The Newsletter n°376 — 5 janv. 2009
La Lettre
Jacques Potdevin, Olivier Boutellis-Taft
—
5 January 2009
Foundation
Happy New Year!
1 January 1970
The Chairman of the Robert Schuman Foundation, Jean-Dominique Giuliani and the Administrative Board together with the entire team wish you a very Happy New Year 2009!
Lessons/EU Presidency
1 January 1970
The Chairman of the Foundation, Jean-Dominique Giuliani was the author of a column in the Figaro on 25th December entitled "After the Presidency".
Presidency
Near East/Gaza
1 January 1970
In the face of the Israeli attack on the Hamas in the Gaza Strip that started on 27th December, the French Presidency of the EU organised an emergency meeting of Foreign Ministers on 30th December. In a declaration adopted by the Ministers, the EU called for an immediate permanent cease-fire, for humanitarian aid and for an acceleration in the peace process. Following the start of the Israeli land attack on 3rd January the Czech Presidency of the EU re-iterated its call for a cease-fire. On 4th January an EU delegation comprising the Czech, French and Swedish Foreign Ministers started a tour of the Middle-East. On the same day the European Commission released 3 million euros for emergency humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Gaza. After consultation with his European counterparts, French President Nicolas Sarkozy started a tour of the Middle East on 5th and 6th January in an attempt to "find a road to peace."
Czech Republic
1 January 1970
Since 1st January the Czech Republic has been in office as President of the Council of the European Union for a six month period; its motto will be "Europe without Barriers." On this occasion Alexandre Vondra, the Czech Deputy Prime Minister lit the Prague Metronome on 31st December at midnight - the red needle that measures time, will be lit up for the entire presidency by white and blue halogen lights. The presidency priorities were announced by Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolanek; these can be summarized as the 3E's: economy, energy and external relations. The Czech presidency site is offering a European chat providing European citizens with the opportunity to put questions to the main political personalities. The aim is to bring the citizens into closer contact with EU issues.
Russia/Ukraine
1 January 1970
The Russian gas group Gazprom decided to stop its gas deliveries to the Ukraine on 1st January when the contract with this country ran out after the Ukrainian rejection of its proposal to deliver Russian gas in 2009 at 250 dollars per 1000m3 instead of 179.5 dollars in 2008, in comparison with a European price of 450 dollars. On 30th December the Ukraine had just finished paying its 2008 delivery debt. Gas deliveries to Europe that transit via the Ukraine should not have been affected. However on 2nd January the Czech Presidency of the EU indicated that Hungary and Poland had witnessed decreases in their gas deliveries. The Czech Presidency published a declaration on behalf of the EU calling for an urgent solution to the commercial dispute and an immediate return to deliveries to Europe. In a letter to the European Commission Gazprom has accused the Ukraine of "stealing gas"; Gazprom has offered to establish the independent monitoring of the transit of the gas across Ukrainian territory.
Council
EUPOL/Palestine
1 January 1970
On 1st January Englishman Paul Robert Kernaghan took over the EU police mission in the Palestinian Territories, EUPOL COPPS. On this occasion the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Javier Solana assured him of "his support as well as that of the EU in the accomplishment of his new responsibilities". The chief of British police replaces Colin Smith who has been in office since 1st January 2007 for a period which will be vital in relations between Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
ECB
Euro/10 years
1 January 1970
1st January 2009 heralded the 10th anniversary of the euro and the euro system. Ten years ago the European currency, the euro, was introduced as a means of electronic payment (notes and coins were introduced in 2002). The ECB and the national central banks of the EU Member States that adopted the euro came together to form the euro system and the monetary competences relative to the new currency were transferred over to the Council of Governors of the ECB. To date the single currency is used within the euro zone which extends from Cyprus to Ireland and from Portugal to Finland. More than one half of the EU Member States have already adopted the euro, Slovakia becoming the 16th State to do so on 1st January.
Germany
Employment
1 January 1970
According to figures published on 2nd January by the German Statistics Office 40.35 milliojn people had work in 2008 ie 1.5% more than the previous year. It was the third year running that there had been an increase in the numbers of those with employment. This rise mainly concerned work in services and those linked to production (except for construction). The employment market has not yet been severely affected by the economic and financial crisis. If the employment market structures of 1991 and 2008 are compared we see an increase in employment in the tertiary sector (59.5% of jobs in 1991 in comparison with 72.5% at present), whilst numbers are declining in primary and secondary sectors (2.1% and 25.3% in 2008 respectively).
Belgium
New government
1 January 1970
On 30th December the new Belgian government led by Herman van Rompuy (CD&V) took oath before the Belgian King Albert II. He replaces Yves Leterme who was forced to resign on 22nd December after coming under suspicion of exerting pressure on the legal system in the Fortis bank affair. The new government will be working with the same government coalition comprising five parties: CD&V (Flemish Christian Democrats), Open VLD (Flemish Liberals), Reform Movement (French-speaking Liberals), French-speaking Socialists and the Humanist Democratic Centre (French-speaking). Amongst the changes feature the outgoing Home Minister, a Flemish Liberal who is to replace Herman van Rompuy as President of the Chamber, and he will be replaced by Guido de Padt, a Flemish Christian Democrat. Outgoing Justice Minister, Jo Vandeurzen is to be replaced by Stefaan De Clerck. On 2nd January the Belgian Parliament approved the appointment of Herman van Rompuy as Prime Minister 88 votes in favour, 45 against.
Finland
Bicentenary
1 January 1970
Finland is commemorating the bicentary of it gaining autonomous status on 17th September 1809 with the Hamina Treaty which associated Finland with Russia and no longer Sweden. It was only on 4th January 1918 that it acquired its independence acknowledged by the Soviet power. The commemorative year is symbolised by a logo representing the construction of the Finnish nation on the basis of Swedish and Russian traditions together with a motto "1809 building a nation". An internet site is specifically dedicated to this and several events will be orgnaised throughout the year.
France
Wishes
1 January 1970
As he presented his wishes to the French for the second time since his election French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke at length of the economic crisis and insisted on the need to continue reforms because "from this crisis a new world will be born for which we must prepare ourselves by working harder." Although the French Presidency ended on 31st December Nicolas Sarkozy said he was convinced that the "world needs a strong, independent, imaginative Europe" and that "Europe must not be submissive but act and protect." He believed that it had shown this "with the joint response to the financial crisis, the settlement of the Georgian crisis, the creation of the Union for the Mediterranean, and the agreement on the climate and energy.
Greece
OSCE/Presidency
1 January 1970
Greece took over the chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as from January 1st within a context that has been marked by financial turmoil and the recent Georgian crisis. Greece "will pay particular attention to the Caucasus and Central Asia, notably after the Georgian crisis," said Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyannis. In her opinion the Caucasian crisis "may provide an opportunity to establish a new type of security for the geopolitical map of Europe that will include the enlargement of the EU, NATO and the strategic role played by Russia," with whom Greece has extremely good relations. The Greek Presidency of the OSCE will be officially inaugurated on 15th January next in Vienna.
Italy
G8/Presidency
1 January 1970
Since 1st January Italy has been heading the rotating presidency of the G8 (including Germany, Canada, the USA, France, Italy, UK, Japan and Russia). It plans to organise a summit dedicated to energy rallying an "enlarged G8" that is due to be chaired by Italian Economic Development Minister Claudio Scajola. This summit, which is completely new, will take place within the next few months and finds its origin in the need for dialogue between producers and consumers - the base of world price stability. The announcement comes just as Russia has said that it would cut gas deliveries to the Ukraine as from 1st January due to a dispute over tariffs. In 2006 these were cause of disruption in deliveries to Western Europe. Italy will host the annual G8 summit in July in Sardinia, together with the 14 state summit in March dedicated to "the human aspects" of the world financial crisis.
Romania
Government
1 January 1970
Romanian Prime Minister, Emil Bloc achieved the confidence of the Romanian parliament on 22nd December with regard to the composition of his coalition government comprising equal nuumbers between his Democratic Liberal Party (PDL) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD). The new government achieved the support of 324 MPs, 115 voted against out of a total of 439 MPs who took part in the vote. The government's priorities are notably to guarantee the stability of the economic climate within the context of the global turmoil, to protect jobs, to increase buying power, to guarantee a fair fiscal system via the upkeep of a single rate of taxation and to continue the reform of the legal system. The only survivor of the previous government Catalin Prediou, who will continue as Justice Minister, said after the vote that his priorities were to "continue reform" and to "end" the EU's surveillance in this area.
UK
Wishes
1 January 1970
In his New Year's speech British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown called on the British to "build a better tomorrow, from now on." In his opinion the UK is facing three major challenges: security, environment and the economy which citizens can face thanks to their confidence. Gordon Brown spoke of the economic crisis and called for a "new progressive era" of assistance and targeted investment and for a reform of the international financial institutions. He would like improvements in international co-operation to be on the agenda of the G20 summit that will take place in April in the UK.
Big Ben
1 January 1970
In 2009 the British Parliament will be organising several events to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of Big Ben, the nickname given to the massive 13.5 tonne bell in the Tower of Westminster Palace - the seat of the British Parliament. An internet site is specifically dedicated to this anniversary; it notably offers information on commemorative events, on the history of Big Ben and how it works together with a virtual visit.
Slovakia
Euro
1 January 1970
Slovakia adopted the euro on 1st January; it became the 16th EU Member State to join the euro zone and to use the single currency, created 10 years ago by 11 Member States. 328.6 million citizens out of a population of 499.7 in the EU now share the same currency.
Georgia
USA
1 January 1970
On 25th December the spokesperson for the Georgian Foreign Minister, Khatuna Iosava announced the launch of negotiations between Georgia and the USA for the signature of a strategic partnership between the two countries. The document plans for the extension of co-operation in terms of defence, security, economy, energy, democratic reform, diplomacy and culture. The signature ceremony that was due to start on 4th January was postponed after the American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was obliged to travel to the Middle East.
Iceland
EU/Referendum
1 January 1970
A large majority of the Icelanders support the start of negotiations for their country's accession to the EU, an issue that is dividing the coalition government according to a survey that was published on 3rd January by Capcent for the daily Morgunbladid amongst a sample of 650 people. According to the study results 65.5% of the Icelanders would like to see the launch of membership negotiations in comparison with 19.7% who say they are against it. "We do not need a referendum on the subject", said Jon Steindor Valdimarsson, the head of the Federation of Icelandic Industries who supports EU membership. At the end of December Prime Minister Geir Haarde suggested a popular consultation in the issue. The Icelandic Foreign Minister Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir however warned that her party, the Social Democratic Party would leave the bipartite coalition if Geir Haarde's party did not accept the start of steps towards launching negotiations by the end of January.
Studies/Reports
Development
1 January 1970
In a study published on 22nd December by the DGAP (German Society for Foreign Policy) Jennifer Moreau and Alexander von Kap-Herr compare the work undertaken by Germany and France in terms of development aid. Similarities can be seen with regard to objectives and tools but development aid on the part of both countries still only rises to 0.7% of the GDP established a few years ago. To improve the effectiveness of the aid granted both countries should enhance co-operation, set up a complementary strategy and distribute tasks differently; they should also develop innovative funding tools.
Future of the EU
1 January 1970
It is now highly likely that Ireland will hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and that the "Yes" will win. But what will happen then? Political leaders should perceive five lessons in the discussions that have taken place on the Lisbon Treaty as the European Elections draw closer in June 2009. The Bertelsmann Foundation has printed a study by Dominik Hierlemann on this issue - it is available in English and German.
Ukraine
1 January 1970
The Center for European Reform published a study in December entitled "Why Ukraine matters to Europe". Tomas Valasek explains that until the Russo-Georgian war the EU took the stability on its eastern borders for granted. It then became aware that it should be more active in the region where the Ukraine is the main country. If the Ukraine succeeds in becoming more "European" it will be an example for the other countries in the EU's eastern neighbourhood. According to the author it would suffice to offer it hopes of membership to help it to be stronger and more prosperous and to help it find solutions to regional conflicts, both existing and potential.
UK/Europe
1 January 1970
In a study published by the Center for European Reform, Charles Grant explains why the UK is more euro-sceptic than the other European countries. In his opinion this can be explained by geographical, historical and economic points. He looks into why political leaders have not tried to influence British opinion towards a more positive view of the EU before concluding that the UK will become more pro-European.
Publications
States/Crisis
1 January 1970
The December issue of the German review 'Internationale Politik' is called "Die Stunde der Staaten - The States' Time". Indeed we see that during the world economic and financial crisis the States are being called on for help.
Culture
Lithuania
1 January 1970
On New Year's Eve the festivities in Vilnius, elected European cultural capital 2009, were launched. A series of lights and fireworks illuminated the cathedral and the sky over Vilnius with the colours of Europe and Lithuania : yellow, green and red. "Live Vilnius" is the motto chosen by the organisers of the festivities bearing witness to their ambition to reveal the Lithuanian capital to tourists and to help Lithuanians rediscover their city - which entered UNESCO's world heritage list in 1994. All of the events are due to attract three million visitors according to calculations by the authorities and will lead to a 15% increase in tourism and the services sector.
Austria
1 January 1970
The Austrian town of Linz has been declared "European Cultural Capital 2009" together with the Lithuanian town of Vilnius. For 12 months Linz will show its specific cultural features by means of various events. An internet site shows the entire series of events planned for in 2009. Each year since 1985 the EU has privileged and highlighted the culture and identity of two European towns in different Member States according to a rota system.
Agenda
Newsletter Archives
From Turnberry to Mercosur: the European Union at a critical juncture
The European strategic approach to technological security: the challenges posed by China
European Women Leading the Way
Should we be concerned about European competitiveness?
The European Space Context (after the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in 2025)
The Editors of the Newsletter :
Stefanie Buzmaniuk, Helen Levy
N°ISSN : 2729-6482
Editor-in-Chief :
Eric Maurice
Director of Publication :
Pascale Joannin
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