The Week in Europe 29/09-04/11/01

EU news in brief

Road transit in Europe: Loyola de Palacio urges rapid implementation of Commission proposals

The fire in the Gotthard Tunnel has caused huge problems for Europe's transport system. Loyola de Palacio, Vice-President in charge of transport and energy, called on all players to adopt a responsible approach and work actively to relieve Europe's transport congestion. She stressed the importance of a concerted response. "This tragic accident concerns all Europeans: the European Community needs to work with Switzerland to find rapid solutions to the congestion of Europe's traffic." She also noted that "the Commission, for its part, has already put forward a large number of proposals linked directly or indirectly to the circumstances and repercussions of this accident. Those proposals need to be implemented as quickly as possible." "The Commission will continue to do all it can to provide a practical immediate and longer-term response," she added.

[Background text IP/01/1501]

Non-road mobile machinery: Commission welcomes adoption of new emissions limits that will curb formation of ground level ozone

The European Commission welcomes the EU Council of Environment Ministers political agreement on measures to limit the emissions of air pollutants from small machinery equipped with petrol engines. The types of engines covered are those used in, for instance, lawn movers, chain saws, bush cutters, trimmers and snow removal equipment. World-wide, 25 million engines are produced every year and they contribute 10-15 percent of the overall emissions load of volatile organic compounds. Consequently, they contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. Ground level ozone affects the respiratory system and is particularly problematic for people with asthma and it has been detected as one of the key remaining air quality problems facing the EU in the so called "Auto-Oil 2 programme."

[Background text IP/01/1507]

The Commission launches a plan of action for global monitoring for environment and security

At the initiative of the European Commission, a new programme using space technology for the environment and security is to be launched soon. Philippe Busquin, the Commissioner responsible for research (including space), and Margot Wallström, the Commissioner responsible for the environment, have joined forces to present a detailed plan of action which, by 2008, will provide Europe with independent, operational capacity in global monitoring for environment and security (GMES). The first stage of this plan (2001-2003) is due to get the go-ahead from the EU research ministers. The GMES programme will use different technologies. The use of Earth observing satellites will be combined with data and information collected by ground-level sensors. The data collected will provide accurate information in support of several Community policies, sustainable development and climate change, civil protection, humanitarian aid, safety, research and space strategy among them. To begin with, this initiative will be financed jointly by the European Commission and the European Space Agency.

The plan of action can be viewed at the following website:

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/com/cnc/cnc_year2001_601_650_en.html

[Background text IP/01/1527]

Commission welcomes agreement on a new Action Programme promoting European environmental NGOs and calls for speedy adoption

The European Commission welcomed the Environment Council political agreement on the Proposal for an Action Programme for European environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which aims at providing continuous funding for environmental groups over the next five years (2002-2006). After a short debate, the Council agreed on the overall substance of the new Programme, including the main outstanding issue - the proposed budget of 32 million euro - which was successfully resolved. Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström said: "The unanimous agreement of this session is an important step towards a new Action Programme, which will promote increased civil society involvement in the EU policy making process. I am also pleased that we have been able to work in agreement with the NGOs on this proposal. I hope that this Programme can now be agreed speedily so that we can provide funding for next year as soon as possible."

[Background text IP/01/1513]

Commission finalises its reform proposals for staff policy and career structure

The Commission finalised its proposals for radical modernisation of human resources policy in the Institution. At the heart of the new staff policy will be a more rigorous and transparent system of performance appraisal for all officials, creating a much closer link between objective annual assessment and promotions. As a result the career structure which currently places a premium on length of service will be modified so that career and salary advancement will primarily depend on proven ability and performance. The new career structure will also facilitate more continuous career progression. The categories of staff will be reduced from the current four A, B, C, D to two, "Administrators" and "Assistants". Advancement from one to the other will be possible through new training and qualification opportunities and the "glass ceilings" which have generally prevented able officials from advancing to higher grades will be ended. Other measures to modernise and improve working conditions include greatly expanded training, strengthened management, modernised provisions for flexible working and parental leave, and fair and firm procedures for dealing with professional under-performance. The proposals take account of lengthy and thorough consultations and negotiations with Staff Representatives and of discussions with the other EU institutions whose staff will also be affected.

[Background text IP/01/1514]

Eurostat news releases

Regions 2001 Statistical Yearbook - Measuring diversity and similarities within the EU

Data on more than 260 regions in the EU and the Central European candidate countries

Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities publishes the 2001 edition of the statistical yearbook of the EU regions. Using series of reliable, comparable, and recent data for the key indicators on the economic and social life of the regions, the yearbook provides a picture both of the regional diversity of the EU and also of the links and similarities that have developed in recent years among the regions, including across borders.

The publication covers a number of topics: agriculture, population, Gross Domestic Product, employment and unemployment, science and technology, tourism and transport. The data are presented at level 2 of the nomenclature of statistical territorial units, i.e. for the 211 regions of the EU. For the first time, the 2001 edition also includes the indicators that are available for the 53 regions of the Central European candidate countries.

In order to make the information more readily accessible to users, the printed version of the yearbook shows the data in the form of numerous maps and graphs, which are analysed. It is accompanied by a CD-ROM containing all the basic data.

The yearbook is thus an essential information tool for a wide range of users, in the European institutions, in national, regional and local administrations, as well as in the private sector. ?

[Background text STAT/01/112]

EU15 current account deficit 11.5 bn euro - 4.1 bn euro surplus on trade in services

According to the latest revisions, the EU15 external current account recorded a deficit of 11.5 billion euro in the second quarter of 2001, as compared with a deficit of 15.2 billion euro in the second quarter of 2000 and a deficit of 24.7 billion euro in the first quarter of 2001.

In the second quarter of 2001 the EU15 external balance of trade in services recorded a surplus of 4.1 billion euro as compared with a surplus of 2.6 billion euro in the second quarter of 2000 and a deficit of 4.3 billion euro in the first quarter of 2001.

This provisional data, issued by Eurostat, Statistical Office of the European Communities in Luxembourg, will be subject to revision.

[Background text STAT/01/111]

Enlargement news

Anna Diamantopoulou reviewed 'social acquis' with Czech Deputy Prime Minister Spidla

Anna Diamantopoulou, European Commissioner responsible for employment and social affairs, received Czech Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla in Brussels in order to review Czech preparations for accession and in particular progress in assimilating the 'social acquis' (free movement of persons, social policy and employment). Subjects included health and safety at work, equal treatment for men and women and a strategy to combat social exclusion. The Commission is scheduled to adopt on 13 November a 'Regular Report' on preparation for accession and an 'Accession Partnership 2001'.

Commission gives new impetus to environmental co-operation in the Danube - Black Sea Region

The European Commission adopted a Communication on environmental co-operation in the Danube - Black Sea Region. The Communication gives an overview of the present environmental situation and co-operation in the Danube - Black Sea region and highlights the priority actions that are needed to improve the state of the environment of the region. The Communication calls for an increased involvement of the EU and its Member States in environmental co-operation with the region, including the co-ordinated action by all relevant sources of Community financial assistance. This will be a key element for the long-term stability and prosperity of the Danube - Black Sea region.

[Background text IP/01/1531]

Candidates give renewed backing to fight against terrorism

The EU candidate countries at the European Conference in Brussels on October 20 joined in a declaration expressing strong solidarity with the United States in the fight against terrorism, and supported the measures taken, including wholehearted support for the action in the framework of legitimate defence. Commitments included moving ahead with national programmes of specific anti-terrorist measures and enhanced co-ordination and pooling of expertise.

Arrangements are to be put in hand for an exchange of information on the activities and movements of individuals or groups belonging to or linked to terrorist networks; on deliveries of weapons, explosives and dual-use goods; and on new forms of terrorist activities, including chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

Parliament gives its views on Turkey

Turkey should immediately abolish capital punishment, allow freedom of association and freedom of expression, and do all it can to meet the EU's accession criteria as soon as possible, according to the European Parliament. In a resolution adopted on October 25, the Parliament emphasises human rights and democracy, and specifically requests to ensure that those responsible for violation of human rights are brought to justice. MEPs said they wanted to see an end to detention of suspects without trial and the possibility of torture.

During the debate, European Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen indicated the Commission broadly endorsed the recommendations in the Parliament's report. Action was needed to back legislative change: "The actual human rights situation as it affects individuals in Turkey has not improved", he said. But he complimented Turkey on progress made and encouraged further effort. He also said the Commission favoured Turkey taking part in the Convention on the Future of the European Union.

The European Parliament has backed administrative reforms designed to improve the workings of the Council of Ministers after enlargement. A resolution adopted on October 25 points out that enlargement to 27 states will exacerbate the inconsistencies that already exist and make decision-making more cumbersome. It calls for methods to speed up decision-making, such as taking decisions by a qualified majority as soon as an adequate majority is reached. It also says it is 'desirable' that candidate countries be consulted about the future structure and functioning of the Council.

The European Parliament voted on October 24 to boost the EU's 2002 budget, partly to take account of the cost of enlargement. MEP Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg (Greens/EFA, NL) emphasised that it was now time to take account of the implications of enlargement for the EU's institutions and the extra staff and building costs that would be generated. Parliament argues that the "external actions" budget allocation is still suffering most from a shortage of funds, and that there is a need to increase provisions under the "pre-accession" heading (where the Commission originally proposed €2.9 billion, the Council reduced this to €2.54 billion and Parliament is advocating €3.07 billion).

The European Parliament committee on citizens' freedoms and rights, justice and home affairs has backed an update and expansion of the Schengen Information System. The current system is designed for a maximum of 18 member states, and will reach its ceiling with the forthcoming enlargement of the EU. A newer and more powerful version is needed, incorporating the latest technology and allowing full participation by the applicant countries.

Informační centrum Evropské unie při Delegaci Evropské komise v České republice

European Union Information Centre of the Delegation of the European Commission to the Czech Republic

Rytířská 31, 110 00 Praha 1, Česká republika

Tel.: (+420 2) 216 10 142 Fax: (+420 2) 216 10 144

e-mail: info@iceu.czhttp://www.evropska-unie.cz