsidy system look increasingly out of place in the wider context of European agriculture policy.
The task for the UK Presidency is to broker a deal on sugar reform before the critical WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December
2005. This deal is likely to involve a signifi cant diminution and consolidation of EU sugar beet production and diffi culties for many
uncompetitive ACP sugar growers. These downsides must be effectively managed with careful transitions and imaginative and generous
assistance for those whose livelihoods have unfortunately become dependent on a protectionist policy that is well past its sell-by date.
43

Transport
by Nicolas Acker, Weber Shandwick
The UK will hold the Presidency of the EU at a key moment for the future of the EU transport policy. It will lead the debates on the midterm
review of the 2000 Transport White Paper which is likely to refocus the European transport strategy until 2010.
Safety and security will be on top of the agenda of the UK Presidency which, like its predecessors, will examine possibilities, to improve
the EU strategy in these domains. Regarding transport security, the UK Government will work in close co-operation with the US and
favour an intensifi ed transatlantic dialogue between EU and US customs and transport authorities.
Another major focus will be the continuing development of the EU passengers’ regime. The UK Government will work on extending the
current EU air passengers’ compensation regime to other modes of transportation. A special emphasis will also be given to the rights
of passengers with reduced mobility.
Regarding maritime transport, the UK Presidency will moderate the initial discussions on the third maritime safety package to be
presented by the Commission in June 2005 addressing issues such as liability and compensation in case of maritime pollution,
compulsory insurance, traffi c monitoring, port state and fl ag state control. The UK Presidency will also moderate the initial discussions
for the future EU maritime policy. Following this round of consultation, a Green Paper on is scheduled to be published in the fi rst half of
2006, and it is expected to include transport policy related elements.
The UK Presidency will also work for a rapid adoption of the Third Railway Package aimed at continuing the reform of the railway sector
by opening up international passenger services to competition within the EU, improving the rights of passengers using international
services, establishing a certifi cation system for locomotive drivers and stepping up the quality of freight services. Furthermore, the UK
Presidency will push for a more effective EU road safety policy, working essentially on the mid-term review of the road safety action plan
(2001-2010). The UK Presidency is expected to focus on a new proposal to be presented by the Commission for a regulation concerning
public service requirements.
As far as aviation is concerned, the UK Presidency will continue work on new legislative proposals to be submitted by the European
Commission in 2005 such as the proposals on airport slot allocation, the extension of the scope of the European Aviation Safety Agency,
further competition in ground-handling and the allocation of air traffi c rights. They will also support the Commission in its continuing
attempts to negotiate a balanced agreement on the EU-US Open Aviation Area, and in the implementation of the Single European Sky
(SES) work programme. But the real political innovation regarding air transport lies in the commitment by the UK Government to make
the inclusion of aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme from 2008 a priority for its Presidency.
Finally, the UK Presidency will continue work on the European satellite navigation system "GALILEO", on the proposals extending the
trans-European networks (TENs) to neighbouring countries and on questions related to infrastructure charging.
44

y Peter McClymont,
Manager Industry and Government Affairs, bmi
One of the European Union’s greatest achievements is the creation of the single aviation market. bmi, the UK’s second largest fullservice
carrier, campaigned for many years to liberalise the Internal Market. Now the EU must turn to liberalising external markets, most
notably the United States.
EU-US negotiations towards an “Open Aviation Area” (OAA) resume this summer. The OAA concept would remove barriers to entry, liberalise
traffi c rights and allow free movement of capital. Like the move to a single internal market, this goal needs to be realised in stages.
A fi rst stage deal, opening up key markets, was left on the table in June 2004. Under the UK Presidency, there is a golden opportunity
to move swiftly to a fi rst phase deal bringing substantial consumer benefi ts through greater choice and lower fares.
bmi is prohibited from offering its awarding winning service from its Heathrow hub to US destinations by the archaic “Bermuda 2”
agreement, ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice in November 2002. This legal uncertainty must be resolved either through an
OAA fi rst phase deal or denunciation by the UK Government.
The Commission has proposed further negotiating mandates covering other major aviation markets. We want the Commission to
concentrate on the US talks before consideration of whether it can add value elsewhere.
We anticipate proposals on further competition in groundhandling helping deliver improved effi ciencies. The Commission may also
bring forward proposals on market mechanisms for slot allocation at congested airports. There was a cool response to the more radical
proposals in last year’s consultation paper.
Proposed legislation covering access to air transport for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) is high on the agenda. bmi welcomes
measures to prevent discrimination. But we have to move forward and tackle the questions that arise over cost and service levels.
On the technical side, further work is expected on harmonisation (EU-OPS) - crucial to airline effi ciency – and progress on the Single
European Sky (SES) work programme. SES could deliver signifi cant savings in air traffi c delays and consequently emissions reductions,
but who pays is the single most important question.
That leads to environmental issues, particularly aviation and global warming. International aviation emissions are not part of national
inventories under the Kyoto Protocol. The UK’s sustainable development of aviation includes a priority for inclusion of aviation in the
EU emissions trading scheme from 2008. A Commission Communication on this and other possible economic instruments to address
aviation emissions is expected in the summer.
Taxes and charges are not a sustainable option and will not deliver emission savings. Together with concerted action on improving
infrastructure and technological development, a simple and transparent emissions trading system is, in our view, the best way in which
to address this critical issue.
More broadly, bmi urges the Commission, Council and Parliament to view legislative initiatives through the prism of the Lisbon Agenda.
The Association of European Airlines, of which bmi is a member, published an Action Plan earlier this year setting out a forward looking
vision for a competitive industry. The plan can be found at the AEA web site.
45

People to Watch
Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister
Tony Blair was born in Edinburgh, but spent most of his childhood in Durham. At the age of 14 he returned to Edinburgh to fi nish his
education at Fettes College. He studied law at Oxford, and followed in the footsteps of his father to become a barrister, specialising in
trade union and industrial law.
After standing unsuccessfully for the Labour Party in a by-election, Blair went on to win the seat of Sedgefi eld in the 1983 General
Election, aged 30. In 1984 he became opposition spokesperson for Treasury and Economic Affairs, and occupied a variety of posts
until he became shadow Home Secretary in 1992. In 1994, following the sudden death of John Smith, he won a large majority of the
party’s support to become leader.
He initiated the modernisation of the Labour Party, including the abolition of ‘clause four’ of their constitution, a decisive shift toward
the centre ground which was seen as essential for victory. His modern take on socialism, specifi cally the removal of the commitment
to public ownership, was labeled ‘New Labour’.
In 1997 the Labour party won the general election and he became Prime Minister, winning a second term in 2001. He leads the fi rst
Labour Government to have stayed in power for three successive terms, albeit with a slightly reduced majority of 66.
He is married to the barrister Cherie Booth QC, and they have four children. Their youngest, Leo, was the fi rst child born to a serving
Prime Minister in over 150 years.
Rt Hon John Prescott MP, Deputy Prime Minister
Rt Hon Tony Blair Rt Hon John Prescott
John Prescott was born in 1938 in Prestatyn, Wales. He is the son of a railway signalman, and he was educated at Ellesmere Port
Secondary Modern. He worked as a steward in the Merchant Navy and a Union Offi cial in the National Union of Seamen before winning
a seat in Kingston-upon-Hull east in 1970 (now Hull East).
Having risen through the party to the level of shadow Secretary of State he became deputy leader in 1994, and on Labour’s win in the
1997 general election he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister by Tony Blair.
Since 1997 he has headed up a revitalized Offi ce of the Deputy Prime Minister (created in 2002), with particular responsibility for
housing, social regeneration, sustainable communities, and devolving responsibility to local neighbourhoods.
He continues to stand in for the Prime Minister when required, and chairs a number of senior Cabinet Committees. He has a diplomatic
role representing the UK abroad and has a formal role in promoting the interests of the North across Government.
47

Rt Hon Gordon Brown Rt Hon Jack Straw
Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer
Born in 1951, Mr Brown was educated at Kirkcaldy High School and Edinburgh University, where he gained First Class Honours and
then a Doctorate.
He worked as a lecturer in politics at the Glasgow school of Technology, then moved into journalism, working for the Scottish Television
current affairs department. He won the seat of Dunfermline East in 1983 and became Chair of the Labour Party Scottish Council.
Having held positions in Trade & Industry in opposition, in 1992 he became shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, before being appointed
Chancellor in 1997. In 2005 he was elected to the constituency of Kirkaldy and Cowdenbeath (as a result of boundary changes in
Scotland).
Mr Brown has had a number of works published including Maxton, The Politics of Nationalism and Devolution and Where There is Greed.
He has also edited a number of books including John Smith: Life and Soul of the Party and Values, Visions and Voices.
Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Jack Straw was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in 2001 and has remained in this position following
the 2005 post election reshuffl e.
He started his career as a councilor in Islington in 1971, and entered the House of Commons as the member for Blackburn in 1979. He
has been Opposition Frontbench Spokesman for Treasury and Economic Affairs and Environment, before becoming Shadow Secretary
of State for Education, Environment, and Home Affairs. In 1997, when Labour came into power, he was made Home Secretary, where
he remained until 2001. As Foreign Secretary he has overseen the war in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, two of the biggest overseas
commitments of UK troops in recent years.
48

Rt Hon David Blunkett Rt Hon Margaret Beckett
Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
David Blunkett embarked on a career with East Midlands Gas Board, where he became a shop steward at the GMB. He became the
youngest councillor on Sheffi eld City Council in 1970 at the age of 21 and rapidly rose to become its leader. Entering Parliament in
1987 he moved from being a traditional Labour loyalist to a moderniser, and was eventually rewarded with a cabinet position in 1997.
Having chaired the Labour Party nationally, Mr Blunkett was put in charge of education and employment in Tony Blair’s fi rst Government.
Appointed Home Secretary following the 2001 general election, Blunkett rapidly won a reputation as a man who was as ready to take
on the police and legal establishment, as he had been the teaching and student’s unions as Education Secretary.
David Blunkett survived the resignation of his deputy Beverly Hughes in April 2004 despite huge media and political pressure to follow
her lead. Blunkett resigned from offi ce in December 2004 but has returned to this cabinet to replace Alan Johnson as Secretary of
State for Work and Pensions.
Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Following four years in the post, Margaret Beckett remains as Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary following the 2005 Cabinet reshuffl e.
She entered politics in 1974 as the member for Lincoln, and after four years without a seat from 1979 re-entered parliament in 1983
as the member for Derby South.
Between 1974 and 1979 she was a PPS, assistant government whip, and Parliamentary under-secretary of state. Through the 1980s
she occupied various positions, including Shadow Minister for Social Security and Shadow Leader of the House. She was Deputy Leader
of the Labour Party from 1992 – 1994, and led the party for two months in 1994 following the sudden death of John Smith. Appointed
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 1997, she became Leader of the House in 1998, and moved to the Department for the
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in 2001.
49

Rt Hon Dr John Reid Rt Hon Geoffrey William Hoon
Rt Hon Dr John Reid MP, Secretary of State for Defence
A highly-regarded defence specialist, John Reid returned to the Ministry of Defence as Secretary of State in May 2005, having served
for a spell at the Department of Health. The appointment was considered overdue, as he had been expected to replace George
Robertson as Defence Secretary in 1999 but was pipped to the post by Geoff Hoon.
Born in Scotland in May 1947, John Reid went to school at Coatbridge. He read History at Stirling University, staying to take a Doctorate
in Economic History.
He worked as a research offi cer for the Labour Party from 1979 to 1983. He acted as political adviser to Neil Kinnock from 1983 to
1985, having played a prominent role in Kinnock’s campaign to become leader, and organised Scottish Trade Unionists for Labour from
1986 to 1987.
He has held the following posts in Parliament: Opposition Spokesman on Children; Opposition Spokesman on Defence; Minister of State
for Defence; Minister for Transport; Secretary of State for Scotland; Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; Minister without Portfolio
and Party Chair; Leader of the House of Commons and President of the Council.
John Reid enjoys reading history and solving crosswords in his spare time. He is married to Carine Adler, a fi lm director from Brazil.
Rt Hon Geoffrey William Hoon MP, Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons
Geoff Hoon became Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons in May 2005.
Mr Hoon served previously in the Lord Chancellor’s Department as Parliamentary Secretary from May 1997, surviving under Lord Irvine,
to be promoted to Minister of State in July 1998. He then joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce in May 1999, as Minister of
State with responsibility for Asia and the Pacifi c, the Middle East and North Africa. He was made Minister for Europe in July and was
appointed Secretary of State for Defence in October that year.
Before serving as a Member of Parliament, Mr Hoon was Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Derbyshire and Ashfi eld from
1984 until 1994. During that time he was a member of the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee. He was successively
Chairman of the Delegations for Relations with China and the United States.
He has previously lectured in law at Leeds University from 1976 to 1982, and was Visiting Professor of Law at the University of
Louisville, Kentucky, in 1979 and 1980. He practised as a barrister in Nottingham between 1982 and 1984, having been called to the
Bar in 1978 by Gray’s Inn.
Mr Hoon was born in Derby on 6 December 1953 and was educated at Nottingham High School and Jesus College, Cambridge. He
married Elaine Dumelow in 1981; they have one son and two daughters.
50

Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Health
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt Rt Hon Tessa Jowell
Patricia Hewitt was born in Canberra in 1948, the daughter of a leading Australian civil servant and businessman. She studied English
Literature at Newnham College Cambridge, and went on to become General Secretary of the National Council for Civil Liberties.
After failing to win the seat of Leicester East in 1983, she became press secretary to Neil Kinnock, the then Labour Party Leader, a
position she held for fi ve years. Following this Ms Hewitt was Deputy Director of the left-leaning think tank, the Institute for Public Policy
Research, and a visiting Fellow of Nuffi eld College, Oxford.
She was elected to Parliament in 1997 and entered the Cabinet after just four years. She was appointed Secretary of State for Trade and
Industry, and Minister for Women and Equality. In Tony Blair’s 2005 Cabinet reshuffl e Ms. Hewitt was moved to the Health post.
Twice married, she is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts, and an enthusiastic gardener and horse rider.
Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Tessa Jowell has been at the heart of government and Tony Blair’s “Kitchen Cabinet” since he became leader in 1994 and her fate is
very much linked with that of her friend and political master. Jowell fi rst entered Parliament for Dulwich in 1992 and was the fi rst of
the women in the 1992 intake to achieve Minister of State rank (for Public Health in 1997). She has been Secretary of State for Culture,
Media and Sport since 2001.
As a former social care administrator and researcher, Tessa Jowell is well-respected in the social policy community. Despite coming
from a Tory-voting family, Mrs Jowell joined the party in 1969 and was elected to Camden Borough Council in 1971 (following further
education at Aberdeen and Edinburgh universities, and Goldsmith’s College). Her most active early opposition in Parliament was on the
Health agenda forcing Virginia Bottomley to admit to bed shortages in London’s hospitals. Early campaigns in power included research
into and action to reduce health inequalities, and the connection between wealth and well-being.
She was promoted to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, though with no known track record on any of the three, following
the General Election in June 2001. Her elevation to the Cabinet followed two years as Minister of State at the Department of Education
and Employment, implementing the New Deal to get the long-term unemployed into jobs; and two years as Minister for Public Health,
with responsibility for the Sure Start Programme, and for Women’s Issues.
51

Rt Hon Charles Clarke
Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP, Secretary of State for the Home Offi ce
Charles Clarke grew up in North London, and went to Highgate School before graduating from King’s College, Cambridge with a
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
researcher, and became his Chief of Staff in 1983 where he continued until 1992.
Clarke was one of the fi rst two of the “class of ‘97” (along with Patricia Hewitt) to be promoted to offi ce, having maintained the Norwich
South seat he was selected for with a swing to Labour of 10.10%, which more than doubled the majority. Clarke served a wellrespected
term as Secretary of State for Education and Skills from 2002 – 2004. He took over as Home Secretary after Blunkett’s
dramatic departure in 2004 and faced opposition over the Identity Cards Bill and controversy over powers to detain suspected terrorists
raging in the Commons. In the post-Election reshuffl e, Clarke remains in his post at the Home Offi ce.
The Rt Hon Baroness Amos, Leader of the House of Lords
Baroness Amos has held the position of Leader of the House of Lords and President of the Council since October 2003. She fi rst joined
the Cabinet as International Development Secretary in May 2003, having previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
at the Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce in 2001.
Baroness Amos was born in Guyana and studied at the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham and East Anglia. She was awarded an
Honorary Professorship at Thames Valley University in 1995 in recognition of her work on equality and social justice.
After working in Equal Opportunities, Training and Management Services in local government in the London boroughs of Lambeth,
Camden and Hackney, she became Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission 1989-94.
In the House of Lords, Baroness Amos was a co-opted member of the Select Committee on European Communities Sub-Committee F
(Social Affairs, Education and Home Affairs) 1997-98.
She was appointed a Government Whip in the House of Lords in July 1998. In addition to her role as a Spokesperson on International
Development, she also spoke on Social Security and Women’s Issues. She was created a life peer in August 1997.
She has also been Deputy Chair of the Runnymede Trust 1990-98, a Trustee of the Institute of Public Policy Research, a non-executive
Director of the University College London Hospitals Trust, a Trustee of Voluntary Services Overseas, Chair of the Afi ya Trust, a director of
Hampstead Theatre and Chair of the Board of Governors of the Royal College of Nursing Institute.
52

The Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton QC, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor
Lord Falconer of Thoroton was appointed as Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor in June 2003. He has
built on his previous experience as Solicitor General, appointed in May 1997, and as a barrister having been called to the Bar (Inner
Temple) in 1974.
He moved to the Department for Constitutional Affairs after a stint in the Home Offi ce (from May 2002) as Minister of State for Criminal
Justice, Sentencing and Law Reform.
Lord Falconer previously served as Minister of State at the Cabinet Offi ce from July 1998 to June 2001. He subsequently joined the
Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, where he was appointed Minister for Housing, Planning and Regeneration.
A former fl atmate of Tony Blair, he was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, and Queens’ College, Cambridge and was called to the
Bar (Inner Temple) in 1974.
He is married with three sons and one daughter.
The Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton Rt Hon Hilary Benn
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development
Hilary Benn was born in 1953, and attended Holland Park Comprehensive School. He later received a degree in Russian and East
European studies from the University of Sussex in 1974.
The son of Tony Benn, the long serving former cabinet minister and icon of the Labour Left, Hilary Benn began his career at Médecins
Sans Frontières before moving into politics. In 1997 he became Special Adviser to David Blunkett, as Secretary of State for Education
and Employment before being elected to Parliament in a by-election in 1999.
His meteoric rise saw him in 2001 become fi rst Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for International Development,
then for Community and Custodial Provision at the Home Offi ce. In 2003 he was made a Minister of State at the Department for
International Development and later in the same year was appointed Secretary of State for International Development.
He is married with three daughters and one son and enjoys sport and gardening.
53

Rt Hon Alan Johnson Rt Hon Ruth Kelly
Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
Alan Johnson was born in 1950 and educated at Sloane Grammar School. Prior to becoming an MP in 1997, Mr. Johnson was a
postman and held a number of positions at the Union of Communication Workers, including General Secretary. In the mid 90’s he was
a Director at Unity Bank Trust.
Since becoming elected Mr. Johnson has held a number of prominent ministerial positions including Minister of State, Minister for
Employment Relations and Regions, and Minister of State for Lifelong Learning and Further and Higher Education.
He entered the Cabinet in 2004 as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Tony Blair’s post-election Cabinet reshuffl e has placed Mr.
Johnson at the helm of the newly named DTI – now the Department for Productivity, Energy and Industry.
Mr. Johnson is married with and enjoys tennis, cooking and reading.
Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Education and Skills
Ruth Kelly joined the Labour party after graduating from Queen’s College Oxford. Having completed a masters at the London School of
Economics in 1992, she went on to work at the Guardian as an economics writer for four years. Following that she worked from 1994
until 1997 as the Deputy Head of the Infl ation Report Division at the Bank of England.
Winning her Bolton West seat in 1997, Kelly was one of the youngest of the female intake of that year. She worked at the HM Treasury
from 2001- 2004; fi rst as Economic and then as Financial Secretary. Appointed Minister in the Cabinet Offi ce in 2004, she was
Secretary of State for Education and Skills within the year after Charles Clarke left to fi ll David Blunkett’s gap at the Home Offi ce. Ruth
Kelly held fi rmly to her position following the post-Election reshuffl e.
54

Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, Secretary of State for Transport
Alistair Darling was promoted in May 2002 to be Secretary of State for Transport, following the resignation of Stephen Byers. He moved
from the Department of Work and Pensions, where he had been Secretary of State since the general election in 2001.
With the abolition of the Scottish Offi ce and the post of Scottish Secretary in June 2003, he also became the Government’s spokesman
on Scottish matters in the Commons.
A convert to devolution and proportional representation, he acquired experience of local government and the law before defeating Sir
Alex Fletcher in a close contest in Central Edinburgh in 1987, winning back the seat lost by Robin Cook in 1983. He handled a range
of home affairs issues as Roy Hattersley’s deputy - notably electoral systems and immigration - before becoming deputy to Gordon
Brown in 1992.
He dealt with economic matters from the Labour front bench, and opposed a series of Tory fi nance Bills - getting involved with such
issues as banking supervision, fraud, and self-regulation in the City.
When Labour came to power he stayed with Brown and went to the Treasury as the minister in charge of public expenditure.
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Minister of State for Europe
Rt Hon Alistair Darling Rt Hon Douglas Alexander
Douglas Alexander was appointed Minister of State for Europe in May 2005.
Alexander was previously Minister of State for E-commerce and Competitiveness at the Department of Trade and Industry after the
election of June 2001.
In May 2002, he was moved sideways to the Cabinet Offi ce in the reshuffl e following the resignation of Stephen Byers. As Chancellor
of the Duchy of Lancaster he had a more political, cross-ministerial role in the Cabinet Offi ce, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.
In September 2004, however, he lost his title to the returning Alan Milburn, and was moved back to DTI as Minister of State for Trade,
also working in the Foreign offi ce.
Until 2001 seen mainly behind the scenes, he had been a key campaign strategy manager, part of the small group who advised the
Prime Minister on the general election.
He also took charge of campaign strategy in the Scottish Parliamentary election campaign of 1999.
Alexander is an associate of the Glasgow solicitors Digby Brown, a member of a Scottish policy advisory board and is on the liaison
committee of the Scottish Royal College of Physicians. He used to write a fortnightly column for The Herald newspaper.
55

Rt Hon Ian McCartney
Rt Hon Ian McCartney MP, Minister without Portfolio and Party Chair
Mr Ian McCartney was appointed Minister Without Portfolio and Party Chair in April 2003, and has retained the position following the
2005 Election reshuffl e.
Mr McCartney was previously Minister of State for Pensions at the Department for Work and Pensions (2001-2003); Minister of State
for the Cabinet Offi ce (1999-2001) where he was responsible for modernising Government and E-Government, and Minister of State
at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) (1997-1999). Prior to that, Mr McCartney held a number of positions in Opposition -
spokesperson on Health, Employment, Education and Social Services.
At the DTI, Mr McCartney was responsible for employment relations, the Post Offi ce, Company Law and inward investment. There he
succeeded in steering through legislation creating a national minimum wage, the fairness at work legislation and the Competition Act.
Born in 1951, Mr McCartney had a number of jobs after leaving school, including working as a seaman and a local government manual
worker. He was a councillor for Wigan Borough from 1982-87. Mr McCartney is married with one son (Hugh, who died tragically in
1999), two daughters and seven grandchildren. He is a keen supporter of Wigan Rugby League.
Rt Hon Des Browne QC MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Mr Browne has served as Minister of State for Work at the Department of Work and Pensions from 2003-2004 and then as Minister of
State responsible for Citizenship, Immigration and Nationality at the Home Offi ce until May 2005, before being moved to the Treasury.
Educated at Glasgow University, Mr Des Browne trained as a lawyer and served in Scotland before becoming MP for Kilmarnock &
Loudoun in 1997. A QC specialising in family law, Browne was parachuted into contest the SNP-threatened seat where he had formerly
been a local solicitor.
Mr Browne has held his seat since 1997, and maintained his position in the recent elections despite the boundary changes in Scotland
which have seen his constituency signifi cantly enlarged. Browne has said that his proudest achievement in Parliament since 1997 has
been the private member’s bill he introduced to establish a register of serious drug dealers.
Rt Hon John Hutton MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
John Hutton was born in 1955 and attended Oxford University where he received an MA in Law. He began his career as a research
fellow at Oxford University and went on teach law at Newcastle Polytechnic.
In the late1980s he contested both European and National elections. In 1992 he was elected MP for Barrow and Furness. 1997 saw him
appointed PPS to Margaret Beckett as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, President of the Council and Leader of the House. In 1998
he was made Parliamentary – Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and later Minister of State for Health in 1999.
Mr. Hutton entered the Cabinet for the fi rst time as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in Blair’s recent post-election reshuffl e.
His recreational interests include cricket, football and fi lms.
56

Key Contacts
Permanent Representative
Sir John Grant KCMG
Permanent Representative
Susan Sills
PA to Sir John Grant KCMG
+32 2 287 8271
Susan.Sills@fco.gov.uk
Delyth Evans
APA to Sir John Grant KCMG
+32 2 287 8251
Delyth.Evans@fco.gov.uk
Deputy Permanent Representative
Anne Lambert
Deputy Permanent Representative
Kay Sweet
PA to Anne Lambert (a.m.)
+32 2 287 8262
Kay.Sweet@fco.gov.uk
Alison Fergusson
PA to Anne Lambert (p.m.)
+32 2 287 8262
Alison.Fergusson@fco.gov.uk
Representative to the Political
and Security Committee
Julian King
Representative to the Political and Security
Committee
Andrew Davis
PA to Julian King
+32 2 287 8288
Andrew.Davis@fco.gov.uk
Permanent Representation of the UK to the EU
T +32 2 287 8211
Military Representative to the EU
Air Marshall Robert Wright
Military Representative to the EU
+32 2 707 7560
Political Affairs Section
Michael Aron
Head of Section
+32 2 287 8272
Michael.Aron@fco.gov.uk
Genevieve Wicks
PA to Michael Aron
+32 2 287 8245
Genevieve.Wicks@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8317
James Morrison
UK 2005 Presidency
+32 2 287 8388
James.Morrison@fco.gov.uk
Lindsy Thompson
UK 2005 Presidency Assistant
+32 2 282 8957
Lindsy.Thompson@fco.gov.uk
Corin Robertson
Antici Group - Coreper 2
Interinstitutional reform and future of EU,
Council working methods
+32 2 287 8385
Corin.Robertson@fco.gov.uk
Nishi Dholakia
Deputy Antici Group - Coreper 2
Council Reform
+32 2 282 8937
Nishi.Dholakia@fco.gov.uk
57
Danae Meacock-Bashir
Mertens Group - Coreper 1
+32 2 282 8937
Danae.Meacock-Bashir@fco.gov.uk
Institutions Section
Scott Furssedonn
Head of Section
European Parliament, Comitology
+32 2 287 8292
Scott.Furssedonn@fco.gov.uk
Jayne Morris
PA to Scott Furssedonn
+32 2 287 8265
Jayne.Morris@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8313
Olivier Evans
European Parliament, Economic and
Social Committee, European Ombudsman,
Gibraltar
+32 2 287 8299
Olivier.Evans@fco.gov.uk
Sarah Bell
Committee of the Regions, Devolution
+32 2 287 8376
Sarah.Bell@fco.gov.uk
Dominique Clement
Secretarial Support
+32 2 287 8269
Dominique.Clement@fco.gov.uk
In Strasbourg during European
Parliament Plenary weeks:
+33 3 88 17 68 15
Fax: +33 3 88 35 41 30

Agriculture and Fisheries Section
David Barnes
Head of Section
+32 2 287 8254
David.Barnes@fco.gov.uk
Carla Bates
PA to David Barnes
+32 2 287 8238
Carla.Bates@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8394
Eleanor Brooks
CAP, Rural Development, Agricultural
Aspects of WTO and Enlargement
+32 2 287 8249
Eleanor.Brooks@fco.gov.uk
Caoimhe Treanor
CAP, Designations of Origin, Geographical
Indications
+32 2 287 8225
Caoimhe.Treanor@fco.gov.uk
Gareth Baynham-Hughes
UKRep Mertens representative
Fisheries, Pesticides, Plant Health,
Veterinary Medicines
+32 2 287 8389
Gareth.Baynham-Hughes@fco.gov.uk
Keith Morrison
Fisheries, Pesticides, Plant Health,
Forestry, Veterinary Medicines, State Aids
and Infractions
+32 2 287 8336
Keith.Morrison@fco.gov.uk
Roy Norton
Food and Veterinary, Animal Health/
Welfare/Feeding Stuffs, Meat Hygiene
+32 2 287 8214
Roy.Norton@fco.gov.uk
Simon Stannard
Veterinary Affairs and Food, Animal Health/
Welfare/Feeding Stuffs, Meat Hygiene,
GMO
+32 2 287 8286
Simon.Stannard@fco.gov.uk
Helen Stokes
UK Agriculture Presidency Coordinator,
State Aids and Infractions
+32 2 282 8970
Helen.Stokes@fco.gov.uk
Nigel Barclay
General Enquiries and European
Parliament Issues
+32 2 287 8230
Nigel.Barclay@fco.gov.uk
Industry and the
Internal Market Section
Antony Vinall
Head of Section
+32 2 287 8240
Antony.Vinall@fco.gov.uk
Margaret McKie
PA to Antony Vinall
+32 2 287 8275
Margaret.McKie@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8395
Chris Barton
Competition Policy (merger control,
anti-trust), State aid (except agriculture),
Company Law and Accounting, Takeovers,
Services of General Economic
Interest
+32 2 287 8236
Chris.Barton@fco.gov.uk
Lynne Vallance
State Aid - casework and policy issues
(except agriculture), Competition Policy
(merger control, anti-trust), Company Law
and Accounting
+32 2 282 8918
Lynne.Vallance@fco.gov.uk
Ben Turner
Innovation and Information Society,
Telecoms, Research and Biotechnology,
eEurope, Postal Services
+32 2 287 8218
Ben.Turner@fco.gov.uk
Vicki Voulgaraki
Secretary to Chris Barton, Lynne Vallance
Ben Turner
+32 2 287 8926
Vassiliki.Voulgaraki@fco.gov.uk
Bill Jones
Energy. Nuclear (except research)
+32 2 287 8253
Bill.Jones@fco.gov.uk
58
Michael Rossell
Transport: Aviation, Infrastructure Charging
and Road Safety
+32 2 287 8302
Michael.Rossell@fco.gov.uk
Johanna Keech
Transport: Maritime, Public Service
Requirements and Tunnel Safety, Tourism
+32 2 287 8203
Johanna.Keech@fco.gov.uk
Heather Callaghan
Secretary to Michael Rossell,
Johanna Keech
+32 2 287 8290
Heather.Callaghan@fco.gov.uk
Andrew van der Lem
General Internal Market (strategy,
compliance, infractions etc.), Intellectual
property rights (Patents, copyright, trade
marks), Public procurement, Single market
in services, Industrial standards, Data
protection Competitiveness Council coordinator
+32 2 287 8295
Andrew.vanderLem@fco.gov.uk
Aidan Liddle
Consumer policy issues (including duty
to trade fairly, consumer credit, safety of
services, sales promotion), Product safety
and dangerous substances (cosmetics,
CMR’s etc.), Mutual recognition of
qualifi cations, Lisbon Economic Reform
co-ordinator.
+32 2 287 8278
Aidan.Liddle@fco.gov.uk
Jenny Young
Competitiveness, Small Business,
Better Regulation, Industrial Policy,
Pharmaceuticals, REACH chemicals
legislation
+32 2 282 8925
Jenny.Young@fco.gov.uk
Owain Service
REACH chemicals regulation, Dangerous
substances, Industrial standards
and technical harmonization, Public
procurement, Information society,
Telecoms, e-europe and postal services
+32 2 282 8991
Owain.Service@fco.gov.uk

Lisa Rhodes
Secretary to Andrew van der Lem,
Jenny Young
+32 2 287 8296
Lisa.Rhodes@fco.gov.uk
Kai Keski-Korhonen
Support Team Coordinator Liaison with
European Parliament,
Support team co-ordinator
+32 2 287 8369
Kai.Keski-Korhonen@fco.gov.uk
Social, Environmental and
Regional Affairs Section
Shan Morgan
Head of Section
+32 2 287 8266
Shan.Morgan@fco.gov.uk
Sue Wright
PA to Shan Morgan
+32 2 287 8208
Sue.Wright@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8397
Section Mail:
ukrep-environment@fco.gov.uk
Marc Holland
Employment and labour market policy,
Industrial relations, labour law, Antidiscrimination,
Gender equality, legislative
dossiers
+32 2 287 8213
Marc.Holland@fco.gov.uk
Liz Wood
Social security, Social protection, Health
and safety, Pensions Directive, Movement
of Workers
+32 2 287 8350
Liz.Wood@fco.gov.uk
Kevin Dench
Presidency Co-ordinator for social affairs
+32 2 287 8221
Kevin.Dench@fco.gov.uk
Jo Hawley
Education, Vocational training and lifelong
learning, Youth
+32 2 287 8244
Jo.Hawley@fco.gov.uk
Caroline Adan
PA to Marc Holland, Liz Wood, Kevin
Dench, Jo Hawley
+32 2 287 8303
Caroline.Adan@fco.gov.uk
Philip McMurray
Air Quality issues (Volatile Organic
Compounds, Sulphur in Marine Fuels,
Non-Road Mobile Machinery, Vehicle
Emissions), Fuel Quality issues (EU
Strategy to Reduce Atmospheric Emissions
from Seagoing Ships), Infractions
+32 2 287 8351
Philip.McMurray@fco.gov.uk
Lindsay Appleby
Waste issues (Packaging and Packaging
Waste, Mining Waste, WEEE, Waste
Shipment Regulation), Climate change
(Kyoto Monitoring Mechanisms,
Fluorinated Gases, Linking Kyoto Projects
to Emissions Trading), GMO’s, Sustainable
Development including Environmental
Technologies, Biodiversity
+32 2 287 8301
Lindsay.Appleby@fco.gov.uk
Robert Watt
Water Quality issues (Bathing water,
Groundwater), Chemicals (Persistent
Organic Pollutants), Environmental Liability,
Governance (Aarhus Convention)
+32 2 287 8201
Rob.Watt@fco.gov.uk
Lorraine Emsbach
PA to Philip McMurray, Lindsay Appleby,
Robert Watt (a.m.)
+32 2 287 8202
Lorraine.Emsbach@fco.gov.uk
Sofi a Moratinos
PA to Philip McMurray, Lindsay Appleby,
Robert Watt (p.m.)
+32 2 287 8202
Sofi a.Moratinos@fco.gov.uk
Tim Figures
European Structural Funds, Regional
Policy, Liaison with offi ces of UK regions
+32 2 287 8358
Tim.Figures@fco.gov.uk
59
Mayerling Patel
Health
+32 2 287 8270
Mayerling.Patel@fco.gov.uk
Sam Baker
Culture, Sport, Regional Policy, Health
+32 2 282 8968
Sam.Baker@fco.gov.uk
Fiona Flynn
PA to Tim Figures, Mayerling Patel, Sam
Baker
+32 2 287 8321
Fiona.Flynn@fco.gov.uk
Economic Affairs, Finance
and Tax Section
Peter Curwen
Head of Section
+32 2 287 8264
Peter.Curwen@fco.gov.uk
Joan Nisbett
PA to Peter Curwen
+32 2 287 8258
Joan.Nisbett@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8333
Andrew Olive
EC Annual Budget, Inter-Institutional
Agreement (IIA), Financial Management
and Control Issues, Counter-Fraud, Court
of Auditors
+32 2 287 8283
Andrew.Olive@fco.gov.uk
Priyen Patel
EC Budget. Court of Auditors, Discharge of
the Budget, Building Group, Group Statut,
Financial Perspectives
+32 2 287 8284
Priyen.Patel@fco.gov.uk
Edward Smith
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU),
Future Financing, Financial Aspects of
External Policy, EU Borrowing/Lending,
Financial Perspectives, Statistics
+32 2 287 8223
Edward.Smith@fco.gov.uk

Natacha Alexander
Ecofi n Presidency Coordinator, Lisbon
Dossier, EIB
+32 2 282 8933
Natacha.Alexander@fco.gov.uk
Jill Holt
Secretary for Andrew Olive, Priyen Patel,
Edward Smith, Natacha Alexander
+32 2 287 8320
Jill.Holt@fco.gov.uk
Gary Roberts
Financial services, Export Credits
+32 2 287 8293
Gary.Roberts@fco.gov.uk
David Eacott
Financial services
+32 2 282 8940
David.Eacott@fco.gov.uk
James Robertson
VAT, Direct Taxation including Code of
Conduct
+32 2 287 8378
James.Robertson@fco.gov.uk
Karen Parkes
Customs Union, Excise Duties, Energy/
Environmental taxes
+32 2 282 8938
Karen.Parkes@fco.gov.uk
Charlotte Daly
Taxation
+32 2 287 8393
Charlotte.Daly@fco.gov.uk
Anne-Catherine Bultot
Secretary for Gary Roberts, David Eacott,
James Robertson, Karen Parkes
+32 2 287 8289
Anne-Catherine.Bultot@fco.gov.uk
Marie-Claire Piper
Secretary for Gary Roberts, David Eacott,
James Robertson, Karen Parkes
+32 2 287 8289
Marie-Claire.Piper@fco.gov.uk
External Relations, Development
and Trade PolicySection
Carolyn Browne
Head of Section
+32 2 287 8248
Carolyn.Browne@fco.gov.uk
Andrew Davis
PA to Carolyn Browne
+32 2 287 8288
Andrew.Davis@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8326
Enlargement Team
Giles Portman
Enlargement
+32 2 287 8222
Giles.Portman@fco.gov.uk
Sarah Cullum
Enlargement, Central European Countries,
EFTA
+32 2 287 8291
Sarah.Cullum@fco.gov.uk
Vincenza Saetta
Secretarial Support
+32 2 287 8261
Vincenza.Saetta@fco.gov.uk
Geographical Team
Duncan Sparkes
Western Balkans
+32 2 287 8377
Duncan.Sparkes@fco.gov.uk
Victoria Courtney
Russia, Eastern Europe
+32 2 287 8307
Victoria.Courtney@fco.gov.uk
Karen Betts
Latin America, Middle East Peace Process
(MEPP), Maghreb/Mashraq, Middle East/
Gulf
+32 2 287 8322
Karen.Betts@fco.gov.uk
Jeltske Boogaard
Secretarial Support
+32 2 287 8260
Jeltske.Boogaard@fco.gov.uk
60
Stephen Hickey
Latin America, Human Rights, Assistant
Desk Offi cer for Asia
+32 2 287 8355
Stephen.Hickey@fco.gov.uk
Nina Severn
Secretarial Support
+32 2 282 8929
Nina.Severn@fco.gov.uk
Trade Policy and Transatlantic
Issues Team
Ian Vollbracht
WTO and other trade policy issues, The
Article 133 Committee, Relations between
the EU and the US, Canada, Japan, Hong
Kong, Australia and New Zealand
+32 2 287 8232
Ian.Vollbracht@fco.gov.uk
Harriet Rodger
Anti-Dumping, Commodities, Steel, Commercial
Defence Instruments, Textiles, GSP
+32 2 287 8205
Harriet.Rodger@fco.gov.uk
Laura Guy
Trade Policy and Transatlantic issues
+32 2 282 8990
Laura.Guy@fco.gov.uk
Development Policy Team
Peter Landymore
Counsellor Development, Development
Policy, Reform of External Services
+32 2 287 8235
Peter.Landymore@fco.gov.uk
Philip Rose
Sub-Saharan Africa (including South
Africa), Development Cooperation EU/ACP,
Humanitarian Aid
+32 2 287 8347
Philip.Rose@fco.gov.uk
Michele Moore
Secretarial Support
+32 2 287 8209
Michele.Moore@fco.gov.uk

Pol-Mil Team
Anna Clunes
RELEX Counsellors Group, ESDP, CFSP
+32 2 287 8255
Anna.Clunes@fco.gov.uk
Sandy Johnston
ESDP, especially Military Capabilities and
Review Mechanism
+32 2 287 8256
Sandy.Johnston@fco.gov.uk
Chris Hodge
Civilian Crisis Management, OSCE
+32 2 287 8252
Chris.Hodge@fco.gov.uk
Benedict Mann
Crisis Management Procedures
+32 2 282 8936
Benedict.Mann@fco.gov.uk
Damian Thwaites
PSC Coordinator
+32 2 287 8219
Damian.Thwaites@fco.gov.uk
Graham Muir
ESDP Military Ops and Assistance
+32 2 282 8346
Graham.Muir@fco.gov.uk
Helen Collin
Secretarial Support
+32 2 282 8904
Helen.Collin@fco.gov.uk
Commodore Nick Harland
+32 2 287 8220
Nick.Harland@fco.gov.uk
Col Hugo Fletcher
+32 2 287 8335
Hugo.Fletcher@fco.gov.uk
Cdr Philip Stonor
+32 2 287 8318
Philip.Stoner@fco.gov.uk
Wg Cdr Tony Leggett
+32 2 287 8343
Tony.Leggett@fco.gov.uk
Max Houghton
+32 2 287 8363
Max.Houghton@fco.gov.uk
Jeremy Greenop
+32 2 287 8330
Jeremy.Greenop@fco.gov.uk
Vincent Devine
+32 2 282 8921
Vincent.Devine@fco.gov.uk
Alison MacLauchlan
+32 2 287 8340
Alison.MacLauchlan@fco.gov.uk
Nuala Johnson
+32 2 287 8357
Nuala.Johnson@fco.gov.uk
Justice and Home Affairs Section
Jonathan Sweet
Head of Section
+32 2 287 8281
Jonathan.Sweet@fco.gov.uk
Maureen Davies
PA to Jonathan Sweet
+32 2 287 8274
Maureen.Davies@fco.gov.uk
Section Fax: 02 287 8277
Neil Bradley
Visas, Asylum, Immigration
+32 2 287 8257
Neil.Bradley@fco.gov.uk
Emily Maltman
Presidency Coordination, JHA Funding
Programmes, EP Coordination
+32 2 282 8915
Neil.Bradley@fco.gov.uk
Peter Spreadbury
Asylum, European Refugee Fund,
ODYSSEUS, EURODAC, Dublin Convention
+32 2 282 8916
Peter.Spreadbury@fco.gov.uk
Emma Gibbons
Judicial Cooperation (Criminal Matters),
Organised Crime, Europol
+32 2 287 8259
Emma.Gibbons@fco.gov.uk
David Chitty
Terrorism, JHA aspects of enlargement,
Data Protection, Customs Cooperation
+32 2 282 8915
David.Chitty@fco.gov.uk
61
Ben Llewellyn-Jones
Police and drugs cooperation, Civil
Protection
+32 2 287 8241
Ben.Llewellyn-Jones@fco.gov.uk
Benjamin Saoul
Civil Protection, Customs Cooperation,
Terrorism WG
+32 2 287 8368
Benjamin.Saoul@fco.gov.uk
Andrew Cannon
Judicial Cooperation (Civil Matters), Civil
Law Committee
+32 2 287 8384
Andrew.Cannon@fco.gov.uk
Amanda Lee
Secretary for Jane Ferrier, Paul McKell,
Rod McLean
+32 2 287 8382
Amanda.Lee@fco.gov.uk
Heike Nihoul
Secretary for Jane Ferrier, Paul McKell,
Rod McLean
+32 2 287 8382
Heike.Nihoul@fco.gov.uk
Karine Engelen
Secretary for Neil Bradley, Ben Llewellyn-
Jones, David Chitty
+32 2 282 8914
Karine.Engelen@fco.gov.uk
Press Offi ce
Jonathan Allen
Press Offi cer
+32 2 287 8206
Jonathan.Allen@fco.gov.uk
Steve Grant
Visits Offi cer: Arrangements for UK
Ministers attending EU meetings, including
European Councils
+32 2 287 8305
Steve.Grant@fco.gov.uk
Press Offi ce Fax: +32 2 287 8316

State Institutions
Useful Links
Parliament: www.parliament.uk
House of Commons: www.parliament.uk/
about_commons/about_commons.cfm
House of Lords: www.parliament.uk/
about_lords/about_lords.cfm
No 10: www.number-10.gov.uk
British Monarchy: www.royal.gov.uk
Metropolitan Police: www.met.police.uk
Bank of England: www.bankofengland.co.uk
Crown Prosecution Service: www.cps.gov.uk
HM Court Service: www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk
Regional Government
UK Regional Chambers: www.odpm.gov.uk
Regional Development Agencies: www.dti.gov.uk/regions
Government Offi ces: www.government-offi ces.gov.uk
National Assembly for Wales: www.wales.gov.uk
Welsh Assembly Government: www.wales.gov.uk/wag/wag.htm
Northern Ireland Assembly: www.niassembly.gov.uk
Northern Ireland Executive: www.nics.gov.uk
Scottish Parliament: www.scottish.parliament.uk
Scottish Executive: www.scotland.gov.uk
Greater London Assembly: www.london.gov.uk
Mayor of London: www.london.gov.uk/londonissues
62
Local Government
Local Government Association: www.lga.gov.uk
National Association of Local Councils: www.nalc.gov.uk
Core Cities Group: www.corecities.com
Political Parties
The Labour Party: www.labour.org.uk
The Conservative Party: www.conservatives.com
The Liberal Democrat Party: www.libdems.org.uk
Scottish National Party: www.snp.org
Plaid Cymru: www.plaidcymru.org
Sinn Fein: sinnfein.org
Democratic Unionist Party: www.dup.org.uk
Ulster Unionist Party: www.uup.org
Social Democratic Labour Party: www.sdlp.ie
The Green Party: www.greenparty.org.uk
UK Independence Party: www.ukip.org
British National Party: www.bnp.org.uk
Ministries
FCO – Britain & the EU: www.fco.gov.uk
HM Treasury: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk
Cabinet Offi ce: www.cabinetoffi ce.gov.uk
Department for Constitutional Affairs: www.dca.gov.uk
Department for Culture Media & Sport: www.culture.gov.uk
Ministry of Defence: www.mod.uk
Department for Education & Skills: www.dfes.gov.uk

Department for Environment
Food & Rural Affairs: www.defra.gov.uk
Foreign & Commonwealth Offi ce: www.fco.gov.uk
Department of Health: www.dh.gov.uk
Home Offi ce: www.homeoffi ce.gov.uk
Inland Revenue: www.hmrc.gov.uk
Department for International Development: www.dfi d.gov.uk
The Law Offi cers’ Department: www.lslo.gov.uk
The Northern Ireland Offi ce: www.nio.gov.uk
Offi ce of the Deputy Prime Minister:
Offi ce of the Leader
www.odpm.gov.uk
of the House of Commons: www.commonsleader.gov.uk
Scotland Offi ce: www.scotlandoffi ce.gov.uk
Department for Trade & Industry: www.dti.gov.uk
Department for Transport: www.dft.gov.uk
Department for Work & Pensions: www.dwp.gov.uk
The Wales Offi ce: www.walesoffi ce.gov.uk
HM Customs & Excise: www.hmrc.gov.uk
HM Paymaster General: www.opg.gov.uk
63
Industry and Commerce
Chamber of Commerce: www.chamberonline.co.uk
Confederation of British Industry: www.cbi.org.uk
London Chamber of Commerce: www.londonchamber.co.uk
Commercial Property Register:
UK Competition Agency
www.compropregister.co.uk
for communication industries: www.ofcom.org.uk
UK Post Offi ce: www.postoffi ce.co.uk
UK Postal Commission: www.psc.gov.uk
Trade Union Congress: www.tuc.org.uk
Transport for London: www.tfl .gov.uk
European Institutions
Central European Bank: www.ecb.de
Committee of the Regions: www.cor.eu.int
Council of the European Union: ue.eu.int
European Court of Justice: www.curia.eu.int
Economic and Social Committee: www.esc.eu.int
European Commission: www.europa.eu.int
European Chamber of Accounts: www.eca.eu.int
European Constitution: europa.eu.int/constitution
European Parliament: www.europarl.eu.int
Europol: www.europol.eu.int

JULY
Key Dates
1 PSC
Visit of the Brussels Press Corps FCO TBC
[br]
Visit of the Commission FCO, TBC [lo]
4 Coreper I [br]
5 PSC [br]
6 Coreper I tbc [br]
Coreper II [br]
7 DWP Ministerial Conference [no]
8 DWP Ministerial Conference [no]
Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
11 Competitiveness Informal [ca]
12 ECOFIN [br]
Competitiveness Informal [ca]
DFES Ministerial Conference [lo]
PSC [br]
13 DFES Ministerial Conference [lo]
Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
14 DFES Ministerial Conference [lo]
Coreper II [br]
15 ECOFIN (budget) [br]
Coreper I [br]
18 GAERC [br]
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
19 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
20 Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
22 PSC [br]
26 JHA Council [br]
PSC [br]
27 Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
29 PSC [br]
[ba] = Bath
[bn] = Brize Norton
[br] = Brussels
[ca] = Cardiff
AUGUST
[cm] = Celtic Manor
[co] = Cotswolds
[ed] = Edinburgh
[le] = Leeds
2 PSC (possible) [br]
9 PSC (possible) [br]
16 PSC (possible) [br]
23 PSC (possible) [br]
30 PSC (possible) [br]
SEPTEMBER
1 Gymnich [cm]
2 Gymnich [cm]
Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
6 PSC [br]
7 Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
8 JHA Informal [n/g]
Coreper I Informal Meeting [ba]
9 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]
ECOFIN Informal [ma]
JHA Informal [n/g]
Coreper I Informal Meeting [ba]
PSC [br]
10 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]
ECOFIN Informal [ma]
Coreper I Informal Meeting [ba]
11 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]
12 Agriculture & Environment Informal [lo]
13 PSC [br]
Conciliation (starts at 18:30) [br]
14 Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
64
[lo] = London
[lu] = Luxembourg
[ma] = Manchester
[n/g] = Newcastle/Gateshead
[no] = Northern Ireland
15 PSC Informal Meeting [co]
16 Coreper I [br]
PSC Informal Meeting [co]
19 Agriculture & Fisheries Council
DCMS Ministerial Conference
[br]
20 Agriculture & Fisheries Council
DCMS Ministerial Conference
[br]
PSC
21 DCMS Ministerial Conference
[br]
Coreper I [br]
Coreper II
22 DCMS Ministerial Conference
[br]
Coreper II Informal Meeting [ed]
23 Coreper I [br]
Coreper II Informal Meeting [ed]
PSC [br]
24 Coreper II Informal Meeting [ed]
27 PSC [br]
28 Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
29 Coreper II [br]
30 Coreper I [br]
OCTOBER
3 GAERC, tbc
Start of Accession
[lu]
Negotiations with Turkey [lu]
4 PSC [br]
Conciliation (starts at 18:30) [br]
5 Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
6 Transport, Telecoms &
Energy Council [lu]
7 Transport, Telecoms &
Energy Council [lu]
PSC [br]

11 Competitiveness Council [lu]
ECOFIN [lu]
PSC [br]
12 Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
13 JHA Council [lu]
14 JHA Council [lu]
Defence Ministeral Conference [bn]
Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
17 Environment Council [lu]
18 PSC [br]
19 Coreper I [br]
PSC
20 Informal Health Council
[br]
Coreper II [br]
21 Informal Health Council [br]
Coreper I [br]
24 GAERC, tbc [lu]
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [lu]
25 GAERC, tbc [lu]
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [lu]
PSC [br]
26 Coreper I [br]
27 European Council, tbc [br]
28 European Council, tbc [br]
NOVEMBER
3 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer
Affairs Council [br]
Coreper II [br]
4 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer
Affairs Council [br]
PSC [br]
7 GAERC, tbc
Equality Ministerial Conference
[br]
8 ECOFIN [br]
Equality Ministerial Conference PSC [br]
Conciliation tbc [br]
9 Equality Ministerial Conference
Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
11 Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
14 Education, Youth & Culture Council [br]
15 Education, Youth & Culture Council [br]
PSC [br]
16 Development Ministerial Conference [le]
Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
17 Development Ministerial Conference [le]
Coreper II [br]
18 Coreper I [br]
21 GAERC (including Defence/Development/
Trade Ministers) [br]
Trade Ministers Informal Dinner
22 GAERC (including
[br]
Defence/Development/Trade Ministers) [br]
Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
PSC [br]
23 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
Coreper I [br]
Coreper II [br]
24 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
ECOFIN (budget) [br]
25 Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
28 Competitiveness Council [br]
65
DECEMBER
1 JHA Council [br]
Telecoms & Energy Council [br]
2 Environment Council [br]
JHA Council [br]
Telecoms & Energy Council [br]
PSC [br]
5 Environment Council tba [br]
Transport Council [br]
6 ECOFIN [br]
PSC [br]
Conciliation (evening) [br]
7 Coreper I [br]
PSC [br]
8 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer
Affairs Council [br]
Coreper II [br]
9 Employment, Social Policy & Consumer
Affairs Council [br]
12 GAERC [br]
Coreper I [br]
13 GAERC [br]
PSC [br]
14 Coreper I [br]
15 European Council [br]
16 European Council [br]
19 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
20 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
PSC [br]
21 Agriculture & Fisheries Council [br]
Coreper II [br]

About the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a current population of around 60 million, concentrated in urban areas such as London and other major cities, such
as Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds. The population is diverse, with many different ethnic groups who contribute to the UK’s
vibrant and varied culture. There are devolved Parliaments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with varying levels of jurisdiction.
The UK is described as a ‘constitutional monarchy’, in which Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state. The monarch’s executive powers
are limited by constitutional rules and her role is mostly symbolic, representing Britain on state visits and ceremonial occasions. The UK
Government serves for a maximum 5-year term and is elected by First Past the Post electoral system which contributes to a prevailing
political landscape that has led to the dominance of two major parties.
The UK Parliament is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world, having its origins in the mid-13th Century. The twochamber
system began in the 14th Century in England: the House of Lords (the upper house) and the House of Commons (the lower
house) sit separately and are constituted on entirely different principles.
Following the General Election in May, the centre-left Labour Party led by Tony Blair was returned to power for a third term, with a majority
reduced from 161 to 66 votes. The right-leaning Conservative Party is the main opposition and the centrist Liberal Democrats are the third
party. In Europe, the UK has been a member of the European Union since 1973 and has 78 members of the European Parliament.
The UK’s cultural heritage is diverse, and its history is celebrated as playing a crucial part in the identity and social fabric of the country
today. The UK has produced some of the world’s most popular pop bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Architectural
achievements of its past and present, from Sir Christopher Wren to Sir Norman Foster are actively preserved and enjoyed by visitors
and citizens alike. From the classic works of William Shakespeare, to Damien Hurst’s formaldehyde sheep - the UK has something to
suit every taste. Its galleries, restaurants and theatres are a testament to the freedom of expression and the breadth of the cultural
infl uences at work in the UK.
Sport also plays its part in the UK’s culture, and London is currently bidding to play host to the 2012 Olympics. Football is the national
sport with rugby union having recently seen a popular revival following the England team’s victory in the Sydney 2003 World Cup.
The UK Government is also making signifi cant investments in sport across the country and has some of the best sports stadium in
Europe, including the Millennium Stadium at Cardiff, and the soon to be completed, new Wembley Stadium in London.
Science and technology, and British industry, have benefi ted from the UK’s emphasis on an enterprise economy and government
investment. More than £16 billion per annum is spent on research and development in science, with a third of this provided by the
government. This has helped the UK to remain competitive within the global market.
66

Credits
Editorial team: Stephanie Bell, Weber Shandwick in London and Florian Cartoux and Romit Jain, Weber Shandwick in Brussels.
The Editorial team and Weber Shandwick would like to thank all those involved in contributing to and producing Inside the UK Presidency.
For their extended help we would like to thank in particular: Daniel Brinkwerth from Weber Shandwick in Brussels and Emma Bowen-
Davies, European Marketing Director, Weber Shandwick.
The views expressed in Inside the UK Presidency are those of Weber Shandwick and those third parties directly attributed to specifi c
sections, and not the UK ministries or Government.
The content remains the intellectual property of Weber Shandwick, other than that accredited to third parties. All information is correct
to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print.
The images for Inside the UK Presidency were provided by Lawrence White. Lawrence White is a specialist PR and corporate PR
photographer. For more information, please visit www.lolwhite.com or call +44 7956 272 672.
12 May 2005
67

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