# Official Journal C 42/2011

| | ISSN 1725-2423
  doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2011.042.eng |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 42 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5410 February 2011 |

ISSN 1725-2423

doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2011.042.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 42

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5410 February 2011

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | Committee of the Regions |
| | 87th plenary session held on 1 and 2 December 2010 |
| 2011/C 042/01 | Resolution of the Committee of the Regions on The priorities of the Committee of the Regions for 2011 based on the legislative and work programme of the European Commission | 1 |
| | OPINIONS |
| | Committee of the Regions |
| | 87th plenary session held on 1 and 2 December 2010 |
| 2011/C 042/02 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The EU Energy Action Plan for 2011-2020 (outlook opinion) | 6 |
| 2011/C 042/03 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on International climate policy post-Copenhagen | 12 |
| 2011/C 042/04 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Reinforcing economic policy coordination | 19 |
| 2011/C 042/05 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The social and economic integration of the Roma in Europe | 23 |
| 2011/C 042/06 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries | 28 |
| 2011/C 042/07 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on European cooperation in vocational education and training to support the Europe 2020 strategy | 32 |
| 2011/C 042/08 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The role of local and regional authorities in the implementation of the health strategy 2008-2013 | 38 |
| 2011/C 042/09 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Cohesion policy: Strategic Report 2010 on the implementation of the programmes 2007-2013 | 43 |
| 2011/C 042/10 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Delivering an area of freedom, security and justice for Europe’s citizens — Action Plan implementing the Stockholm programme | 49 |
| 2011/C 042/11 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The implementation of the Eastern Partnership Initiative in Belarus and the development of cooperation between local and regional authorities in Belarus and the EU | 54 |
| 2011/C 042/12 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The implementation of the Eastern Partnership Initiative in Armenia and the development of cooperation between local and regional authorities in Armenia and the EU | 59 |
| 2011/C 042/13 | Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Local and regional government in Ukraine and the development of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU | 64 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Committee of the Regions

87th plenary session held on 1 and 2 December 2010

2011/C 042/01

Resolution of the Committee of the Regions on The priorities of the Committee of the Regions for 2011 based on the legislative and work programme of the European Commission

1

OPINIONS

Committee of the Regions

87th plenary session held on 1 and 2 December 2010

2011/C 042/02

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The EU Energy Action Plan for 2011-2020 (outlook opinion)

6

2011/C 042/03

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on International climate policy post-Copenhagen

12

2011/C 042/04

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Reinforcing economic policy coordination

19

2011/C 042/05

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The social and economic integration of the Roma in Europe

23

2011/C 042/06

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries

28

2011/C 042/07

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on European cooperation in vocational education and training to support the Europe 2020 strategy

32

2011/C 042/08

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The role of local and regional authorities in the implementation of the health strategy 2008-2013

38

2011/C 042/09

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Cohesion policy: Strategic Report 2010 on the implementation of the programmes 2007-2013

43

2011/C 042/10

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Delivering an area of freedom, security and justice for Europe’s citizens — Action Plan implementing the Stockholm programme

49

2011/C 042/11

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The implementation of the Eastern Partnership Initiative in Belarus and the development of cooperation between local and regional authorities in Belarus and the EU

54

2011/C 042/12

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on The implementation of the Eastern Partnership Initiative in Armenia and the development of cooperation between local and regional authorities in Armenia and the EU

59

2011/C 042/13

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Local and regional government in Ukraine and the development of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU

64

| EN | |
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EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Committee of the Regions

87th plenary session held on 1 and 2 December 2010

| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/1 |
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10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/1

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Resolution of the Committee of the Regions on ‘The priorities of the Committee of the Regions for 2011 based on the legislative and work programme of the European Commission’

2011/C 42/01

I.   THE 2011 BUDGET AND THE POST-2013 MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | calls on the two arms of the budgetary authority to agree as soon as possible on a 2011 budget capable of meeting the commitments undertaken by the European Union, and in particular, by the Member States, under the Lisbon Treaty and in the framework of the 2007-2013 Financial Perspective; |
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1.

calls on the two arms of the budgetary authority to agree as soon as possible on a 2011 budget capable of meeting the commitments undertaken by the European Union, and in particular, by the Member States, under the Lisbon Treaty and in the framework of the 2007-2013 Financial Perspective;

| 2. | emphasises the vital importance of the leverage effect that the EU budget has on the European economic recovery strategy and the financing of structural investments targeting regional and local authorities, which are the EU’s main vectors for economic, social and territorial cohesion; |
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2.

emphasises the vital importance of the leverage effect that the EU budget has on the European economic recovery strategy and the financing of structural investments targeting regional and local authorities, which are the EU’s main vectors for economic, social and territorial cohesion;

| 3. | firmly believes that the difficulties encountered during negotiations on the 2011 budget highlight the need to reform the own-resources system, in order to reduce the Member States’ contributions by progressively replacing the VAT-derived own resource by one or more new own resources; in this regard, urges the Commission to press ahead with its consideration of whether to make use, to this end, of revenue from a tax on financial transactions or financial activities, sales of greenhouse gas emission quotas, an air travel tax, a separate European VAT, or part of the revenue from an energy tax or company tax; |
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3.

firmly believes that the difficulties encountered during negotiations on the 2011 budget highlight the need to reform the own-resources system, in order to reduce the Member States’ contributions by progressively replacing the VAT-derived own resource by one or more new own resources; in this regard, urges the Commission to press ahead with its consideration of whether to make use, to this end, of revenue from a tax on financial transactions or financial activities, sales of greenhouse gas emission quotas, an air travel tax, a separate European VAT, or part of the revenue from an energy tax or company tax;

| 4. | urges, in particular, the budgetary authority to reflect in the budget the needs of the Europe 2020 strategy during the last years of the 2007-2013 multiannual programme, especially with regard to funding flagship initiatives and to ensure an adequate transition to the post-2013 multiannual programme; |
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4.

urges, in particular, the budgetary authority to reflect in the budget the needs of the Europe 2020 strategy during the last years of the 2007-2013 multiannual programme, especially with regard to funding flagship initiatives and to ensure an adequate transition to the post-2013 multiannual programme;

| 5. | points out the undeniable added value of EU co-financing for employment and sustainable growth strategies and the strategy for solidarity with cities and regions and stresses, in the light of the strong pressure on public finances, that regional and local finances represent two-thirds of public investment in the EU; |
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5.

points out the undeniable added value of EU co-financing for employment and sustainable growth strategies and the strategy for solidarity with cities and regions and stresses, in the light of the strong pressure on public finances, that regional and local finances represent two-thirds of public investment in the EU;

| 6. | welcomes the fact that the European Commission has taken up its proposal to set the duration of the financial framework at ten years, with a mid-term review (5+5), and emphasises the need to guarantee flexibility and synchronisation tools to facilitate optimum use of the EU budget; |
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6.

welcomes the fact that the European Commission has taken up its proposal to set the duration of the financial framework at ten years, with a mid-term review (5+5), and emphasises the need to guarantee flexibility and synchronisation tools to facilitate optimum use of the EU budget;

| 7. | welcomes the European Commission’s proposals to create (1) a Development and Investment Partnership Contract between the European Commission and each Member State for the implementation of the National Reform Programmes, reflecting the commitment of partners at national, regional and local level, and (2) a common Strategic Framework to increase the consistency of EU policies for the delivery of Europe 2020 goals. These proposals tie in with the approach underlying the Territorial Pacts as proposed by the CoR. |
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7.

welcomes the European Commission’s proposals to create (1) a Development and Investment Partnership Contract between the European Commission and each Member State for the implementation of the National Reform Programmes, reflecting the commitment of partners at national, regional and local level, and (2) a common Strategic Framework to increase the consistency of EU policies for the delivery of Europe 2020 goals. These proposals tie in with the approach underlying the Territorial Pacts as proposed by the CoR.

II.   THE FUTURE OF COHESION POLICY

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 8. | shall, in its response to the 5th cohesion report and subsequently in its analysis of future legislative proposals and the negotiation of the next Financial Perspective, continue to apply all its political pressure to promoting a strong and ambitious post-2013 cohesion policy, available to all EU regions; for this reason, rejects all forms of re-nationalisation – albeit partial – of this policy, as well as any form of sectoral application of the EU budget to the detriment of cohesion policy; |
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8.

shall, in its response to the 5th cohesion report and subsequently in its analysis of future legislative proposals and the negotiation of the next Financial Perspective, continue to apply all its political pressure to promoting a strong and ambitious post-2013 cohesion policy, available to all EU regions; for this reason, rejects all forms of re-nationalisation – albeit partial – of this policy, as well as any form of sectoral application of the EU budget to the detriment of cohesion policy;

| 9. | underlines cohesion policy’s contribution to the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy; points out, however, that its raison d’être, set out in the Treaty, is to ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion across the EU; trusts, therefore, that the Structural Funds will not be perceived merely as a means of funding this strategy’s flagship initiatives; and calls for the specifically territorial dimension of the strategy to be strengthened, especially with regard to the implementation of ‘Territorial Pacts’; |
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9.

underlines cohesion policy’s contribution to the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy; points out, however, that its raison d’être, set out in the Treaty, is to ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion across the EU; trusts, therefore, that the Structural Funds will not be perceived merely as a means of funding this strategy’s flagship initiatives; and calls for the specifically territorial dimension of the strategy to be strengthened, especially with regard to the implementation of ‘Territorial Pacts’;

| 10. | given that there is an ongoing discussion about linking the allocation of structural funds to Member States’ compliance with the Growth and Stability Pact, expresses serious concern as regards the proposed conditionalities which would be applied at the local and regional level; municipalities and regions cannot be held responsible for, and should not be penalised because of, the inability of national institutions to meet macro-economic criteria or implement EU rules correctly; |
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10.

given that there is an ongoing discussion about linking the allocation of structural funds to Member States’ compliance with the Growth and Stability Pact, expresses serious concern as regards the proposed conditionalities which would be applied at the local and regional level; municipalities and regions cannot be held responsible for, and should not be penalised because of, the inability of national institutions to meet macro-economic criteria or implement EU rules correctly;

| 11. | reiterates its commitment to making the territorial cohesion principle a tangible reality, particularly in order to achieve a more balanced relationship between rural areas and urban centres and take better account of the territorial dimension of EU sectoral policies; in this context regrets that the European Commission has still not reacted to its call for a White Paper on territorial cohesion; |
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11.

reiterates its commitment to making the territorial cohesion principle a tangible reality, particularly in order to achieve a more balanced relationship between rural areas and urban centres and take better account of the territorial dimension of EU sectoral policies; in this context regrets that the European Commission has still not reacted to its call for a White Paper on territorial cohesion;

| 12. | expects some flexibility in the earmarking of the post-2013 Structural Funds; |
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12.

expects some flexibility in the earmarking of the post-2013 Structural Funds;

| 13. | is in favour of maintaining an ambitious territorial cooperation objective that is adequately funded; |
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13.

is in favour of maintaining an ambitious territorial cooperation objective that is adequately funded;

| 14. | repeats that the crisis recovery strategy should focus on new quality of growth and take account of the ‘GDP and beyond’ debate; regrets, in this regard, that the Commission’s work programme fails to reflect the CoR’s call for the use, in deciding on Community policies and assessing them, of supplementary indicators that are a more precise measure of progress in sustainably achieving social, economic and environmental goals; |
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14.

repeats that the crisis recovery strategy should focus on new quality of growth and take account of the ‘GDP and beyond’ debate; regrets, in this regard, that the Commission’s work programme fails to reflect the CoR’s call for the use, in deciding on Community policies and assessing them, of supplementary indicators that are a more precise measure of progress in sustainably achieving social, economic and environmental goals;

| 15. | is surprised that the European Commission’s work programme does not mention the report on the application of Regulation (EC) 1082/2006 on the EGTC; undertakes, on the basis of the conclusions of the CoR consultation on this issue, and a specific opinion, to play an active part in the reform of this regulation, mainly through interactive networking among regional and local authorities involved in this area. |
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15.

is surprised that the European Commission’s work programme does not mention the report on the application of Regulation (EC) 1082/2006 on the EGTC; undertakes, on the basis of the conclusions of the CoR consultation on this issue, and a specific opinion, to play an active part in the reform of this regulation, mainly through interactive networking among regional and local authorities involved in this area.

III.   WORKING TOWARDS SMART REGULATION

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 16. | intends to develop and intensify its collaboration with national and regional parliaments and governments, in the context of the early warning mechanism; |
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16.

intends to develop and intensify its collaboration with national and regional parliaments and governments, in the context of the early warning mechanism;

| 17. | will publish its first annual report on subsidiarity in spring 2011, and feed it into the annual Report on Subsidiarity and Proportionality adopted by the European Commission; |
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17.

will publish its first annual report on subsidiarity in spring 2011, and feed it into the annual Report on Subsidiarity and Proportionality adopted by the European Commission;

| 18. | in order to improve the regulatory environment, calls for more territory-sensitive EU impact assessments and proposes to contribute to the European Commission impact assessments; also intends to develop mechanisms to contribute to the ex-post evaluation of existing legislation, in particular by looking at the way EU legislation is implemented at local and regional level; |
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18.

in order to improve the regulatory environment, calls for more territory-sensitive EU impact assessments and proposes to contribute to the European Commission impact assessments; also intends to develop mechanisms to contribute to the ex-post evaluation of existing legislation, in particular by looking at the way EU legislation is implemented at local and regional level;

| 19. | welcomes the strengthening of EU citizenship through the European Citizens’ Initiative, which could help to forge a sense of citizens’ ‘ownership’ of and identification with the European Union; is eager to contribute to its implementation by raising awareness, fostering debate on ongoing or successful initiatives and supporting those ECIs which are most relevant to the CoR and local and regional authorities; |
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19.

welcomes the strengthening of EU citizenship through the European Citizens’ Initiative, which could help to forge a sense of citizens’ ‘ownership’ of and identification with the European Union; is eager to contribute to its implementation by raising awareness, fostering debate on ongoing or successful initiatives and supporting those ECIs which are most relevant to the CoR and local and regional authorities;

| 20. | intends to continue developing a European culture of multilevel governance (MLG), and will follow up the White Paper on MLG to evaluate its implementation and monitor the state of multilevel governance within the European Union. |
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20.

intends to continue developing a European culture of multilevel governance (MLG), and will follow up the White Paper on MLG to evaluate its implementation and monitor the state of multilevel governance within the European Union.

IV.   ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 21. | supports the European Commission’s intention to strengthen the EU economic governance and to enhance the coordination of economic and fiscal policies; however, strongly opposes any proposal resulting in a discontinuation of funding under cohesion policy due to Member States’ non-compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact; |
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21.

supports the European Commission’s intention to strengthen the EU economic governance and to enhance the coordination of economic and fiscal policies; however, strongly opposes any proposal resulting in a discontinuation of funding under cohesion policy due to Member States’ non-compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact;

| 22. | applauds the advances made so far on financial regulation and welcomes the Commission’s forward planning on the completion of the reform and in particular the principle of amending the regulation on credit rating agencies to correct the over- dependence of financial establishments, investors, borrowers and public bodies on credit ratings, and to remedy the lack of competition between rating agencies; regrets, however, that the Commission has not taken on board the European Parliament’s call (1) for it to launch a feasibility and impact study on the setting up of a public and independent European credit rating agency. |
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22.

applauds the advances made so far on financial regulation and welcomes the Commission’s forward planning on the completion of the reform and in particular the principle of amending the regulation on credit rating agencies to correct the over- dependence of financial establishments, investors, borrowers and public bodies on credit ratings, and to remedy the lack of competition between rating agencies; regrets, however, that the Commission has not taken on board the European Parliament’s call (1) for it to launch a feasibility and impact study on the setting up of a public and independent European credit rating agency.

V.   EUROPE 2020

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 23. | is convinced that, to progress down the path of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, the EU must implement the Europe 2020 strategy in partnership with local and regional authorities; |
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23.

is convinced that, to progress down the path of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, the EU must implement the Europe 2020 strategy in partnership with local and regional authorities;

| 24. | accordingly, proposes that Territorial Pacts should be established in all EU Member States, as a tool to increase political ownership of the Europe 2020 strategy at national, regional and local level. Territorial Pacts should be a supportive mechanism for drafting and implementing the National Reform Programmes as well as the seven Europe 2020 Flagship Initiatives; |
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24.

accordingly, proposes that Territorial Pacts should be established in all EU Member States, as a tool to increase political ownership of the Europe 2020 strategy at national, regional and local level. Territorial Pacts should be a supportive mechanism for drafting and implementing the National Reform Programmes as well as the seven Europe 2020 Flagship Initiatives;

| 25. | undertakes to publish every year, ahead of the Annual Growth Survey, a monitoring report on how Europe 2020 is implemented from the viewpoint of EU local and regional authorities; |
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25.

undertakes to publish every year, ahead of the Annual Growth Survey, a monitoring report on how Europe 2020 is implemented from the viewpoint of EU local and regional authorities;

A.   Smart Growth

| 26. | highlights the fact that local and regional authorities are natural front-line players in the implementation of the Digital Agenda; is keen to play an active role in achieving the key performance targets drawn from the benchmarking framework; looks forward to its further initiatives related to e-Government, e-Health, broadband access, social inclusion and the connectivity of rural and remote areas, data protection and digitisation of cultural works; |
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26.

highlights the fact that local and regional authorities are natural front-line players in the implementation of the Digital Agenda; is keen to play an active role in achieving the key performance targets drawn from the benchmarking framework; looks forward to its further initiatives related to e-Government, e-Health, broadband access, social inclusion and the connectivity of rural and remote areas, data protection and digitisation of cultural works;

| 27. | stresses the importance of local and regional authorities’ involvement in the achievement of an Innovation Union and a coherent industrial policy for the Globalisation era and looks forward to proposing concrete proposals in the near future; |
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27.

stresses the importance of local and regional authorities’ involvement in the achievement of an Innovation Union and a coherent industrial policy for the Globalisation era and looks forward to proposing concrete proposals in the near future;

| 28. | is surprised that the legislative proposal for the European Union’s 8th Framework Programme (FP8) for research funding post-2013 is not included in the European Commission’s strategic initiatives for 2011; affirms its commitment to making a contribution to the European Commission’s orientation paper in preparation for FP8; |
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28.

is surprised that the legislative proposal for the European Union’s 8th Framework Programme (FP8) for research funding post-2013 is not included in the European Commission’s strategic initiatives for 2011; affirms its commitment to making a contribution to the European Commission’s orientation paper in preparation for FP8;

| 29. | underlines the need for coordinated action among all levels of government to support SMEs in forging stronger links between fundamental research and applied research; welcomes measures aimed at launching and supporting Creativity and Innovation initiatives; |
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29.

underlines the need for coordinated action among all levels of government to support SMEs in forging stronger links between fundamental research and applied research; welcomes measures aimed at launching and supporting Creativity and Innovation initiatives;

| 30. | stresses that the objectives of the ‘Youth on the Move’ initiative will only be achieved in partnership with local and regional authorities and youth organisations and associations; |
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30.

stresses that the objectives of the ‘Youth on the Move’ initiative will only be achieved in partnership with local and regional authorities and youth organisations and associations;

| 31. | welcomes the European Commission’s intention to set out a new, reinforced agenda for higher education and calls for better coordination between high-level vocational education and training and higher education; |
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31.

welcomes the European Commission’s intention to set out a new, reinforced agenda for higher education and calls for better coordination between high-level vocational education and training and higher education;

| 32. | considers it vital for the European Commission to come forward with a New Competences Initiative and address the issues of early school leavers and the validation of non-formal and informal learning; looks forward to examining the New Skills for New Jobs agenda and underlines the urgent need to adapt workforce skills and curricula in order to anticipate changes and meet employers’ needs; |
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32.

considers it vital for the European Commission to come forward with a New Competences Initiative and address the issues of early school leavers and the validation of non-formal and informal learning; looks forward to examining the New Skills for New Jobs agenda and underlines the urgent need to adapt workforce skills and curricula in order to anticipate changes and meet employers’ needs;

B.   Inclusive growth

| 33. | intends to play an active part in the European Platform against Poverty and to ensure the involvement of local and regional authorities in order to develop, as follow-up to the European Year, an integrated and territorial approach to fighting poverty and social exclusion; |
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33.

intends to play an active part in the European Platform against Poverty and to ensure the involvement of local and regional authorities in order to develop, as follow-up to the European Year, an integrated and territorial approach to fighting poverty and social exclusion;

| 34. | welcomes the announcement made by the Commission that it will release a White Paper on Pensions in 2011 which would allow for further cooperation among Member States; urges that any proposal in this area should be accompanied by proper assessments of the impact on local and regional authorities as they represent the majority of public sector employment in Europe and manage supplementary pension schemes for their staff; |
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34.

welcomes the announcement made by the Commission that it will release a White Paper on Pensions in 2011 which would allow for further cooperation among Member States; urges that any proposal in this area should be accompanied by proper assessments of the impact on local and regional authorities as they represent the majority of public sector employment in Europe and manage supplementary pension schemes for their staff;

| 35. | supports the Commission’s intention to present a new proposal on the Working Time Directive in 2011 covering both opt-out and on-call time issues. As public service employers, regional and local authorities have a special need to be able to make a medium-term assessment of the impact of future Community legislation on how they manage their human resources; |
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35.

supports the Commission’s intention to present a new proposal on the Working Time Directive in 2011 covering both opt-out and on-call time issues. As public service employers, regional and local authorities have a special need to be able to make a medium-term assessment of the impact of future Community legislation on how they manage their human resources;

| 36. | welcomes the Commission’s intention to present a legislative initiative in 2011 on the posting of workers, amending Directive 96/71/EC in order to ensure real compliance with posted workers’ rights, equal treatment of all workers at the workplace and of all businesses, and to clarify the obligations of the national, regional or local authorities and companies; |
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36.

welcomes the Commission’s intention to present a legislative initiative in 2011 on the posting of workers, amending Directive 96/71/EC in order to ensure real compliance with posted workers’ rights, equal treatment of all workers at the workplace and of all businesses, and to clarify the obligations of the national, regional or local authorities and companies;

| 37. | calls for health objectives to be included in the Europe 2020 strategy with a view to achieving intelligent and balanced development that can help combat social exclusion; |
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37.

calls for health objectives to be included in the Europe 2020 strategy with a view to achieving intelligent and balanced development that can help combat social exclusion;

| 38. | believes that more should be invested in supporting local and regional authorities’ efforts to reduce health inequalities in Europe; the Committee advocates using ‘good health indicators’ or approaches that recognise the importance of a healthy lifestyle; |
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38.

believes that more should be invested in supporting local and regional authorities’ efforts to reduce health inequalities in Europe; the Committee advocates using ‘good health indicators’ or approaches that recognise the importance of a healthy lifestyle;

| 39. | welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to strengthen consumer protection by promoting ‘class actions’ and supports initiatives aimed at strengthening enforcement of consumer protection rules; |
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39.

welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to strengthen consumer protection by promoting ‘class actions’ and supports initiatives aimed at strengthening enforcement of consumer protection rules;

C.   Sustainable growth

| 40. | expects that the Europe 2020 Strategy’s Resource Efficient Europe will develop sectoral policies within a long-term sustainable framework that aims to decouple economic growth from resource use and its environmental impact, and to enhance Europe’s competitiveness by promoting eco-innovation; |
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40.

expects that the Europe 2020 Strategy’s Resource Efficient Europe will develop sectoral policies within a long-term sustainable framework that aims to decouple economic growth from resource use and its environmental impact, and to enhance Europe’s competitiveness by promoting eco-innovation;

| 41. | is determined to follow up on its previous political work concerning the local and regional dimension of the EU Energy Strategy 2011-2020; |
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41.

is determined to follow up on its previous political work concerning the local and regional dimension of the EU Energy Strategy 2011-2020;

| 42. | undertakes to contribute to the EU’s preparations for the United Nations ‘Rio+20 Earth Summit’ by supporting renewed political commitment; |
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42.

undertakes to contribute to the EU’s preparations for the United Nations ‘Rio+20 Earth Summit’ by supporting renewed political commitment;

| 43. | calls upon the Commission to mainstream biodiversity into sectoral policies and to address underspending of Structural Funds in this area; undertakes to follow up on the COP 10 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, notably by promoting the implementation of the COP 10 Decision ‘Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2011-2020)’, within the new post-2010 EU biodiversity policy and strategy; |
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43.

calls upon the Commission to mainstream biodiversity into sectoral policies and to address underspending of Structural Funds in this area; undertakes to follow up on the COP 10 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, notably by promoting the implementation of the COP 10 Decision ‘Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2011-2020)’, within the new post-2010 EU biodiversity policy and strategy;

| 44. | fully endorses the goal of the EU to speak with a single voice and take the lead in global climate change negotiations, to achieve internationally binding and measurable targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction; in this context, supports the call set out in the European Parliament Resolution of 25 November 2010 on the climate change conference in Cancun to adopt a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 30 % by 2020 as compared with the 1990 level, in the interests of the future sustainable growth of the European Union (2); |
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44.

fully endorses the goal of the EU to speak with a single voice and take the lead in global climate change negotiations, to achieve internationally binding and measurable targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction; in this context, supports the call set out in the European Parliament Resolution of 25 November 2010 on the climate change conference in Cancun to adopt a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 30 % by 2020 as compared with the 1990 level, in the interests of the future sustainable growth of the European Union (2);

| 45. | calls for the EU budget and its Multi-Annual Financial Framework to be better targeted towards exploiting the full potential of local and regional efforts in climate change mitigation, and increasing the support aimed at medium- and-long term investment in local and regional energy savings and energy efficiency projects, in particular under the Covenant of Mayors. |
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45.

calls for the EU budget and its Multi-Annual Financial Framework to be better targeted towards exploiting the full potential of local and regional efforts in climate change mitigation, and increasing the support aimed at medium- and-long term investment in local and regional energy savings and energy efficiency projects, in particular under the Covenant of Mayors.

VI.   UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL OF THE SINGLE MARKET

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 46. | welcomes the Single Market Act for a social market economy and in particular the impetus given to the civic and social dimensions of the Single Market; |
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46.

welcomes the Single Market Act for a social market economy and in particular the impetus given to the civic and social dimensions of the Single Market;

| 47. | recognises the need to introduce a social horizontal clause which ensures that Single Market related legislation takes into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, a high level of education, training and the protection of human health, and does not limit in any way the exercise of fundamental rights as recognised in Member States and in the EU treaties; |
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47.

recognises the need to introduce a social horizontal clause which ensures that Single Market related legislation takes into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, a high level of education, training and the protection of human health, and does not limit in any way the exercise of fundamental rights as recognised in Member States and in the EU treaties;

| 48. | welcomes the Commission’s willingness to boost companies’ activities across borders, by removing administrative and tax obstacles, ensuring mutual recognition of e-identification and e-authentication across the EU, and to improve access to online goods and services; |
| --- | --- |

48.

welcomes the Commission’s willingness to boost companies’ activities across borders, by removing administrative and tax obstacles, ensuring mutual recognition of e-identification and e-authentication across the EU, and to improve access to online goods and services;

| 49. | looks forward to the update of the regime applicable to Services of General Economic Interest and State Aid, which would inter alia widen the scope of the exemption from notification of state aid in the field of services of social general interest, and expects the updated regime to meet the requirements of local autonomy and subsidiarity set in Protocol 26 to the TFEU; calls on the Commission to ensure consistency between this update and the announced Communication on a quality framework on services of general interest and therefore invites the Commission to consider advancing to 2011 the release of the latter; |
| --- | --- |

49.

looks forward to the update of the regime applicable to Services of General Economic Interest and State Aid, which would inter alia widen the scope of the exemption from notification of state aid in the field of services of social general interest, and expects the updated regime to meet the requirements of local autonomy and subsidiarity set in Protocol 26 to the TFEU; calls on the Commission to ensure consistency between this update and the announced Communication on a quality framework on services of general interest and therefore invites the Commission to consider advancing to 2011 the release of the latter;

| 50. | in this context, requests that the Commission set an ambitious European social housing agenda which will strengthen its role in social inclusion policies in the next generation of structural funds and confirm that the public service functions of social housing are to be defined at Member State level; |
| --- | --- |

50.

in this context, requests that the Commission set an ambitious European social housing agenda which will strengthen its role in social inclusion policies in the next generation of structural funds and confirm that the public service functions of social housing are to be defined at Member State level;

| 51. | will play an active role in the debate launched by the White Paper on the future of transport; supports the greening of the transport sector; welcomes the revision of the TEN-T guidelines and calls for the post-2013 Financial Perspective to allocate them an adequate budget; |
| --- | --- |

51.

will play an active role in the debate launched by the White Paper on the future of transport; supports the greening of the transport sector; welcomes the revision of the TEN-T guidelines and calls for the post-2013 Financial Perspective to allocate them an adequate budget;

| 52. | recalls its commitment to improving mobility in European cities and towns and calls for the urban mobility action plan to be implemented through financial support from the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

52.

recalls its commitment to improving mobility in European cities and towns and calls for the urban mobility action plan to be implemented through financial support from the European Union.

VII.   AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 53. | calls for a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which is based on clear, long-term guidelines and has the necessary financial resources; |
| --- | --- |

53.

calls for a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which is based on clear, long-term guidelines and has the necessary financial resources;

| 54. | calls for rural development policy to be allocated more funding and to be better coordinated with cohesion policy, in order to ensure the consistency of similar actions carried out in a region and in order to meet cohesion objectives; |
| --- | --- |

54.

calls for rural development policy to be allocated more funding and to be better coordinated with cohesion policy, in order to ensure the consistency of similar actions carried out in a region and in order to meet cohesion objectives;

| 55. | believes that the post-2013 CAP must rebalance its support in favour of employment and of maintaining an agricultural presence in vulnerable areas. The overhauled CAP must abandon any unfair treatment in the arrangements for supporting different types of production and different regions; in this context, calls for historical references to be abandoned but is opposed to any attempts at radical reform that would put an end to income support and the majority of market intervention measures; |
| --- | --- |

55.

believes that the post-2013 CAP must rebalance its support in favour of employment and of maintaining an agricultural presence in vulnerable areas. The overhauled CAP must abandon any unfair treatment in the arrangements for supporting different types of production and different regions; in this context, calls for historical references to be abandoned but is opposed to any attempts at radical reform that would put an end to income support and the majority of market intervention measures;

| 56. | believes that regions can no longer be content with their status as mere co-funders without being actively involved in the choice of guidelines and implementing and management arrangements; |
| --- | --- |

56.

believes that regions can no longer be content with their status as mere co-funders without being actively involved in the choice of guidelines and implementing and management arrangements;

| 57. | supports the European Commission’s willingness to introduce a new Common Fisheries Policy, as an integral part of the Integrated Maritime Policy, that will guarantee both the sustainability of fish stocks and the livelihoods of Europe’s coastal communities; welcomes the support given to the Committee’s proposal to pool all resources destined for fisheries, aquaculture and Integrated Maritime Policy into one single instrument. |
| --- | --- |

57.

supports the European Commission’s willingness to introduce a new Common Fisheries Policy, as an integral part of the Integrated Maritime Policy, that will guarantee both the sustainability of fish stocks and the livelihoods of Europe’s coastal communities; welcomes the support given to the Committee’s proposal to pool all resources destined for fisheries, aquaculture and Integrated Maritime Policy into one single instrument.

VIII.   PURSUING THE CITIZENS’ AGENDA: FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 58. | believes that local and regional authorities have a key role to play in the implementation of the Action Plan on the Stockholm Programme and calls for fundamental rights to constitute the guiding principles behind all action and legislation within this area; |
| --- | --- |

58.

believes that local and regional authorities have a key role to play in the implementation of the Action Plan on the Stockholm Programme and calls for fundamental rights to constitute the guiding principles behind all action and legislation within this area;

| 59. | is committed to working together with the other EU institutions and the EU’s agencies, the Member States and local and regional authorities in order to give practical meaning to Union Citizenship and to foster a stronger sense of European identity not only through Europe’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity, regional cultural heritage and traditions, but also by means of more active and fuller democratic participation by Union citizens in the regions and areas where they are rooted; |
| --- | --- |

59.

is committed to working together with the other EU institutions and the EU’s agencies, the Member States and local and regional authorities in order to give practical meaning to Union Citizenship and to foster a stronger sense of European identity not only through Europe’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity, regional cultural heritage and traditions, but also by means of more active and fuller democratic participation by Union citizens in the regions and areas where they are rooted;

| 60. | firmly believes in an EU open to the world and therefore supports the efforts to continue building a comprehensive immigration and asylum policy for Europe, based on respect for fundamental rights and freedoms while giving a response to illegal immigration and emphasising solidarity; highlights the crucial role local and regional authorities play in managing migration flows and ensuring the integration of immigrants; |
| --- | --- |

60.

firmly believes in an EU open to the world and therefore supports the efforts to continue building a comprehensive immigration and asylum policy for Europe, based on respect for fundamental rights and freedoms while giving a response to illegal immigration and emphasising solidarity; highlights the crucial role local and regional authorities play in managing migration flows and ensuring the integration of immigrants;

| 61. | supports the further development of a robust framework of civil and criminal law, at both the substantive and procedural levels. |
| --- | --- |

61.

supports the further development of a robust framework of civil and criminal law, at both the substantive and procedural levels.

IX.   EUROPE IN THE WORLD

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 62. | acknowledges the vital contribution of the European Neighbourhood Policy to political stability and economic development in the partner countries and is committed to strengthening its sub-national dimension, especially in the context of the policy review to be carried out in 2011; reiterates the need to enhance cross-border, interregional and territorial cooperation as well as institution building at local and regional level in the partner countries; |
| --- | --- |

62.

acknowledges the vital contribution of the European Neighbourhood Policy to political stability and economic development in the partner countries and is committed to strengthening its sub-national dimension, especially in the context of the policy review to be carried out in 2011; reiterates the need to enhance cross-border, interregional and territorial cooperation as well as institution building at local and regional level in the partner countries;

| 63. | believes that the success of the Union for the Mediterranean depends largely on the involvement of the regions and cities and therefore calls for a more prominent role for the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) in fostering the exchange of best practices and contributing to the launch of new cooperation projects; |
| --- | --- |

63.

believes that the success of the Union for the Mediterranean depends largely on the involvement of the regions and cities and therefore calls for a more prominent role for the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) in fostering the exchange of best practices and contributing to the launch of new cooperation projects;

| 64. | reiterates its support for the development of a territorial and sub-national dimension of the Eastern Partnership and therefore announces the organisation in the first half of 2011 of a Conference of Regional and Local Authorities of the Eastern Partnership and the EU; |
| --- | --- |

64.

reiterates its support for the development of a territorial and sub-national dimension of the Eastern Partnership and therefore announces the organisation in the first half of 2011 of a Conference of Regional and Local Authorities of the Eastern Partnership and the EU;

| 65. | continues to monitor the Union’s enlargement process and focus on the situation of local and regional authorities in the candidate and potential candidate countries. The specific working groups and joint consultative committees will continue their related work on this subject, and joint consultative committees could be considered with Montenegro, Albania or Serbia, following the granting of candidate status; |
| --- | --- |

65.

continues to monitor the Union’s enlargement process and focus on the situation of local and regional authorities in the candidate and potential candidate countries. The specific working groups and joint consultative committees will continue their related work on this subject, and joint consultative committees could be considered with Montenegro, Albania or Serbia, following the granting of candidate status;

| 66. | reiterates its support for the Millennium Development Goals; considers that the review of EU development policy and the European consensus should follow lines already set out in the Communication entitled ‘Local authorities: actors for development’, which emphasises the place, role and added value of these authorities in these areas and policies; in order to promote exchange and provide a platform for RLA political expression in the area of cooperation and development, the CoR and the European Commission will co-organise the second decentralised cooperation conference and launch a decentralised cooperation portal. |
| --- | --- |

66.

reiterates its support for the Millennium Development Goals; considers that the review of EU development policy and the European consensus should follow lines already set out in the Communication entitled ‘Local authorities: actors for development’, which emphasises the place, role and added value of these authorities in these areas and policies; in order to promote exchange and provide a platform for RLA political expression in the area of cooperation and development, the CoR and the European Commission will co-organise the second decentralised cooperation conference and launch a decentralised cooperation portal.

Brussels, 2 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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(1)  See point 60 of the European Parliament Resolution of 20 October 2010 on the financial, economic and social crisis: recommendations concerning measures and initiatives to be taken (mid-term report).

1

(2)  See point 16 of Resolution P7_TA-PROV(2010)0442.

2

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OPINIONS

Committee of the Regions

87th plenary session held on 1 and 2 December 2010

| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/6

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘The EU Energy Action Plan for 2011-2020’ (outlook opinion)

2011/C 42/02

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | welcomes the fact that the European Commission, in its communication on Energy 2020 – a strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy has given focus to municipalities as a major actor in the development of innovative integrated energy solutions at local level and acknowledges in particular the commitment of the European Commission to strengthen initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors; regrets, however, that the important role of regions has not been made explicit in the Communication; |
| --- | --- |

—

welcomes the fact that the European Commission, in its communication on Energy 2020 – a strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy has given focus to municipalities as a major actor in the development of innovative integrated energy solutions at local level and acknowledges in particular the commitment of the European Commission to strengthen initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors; regrets, however, that the important role of regions has not been made explicit in the Communication;

| — | notes the ambitious requirements for the local and regional contribution towards the achievement of the EU’s energy policy objectives contained in the Energy 2020 communication on one hand, and regrets, on the other hand, the absence of specific new commitments concerning the financing and funding of local and regional sustainable energy investment; |
| --- | --- |

—

notes the ambitious requirements for the local and regional contribution towards the achievement of the EU’s energy policy objectives contained in the Energy 2020 communication on one hand, and regrets, on the other hand, the absence of specific new commitments concerning the financing and funding of local and regional sustainable energy investment;

| — | calls for the reduction of energy needs to be treated as an absolute priority and emphasises, as the European Parliament did in its June 2010 resolution on the Europe 2020 strategy, the need to set a binding target to reduce energy consumption by 20 % by 2020. Accordingly, there is a need to clearly identify the different levels of action in order to ensure compliance with measures and their overall coordination and consistency; |
| --- | --- |

—

calls for the reduction of energy needs to be treated as an absolute priority and emphasises, as the European Parliament did in its June 2010 resolution on the Europe 2020 strategy, the need to set a binding target to reduce energy consumption by 20 % by 2020. Accordingly, there is a need to clearly identify the different levels of action in order to ensure compliance with measures and their overall coordination and consistency;

| — | calls for energy policy to be included among the top priorities of the EU budget, so that it may receive a greater share of the funding available under the cohesion policy. Establishing priorities for specific support under the Structural Funds must be a matter for the local and regional level. |
| --- | --- |

—

calls for energy policy to be included among the top priorities of the EU budget, so that it may receive a greater share of the funding available under the cohesion policy. Establishing priorities for specific support under the Structural Funds must be a matter for the local and regional level.

| Rapporteur | : | Michel Lebrun (BE/EPP), Member of the Parliament of the French Community |
| --- | --- | --- |

Rapporteur

:

Michel Lebrun (BE/EPP), Member of the Parliament of the French Community

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | reminds the EU institutions of the need to ensure that citizens in the Member States can access energy in a safe, affordable and sustainable manner. Accordingly, the EU’s energy policy can make a vital contribution towards a more energy and resource efficient, sustainable, low carbon, secure, and competitive Europe in the framework of the new Europe 2020 strategy for jobs and growth (1); |
| --- | --- |

1.

reminds the EU institutions of the need to ensure that citizens in the Member States can access energy in a safe, affordable and sustainable manner. Accordingly, the EU’s energy policy can make a vital contribution towards a more energy and resource efficient, sustainable, low carbon, secure, and competitive Europe in the framework of the new Europe 2020 strategy for jobs and growth (1);

| 2. | reaffirms that local and regional level action remains vital if these objectives are to be achieved. The crucial role which cities and regions play in the realisation of these objectives has already been visibly recognised by the European Commission and the European Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

reaffirms that local and regional level action remains vital if these objectives are to be achieved. The crucial role which cities and regions play in the realisation of these objectives has already been visibly recognised by the European Commission and the European Parliament;

| 3. | welcomes the fact that the European Commission, in its communication on Energy 2020 – a strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy has given focus to municipalities as a major actor in the development of innovative integrated energy solutions at local level and acknowledges in particular the commitment of the European Commission to strengthen initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors; regrets, however, that the important role of regions has not been made explicit in the Communication; |
| --- | --- |

3.

welcomes the fact that the European Commission, in its communication on Energy 2020 – a strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy has given focus to municipalities as a major actor in the development of innovative integrated energy solutions at local level and acknowledges in particular the commitment of the European Commission to strengthen initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors; regrets, however, that the important role of regions has not been made explicit in the Communication;

| 4. | emphasises that transport, housing, public buildings and public lighting and other public infrastructure all fall within the remit of local and regional authorities and are therefore areas where substantial CO2 reductions, control over consumption and energy savings are possible; |
| --- | --- |

4.

emphasises that transport, housing, public buildings and public lighting and other public infrastructure all fall within the remit of local and regional authorities and are therefore areas where substantial CO2 reductions, control over consumption and energy savings are possible;

| 5. | calls for the future development of a European energy policy which encourages effective coordination between the Member States and the European Commission at national, regional and European level; this policy should take account of all relevant regulatory and financial aspects from the very outset, along with the investments in human and physical capital needed for its implementation; |
| --- | --- |

5.

calls for the future development of a European energy policy which encourages effective coordination between the Member States and the European Commission at national, regional and European level; this policy should take account of all relevant regulatory and financial aspects from the very outset, along with the investments in human and physical capital needed for its implementation;

| 6. | underlines the importance of strengthening instruments which support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions at local and regional level. Appropriate financing that is in part accessible to local and regional authorities should be provided for this purpose; |
| --- | --- |

6.

underlines the importance of strengthening instruments which support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions at local and regional level. Appropriate financing that is in part accessible to local and regional authorities should be provided for this purpose;

| 7. | notes the ambitious requirements for the local and regional contribution towards the achievement of the EU’s energy policy objectives contained in the Energy 2020 communication on one hand, and regrets, on the other hand, the absence of specific new commitments concerning the financing and funding of local and regional sustainable energy investment; |
| --- | --- |

7.

notes the ambitious requirements for the local and regional contribution towards the achievement of the EU’s energy policy objectives contained in the Energy 2020 communication on one hand, and regrets, on the other hand, the absence of specific new commitments concerning the financing and funding of local and regional sustainable energy investment;

| 8. | calls for EU financing to be adapted in order to prioritise action promoting the development of methods for producing renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. Access to European Investment Bank loans should be made easier for local and regional authorities interested in investing in energy efficiency programmes and measures, promoting the use of renewable energy sources and curbing CO2 emissions; furthermore, an Energy Investment Fund should be set up with income derived from the introduction of a new Europe-wide Carbon Tax on the heaviest emitters of greenhouse gases; |
| --- | --- |

8.

calls for EU financing to be adapted in order to prioritise action promoting the development of methods for producing renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. Access to European Investment Bank loans should be made easier for local and regional authorities interested in investing in energy efficiency programmes and measures, promoting the use of renewable energy sources and curbing CO2 emissions; furthermore, an Energy Investment Fund should be set up with income derived from the introduction of a new Europe-wide Carbon Tax on the heaviest emitters of greenhouse gases;

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Key messages

| 9. | welcomes the invitation from the European Commission for the Committee to express its opinion on the role of the regions within the new framework of the EU’s energy policy and the new energy action plan; |
| --- | --- |

9.

welcomes the invitation from the European Commission for the Committee to express its opinion on the role of the regions within the new framework of the EU’s energy policy and the new energy action plan;

| 10. | underlines the importance of formulating an ambitious and innovative European energy strategy which will enable the European Union to reach the cutting edge of technology in the field of both energy efficiency and making use of renewable energy. This strategy must ensure security of supply (for which diversification is crucial), control over consumption, affordable prices and the protection of the environment; energy security and the fight against climate change must be the subject of an integrated approach. It is essential that for our poorest citizens, who often spend a high proportion of their income on heating, cooling, lights and appliances, energy costs are affordable and that energy efficiency programmes target above all those most in need; |
| --- | --- |

10.

underlines the importance of formulating an ambitious and innovative European energy strategy which will enable the European Union to reach the cutting edge of technology in the field of both energy efficiency and making use of renewable energy. This strategy must ensure security of supply (for which diversification is crucial), control over consumption, affordable prices and the protection of the environment; energy security and the fight against climate change must be the subject of an integrated approach. It is essential that for our poorest citizens, who often spend a high proportion of their income on heating, cooling, lights and appliances, energy costs are affordable and that energy efficiency programmes target above all those most in need;

| 11. | calls for the reduction of energy needs to be treated as an absolute priority and for bolder policies in this area at all levels and emphasises, as the European Parliament did in its June 2010 resolution on the Europe 2020 strategy, the need to set a binding target to reduce energy consumption by 20 % by 2020, if a real reduction in energy consumption is to be achieved. Accordingly, there is a need to clearly identify the different levels of action in order to ensure compliance with measures and their overall coordination and consistency; |
| --- | --- |

11.

calls for the reduction of energy needs to be treated as an absolute priority and for bolder policies in this area at all levels and emphasises, as the European Parliament did in its June 2010 resolution on the Europe 2020 strategy, the need to set a binding target to reduce energy consumption by 20 % by 2020, if a real reduction in energy consumption is to be achieved. Accordingly, there is a need to clearly identify the different levels of action in order to ensure compliance with measures and their overall coordination and consistency;

| 12. | considers that the European Union will only be able to avail itself of a sustainable, effective, diversified and competitive fuel mix by boosting the material and financial instruments used for technological research and innovation in the area of energy efficiency, the development of renewable energy and the processing and recycling of energy waste; |
| --- | --- |

12.

considers that the European Union will only be able to avail itself of a sustainable, effective, diversified and competitive fuel mix by boosting the material and financial instruments used for technological research and innovation in the area of energy efficiency, the development of renewable energy and the processing and recycling of energy waste;

| 13. | endorses the political guidelines of the Barroso II European Commission, according to which ‘secure energy supply and good interconnections will be crucial to promote future growth;’ regrets nevertheless the Commission’s lack of vision in aiming for a jobs-based economy while putting insufficient emphasis on the role of the regions and of renewable energy; |
| --- | --- |

13.

endorses the political guidelines of the Barroso II European Commission, according to which ‘secure energy supply and good interconnections will be crucial to promote future growth;’ regrets nevertheless the Commission’s lack of vision in aiming for a jobs-based economy while putting insufficient emphasis on the role of the regions and of renewable energy;

| 14. | welcomes the European Commission’s objective to provide the whole of Europe with a new intelligent super grid for electricity and gas, encompassing both traditional and renewable production sources, which should also satisfy the two-fold objective of security of supply and the vital climate change goals of emission reduction; |
| --- | --- |

14.

welcomes the European Commission’s objective to provide the whole of Europe with a new intelligent super grid for electricity and gas, encompassing both traditional and renewable production sources, which should also satisfy the two-fold objective of security of supply and the vital climate change goals of emission reduction;

| 15. | stresses the need for solidarity among Member States in how they conduct their external energy policy; |
| --- | --- |

15.

stresses the need for solidarity among Member States in how they conduct their external energy policy;

| 16. | urges the EU institutions to work towards ensuring a better balance of the internal/external dimension of the EU’s energy supply by promoting research and the implementation of energy efficiency more widely than investment in new fossil fuel pipelines from non-EU countries; |
| --- | --- |

16.

urges the EU institutions to work towards ensuring a better balance of the internal/external dimension of the EU’s energy supply by promoting research and the implementation of energy efficiency more widely than investment in new fossil fuel pipelines from non-EU countries;

| 17. | notes that the completion of the internal gas and electricity markets, including the development of interconnections, must remain a central plank of the European Union’s energy policy. The Committee recognises, however, that in the current economic climate, if energy companies are to deliver one trillion euros of investment in new generation technologies and infrastructure over the next 20 years to keep energy flowing whilst making the switch to low carbon energy, the banks and other financial institutions should require innovative projects to be derisked and debt finance underwritten by national governments, EU bodies or by an Energy Investment Fund. Such investment would create thousands of skilled jobs and enhance the global competitive advantage of European companies; |
| --- | --- |

17.

notes that the completion of the internal gas and electricity markets, including the development of interconnections, must remain a central plank of the European Union’s energy policy. The Committee recognises, however, that in the current economic climate, if energy companies are to deliver one trillion euros of investment in new generation technologies and infrastructure over the next 20 years to keep energy flowing whilst making the switch to low carbon energy, the banks and other financial institutions should require innovative projects to be derisked and debt finance underwritten by national governments, EU bodies or by an Energy Investment Fund. Such investment would create thousands of skilled jobs and enhance the global competitive advantage of European companies;

| 18. | stresses that offshore energy production will make an important contribution to the EU’s energy supply in the future; |
| --- | --- |

18.

stresses that offshore energy production will make an important contribution to the EU’s energy supply in the future;

| 19. | notes that solar energy is the main renewable resource in the Mediterranean regions and in terms of its potential it is one of the world’s greatest resources. In the future, therefore, the production of solar energy will make a significant contribution to the EU’s energy supply; |
| --- | --- |

19.

notes that solar energy is the main renewable resource in the Mediterranean regions and in terms of its potential it is one of the world’s greatest resources. In the future, therefore, the production of solar energy will make a significant contribution to the EU’s energy supply;

| 20. | reiterates that massive investment in sectors such as industry, transport, telecommunications and housing as well as public and commercial buildings will be needed if energy savings are to be achieved in line with the 20-20-20 objectives. The energy efficiency of buildings and transport and land-use management is an area where there is significant scope for the LRAs to substantially contribute to the process of resolving the security of supply problem, as reduced energy demand reduces politically vulnerable dependency on supply from non-EU countries; also reiterates the important role that could be played by a consolidated sector of energy service companies in making investments in both the public and the private sectors in terms of savings, efficiency and the diversification of energy sources; |
| --- | --- |

20.

reiterates that massive investment in sectors such as industry, transport, telecommunications and housing as well as public and commercial buildings will be needed if energy savings are to be achieved in line with the 20-20-20 objectives. The energy efficiency of buildings and transport and land-use management is an area where there is significant scope for the LRAs to substantially contribute to the process of resolving the security of supply problem, as reduced energy demand reduces politically vulnerable dependency on supply from non-EU countries; also reiterates the important role that could be played by a consolidated sector of energy service companies in making investments in both the public and the private sectors in terms of savings, efficiency and the diversification of energy sources;

| 21. | calls on the Commission to look at possibilities of introducing targets to increase the building renovation rate each year setting minimum targets for the energy rating of buildings; and also focus on a training strategy for a workforce in the building sector capable of carrying out energy efficiency operations and having certified experts to carry out energy audits; furthermore, an effort should be made to harmonise Member States’ procedures for the energy certification of buildings; |
| --- | --- |

21.

calls on the Commission to look at possibilities of introducing targets to increase the building renovation rate each year setting minimum targets for the energy rating of buildings; and also focus on a training strategy for a workforce in the building sector capable of carrying out energy efficiency operations and having certified experts to carry out energy audits; furthermore, an effort should be made to harmonise Member States’ procedures for the energy certification of buildings;

| 22. | stresses that fundamental research in the energy field, which is the cornerstone for the development of cutting edge technologies in the field of renewable energy production and energy saving, must remain at the very heart of the European energy action plan. The European Union should ensure the allocation of adequate and accessible financing for all projects capable of achieving progress in this domain; |
| --- | --- |

22.

stresses that fundamental research in the energy field, which is the cornerstone for the development of cutting edge technologies in the field of renewable energy production and energy saving, must remain at the very heart of the European energy action plan. The European Union should ensure the allocation of adequate and accessible financing for all projects capable of achieving progress in this domain;

| 23. | calls for energy policy to be included among the top priorities of the EU budget, so that it may receive a greater share of the funding available under the cohesion policy. Establishing priorities for specific support under the Structural Funds must be a matter for the local and regional level. Accordingly, the Committee of the Regions welcomes the intention of the European Commission to promote local energy solutions and to develop further the ‘smart cities’ initiative to promote clean and energy efficient investments aimed at reducing the impact of climate change by implementing smart local policies in the area of sustainable energy, and calls on the European Commission and the Council to develop specific decentralised financial instruments in support of this objective. It must be ensured that the ‘smart cities’ initiative can benefit as many metropolitan areas as possible; |
| --- | --- |

23.

calls for energy policy to be included among the top priorities of the EU budget, so that it may receive a greater share of the funding available under the cohesion policy. Establishing priorities for specific support under the Structural Funds must be a matter for the local and regional level. Accordingly, the Committee of the Regions welcomes the intention of the European Commission to promote local energy solutions and to develop further the ‘smart cities’ initiative to promote clean and energy efficient investments aimed at reducing the impact of climate change by implementing smart local policies in the area of sustainable energy, and calls on the European Commission and the Council to develop specific decentralised financial instruments in support of this objective. It must be ensured that the ‘smart cities’ initiative can benefit as many metropolitan areas as possible;

| 24. | believes that the 2011-2020 energy strategy should pay more attention to thermal energy (heating and cooling) as it plays a fundamental role in the EU’s energy balance and holds considerable potential in terms of energy efficiency. Heat also forms one of the most efficient vectors to introduce both renewable energy sources in the energy mix and improvements in the efficiency of thermal energy generation. Furthermore, the centralised distribution and production of thermal energy should be promoted through new harmonised legislation to facilitate its establishment; |
| --- | --- |

24.

believes that the 2011-2020 energy strategy should pay more attention to thermal energy (heating and cooling) as it plays a fundamental role in the EU’s energy balance and holds considerable potential in terms of energy efficiency. Heat also forms one of the most efficient vectors to introduce both renewable energy sources in the energy mix and improvements in the efficiency of thermal energy generation. Furthermore, the centralised distribution and production of thermal energy should be promoted through new harmonised legislation to facilitate its establishment;

| 25. | urges the European Commission to address without delay strategically important issues such as the use of instruments and measures ensuring effective price signals and incentives for energy savings, the smart use of energy and a shift to renewable energy by energy users, through the emissions trading scheme, energy taxation and the withdrawal of subsidies for conventional fuels; |
| --- | --- |

25.

urges the European Commission to address without delay strategically important issues such as the use of instruments and measures ensuring effective price signals and incentives for energy savings, the smart use of energy and a shift to renewable energy by energy users, through the emissions trading scheme, energy taxation and the withdrawal of subsidies for conventional fuels;

| 26. | encourages the Commission to develop tools that would enable public authorities and investors to monetarise the positive externality of investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. This could be achieved through the widespread use of white certificates or other market-based instruments that would valorise the positive impact of such technologies; |
| --- | --- |

26.

encourages the Commission to develop tools that would enable public authorities and investors to monetarise the positive externality of investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. This could be achieved through the widespread use of white certificates or other market-based instruments that would valorise the positive impact of such technologies;

| 27. | reiterates (2) the proposal outlined in a previous CoR opinion on this matter which discussed the need to avoid subsidising energy use and to allow scope for the use of strong incentives to improve energy efficiency and, as far as possible, reduce energy use; |
| --- | --- |

27.

reiterates (2) the proposal outlined in a previous CoR opinion on this matter which discussed the need to avoid subsidising energy use and to allow scope for the use of strong incentives to improve energy efficiency and, as far as possible, reduce energy use;

| 28. | stresses the importance of stepping up national efforts in implementing the 3rd energy market package. Implementing the agreed policy on renewable energy, energy efficiency and, in particular, the Strategic Energy Technology Plan is necessary as a first step to achieving the ambitious 20-20-20 targets, since implementation of the adopted legislation will create a stable framework for businesses to plan their investments and activities; |
| --- | --- |

28.

stresses the importance of stepping up national efforts in implementing the 3rd energy market package. Implementing the agreed policy on renewable energy, energy efficiency and, in particular, the Strategic Energy Technology Plan is necessary as a first step to achieving the ambitious 20-20-20 targets, since implementation of the adopted legislation will create a stable framework for businesses to plan their investments and activities;

| 29. | agrees with the European Commission that a well functioning, competitive internal energy market is of key importance for the realisation of the long term energy and climate objectives pursued by the EU. Achieving this type of market will require setting up more effective regulatory controls, a stable legal framework to facilitate the development of renewable energy, regulations and administrative procedures which are more transparent, less costly and more accessible for renewable energy, providing consumers with easy and immediate access to complete, reliable and accurate information about energy, promoting training in the efficient use of energy by the public, and ensuring the full independence of transmission system operators. The Committee of the Regions calls for the endorsement of the principle of equal treatment for all actors on the internal market as an important energy policy guideline. Raw materials should be made available for everybody in the European market on fair and equal terms, in accordance with the requirements of market transparency and openness; |
| --- | --- |

29.

agrees with the European Commission that a well functioning, competitive internal energy market is of key importance for the realisation of the long term energy and climate objectives pursued by the EU. Achieving this type of market will require setting up more effective regulatory controls, a stable legal framework to facilitate the development of renewable energy, regulations and administrative procedures which are more transparent, less costly and more accessible for renewable energy, providing consumers with easy and immediate access to complete, reliable and accurate information about energy, promoting training in the efficient use of energy by the public, and ensuring the full independence of transmission system operators. The Committee of the Regions calls for the endorsement of the principle of equal treatment for all actors on the internal market as an important energy policy guideline. Raw materials should be made available for everybody in the European market on fair and equal terms, in accordance with the requirements of market transparency and openness;

| 30. | draws attention to the close relationship which exists between recovery plans and investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the context of the current crisis, which is both economic and environmental. Issues relating to the more efficient use of resources, including energy, and green technologies can create synergies with the objectives established under the EU 2020 Strategy, which calls for the creation of a ‘competitive, connected and greener economy’ in the light of the EU’s climate policy and the efforts taken to boost Europe’s energy independence; |
| --- | --- |

30.

draws attention to the close relationship which exists between recovery plans and investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the context of the current crisis, which is both economic and environmental. Issues relating to the more efficient use of resources, including energy, and green technologies can create synergies with the objectives established under the EU 2020 Strategy, which calls for the creation of a ‘competitive, connected and greener economy’ in the light of the EU’s climate policy and the efforts taken to boost Europe’s energy independence;

| 31. | welcomes the considerable progress made by the European Union towards harmonising the energy use products and services which are available on the European market and urges it to continue down this path by striving to set the highest possible requirements in the area of energy saving, efficiency and energy performance; |
| --- | --- |

31.

welcomes the considerable progress made by the European Union towards harmonising the energy use products and services which are available on the European market and urges it to continue down this path by striving to set the highest possible requirements in the area of energy saving, efficiency and energy performance;

| 32. | stresses that efficient vehicles (hybrid, electric etc), despite all of their current limitations, can meet the majority of the mobility requirements now met by petrol and diesel cars, and also offer the following advantages in terms of the cornerstones of the EU’s energy policy: energy savings, reductions in energy dependency, lower polluting emissions, increased efficiency of the electrical system, noise reduction etc. The Committee therefore considers it necessary to support public transport, particularly the railways (both high-speed and commuter trains); |
| --- | --- |

32.

stresses that efficient vehicles (hybrid, electric etc), despite all of their current limitations, can meet the majority of the mobility requirements now met by petrol and diesel cars, and also offer the following advantages in terms of the cornerstones of the EU’s energy policy: energy savings, reductions in energy dependency, lower polluting emissions, increased efficiency of the electrical system, noise reduction etc. The Committee therefore considers it necessary to support public transport, particularly the railways (both high-speed and commuter trains);

| 33. | notes that achieving all these objectives will require a coordinated effort at all levels: European, national, regional and local. It is only through collective action that Europe will be able to realise its objectives of sustainability, competitiveness and security of the energy supply; |
| --- | --- |

33.

notes that achieving all these objectives will require a coordinated effort at all levels: European, national, regional and local. It is only through collective action that Europe will be able to realise its objectives of sustainability, competitiveness and security of the energy supply;

| 34. | suggests that the energy action plan to be submitted by the Commission should also contain an initial discussion of EU energy policy beyond 2020, all from a global perspective and including all available types of energy (conventional, nuclear and renewable); |
| --- | --- |

34.

suggests that the energy action plan to be submitted by the Commission should also contain an initial discussion of EU energy policy beyond 2020, all from a global perspective and including all available types of energy (conventional, nuclear and renewable);

Role of local and regional authorities

| 35. | reminds the EU institutions that local and regional authorities have a crucial role to play in the success of the future European energy strategy as they are key players in the energy field due to their responsibilities in many areas related to planning and land-use management, the granting of authorisations, investment, public procurement, production and consumption and their proximity to the consumer. Furthermore, transport, housing, public buildings and public lighting infrastructure all fall within the remit of local and regional authorities and are therefore areas where substantial CO2 reductions and energy savings are possible; |
| --- | --- |

35.

reminds the EU institutions that local and regional authorities have a crucial role to play in the success of the future European energy strategy as they are key players in the energy field due to their responsibilities in many areas related to planning and land-use management, the granting of authorisations, investment, public procurement, production and consumption and their proximity to the consumer. Furthermore, transport, housing, public buildings and public lighting infrastructure all fall within the remit of local and regional authorities and are therefore areas where substantial CO2 reductions and energy savings are possible;

| 36. | urges that a thorough impact assessment be conducted to take account of local and regional specific aspects when identifying the possible economic impact and financial and administrative costs of any future EU energy action; |
| --- | --- |

36.

urges that a thorough impact assessment be conducted to take account of local and regional specific aspects when identifying the possible economic impact and financial and administrative costs of any future EU energy action;

| 37. | notes that local and regional authorities play a leading role both in encouraging changes in the behaviour of individuals – which is absolutely vital if the objectives of energy efficiency are to be achieved – and in launching and supporting action and projects to achieve goals such as energy efficiency, environmental protection and the fight against climate change, which are rolled out at local and regional as well as national or international level. The European Commission and the European Parliament have already recognised the major role played by local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

37.

notes that local and regional authorities play a leading role both in encouraging changes in the behaviour of individuals – which is absolutely vital if the objectives of energy efficiency are to be achieved – and in launching and supporting action and projects to achieve goals such as energy efficiency, environmental protection and the fight against climate change, which are rolled out at local and regional as well as national or international level. The European Commission and the European Parliament have already recognised the major role played by local and regional authorities;

| 38. | draws attention to the fact that, without undermining the crucial role of the Member States in the area of infrastructure investments e.g. network or interconnections, local and regional level government can play a greater part in the development of energy capacity through renewable energy and smart energy networks. Joint working between communities, local and regional authorities and energy companies is required in order to develop and deliver local energy plans. This includes better access to data held by energy companies and the introduction of real-time monitoring through Smart Meters; |
| --- | --- |

38.

draws attention to the fact that, without undermining the crucial role of the Member States in the area of infrastructure investments e.g. network or interconnections, local and regional level government can play a greater part in the development of energy capacity through renewable energy and smart energy networks. Joint working between communities, local and regional authorities and energy companies is required in order to develop and deliver local energy plans. This includes better access to data held by energy companies and the introduction of real-time monitoring through Smart Meters;

| 39. | therefore local and regional authorities must be seen as a partner that can help disseminate and deliver this crucial agenda and not a barrier for rapid deployment of ambitious legislation and they must play a key role in ensuring that projects implemented are of high quality; |
| --- | --- |

39.

therefore local and regional authorities must be seen as a partner that can help disseminate and deliver this crucial agenda and not a barrier for rapid deployment of ambitious legislation and they must play a key role in ensuring that projects implemented are of high quality;

| 40. | draws attention to the fact that local and regional authorities have already begun to launch activities and initiatives to help achieve the objectives of European policy on environmental protection and combating climate change. Against this background, it should be stressed that the Covenant of Mayors has been a driving force in the process of raising people’s awareness of energy issues and encouraging changes in individual behaviour; the creation of information and cooperation networks bringing together cities and local authorities that are signatories to the Covenant has been equally important; |
| --- | --- |

40.

draws attention to the fact that local and regional authorities have already begun to launch activities and initiatives to help achieve the objectives of European policy on environmental protection and combating climate change. Against this background, it should be stressed that the Covenant of Mayors has been a driving force in the process of raising people’s awareness of energy issues and encouraging changes in individual behaviour; the creation of information and cooperation networks bringing together cities and local authorities that are signatories to the Covenant has been equally important;

| 41. | accordingly, calls on local and regional authorities which are at the cutting edge of energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy production facilities to step up their communication and cooperation efforts with their counterparts. Opening up the covenant to any interested local urban and rural community should also be encouraged, along with all forms of interregional, national and international cooperation participating in this joint effort; |
| --- | --- |

41.

accordingly, calls on local and regional authorities which are at the cutting edge of energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy production facilities to step up their communication and cooperation efforts with their counterparts. Opening up the covenant to any interested local urban and rural community should also be encouraged, along with all forms of interregional, national and international cooperation participating in this joint effort;

| 42. | welcomes the European Commission’s intention to promote local energy solutions and further develop the ‘smart cities’ initiative to promote clean and energy efficient investments. Progress in this field could, in particular, be achieved by ensuring Commission support for the full exploitation of the potential presented by cogeneration and renewable energy, as well as urban district heating and cooling networks associated with this type of technology and the use of renewable energy sources (biomass etc) and distributed electricity generation. The Committee of the Regions calls on the European Commission and the Council to develop specific decentralised financial instruments in support of this objective; |
| --- | --- |

42.

welcomes the European Commission’s intention to promote local energy solutions and further develop the ‘smart cities’ initiative to promote clean and energy efficient investments. Progress in this field could, in particular, be achieved by ensuring Commission support for the full exploitation of the potential presented by cogeneration and renewable energy, as well as urban district heating and cooling networks associated with this type of technology and the use of renewable energy sources (biomass etc) and distributed electricity generation. The Committee of the Regions calls on the European Commission and the Council to develop specific decentralised financial instruments in support of this objective;

| 43. | would emphasise the need for the European institutions to set a sufficiently long implementation time to allow the local and regional authorities to apply any measures which the EU may yet adopt in the area of energy performance and energy efficiency and to ensure that projects presented are of high quality; |
| --- | --- |

43.

would emphasise the need for the European institutions to set a sufficiently long implementation time to allow the local and regional authorities to apply any measures which the EU may yet adopt in the area of energy performance and energy efficiency and to ensure that projects presented are of high quality;

| 44. | urges, in the light of the important role that local and regional authorities play in fulfilling energy efficiency and energy related requirements, that a greater number of more powerful financial instruments be drawn up at European level in order to support the efforts of local and regional authorities to invest in sustainable energies. This would make it possible to overcome the difficulties that are all too often present at national level such as the under-utilisation of available funding due to overly stringent regulations or local actors’ insufficient knowledge of the funding opportunities available; |
| --- | --- |

44.

urges, in the light of the important role that local and regional authorities play in fulfilling energy efficiency and energy related requirements, that a greater number of more powerful financial instruments be drawn up at European level in order to support the efforts of local and regional authorities to invest in sustainable energies. This would make it possible to overcome the difficulties that are all too often present at national level such as the under-utilisation of available funding due to overly stringent regulations or local actors’ insufficient knowledge of the funding opportunities available;

| 45. | reiterates the position outlined in a previous CoR opinion on the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading after 2012, which recommended that over one-third of its revenues be allocated for massive local and regional investment in future energy efficiency and indigenous renewable supply; |
| --- | --- |

45.

reiterates the position outlined in a previous CoR opinion on the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading after 2012, which recommended that over one-third of its revenues be allocated for massive local and regional investment in future energy efficiency and indigenous renewable supply;

| 46. | welcomes the reallocation of unused appropriations under Chapter II of Regulation (EC) 663/2009 now made available for the local and regional authorities for sustainable energy projects which would be used for measures that have a rapid, measurable and substantial impact on economic recovery within the EU, increased energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and in this regard supports the introduction of a permanent financial instrument to provide support for the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and facilitate the funding of investment in these fields by municipal, local and regional public authorities, thereby helping to alleviate the strong external dependency of small, isolated and vulnerable energy systems such as those in the outermost regions; |
| --- | --- |

46.

welcomes the reallocation of unused appropriations under Chapter II of Regulation (EC) 663/2009 now made available for the local and regional authorities for sustainable energy projects which would be used for measures that have a rapid, measurable and substantial impact on economic recovery within the EU, increased energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and in this regard supports the introduction of a permanent financial instrument to provide support for the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and facilitate the funding of investment in these fields by municipal, local and regional public authorities, thereby helping to alleviate the strong external dependency of small, isolated and vulnerable energy systems such as those in the outermost regions;

| 47. | proposes a gradual review over a sufficient period of time of subsidies for conventional energies in line with the ongoing liberalisation of the energy market in Europe along with public investment in energy distribution companies (public-private partnerships) in order to partially alleviate the effect of higher renewable energy prices. This would also have a beneficial impact on the involvement of SMEs and on local and regional growth and employment, issues highlighted by the EU 2020 Strategy, which should contribute to the economic recovery. However, the access of renewable energy to the grid varies widely across the Member States, and further efforts should be made to ensure adherence to best practices; |
| --- | --- |

47.

proposes a gradual review over a sufficient period of time of subsidies for conventional energies in line with the ongoing liberalisation of the energy market in Europe along with public investment in energy distribution companies (public-private partnerships) in order to partially alleviate the effect of higher renewable energy prices. This would also have a beneficial impact on the involvement of SMEs and on local and regional growth and employment, issues highlighted by the EU 2020 Strategy, which should contribute to the economic recovery. However, the access of renewable energy to the grid varies widely across the Member States, and further efforts should be made to ensure adherence to best practices;

| 48. | suggests that new instruments be conceived as priority lines in the Structural Funds or as a separate Energy Investment Fund which would provide loans and grants with broader eligibility criteria direct at local and regional level for energy efficiency and decentralised energy generation projects and underwrite debt finance for energy companies to invest in low carbon technologies for the production of electricity, heating and cooling; |
| --- | --- |

48.

suggests that new instruments be conceived as priority lines in the Structural Funds or as a separate Energy Investment Fund which would provide loans and grants with broader eligibility criteria direct at local and regional level for energy efficiency and decentralised energy generation projects and underwrite debt finance for energy companies to invest in low carbon technologies for the production of electricity, heating and cooling;

| 49. | considers that the ongoing liberalisation of electricity and gas markets in the EU should translate into better opportunities for investment in decentralised energy supply solutions, involving the production of energy from sustainable renewable sources to a far greater extent than at present; |
| --- | --- |

49.

considers that the ongoing liberalisation of electricity and gas markets in the EU should translate into better opportunities for investment in decentralised energy supply solutions, involving the production of energy from sustainable renewable sources to a far greater extent than at present;

| 50. | stresses the importance of ensuring the further development of ‘smart grid’ technology which facilitates the move to decentralised energy production using a high percentage of different renewable energy sources; |
| --- | --- |

50.

stresses the importance of ensuring the further development of ‘smart grid’ technology which facilitates the move to decentralised energy production using a high percentage of different renewable energy sources;

| 51. | urges that particular attention be paid to streamlining, improving the transparency and reducing the timescales and costs of authorisation procedures for the planning of decentralised energy production and transport structures; |
| --- | --- |

51.

urges that particular attention be paid to streamlining, improving the transparency and reducing the timescales and costs of authorisation procedures for the planning of decentralised energy production and transport structures;

| 52. | also stresses the need to ensure the acceptance by the local population of decentralised energy supply and, in particular, of the fact that, with current production methods, renewable energy is often more expensive than traditional sources of energy and to this end, a more prominent role should be given to low-power (less than 100 kW) distributed generation (photovoltaic and wind). Moreover, it is often necessary to inform the local population about the construction of new power transmission lines. Green NGOs and associations can act as an intermediary between civil society and local and regional authorities in order to both support and back the latter in their implementation of energy and climate change plans and projects and to inform the public about them. More attention should be paid to highlighting the long-term benefits for the local security of supply; |
| --- | --- |

52.

also stresses the need to ensure the acceptance by the local population of decentralised energy supply and, in particular, of the fact that, with current production methods, renewable energy is often more expensive than traditional sources of energy and to this end, a more prominent role should be given to low-power (less than 100 kW) distributed generation (photovoltaic and wind). Moreover, it is often necessary to inform the local population about the construction of new power transmission lines. Green NGOs and associations can act as an intermediary between civil society and local and regional authorities in order to both support and back the latter in their implementation of energy and climate change plans and projects and to inform the public about them. More attention should be paid to highlighting the long-term benefits for the local security of supply;

| 53. | calls for particular efforts to be made to take account of the views of local and regional authorities and the public regarding waste energy storage and treatment and the potential advantages of these methods. Existing mediation and information tools should be strengthened; |
| --- | --- |

53.

calls for particular efforts to be made to take account of the views of local and regional authorities and the public regarding waste energy storage and treatment and the potential advantages of these methods. Existing mediation and information tools should be strengthened;

| 54. | stresses the major role played by local and regional energy agencies in implementing the EU’s energy policy and legislation; they act as a sounding board between European, national and local politicians and the consumer. Their work to inform and raise public awareness about issues such as energy saving and renewable energy sources should be bolstered by comprehensive action at European level to simplify the regulations and administrative rules governing public access to expert advice and the available financial instruments. Such simplification, coupled with better communication about the missions of the various local and regional agencies, is essential to make these agencies as attractive and operational as possible; |
| --- | --- |

54.

stresses the major role played by local and regional energy agencies in implementing the EU’s energy policy and legislation; they act as a sounding board between European, national and local politicians and the consumer. Their work to inform and raise public awareness about issues such as energy saving and renewable energy sources should be bolstered by comprehensive action at European level to simplify the regulations and administrative rules governing public access to expert advice and the available financial instruments. Such simplification, coupled with better communication about the missions of the various local and regional agencies, is essential to make these agencies as attractive and operational as possible;

| 55. | calls for more clarity regarding the distribution of roles and responsibilities between the agencies and the local, regional and national institutions and for action to raise the profile of these agencies among both private individuals and businesses; |
| --- | --- |

55.

calls for more clarity regarding the distribution of roles and responsibilities between the agencies and the local, regional and national institutions and for action to raise the profile of these agencies among both private individuals and businesses;

| 56. | stresses that the EU’s urban and rural areas could benefit greatly from business activity and the emergence of new markets in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. If – as the European Commission forecasts – the renewable energy sector has the potential to create one million additional jobs in Europe by 2020, this will prove the existence of a new balance between EU economic growth and its climate targets; |
| --- | --- |

56.

stresses that the EU’s urban and rural areas could benefit greatly from business activity and the emergence of new markets in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. If – as the European Commission forecasts – the renewable energy sector has the potential to create one million additional jobs in Europe by 2020, this will prove the existence of a new balance between EU economic growth and its climate targets;

| 57. | urges that a thorough impact assessment be conducted to take account of local and regional specific aspects when identifying the possible economic impact and financial and administrative costs of any future EU energy action, particularly in the islands and outermost regions, which are totally isolated from energy systems. As a result of these specific aspects, the ideal energy mix may be different for each region. Furthermore, the impact both of the development of new sources of energy and of the maintenance or disappearance of conventional energies may vary greatly from one region to another; |
| --- | --- |

57.

urges that a thorough impact assessment be conducted to take account of local and regional specific aspects when identifying the possible economic impact and financial and administrative costs of any future EU energy action, particularly in the islands and outermost regions, which are totally isolated from energy systems. As a result of these specific aspects, the ideal energy mix may be different for each region. Furthermore, the impact both of the development of new sources of energy and of the maintenance or disappearance of conventional energies may vary greatly from one region to another;

| 58. | draws attention to the fact that all new legislation on energy policy should give due consideration to the competences of local and regional authorities in order to ensure the appropriate level of government action, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. |
| --- | --- |

58.

draws attention to the fact that all new legislation on energy policy should give due consideration to the competences of local and regional authorities in order to ensure the appropriate level of government action, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

Brussels, 1 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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(1)  Specific issues such as curbing CO2 emissions and the fight against climate change will be covered by a separate CoR opinion in the near future.

1

2

(2)  CdR 241/2008 fin.

2

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| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/12

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘International climate policy post-Copenhagen’

2011/C 42/03

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | points out that European efforts to combat climate change at national, regional and local government levels can serve as an example of a coherent approach and also as a model for countries outside Europe. Transparent structures embracing all sectoral policies and an effective financial infrastructure accessible to local and regional authorities are important prerequisites; |
| --- | --- |

—

points out that European efforts to combat climate change at national, regional and local government levels can serve as an example of a coherent approach and also as a model for countries outside Europe. Transparent structures embracing all sectoral policies and an effective financial infrastructure accessible to local and regional authorities are important prerequisites;

| — | firmly supports the initiative of the Covenant of Mayors to reduce carbon emissions in over 2 150 European towns and cities by more than 20 % by the year 2020, and expects that the necessary resources will be provided to ensure that the objectives announced are actually achieved; |
| --- | --- |

—

firmly supports the initiative of the Covenant of Mayors to reduce carbon emissions in over 2 150 European towns and cities by more than 20 % by the year 2020, and expects that the necessary resources will be provided to ensure that the objectives announced are actually achieved;

| — | argues that a constructive way of engaging between local and national levels on climate adaptation measures is via outcome-type agreements whereby each governance level can voluntarily commit to work towards a climate mitigation outcome and jointly take ownership and responsibility for their respective contributions; |
| --- | --- |

—

argues that a constructive way of engaging between local and national levels on climate adaptation measures is via outcome-type agreements whereby each governance level can voluntarily commit to work towards a climate mitigation outcome and jointly take ownership and responsibility for their respective contributions;

| — | points to the growing importance of sectoral or cross-sectoral energy and climate ‘alliances’ between regions and companies, which were already involved in the Copenhagen negotiating process. These alliances should be explicitly encouraged with a view to further developing and applying low-carbon technologies as soon as possible. The main players here are local- and regional-level decision-makers, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs); |
| --- | --- |

—

points to the growing importance of sectoral or cross-sectoral energy and climate ‘alliances’ between regions and companies, which were already involved in the Copenhagen negotiating process. These alliances should be explicitly encouraged with a view to further developing and applying low-carbon technologies as soon as possible. The main players here are local- and regional-level decision-makers, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs);

| — | reiterates that more funding is needed, especially at local and regional level, to implement climate protection and adaptation measures. |
| --- | --- |

—

reiterates that more funding is needed, especially at local and regional level, to implement climate protection and adaptation measures.

| Rapporteur | : | Nicola Beer (DE/ALDE), State Secretary of the Ministry for Justice, Integration and European Affairs, Land of Hesse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference document | : | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – International climate policy post-Copenhagen
  Acting now to reinvigorate global action on climate change
  COM(2010) 86 final |

Rapporteur

:

Nicola Beer (DE/ALDE), State Secretary of the Ministry for Justice, Integration and European Affairs, Land of Hesse

Reference document

:

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – International climate policy post-Copenhagen

Acting now to reinvigorate global action on climate change

COM(2010) 86 final

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | notes that climate change will have a direct impact on all living organisms on our planet, regardless of geopolitical factors. Containing the climate change threat and addressing the effects of climate change represent one of the major challenges of our time; |
| --- | --- |

1.

notes that climate change will have a direct impact on all living organisms on our planet, regardless of geopolitical factors. Containing the climate change threat and addressing the effects of climate change represent one of the major challenges of our time;

| 2. | draws attention to the particular role played here by subnational levels of government, in particular local and regional decision-making bodies in Europe, whose closeness to ordinary people puts them in a key position when it comes to implementing climate protection measures; |
| --- | --- |

2.

draws attention to the particular role played here by subnational levels of government, in particular local and regional decision-making bodies in Europe, whose closeness to ordinary people puts them in a key position when it comes to implementing climate protection measures;

| 3. | explicitly supports the Commission in drawing on this potential in relation to climate protection. The ambitious climate goals can only be achieved if there is sustained awareness-raising in society and a switch to a more resource-efficient economic system. |
| --- | --- |

3.

explicitly supports the Commission in drawing on this potential in relation to climate protection. The ambitious climate goals can only be achieved if there is sustained awareness-raising in society and a switch to a more resource-efficient economic system.

Commission Communication

| 4. | is pleased to note that the Commission has distilled its determination to translate the general consensus on climate change into action in a strategy designed to maintain and further strengthen the momentum of efforts to manage the problem; |
| --- | --- |

4.

is pleased to note that the Commission has distilled its determination to translate the general consensus on climate change into action in a strategy designed to maintain and further strengthen the momentum of efforts to manage the problem;

| 5. | observes that climate change, whose impact varies between regions, has gained scientific recognition as a global phenomenon and that the international community increasingly accepts that there is an urgent need to take action, as the IPCC recommends. The European Union already set ambitious goals back in 2008: these were to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 %, to increase the share of renewables in energy production to 20 % and to reduce energy consumption by 20 % by the year 2020. These goals are also referred to in the EU-2020 strategy and are firmly supported by the CoR; |
| --- | --- |

5.

observes that climate change, whose impact varies between regions, has gained scientific recognition as a global phenomenon and that the international community increasingly accepts that there is an urgent need to take action, as the IPCC recommends. The European Union already set ambitious goals back in 2008: these were to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 %, to increase the share of renewables in energy production to 20 % and to reduce energy consumption by 20 % by the year 2020. These goals are also referred to in the EU-2020 strategy and are firmly supported by the CoR;

| 6. | emphasises the international dimension of climate change and the need to mount a global response; |
| --- | --- |

6.

emphasises the international dimension of climate change and the need to mount a global response;

| 7. | calls for a strong local chapter within the future international UN climate change agreement; |
| --- | --- |

7.

calls for a strong local chapter within the future international UN climate change agreement;

| 8. | agrees that the UN process of comprehensive, global climate change management should be regarded as indispensable and therefore unreservedly endorses efforts to secure an internationally binding climate protection treaty that should, in particular, incorporate the political guidelines of the Copenhagen accord; |
| --- | --- |

8.

agrees that the UN process of comprehensive, global climate change management should be regarded as indispensable and therefore unreservedly endorses efforts to secure an internationally binding climate protection treaty that should, in particular, incorporate the political guidelines of the Copenhagen accord;

| 9. | reiterates its strong support for the goal of limiting global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius; |
| --- | --- |

9.

reiterates its strong support for the goal of limiting global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius;

| 10. | welcomes the substantial progress made by the European Union towards meeting its Kyoto commitments for the period 2008-2012 and appreciates the effort to keep Europe among the most climate-friendly region in the world; |
| --- | --- |

10.

welcomes the substantial progress made by the European Union towards meeting its Kyoto commitments for the period 2008-2012 and appreciates the effort to keep Europe among the most climate-friendly region in the world;

| 11. | notes that while the Copenhagen talks on combating climate change in December 2009 led to a broad exchange of views at international level, as well as a political agreement among a majority of countries which hitherto had made no formal commitment, but that they also failed to produce a legally binding treaty, as opposed to an accord; |
| --- | --- |

11.

notes that while the Copenhagen talks on combating climate change in December 2009 led to a broad exchange of views at international level, as well as a political agreement among a majority of countries which hitherto had made no formal commitment, but that they also failed to produce a legally binding treaty, as opposed to an accord;

| 12. | shares the view that the EU must improve its work of winning people over and should first focus primarily on building support with different partners. The CoR points to the consequent need for the EU to speak with a single voice; |
| --- | --- |

12.

shares the view that the EU must improve its work of winning people over and should first focus primarily on building support with different partners. The CoR points to the consequent need for the EU to speak with a single voice;

| 13. | believes that an internationally binding agreement must demonstrate environmental integrity if it is to be accepted by the community of states that are party to it; |
| --- | --- |

13.

believes that an internationally binding agreement must demonstrate environmental integrity if it is to be accepted by the community of states that are party to it;

| 14. | points out that the European Union is one of the few major world blocs to have substantially reduced its CO2 emissions and that this globally acknowledged leading role gives, and must give, it a particular responsibility to make use of the existing potential for further reductions; |
| --- | --- |

14.

points out that the European Union is one of the few major world blocs to have substantially reduced its CO2 emissions and that this globally acknowledged leading role gives, and must give, it a particular responsibility to make use of the existing potential for further reductions;

| 15. | notes that the effects of climate change globally and within Europe will vary widely between different regions (e.g. in inland or upland regions or islands, for example in the context of desertification, the melting of glaciers or a rise in the sea level), which means that the potential regional impacts must be evaluated at the level of Member States, regions and local authorities, in consideration of their heterogeneity; |
| --- | --- |

15.

notes that the effects of climate change globally and within Europe will vary widely between different regions (e.g. in inland or upland regions or islands, for example in the context of desertification, the melting of glaciers or a rise in the sea level), which means that the potential regional impacts must be evaluated at the level of Member States, regions and local authorities, in consideration of their heterogeneity;

| 16. | calls for a better balance to be struck between the need to exert pressure and maintaining the momentum of the process, so as to avoid deadlocks and/or obstructionism. |
| --- | --- |

16.

calls for a better balance to be struck between the need to exert pressure and maintaining the momentum of the process, so as to avoid deadlocks and/or obstructionism.

Taking stock after Copenhagen

| 17. | regrets the fact that the European Union could not bring to bear its position on combating climate change at the Copenhagen talks; |
| --- | --- |

17.

regrets the fact that the European Union could not bring to bear its position on combating climate change at the Copenhagen talks;

| 18. | is pleased that the Copenhagen climate conference set a goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius compared with pre-industrial temperature levels, while referring to the work of the IPCC; |
| --- | --- |

18.

is pleased that the Copenhagen climate conference set a goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius compared with pre-industrial temperature levels, while referring to the work of the IPCC;

| 19. | likewise welcomes the fact that by the cut-off date of 31 January 2010, 55 countries had responded to the invitation to announce binding commitments for their emissions reduction targets. This evidences broad and increasing support for the accord as well as the clear determination of a majority of countries to step up their actions on climate change now, although it is regrettable that these cumulative commitments are insufficient to achieve the objective set by the Copenhagen conference of keeping global warming below 2 °C; |
| --- | --- |

19.

likewise welcomes the fact that by the cut-off date of 31 January 2010, 55 countries had responded to the invitation to announce binding commitments for their emissions reduction targets. This evidences broad and increasing support for the accord as well as the clear determination of a majority of countries to step up their actions on climate change now, although it is regrettable that these cumulative commitments are insufficient to achieve the objective set by the Copenhagen conference of keeping global warming below 2 °C;

| 20. | welcomes the fact that the Copenhagen accord requires basic standards for regular monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) and measures to be taken by national governments on climate change, also with respect to the necessary financial support for climate action. |
| --- | --- |

20.

welcomes the fact that the Copenhagen accord requires basic standards for regular monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) and measures to be taken by national governments on climate change, also with respect to the necessary financial support for climate action.

Need for action

| 21. | emphasises that with a view to the upcoming negotiations in Mexico and the preparatory conference in particular, a major persuasive effort must be mounted with those countries or country blocs that felt their interests were not taken sufficiently into account in the Copenhagen process; |
| --- | --- |

21.

emphasises that with a view to the upcoming negotiations in Mexico and the preparatory conference in particular, a major persuasive effort must be mounted with those countries or country blocs that felt their interests were not taken sufficiently into account in the Copenhagen process;

| 22. | endorses the measures proposed by the Commission to step up awareness-raising in third countries. It is essential in this context to have a prior understanding of the positions, concerns and expectations of negotiating partners on key issues, in particular so as to convince those countries that are not yet willing enough to support a legally binding international climate protection treaty; |
| --- | --- |

22.

endorses the measures proposed by the Commission to step up awareness-raising in third countries. It is essential in this context to have a prior understanding of the positions, concerns and expectations of negotiating partners on key issues, in particular so as to convince those countries that are not yet willing enough to support a legally binding international climate protection treaty;

| 23. | stresses that the EU must exercise as a bloc its negotiating mandate based on the Lisbon treaty now in force, and urges that these new structures be consistently implemented; |
| --- | --- |

23.

stresses that the EU must exercise as a bloc its negotiating mandate based on the Lisbon treaty now in force, and urges that these new structures be consistently implemented;

| 24. | thus emphatically calls for the EU to speak with a single voice in Cancun; |
| --- | --- |

24.

thus emphatically calls for the EU to speak with a single voice in Cancun;

| 25. | stresses that it must be possible to measure and monitor the results of various actions and measures taken to mitigate climate change and its inevitable effects. The measures and data to be documented must be compulsory for all states without prejudice to the sovereignty of the countries concerned; |
| --- | --- |

25.

stresses that it must be possible to measure and monitor the results of various actions and measures taken to mitigate climate change and its inevitable effects. The measures and data to be documented must be compulsory for all states without prejudice to the sovereignty of the countries concerned;

| 26. | draws attention to the need for the Commission to adapt and reinforce its strategy for EU climate policy in case no international treaty is forthcoming; |
| --- | --- |

26.

draws attention to the need for the Commission to adapt and reinforce its strategy for EU climate policy in case no international treaty is forthcoming;

| 27. | advocates close monitoring of the tension between the comprehensive approach of an integrated energy and climate policy and the subsidiarity principle. The Member States must continue to have room for manoeuvre in the future where structural particularities require specific rules, provided competition is not distorted; |
| --- | --- |

27.

advocates close monitoring of the tension between the comprehensive approach of an integrated energy and climate policy and the subsidiarity principle. The Member States must continue to have room for manoeuvre in the future where structural particularities require specific rules, provided competition is not distorted;

| 28. | perceives a need to make more of progress at home in combating climate change, to continue setting ambitious goals and to underpin and publicise successes in implementing them, especially at regional level, using examples of best practice. The CoR points specifically to the role played by ordinary people here. It will be impossible to realise ambitious climate goals without awareness-raising and cooperation on the ground; |
| --- | --- |

28.

perceives a need to make more of progress at home in combating climate change, to continue setting ambitious goals and to underpin and publicise successes in implementing them, especially at regional level, using examples of best practice. The CoR points specifically to the role played by ordinary people here. It will be impossible to realise ambitious climate goals without awareness-raising and cooperation on the ground;

| 29. | welcomes the Commission’s call for issues to be addressed that were not mentioned in the Copenhagen accord, such as the development of an international carbon market and reduction of emissions from international aviation and maritime transport in consultation with the ICAO and IMO; |
| --- | --- |

29.

welcomes the Commission’s call for issues to be addressed that were not mentioned in the Copenhagen accord, such as the development of an international carbon market and reduction of emissions from international aviation and maritime transport in consultation with the ICAO and IMO;

| 30. | recognises that including air and sea transport in a global emissions trading system, together with a cap and an emissions reduction roadmap, will be an important step towards reducing carbon emissions, while also appreciating that account has to be taken of the particular dependency of individual regions, such as islands, from the point of view of competitiveness; |
| --- | --- |

30.

recognises that including air and sea transport in a global emissions trading system, together with a cap and an emissions reduction roadmap, will be an important step towards reducing carbon emissions, while also appreciating that account has to be taken of the particular dependency of individual regions, such as islands, from the point of view of competitiveness;

| 31. | emphasises the important role that agriculture can play in mitigating climate change since the farming sector is unique in its potential to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions and increase carbon capture more cheaply, while still guaranteeing food production, generating farm income and maintaining the population of rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

31.

emphasises the important role that agriculture can play in mitigating climate change since the farming sector is unique in its potential to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions and increase carbon capture more cheaply, while still guaranteeing food production, generating farm income and maintaining the population of rural areas;

| 32. | believes that the EU must launch specific projects to support the switch to a low-carbon economy, based on the EU-2020 strategy for sustainable growth (the ‘Green New Deal’) with a view to becoming the most climate-friendly region in the world; |
| --- | --- |

32.

believes that the EU must launch specific projects to support the switch to a low-carbon economy, based on the EU-2020 strategy for sustainable growth (the ‘Green New Deal’) with a view to becoming the most climate-friendly region in the world;

| 33. | points out that this strategy will succeed only if both the public and private sectors, in accordance with the varying economic and sectoral structures of the Member States, are given sufficient opportunities for structural change and innovation within an appropriate time frame, without, however, thereby losing sight of the EU’s reduction targets; |
| --- | --- |

33.

points out that this strategy will succeed only if both the public and private sectors, in accordance with the varying economic and sectoral structures of the Member States, are given sufficient opportunities for structural change and innovation within an appropriate time frame, without, however, thereby losing sight of the EU’s reduction targets;

| 34. | emphasises that the huge challenges of global climate protection can better be addressed in a context of consensus with business; |
| --- | --- |

34.

emphasises that the huge challenges of global climate protection can better be addressed in a context of consensus with business;

| 35. | points out that appropriate instruments are needed to prevent distortions of competition between countries with and countries without climate protection standards, and warns that ‘carbon leakage’ could otherwise lead to relocation of jobs, particularly in certain industrial sectors; |
| --- | --- |

35.

points out that appropriate instruments are needed to prevent distortions of competition between countries with and countries without climate protection standards, and warns that ‘carbon leakage’ could otherwise lead to relocation of jobs, particularly in certain industrial sectors;

| 36. | stresses that an international successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period is needed, also for economic policy reasons, in order to secure the requisite planning and legal certainty for businesses and national governments for at least the next ten years; |
| --- | --- |

36.

stresses that an international successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period is needed, also for economic policy reasons, in order to secure the requisite planning and legal certainty for businesses and national governments for at least the next ten years;

| 37. | notes that a follow-up agreement to the first Kyoto Protocol period will only have a chance of success if known weaknesses can be eliminated so as to ensure environmental integrity. Future emissions reductions must be distributed fairly across the whole of the international community, without unreasonable disadvantages arising for individual states. This is particularly relevant for developing and emerging countries, which must be given real support – e.g. technological and financial – by the industrialised countries; |
| --- | --- |

37.

notes that a follow-up agreement to the first Kyoto Protocol period will only have a chance of success if known weaknesses can be eliminated so as to ensure environmental integrity. Future emissions reductions must be distributed fairly across the whole of the international community, without unreasonable disadvantages arising for individual states. This is particularly relevant for developing and emerging countries, which must be given real support – e.g. technological and financial – by the industrialised countries;

| 38. | believes it would be possible to publicise the expertise gained by regions in EU Member States on measures implemented to combat climate change as examples of best practice (knowledge and technology transfer). This could apply equally to technology application and methods for measuring, reporting and verifying measures; |
| --- | --- |

38.

believes it would be possible to publicise the expertise gained by regions in EU Member States on measures implemented to combat climate change as examples of best practice (knowledge and technology transfer). This could apply equally to technology application and methods for measuring, reporting and verifying measures;

| 39. | recommends a ‘monitoring platform for climate change’ as a suitable instrument to support the exchange of information on regional and local climate change measures and their further development. This could be used to ensure optimum use and effective application of the knowledge acquired by local and regional authorities and help to inform EU and national responses; |
| --- | --- |

39.

recommends a ‘monitoring platform for climate change’ as a suitable instrument to support the exchange of information on regional and local climate change measures and their further development. This could be used to ensure optimum use and effective application of the knowledge acquired by local and regional authorities and help to inform EU and national responses;

| 40. | believes that coordination between the negotiations on lowering carbon emissions and the ongoing international discussions about loss of biodiversity (CBD), combating climate change (UNFCCC) and desertification (UNCCD) must be improved; therefore calls on the Commission to take the initiative here, e.g. by organising a high-level meeting on the above three ‘Rio conventions’; |
| --- | --- |

40.

believes that coordination between the negotiations on lowering carbon emissions and the ongoing international discussions about loss of biodiversity (CBD), combating climate change (UNFCCC) and desertification (UNCCD) must be improved; therefore calls on the Commission to take the initiative here, e.g. by organising a high-level meeting on the above three ‘Rio conventions’;

| 41. | sees a need for more interregional cooperation the fight against and on adaptation to climate change; |
| --- | --- |

41.

sees a need for more interregional cooperation the fight against and on adaptation to climate change;

| 42. | argues that a constructive way of engaging between local and national levels on climate adaptation measures is via outcome-type agreements whereby each governance level can voluntarily commit to work towards a climate mitigation outcome and jointly take ownership and responsibility for their respective contributions; |
| --- | --- |

42.

argues that a constructive way of engaging between local and national levels on climate adaptation measures is via outcome-type agreements whereby each governance level can voluntarily commit to work towards a climate mitigation outcome and jointly take ownership and responsibility for their respective contributions;

| 43. | is aware that an integrated approach is required for any Kyoto successor agreement in the framework of the Kyoto Protocol, so as to prevent negative interactions between individual instruments. |
| --- | --- |

43.

is aware that an integrated approach is required for any Kyoto successor agreement in the framework of the Kyoto Protocol, so as to prevent negative interactions between individual instruments.

Commission strategy

EU taking the lead

| 44. | welcomes the Commission’s initiative to actively resume a leading role in international climate protection; |
| --- | --- |

44.

welcomes the Commission’s initiative to actively resume a leading role in international climate protection;

| 45. | notes that the EU-2020 strategy, with the goal of sustainable growth, will produce resource-efficient, environment-friendly and competitive structural changes in the economy, resulting in a resource-efficient Europe; |
| --- | --- |

45.

notes that the EU-2020 strategy, with the goal of sustainable growth, will produce resource-efficient, environment-friendly and competitive structural changes in the economy, resulting in a resource-efficient Europe;

| 46. | points out that this change requires that all social groups, as well as individuals, be involved and won over at an early stage by means of adequate information and transparency, particularly as, apart from technological change, climate change will lead to adaptations in our current way of life; |
| --- | --- |

46.

points out that this change requires that all social groups, as well as individuals, be involved and won over at an early stage by means of adequate information and transparency, particularly as, apart from technological change, climate change will lead to adaptations in our current way of life;

| 47. | would mention that the switch to a low-carbon economy necessitated by climate change must take place in a socially responsible way if it is to be accepted. It is important to pay attention to keeping and if necessary adapting existing jobs, alongside the new jobs that are expected; |
| --- | --- |

47.

would mention that the switch to a low-carbon economy necessitated by climate change must take place in a socially responsible way if it is to be accepted. It is important to pay attention to keeping and if necessary adapting existing jobs, alongside the new jobs that are expected;

| 48. | emphatically supports the 20-20-20 climate protection and energy goals referred to in the EU-2020 strategy, which include raising the emissions reduction target to 30 % provided certain conditions are met. Before the EU commits itself unilaterally to a 30 % increase, a detailed analysis should be carried out so as to ensure that European businesses do not suffer any competitive disadvantages. The Committee believes that the shift to 30 % is an issue of the utmost importance that must be decided on the basis of detailed reports validating its environmental and economic viability. The Committee is concerned that the studies carried out, whilst technically correct, are of a macroeconomic nature, and considers it essential that these studies also be presented on a sectoral basis so that the countervailing measures can be defined more clearly. The specific national circumstances of the Member States, particularly at sub-national/regional level, should be borne in mind when drawing up these reports; |
| --- | --- |

48.

emphatically supports the 20-20-20 climate protection and energy goals referred to in the EU-2020 strategy, which include raising the emissions reduction target to 30 % provided certain conditions are met. Before the EU commits itself unilaterally to a 30 % increase, a detailed analysis should be carried out so as to ensure that European businesses do not suffer any competitive disadvantages. The Committee believes that the shift to 30 % is an issue of the utmost importance that must be decided on the basis of detailed reports validating its environmental and economic viability. The Committee is concerned that the studies carried out, whilst technically correct, are of a macroeconomic nature, and considers it essential that these studies also be presented on a sectoral basis so that the countervailing measures can be defined more clearly. The specific national circumstances of the Member States, particularly at sub-national/regional level, should be borne in mind when drawing up these reports;

| 49. | welcomes the Commission’s idea of outlining a pathway for the EU’s transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050 and specifically calls for the short- and medium-term stages of that pathway to be defined; |
| --- | --- |

49.

welcomes the Commission’s idea of outlining a pathway for the EU’s transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050 and specifically calls for the short- and medium-term stages of that pathway to be defined;

| 50. | points out that innovative processes and products are one of the keys to meeting the global challenges of climate protection. Only innovation can release the forces necessary for growth over the long term; |
| --- | --- |

50.

points out that innovative processes and products are one of the keys to meeting the global challenges of climate protection. Only innovation can release the forces necessary for growth over the long term;

| 51. | agrees with the Commission’s statement that measures must focus on innovation and early deployment of new technologies and appropriate infrastructure in order to further consolidate the leading role of European businesses in key sectors; |
| --- | --- |

51.

agrees with the Commission’s statement that measures must focus on innovation and early deployment of new technologies and appropriate infrastructure in order to further consolidate the leading role of European businesses in key sectors;

| 52. | notes that sophisticated measures are already being taken in many spheres, thanks to modern climate and environmental protection techniques. This must be recognised and taken into consideration when setting benchmarks. To allow for differences in the progress already made, it is necessary to ensure that each local or regional baseline is taken into account by incorporating a dynamic element into the system; |
| --- | --- |

52.

notes that sophisticated measures are already being taken in many spheres, thanks to modern climate and environmental protection techniques. This must be recognised and taken into consideration when setting benchmarks. To allow for differences in the progress already made, it is necessary to ensure that each local or regional baseline is taken into account by incorporating a dynamic element into the system;

| 53. | points out that economic restructuring may have negative effects, especially at local and regional level; |
| --- | --- |

53.

points out that economic restructuring may have negative effects, especially at local and regional level;

| 54. | recognises the considerable opportunities that can be created by sustainable growth, in relation for example to job creation and security of energy supply; |
| --- | --- |

54.

recognises the considerable opportunities that can be created by sustainable growth, in relation for example to job creation and security of energy supply;

| 55. | urges that building improvements to enhance energy efficiency should be incorporated into the measures planned as a basis for achieving the climate protection goals, and notes that buildings that do not comply with energy-efficiency standards produce a significant share of all CO2 emissions. Up to three quarters of residential buildings have substantial energy-saving potential; |
| --- | --- |

55.

urges that building improvements to enhance energy efficiency should be incorporated into the measures planned as a basis for achieving the climate protection goals, and notes that buildings that do not comply with energy-efficiency standards produce a significant share of all CO2 emissions. Up to three quarters of residential buildings have substantial energy-saving potential;

| 56. | points out that it will be impossible to achieve the ambitious climate protection targets without taking account of carbon-saving potential in the housing stock; |
| --- | --- |

56.

points out that it will be impossible to achieve the ambitious climate protection targets without taking account of carbon-saving potential in the housing stock;

| 57. | stresses the importance of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the passenger and goods road transport sector; |
| --- | --- |

57.

stresses the importance of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the passenger and goods road transport sector;

| 58. | regrets that the Commission communication does not discuss the need for action at regional level to implement the climate protection targets. Promotion of innovation, research and development across Länder and regions through the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its climate KIC could set an example here; |
| --- | --- |

58.

regrets that the Commission communication does not discuss the need for action at regional level to implement the climate protection targets. Promotion of innovation, research and development across Länder and regions through the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its climate KIC could set an example here;

| 59. | points in this connection to the growing importance of sectoral or cross-sectoral energy and climate ‘alliances’ between regions and companies, which were already involved in the Copenhagen negotiating process. These alliances should be explicitly encouraged with a view to further developing and applying low-carbon technologies as soon as possible. The main players here are local- and regional-level decision-makers, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Passing on information promptly and efficiently to the relevant stakeholders in comparable situations is a perfect example of the ‘bottom-up’ principle; |
| --- | --- |

59.

points in this connection to the growing importance of sectoral or cross-sectoral energy and climate ‘alliances’ between regions and companies, which were already involved in the Copenhagen negotiating process. These alliances should be explicitly encouraged with a view to further developing and applying low-carbon technologies as soon as possible. The main players here are local- and regional-level decision-makers, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Passing on information promptly and efficiently to the relevant stakeholders in comparable situations is a perfect example of the ‘bottom-up’ principle;

| 60. | draws attention to the existence of numerous initiatives at regional level that are helping to embed the climate change concept firmly in society, such as regional sustainability strategies or alliances between municipal decision-makers, regional governments and business. The CoR would be very happy to share its experience on these projects with interested stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

60.

draws attention to the existence of numerous initiatives at regional level that are helping to embed the climate change concept firmly in society, such as regional sustainability strategies or alliances between municipal decision-makers, regional governments and business. The CoR would be very happy to share its experience on these projects with interested stakeholders;

| 61. | therefore welcomes the initiative of the Covenant of Mayors to reduce carbon emissions in over 2 150 European towns and cities by more than 20 % by the year 2020, and thus firmly supports the Covenant as a key player in sustainable energy and climate policy and expects that the necessary resources will be provided to ensure that the objectives announced are actually achieved; |
| --- | --- |

61.

therefore welcomes the initiative of the Covenant of Mayors to reduce carbon emissions in over 2 150 European towns and cities by more than 20 % by the year 2020, and thus firmly supports the Covenant as a key player in sustainable energy and climate policy and expects that the necessary resources will be provided to ensure that the objectives announced are actually achieved;

| 62. | feels that, when regulating, a balance should be struck between the strict respect for safeguarding the environment and the huge cost involved in combating climate change for those regions and islands, which are remote and/or particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon, totally dependent on transport, but nevertheless very committed to reducing carbon emissions, for example by developing renewable energies. |
| --- | --- |

62.

feels that, when regulating, a balance should be struck between the strict respect for safeguarding the environment and the huge cost involved in combating climate change for those regions and islands, which are remote and/or particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon, totally dependent on transport, but nevertheless very committed to reducing carbon emissions, for example by developing renewable energies.

Implementing the Copenhagen Accord

| 63. | believes that the Copenhagen accord established key pillars for a future binding agreement, especially in the acceptance of the 2 °C target, the voluntary commitment of certain countries to national emissions reduction targets, and binding statements on ‘fast-start’ finance for developing countries and on long-term funding requirements; |
| --- | --- |

63.

believes that the Copenhagen accord established key pillars for a future binding agreement, especially in the acceptance of the 2 °C target, the voluntary commitment of certain countries to national emissions reduction targets, and binding statements on ‘fast-start’ finance for developing countries and on long-term funding requirements;

| 64. | agrees that those industrialised and developing countries that together account for 80 % of global greenhouse gas emissions have sent an extremely important signal with their specific emissions reduction targets; |
| --- | --- |

64.

agrees that those industrialised and developing countries that together account for 80 % of global greenhouse gas emissions have sent an extremely important signal with their specific emissions reduction targets;

| 65. | shares the view that the commitments notified by countries will not be sufficient in quantitative terms to ensure that the 2 °C target is achieved; |
| --- | --- |

65.

shares the view that the commitments notified by countries will not be sufficient in quantitative terms to ensure that the 2 °C target is achieved;

| 66. | welcomes the willingness of the developing countries to also assume responsibility and the measures announced by them, although the substance of these has not yet been evaluated; |
| --- | --- |

66.

welcomes the willingness of the developing countries to also assume responsibility and the measures announced by them, although the substance of these has not yet been evaluated;

| 67. | emphasises that it is extremely important during the course of further follow-up UN talks to clarify the details of targets and measures fixed by industrialised, emerging and developing countries, which must ultimately lead to a process that is transparent, comprehensible and measurable in qualitative and quantitative terms; |
| --- | --- |

67.

emphasises that it is extremely important during the course of further follow-up UN talks to clarify the details of targets and measures fixed by industrialised, emerging and developing countries, which must ultimately lead to a process that is transparent, comprehensible and measurable in qualitative and quantitative terms;

| 68. | considers that monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), which is a sensitive issue, can only be carried out effectively and in a way that is acceptable to all parties if the same conditions apply explicitly to everyone. A system based on joint minimum criteria fixed under the UN process, but where the national level is responsible for implementation of measures and access to information, is considered to be the right way of achieving this; |
| --- | --- |

68.

considers that monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), which is a sensitive issue, can only be carried out effectively and in a way that is acceptable to all parties if the same conditions apply explicitly to everyone. A system based on joint minimum criteria fixed under the UN process, but where the national level is responsible for implementation of measures and access to information, is considered to be the right way of achieving this;

| 69. | welcomes the Commission’s proposal to support cooperation with developing countries that are interested in programmes to expand regional capacity for monitoring, reporting and verification. |
| --- | --- |

69.

welcomes the Commission’s proposal to support cooperation with developing countries that are interested in programmes to expand regional capacity for monitoring, reporting and verification.

Fast-start finance

| 70. | welcomes the provision made in the Copenhagen accord for advancing funding which must amount to USD 30 billion during the period 2010-2012 to kick-start climate protection and climate adaptation measures in developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

70.

welcomes the provision made in the Copenhagen accord for advancing funding which must amount to USD 30 billion during the period 2010-2012 to kick-start climate protection and climate adaptation measures in developing countries;

| 71. | sees an urgent need for action to activate the financial support pledged at Copenhagen for developing countries as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

71.

sees an urgent need for action to activate the financial support pledged at Copenhagen for developing countries as soon as possible;

| 72. | notes that the European Council has set the contribution of the European Union and the Member States at EUR 2.4 billion yearly and points to the importance of prompt implementation in the interests of EU credibility; |
| --- | --- |

72.

notes that the European Council has set the contribution of the European Union and the Member States at EUR 2.4 billion yearly and points to the importance of prompt implementation in the interests of EU credibility;

| 73. | calls for the partnership activities at European regional level with municipalities, provinces, regions and federal states in developing and emerging countries to be promoted and developed and draws attention to the importance of ensuring that fast-start finance also builds on existing measures and initiatives so as to avoid delays. |
| --- | --- |

73.

calls for the partnership activities at European regional level with municipalities, provinces, regions and federal states in developing and emerging countries to be promoted and developed and draws attention to the importance of ensuring that fast-start finance also builds on existing measures and initiatives so as to avoid delays.

Long-term finance

| 74. | welcomes the forward-looking long-term financing strategy set out in the Copenhagen accord, for which USD 100 billion yearly has been earmarked until 2020; |
| --- | --- |

74.

welcomes the forward-looking long-term financing strategy set out in the Copenhagen accord, for which USD 100 billion yearly has been earmarked until 2020;

| 75. | supports the Commission’s suggestion that this finance should come from a range of sources; |
| --- | --- |

75.

supports the Commission’s suggestion that this finance should come from a range of sources;

| 76. | stresses that transparency for all those involved - providers and beneficiaries - must have first priority in the future international financial architecture, especially where project implementation is concerned. |
| --- | --- |

76.

stresses that transparency for all those involved - providers and beneficiaries - must have first priority in the future international financial architecture, especially where project implementation is concerned.

Advancing the international carbon market

| 77. | notes that the long-term development and establishment of an international carbon market based on an emissions trading (cap-and-trade) system is the most effective policy instrument in developing a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy; |
| --- | --- |

77.

notes that the long-term development and establishment of an international carbon market based on an emissions trading (cap-and-trade) system is the most effective policy instrument in developing a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy;

| 78. | agrees with the Commission that an international carbon market necessitates a compatible and comparable system, and that this must be taken into account in the continuing international climate talks; |
| --- | --- |

78.

agrees with the Commission that an international carbon market necessitates a compatible and comparable system, and that this must be taken into account in the continuing international climate talks;

| 79. | points out that setting up the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) market has raised awareness of emissions reductions in the private sector globally, created networks between private stakeholders and encouraged them to innovate; |
| --- | --- |

79.

points out that setting up the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) market has raised awareness of emissions reductions in the private sector globally, created networks between private stakeholders and encouraged them to innovate;

| 80. | echoes the Commission’s view about the need to evaluate and reform the Clean Development Mechanism should large emerging countries such as China, India, South Africa and Brazil still be unable to accept binding emissions reduction targets; |
| --- | --- |

80.

echoes the Commission’s view about the need to evaluate and reform the Clean Development Mechanism should large emerging countries such as China, India, South Africa and Brazil still be unable to accept binding emissions reduction targets;

| 81. | therefore endorses the Commission’s suggestion of moving to sector-wide mechanisms based on prevailing EU emissions trading provisions, in cooperation with interested industrialised and developing countries. This would necessitate improvements in the quality requirements for credits from project-based mechanisms; |
| --- | --- |

81.

therefore endorses the Commission’s suggestion of moving to sector-wide mechanisms based on prevailing EU emissions trading provisions, in cooperation with interested industrialised and developing countries. This would necessitate improvements in the quality requirements for credits from project-based mechanisms;

| 82. | shares the view that finance from the international carbon market should also be used to support projects in developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

82.

shares the view that finance from the international carbon market should also be used to support projects in developing countries;

| 83. | also believes that a substantial proportion of the revenues from the European emissions trading system should be made available to local and regional authorities for putting climate protection and adaptation measures into effect at local level. |
| --- | --- |

83.

also believes that a substantial proportion of the revenues from the European emissions trading system should be made available to local and regional authorities for putting climate protection and adaptation measures into effect at local level.

Conclusions

| 84. | agrees with the Commission that the Copenhagen accord produced by the UN climate summit of December 2009 did not meet initial expectations. An awareness of the urgent need for action has nevertheless become evident in the international community; |
| --- | --- |

84.

agrees with the Commission that the Copenhagen accord produced by the UN climate summit of December 2009 did not meet initial expectations. An awareness of the urgent need for action has nevertheless become evident in the international community;

| 85. | believes it is important that the Commission give due consideration, from the perspective of the regions, to the subsidiarity and proportionality principles in its proposals for steps needed in the short and medium term, especially with respect to consequent measures. The aim must be to secure binding commitments without encroaching on the sovereignty of the parties involved. |
| --- | --- |

85.

believes it is important that the Commission give due consideration, from the perspective of the regions, to the subsidiarity and proportionality principles in its proposals for steps needed in the short and medium term, especially with respect to consequent measures. The aim must be to secure binding commitments without encroaching on the sovereignty of the parties involved.

The role of local and regional authorities

| 86. | emphasises the role of local and regional authorities in the process of combating climate change and its already inevitable implications for ordinary people. Member States must retain their latitude in this domain, also because of the wide variations in the effects of climate change between different regions; |
| --- | --- |

86.

emphasises the role of local and regional authorities in the process of combating climate change and its already inevitable implications for ordinary people. Member States must retain their latitude in this domain, also because of the wide variations in the effects of climate change between different regions;

| 87. | very much regrets that the Commission communication does not discuss the need for action at local and regional level; |
| --- | --- |

87.

very much regrets that the Commission communication does not discuss the need for action at local and regional level;

| 88. | considers it indispensable for all future agreements on climate protection policy to take into account the key role played by local and regional levels of government; |
| --- | --- |

88.

considers it indispensable for all future agreements on climate protection policy to take into account the key role played by local and regional levels of government;

| 89. | explicitly welcomes the commitment of existing networks at subnational level and calls on the Commission and the European Parliament to take account of those networks’ positions in future international climate talks; |
| --- | --- |

89.

explicitly welcomes the commitment of existing networks at subnational level and calls on the Commission and the European Parliament to take account of those networks’ positions in future international climate talks;

| 90. | commends the existing cooperation on climate policy between different EU regions and developing and emerging countries; |
| --- | --- |

90.

commends the existing cooperation on climate policy between different EU regions and developing and emerging countries;

| 91. | points out that European efforts to combat climate change at national, regional and local government levels can serve as an example of a coherent approach and also as a model for countries outside Europe. Transparent structures embracing all sectoral policies and an effective financial infrastructure accessible to local and regional authorities are important prerequisites; |
| --- | --- |

91.

points out that European efforts to combat climate change at national, regional and local government levels can serve as an example of a coherent approach and also as a model for countries outside Europe. Transparent structures embracing all sectoral policies and an effective financial infrastructure accessible to local and regional authorities are important prerequisites;

| 92. | urges that the basis for international networking at local and regional level be put in place and that this be deliberately promoted, so as to create an ongoing and open process of dialogue via platforms for exchange that are accessible to all levels involved, with a view to effectively and efficiently combating climate change; |
| --- | --- |

92.

urges that the basis for international networking at local and regional level be put in place and that this be deliberately promoted, so as to create an ongoing and open process of dialogue via platforms for exchange that are accessible to all levels involved, with a view to effectively and efficiently combating climate change;

| 93. | urges that subnational organisations in the Member States be given the means to harness opportunities and take on responsibilities as appropriate, taking their specific regional features into account; |
| --- | --- |

93.

urges that subnational organisations in the Member States be given the means to harness opportunities and take on responsibilities as appropriate, taking their specific regional features into account;

| 94. | reiterates that more funding is needed, especially at local and regional level, to implement climate protection and adaptation measures; |
| --- | --- |

94.

reiterates that more funding is needed, especially at local and regional level, to implement climate protection and adaptation measures;

| 95. | calls on the Commission to put forward proposals on how to secure adequate funding for bodies dealing with climate protection and suggests that the Member States be consulted on this matter; |
| --- | --- |

95.

calls on the Commission to put forward proposals on how to secure adequate funding for bodies dealing with climate protection and suggests that the Member States be consulted on this matter;

| 96. | stresses that a change in values in favour of resource-efficient and climate-friendly practices can only happen from within society, and points specifically to the role of ordinary citizens here. Ambitious climate goals cannot be achieved without their contribution; |
| --- | --- |

96.

stresses that a change in values in favour of resource-efficient and climate-friendly practices can only happen from within society, and points specifically to the role of ordinary citizens here. Ambitious climate goals cannot be achieved without their contribution;

| 97. | emphasises that the structural change needed to switch to a low-carbon economy must take place in a socially responsible way; |
| --- | --- |

97.

emphasises that the structural change needed to switch to a low-carbon economy must take place in a socially responsible way;

| 98. | points out that its members are therefore best placed, through being in touch with ordinary people’s concerns, to bring about a change in thinking based on information, interaction and setting an example which will in particular require vocational and further training of employees; |
| --- | --- |

98.

points out that its members are therefore best placed, through being in touch with ordinary people’s concerns, to bring about a change in thinking based on information, interaction and setting an example which will in particular require vocational and further training of employees;

| 99. | offers to stand by the Commission by being a solid partner in the fight against climate change and its effects, and by passing on its experience with regional projects to interested stakeholders. |
| --- | --- |

99.

offers to stand by the Commission by being a solid partner in the fight against climate change and its effects, and by passing on its experience with regional projects to interested stakeholders.

Brussels, 1 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

---

| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/19

---

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘Reinforcing economic policy coordination’

2011/C 42/04

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | points out that, in the process of reforming the Stability and Growth Pact, we should not neglect its main purpose, namely creating an economy with strong foundations for the prosperity of the citizens of the European Union, with more and better jobs; |
| --- | --- |

—

points out that, in the process of reforming the Stability and Growth Pact, we should not neglect its main purpose, namely creating an economy with strong foundations for the prosperity of the citizens of the European Union, with more and better jobs;

| — | encourages the European Commission to seek an optimum combination of policies and instruments in order to minimise the impact of budget cuts in the main policy areas of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy; |
| --- | --- |

—

encourages the European Commission to seek an optimum combination of policies and instruments in order to minimise the impact of budget cuts in the main policy areas of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy;

| — | calls on the European Commission to seek solutions that raise European citizens’ awareness of the European endeavour and help to enhance the democratic functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

—

calls on the European Commission to seek solutions that raise European citizens’ awareness of the European endeavour and help to enhance the democratic functioning of the European Union;

| — | urges the Member States to apply the principle of bottom-up compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact, incorporating the necessary budget discipline into national law by means of institutional changes where necessary; |
| --- | --- |

—

urges the Member States to apply the principle of bottom-up compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact, incorporating the necessary budget discipline into national law by means of institutional changes where necessary;

| — | notes the failure to give proper consideration to the role of local and regional authorities both in shaping guidelines and in implementing budgets. The Committee recommends that it should play an assisting role in the European semester procedure, possibly by means of a response to the European Commission’s annual progress report, to be discussed at the Spring Council. The objectives of economic policy coordination should be strengthened by ensuring a proportionate degree of regional and local authority participation, particularly for regions that enjoy legislative power in those areas. |
| --- | --- |

—

notes the failure to give proper consideration to the role of local and regional authorities both in shaping guidelines and in implementing budgets. The Committee recommends that it should play an assisting role in the European semester procedure, possibly by means of a response to the European Commission’s annual progress report, to be discussed at the Spring Council. The objectives of economic policy coordination should be strengthened by ensuring a proportionate degree of regional and local authority participation, particularly for regions that enjoy legislative power in those areas.

| Rapporteur | : | Mr Konstantinos Tatsis (EL/EPP)
  President of the Prefectoral Authority of Drama-Kavala-Xanthi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference documents | : | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Central Bank, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Reinforcing economic policy coordination
  COM(2010) 250 final
  Communication on Enhancing economic policy coordination for stability, growth and jobs
  COM(2010) 367 final |

Rapporteur

:

Mr Konstantinos Tatsis (EL/EPP)

President of the Prefectoral Authority of Drama-Kavala-Xanthi

Reference documents

:

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Central Bank, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Reinforcing economic policy coordination

COM(2010) 250 final

Communication on Enhancing economic policy coordination for stability, growth and jobs

COM(2010) 367 final

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | welcomes the initiative taken by the European Commission to present a plan for coordinating Member States’ economic policies, both in response to the challenges created by the global economic crisis and as a means of promoting European integration; |
| --- | --- |

1.

welcomes the initiative taken by the European Commission to present a plan for coordinating Member States’ economic policies, both in response to the challenges created by the global economic crisis and as a means of promoting European integration;

| 2. | considers that the European Commission proposal is sufficiently justified and that it is aimed at the full and efficient deployment of tools for economic governance as provided for by the Lisbon Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

considers that the European Commission proposal is sufficiently justified and that it is aimed at the full and efficient deployment of tools for economic governance as provided for by the Lisbon Treaty;

| 3. | supports the strengthening of the Stability and Growth Pact, with a view to securing greater compliance and successfully boosting growth in the European Union and its regions; |
| --- | --- |

3.

supports the strengthening of the Stability and Growth Pact, with a view to securing greater compliance and successfully boosting growth in the European Union and its regions;

| 4. | recognises that, in accordance with the Lisbon Treaty, EU Member States ‘shall regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate them within the Council’ (Article 121), while upholding the principle of subsidiarity; |
| --- | --- |

4.

recognises that, in accordance with the Lisbon Treaty, EU Member States ‘shall regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate them within the Council’ (Article 121), while upholding the principle of subsidiarity;

| 5. | points out that, in the process of reforming the Stability and Growth Pact, we should not neglect its main purpose, namely creating an economy with strong foundations for the prosperity of the citizens of the European Union, with more and better jobs; |
| --- | --- |

5.

points out that, in the process of reforming the Stability and Growth Pact, we should not neglect its main purpose, namely creating an economy with strong foundations for the prosperity of the citizens of the European Union, with more and better jobs;

| 6. | stresses that, any reforms that should be adopted should seek to strike the right balance between effectiveness and democracy, in order to deepen the European Union, and therefore opposes proposals such as the suspension of voting rights in cases other than those already mentioned in the Treaties; |
| --- | --- |

6.

stresses that, any reforms that should be adopted should seek to strike the right balance between effectiveness and democracy, in order to deepen the European Union, and therefore opposes proposals such as the suspension of voting rights in cases other than those already mentioned in the Treaties;

| 7. | is in favour of the renewed emphasis on public deficits and debt where financial monitoring is concerned, so as to prevent and, if possible, avoid any further deterioration in financial discipline; |
| --- | --- |

7.

is in favour of the renewed emphasis on public deficits and debt where financial monitoring is concerned, so as to prevent and, if possible, avoid any further deterioration in financial discipline;

| 8. | notes also that incomplete harmonisation of national economic policies is causing for instance Member States with weak economies to be burdened by exorbitant interest rates on their debt; |
| --- | --- |

8.

notes also that incomplete harmonisation of national economic policies is causing for instance Member States with weak economies to be burdened by exorbitant interest rates on their debt;

| 9. | is concerned about the effectiveness of the measures proposed by the European Commission to restore strict application of the Stability and Growth Pact, and reiterates that the principle of proportionality must be observed; |
| --- | --- |

9.

is concerned about the effectiveness of the measures proposed by the European Commission to restore strict application of the Stability and Growth Pact, and reiterates that the principle of proportionality must be observed;

| 10. | warns that the extensive changes to secondary legislation provided for in the communication may give rise to delays, and calls on the Member States to observe the terms of the Stability and Growth Pact with immediate effect, without having to refer to these changes; |
| --- | --- |

10.

warns that the extensive changes to secondary legislation provided for in the communication may give rise to delays, and calls on the Member States to observe the terms of the Stability and Growth Pact with immediate effect, without having to refer to these changes;

| 11. | takes note of the European Commission’s proposal regarding means for ensuring compliance with the Stability Pact on the part of eurozone countries and is critical of possible reintroduction of the Commission’s original proposal that a Member State’s non-compliance should result in the discontinuation of funding under cohesion policy and the common agricultural or fisheries policies, as this runs entirely counter to the principle of proportionality, and would hit hardest those regions that are lagging behind in their development and that need jointly funded programmes to combat their structural weaknesses; |
| --- | --- |

11.

takes note of the European Commission’s proposal regarding means for ensuring compliance with the Stability Pact on the part of eurozone countries and is critical of possible reintroduction of the Commission’s original proposal that a Member State’s non-compliance should result in the discontinuation of funding under cohesion policy and the common agricultural or fisheries policies, as this runs entirely counter to the principle of proportionality, and would hit hardest those regions that are lagging behind in their development and that need jointly funded programmes to combat their structural weaknesses;

| 12. | notes that exiting the crisis will require a policy mix so that budgetary reform is accompanied by a return to strong, balanced and sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

12.

notes that exiting the crisis will require a policy mix so that budgetary reform is accompanied by a return to strong, balanced and sustainable development;

| 13. | points out that European integration cannot be achieved instantly but that it is an ongoing process during which this kind of economic crisis can be a spur to radical and far-reaching reforms that both promote economic competitiveness and further the European Union project; |
| --- | --- |

13.

points out that European integration cannot be achieved instantly but that it is an ongoing process during which this kind of economic crisis can be a spur to radical and far-reaching reforms that both promote economic competitiveness and further the European Union project;

| 14. | agrees that the fiscal adjustments required to apply the provisions of the communication will have far-reaching implications across many policy areas, including regional policy, social policy and policies relating to cohesion and innovation, and in this context calls on the European Commission to ensure that budget deficits are addressed in a proportional and balanced manner; |
| --- | --- |

14.

agrees that the fiscal adjustments required to apply the provisions of the communication will have far-reaching implications across many policy areas, including regional policy, social policy and policies relating to cohesion and innovation, and in this context calls on the European Commission to ensure that budget deficits are addressed in a proportional and balanced manner;

| 15. | encourages the European Commission to seek an optimum combination of policies and instruments in order to minimise the impact of budget cuts in the main policy areas of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy; |
| --- | --- |

15.

encourages the European Commission to seek an optimum combination of policies and instruments in order to minimise the impact of budget cuts in the main policy areas of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy;

| 16. | calls on the European Commission to seek solutions that raise European citizens’ awareness of the European endeavour and help to enhance the democratic functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

16.

calls on the European Commission to seek solutions that raise European citizens’ awareness of the European endeavour and help to enhance the democratic functioning of the European Union;

| 17. | stresses that monetary union and the euro are the most valuable achievements of the European Union in terms of completing the single market and bringing opportunities and living conditions in the Member States into line; considers that in order to maintain and build on these achievements it will be necessary to exercise the utmost caution when re-defining the rules; |
| --- | --- |

17.

stresses that monetary union and the euro are the most valuable achievements of the European Union in terms of completing the single market and bringing opportunities and living conditions in the Member States into line; considers that in order to maintain and build on these achievements it will be necessary to exercise the utmost caution when re-defining the rules;

| 18. | welcomes the coordinated attempt by the European Commission and the Member States to set national objectives within the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy and to identify obstacles to growth; |
| --- | --- |

18.

welcomes the coordinated attempt by the European Commission and the Member States to set national objectives within the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy and to identify obstacles to growth;

| 19. | stresses the fundamental role played by local and regional government in promoting policies relating to entrepreneurship, training, innovation, and the fight against poverty and social exclusion, and invites the Member States to strengthen the local and regional dimension of the surveillance mechanism so that it is as reliable and rigorous as it needs to be; urges that local government involvement in shaping the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy and in implementing the relevant policies be secured; |
| --- | --- |

19.

stresses the fundamental role played by local and regional government in promoting policies relating to entrepreneurship, training, innovation, and the fight against poverty and social exclusion, and invites the Member States to strengthen the local and regional dimension of the surveillance mechanism so that it is as reliable and rigorous as it needs to be; urges that local government involvement in shaping the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy and in implementing the relevant policies be secured;

| 20. | calls on the Member States to accelerate the reforms made necessary by the crisis, given that those reforms will help to create a strong and competitive European Union once the crisis has passed; |
| --- | --- |

20.

calls on the Member States to accelerate the reforms made necessary by the crisis, given that those reforms will help to create a strong and competitive European Union once the crisis has passed;

EFFECTIVE MEASURES FOCUSING ON GROWTH TO PROMOTE COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE STABILITY PACT

| 21. | notes that fiscal imbalances can be caused by many different factors, and therefore welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for an in-depth qualitative analysis of public debt. The Committee points to the role of private debt and welcomes its inclusion in the analysis, while stressing the importance of the banking system for a healthy economy; |
| --- | --- |

21.

notes that fiscal imbalances can be caused by many different factors, and therefore welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for an in-depth qualitative analysis of public debt. The Committee points to the role of private debt and welcomes its inclusion in the analysis, while stressing the importance of the banking system for a healthy economy;

| 22. | is concerned that the planned sanctions may not be proportionate or effective and opposes any proposal to cut the resources earmarked for development policies; |
| --- | --- |

22.

is concerned that the planned sanctions may not be proportionate or effective and opposes any proposal to cut the resources earmarked for development policies;

| 23. | notes that cohesion policy and the common agricultural and fisheries policies are the cornerstones of ΕU development. Any undermining of their objectives would be counterproductive and contradictory to the aim of the communication and the EU’s main policies. In any case, funds should be released under certain conditions only if they are confirmed as being properly managed, verified and they should not be used for any other purpose; |
| --- | --- |

23.

notes that cohesion policy and the common agricultural and fisheries policies are the cornerstones of ΕU development. Any undermining of their objectives would be counterproductive and contradictory to the aim of the communication and the EU’s main policies. In any case, funds should be released under certain conditions only if they are confirmed as being properly managed, verified and they should not be used for any other purpose;

| 24. | considers that, despite the safeguards, a compliance mechanism for the Member States based on funding from the Community budget could have particularly negative consequences and hinder the achievement of economic, social and territorial cohesion. The suspension or cancellation of Community funding as a sanction will shift the financial burden from Member States’ central governments to their local and regional authorities, making the public, workers and businesses collectively liable for the national policy errors of the government of each Member State. The withdrawal of funding will thus have a negative impact on growth and may even aggravate fiscal imbalances, as it will be imposed on Member States that already have major fiscal problems; |
| --- | --- |

24.

considers that, despite the safeguards, a compliance mechanism for the Member States based on funding from the Community budget could have particularly negative consequences and hinder the achievement of economic, social and territorial cohesion. The suspension or cancellation of Community funding as a sanction will shift the financial burden from Member States’ central governments to their local and regional authorities, making the public, workers and businesses collectively liable for the national policy errors of the government of each Member State. The withdrawal of funding will thus have a negative impact on growth and may even aggravate fiscal imbalances, as it will be imposed on Member States that already have major fiscal problems;

| 25. | warns that the inevitable cross-border repercussions of sanctions based on funding from the Community budget will jeopardise territorial cohesion and undermine Member States’ commitments; |
| --- | --- |

25.

warns that the inevitable cross-border repercussions of sanctions based on funding from the Community budget will jeopardise territorial cohesion and undermine Member States’ commitments;

| 26. | also notes that disproportionately severe sanctions will lead to a loss of popular support for European integration, and that in consequence, sanctions should be devised that aim at to achieve Member State compliance while simultaneously strengthening public awareness of the importance of budget discipline and the use of the structural funds to boost the effectiveness of national policies; |
| --- | --- |

26.

also notes that disproportionately severe sanctions will lead to a loss of popular support for European integration, and that in consequence, sanctions should be devised that aim at to achieve Member State compliance while simultaneously strengthening public awareness of the importance of budget discipline and the use of the structural funds to boost the effectiveness of national policies;

| 27. | notes the need for the planned sanctions to be workable and persuasive, as that is the only way to ensure the legitimacy of the new Stability and Growth Pact; |
| --- | --- |

27.

notes the need for the planned sanctions to be workable and persuasive, as that is the only way to ensure the legitimacy of the new Stability and Growth Pact;

| 28. | calls on the European Commission and the Council to seek ways to act more rapidly in the event of fiscal imbalances, while upholding the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and applying sanctions in stages; |
| --- | --- |

28.

calls on the European Commission and the Council to seek ways to act more rapidly in the event of fiscal imbalances, while upholding the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and applying sanctions in stages;

| 29. | urges the Member States to apply the principle of bottom-up compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact, incorporating the necessary budget discipline into national law by means of institutional changes where necessary; |
| --- | --- |

29.

urges the Member States to apply the principle of bottom-up compliance with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact, incorporating the necessary budget discipline into national law by means of institutional changes where necessary;

| 30. | stresses the importance of a bottom-up approach also when it comes to the role of local and regional authorities in ensuring proper management of resources, implementing economic policy, and promptly identifying growth problems at local level; |
| --- | --- |

30.

stresses the importance of a bottom-up approach also when it comes to the role of local and regional authorities in ensuring proper management of resources, implementing economic policy, and promptly identifying growth problems at local level;

| 31. | calls on Member States to promote greater decentralisation in the management of cohesion funding so as to strengthen transparency and accountability in the handling of Community appropriations. Only regional authorities have in-depth knowledge of local and regional needs and are in a position to make the necessary improvements and adjustments. This would make the role of local authorities in the management of Community funding clearer; |
| --- | --- |

31.

calls on Member States to promote greater decentralisation in the management of cohesion funding so as to strengthen transparency and accountability in the handling of Community appropriations. Only regional authorities have in-depth knowledge of local and regional needs and are in a position to make the necessary improvements and adjustments. This would make the role of local authorities in the management of Community funding clearer;

CAREFUL COORDINATION OF GROWTH WITH REGIONAL AUTHORITIES PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART

| 32. | notes that Europe’s common financial and economic governance must be improved in order to strengthen the euro and the single market; one objective of this will be to ban the speculative use of debt default protection products and transactions involving tax havens; |
| --- | --- |

32.

notes that Europe’s common financial and economic governance must be improved in order to strengthen the euro and the single market; one objective of this will be to ban the speculative use of debt default protection products and transactions involving tax havens;

| 33. | welcomes the idea of establishing a European Semester as a single framework for surveillance of national budgetary procedures and debt levels and the idea of extending surveillance to include macroeconomic imbalances; |
| --- | --- |

33.

welcomes the idea of establishing a European Semester as a single framework for surveillance of national budgetary procedures and debt levels and the idea of extending surveillance to include macroeconomic imbalances;

| 34. | notes the failure to give proper consideration to the role of local and regional authorities both in shaping guidelines and in implementing budgets. The Committee recommends that it should play an assisting role in the European semester procedure, possibly by means of a response to the European Commission’s annual progress report, to be discussed at the Spring Council. The objectives of economic policy coordination should be strengthened by ensuring a proportionate degree of regional and local authority participation, particularly for regions that enjoy legislative power in those areas; |
| --- | --- |

34.

notes the failure to give proper consideration to the role of local and regional authorities both in shaping guidelines and in implementing budgets. The Committee recommends that it should play an assisting role in the European semester procedure, possibly by means of a response to the European Commission’s annual progress report, to be discussed at the Spring Council. The objectives of economic policy coordination should be strengthened by ensuring a proportionate degree of regional and local authority participation, particularly for regions that enjoy legislative power in those areas;

| 35. | The instruments recommended in connection with the coordination measures should take into account the interaction between horizontal policies at local level and the central role of fiscal policy, while also incorporating the dimension of long-term sustainability; active employment policies also come into play here; |
| --- | --- |

35.

The instruments recommended in connection with the coordination measures should take into account the interaction between horizontal policies at local level and the central role of fiscal policy, while also incorporating the dimension of long-term sustainability; active employment policies also come into play here;

| 36. | stresses the importance of peer review and exchange of best practice in relation to budget preparation and implementation, and expresses its concern regarding the possible delays and bureaucratic hurdles that the solutions recommended may entail for the process of drafting, adopting and implementing the Member States’ budgets; |
| --- | --- |

36.

stresses the importance of peer review and exchange of best practice in relation to budget preparation and implementation, and expresses its concern regarding the possible delays and bureaucratic hurdles that the solutions recommended may entail for the process of drafting, adopting and implementing the Member States’ budgets;

| 37. | considers that if the necessary economic growth is to be achieved, there must be the requisite structural reforms in European Union Member States, across a broad swathe of fields, including budgetary discipline and control of public-spending policy, knowledge and innovation policy, protection of the most vulnerable groups in society under social policy, competition policy, and policy to ensure the effectiveness of public services. In this context, the Committee urges Member States to set bold targets for the Europe 2020 strategy and calls on the Council to provide for a generous increase in the Community budget in order to make available the means necessary to achieve the goals; |
| --- | --- |

37.

considers that if the necessary economic growth is to be achieved, there must be the requisite structural reforms in European Union Member States, across a broad swathe of fields, including budgetary discipline and control of public-spending policy, knowledge and innovation policy, protection of the most vulnerable groups in society under social policy, competition policy, and policy to ensure the effectiveness of public services. In this context, the Committee urges Member States to set bold targets for the Europe 2020 strategy and calls on the Council to provide for a generous increase in the Community budget in order to make available the means necessary to achieve the goals;

| 38. | awaits with interest the legislative proposals of the European Commission, and will examine carefully their implications for Member States’ regional and local authorities. |
| --- | --- |

38.

awaits with interest the legislative proposals of the European Commission, and will examine carefully their implications for Member States’ regional and local authorities.

Brussels, 1 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

---

| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/23

---

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘The social and economic integration of the Roma in Europe’

2011/C 42/05

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | notes that discrimination and forms of social exclusion persist in some Member States; recognises that the health and socio-economic conditions experienced by the Roma are generally worse than those of other ethnic minorities, and that they have lower levels of school attendance and higher unemployment rates; |
| --- | --- |

—

notes that discrimination and forms of social exclusion persist in some Member States; recognises that the health and socio-economic conditions experienced by the Roma are generally worse than those of other ethnic minorities, and that they have lower levels of school attendance and higher unemployment rates;

| — | recognises that generally there is no lack of European funds available for programmes aimed at Roma inclusion but points out that these are not utilised in a sufficient, sustained manner at national and/or regional and local level, and that one obstacle to their use is the low level of involvement of Roma communities in planning; |
| --- | --- |

—

recognises that generally there is no lack of European funds available for programmes aimed at Roma inclusion but points out that these are not utilised in a sufficient, sustained manner at national and/or regional and local level, and that one obstacle to their use is the low level of involvement of Roma communities in planning;

| — | considers that the EU Platform for Roma Inclusion would be more effective and would yield greater results if the coordination mechanisms were formalised, involving the Commission and all Member States and ensuring closer cooperation with local authorities and NGOs; |
| --- | --- |

—

considers that the EU Platform for Roma Inclusion would be more effective and would yield greater results if the coordination mechanisms were formalised, involving the Commission and all Member States and ensuring closer cooperation with local authorities and NGOs;

| — | considers that: a) local authorities should not be left on their own when addressing social inclusion policies for the Roma community; b) there is a need for territorially integrated regional policies and cooperation arrangements with the countries of origin of Roma migrants; and c) local policies can only be conducted in the context of properly operational European mobility and European and national anti-discrimination policies; |
| --- | --- |

—

considers that: a) local authorities should not be left on their own when addressing social inclusion policies for the Roma community; b) there is a need for territorially integrated regional policies and cooperation arrangements with the countries of origin of Roma migrants; and c) local policies can only be conducted in the context of properly operational European mobility and European and national anti-discrimination policies;

| — | is committed to working with the Commission, European bodies and Member States in order to nurture policy coherence and harmonisation, consolidate best practice and disseminate the results achieved, promote greater awareness among local administrations and strengthen local authorities’ planning capacities, with a view to implementing projects that remove all forms of discrimination and segregation with respect to the Roma and promote their inclusion. |
| --- | --- |

—

is committed to working with the Commission, European bodies and Member States in order to nurture policy coherence and harmonisation, consolidate best practice and disseminate the results achieved, promote greater awareness among local administrations and strengthen local authorities’ planning capacities, with a view to implementing projects that remove all forms of discrimination and segregation with respect to the Roma and promote their inclusion.

| Rapporteur | : | Mr Alvaro Ancisi (IT/EPP), Member of Ravenna Municipal Council |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference document | : | Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The social and economic integration of the Roma in Europe

  COM(2010) 133 final |

Rapporteur

:

Mr Alvaro Ancisi (IT/EPP), Member of Ravenna Municipal Council

Reference document

:

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The social and economic integration of the Roma in Europe

COM(2010) 133 final

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

The context: a continuing problem, and EU-level instruments and policies

| 1. | welcomes the European Commission’s Communication and agrees with its assessment that the EU and the Member States bear a shared responsibility towards the Roma people; |
| --- | --- |

1.

welcomes the European Commission’s Communication and agrees with its assessment that the EU and the Member States bear a shared responsibility towards the Roma people;

| 2. | emphasises that the European Commission needs to establish an appropriate framework promoting dialogue between the Member States, in order to put the values underpinning the EU into practice, so as to prevent and combat discrimination and expressions of xenophobia and encourage the inclusion of the EU’s largest ethnic minority group; |
| --- | --- |

2.

emphasises that the European Commission needs to establish an appropriate framework promoting dialogue between the Member States, in order to put the values underpinning the EU into practice, so as to prevent and combat discrimination and expressions of xenophobia and encourage the inclusion of the EU’s largest ethnic minority group;

| 3. | endorses the conclusions of the Commission Staff Working Document of 7 April 2010 on Roma in Europe: The Implementation of European Union Instruments and Policies for Roma Inclusion - Progress Report 2008-2010; |
| --- | --- |

3.

endorses the conclusions of the Commission Staff Working Document of 7 April 2010 on Roma in Europe: The Implementation of European Union Instruments and Policies for Roma Inclusion - Progress Report 2008-2010;

| 4. | considers that the European Commission initiative is appropriate in terms of the subsidiarity principle, in view of the trans-national nature of the Roma community and the widespread social exclusion it suffers in various parts of Europe, including candidate and potential candidate countries; accepts that the principle of proportionality has been met, given that the European Commission’s initiative does not establish legal instruments but provides for coordinating measures in the context of the open method of coordination; |
| --- | --- |

4.

considers that the European Commission initiative is appropriate in terms of the subsidiarity principle, in view of the trans-national nature of the Roma community and the widespread social exclusion it suffers in various parts of Europe, including candidate and potential candidate countries; accepts that the principle of proportionality has been met, given that the European Commission’s initiative does not establish legal instruments but provides for coordinating measures in the context of the open method of coordination;

| 5. | recalls that upon the accession to the European Union of the new Member States - the countries of origin of most Roma migrants - their nationals became full EU citizens and acquired the same rights as EU citizens from other Member States, and that the foremost of these rights include freedom of movement, one of the fundamental freedoms of EU citizens set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; further recalls that the accession treaties authorise Member States to apply temporary restrictions to the nationals of these States only with respect to labour market access, and that Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States applies without distinction to all EU nationals; |
| --- | --- |

5.

recalls that upon the accession to the European Union of the new Member States - the countries of origin of most Roma migrants - their nationals became full EU citizens and acquired the same rights as EU citizens from other Member States, and that the foremost of these rights include freedom of movement, one of the fundamental freedoms of EU citizens set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; further recalls that the accession treaties authorise Member States to apply temporary restrictions to the nationals of these States only with respect to labour market access, and that Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States applies without distinction to all EU nationals;

| 6. | advocates that measures restricting labour market access, albeit in line with EU legislation, must not create insecurity for these citizens and Member States should not take over three months to process applications for work permits since this makes it materially impossible to remain in these States for more than three months; |
| --- | --- |

6.

advocates that measures restricting labour market access, albeit in line with EU legislation, must not create insecurity for these citizens and Member States should not take over three months to process applications for work permits since this makes it materially impossible to remain in these States for more than three months;

| 7. | notes in particular that discrimination and forms of social exclusion persist in some Member States; recognises that the health and socio-economic conditions experienced by the Roma are generally worse than those of other ethnic minorities, and that they have lower levels of school attendance and higher unemployment rates; stresses that the exclusion of the Roma people also has major economic consequences in terms of direct and indirect costs; |
| --- | --- |

7.

notes in particular that discrimination and forms of social exclusion persist in some Member States; recognises that the health and socio-economic conditions experienced by the Roma are generally worse than those of other ethnic minorities, and that they have lower levels of school attendance and higher unemployment rates; stresses that the exclusion of the Roma people also has major economic consequences in terms of direct and indirect costs;

| 8. | therefore calls on the Commission to ensure compliance of national legislation with EU law and to monitor the compliance of practice with the authentic interpretation of EU law; |
| --- | --- |

8.

therefore calls on the Commission to ensure compliance of national legislation with EU law and to monitor the compliance of practice with the authentic interpretation of EU law;

| 9. | calls for all policies, be they national or local, to refrain from stigmatising or exploiting the Roma or giving artificial priority to a security-based approach at the expense of their economic and social integration; points out that, in particular, expulsions of groups of Roma without an investigation of individual cases fail to respect Community guarantees of legality, and calls on the Member States not to undertake repatriations based on rules targeted specifically at Roma; |
| --- | --- |

9.

calls for all policies, be they national or local, to refrain from stigmatising or exploiting the Roma or giving artificial priority to a security-based approach at the expense of their economic and social integration; points out that, in particular, expulsions of groups of Roma without an investigation of individual cases fail to respect Community guarantees of legality, and calls on the Member States not to undertake repatriations based on rules targeted specifically at Roma;

| 10. | is aware that the term ‘Roma’ used in the present opinion is an umbrella term which includes other population groups (the Sinti, Gypsies, Travellers, Kalé, Camminanti, Ashkali, etc.) with similar cultural characteristics and a history of social marginalisation and exclusion within European society; but rules out any attempt to simplify and assimilate groups within a single socio-cultural identity; |
| --- | --- |

10.

is aware that the term ‘Roma’ used in the present opinion is an umbrella term which includes other population groups (the Sinti, Gypsies, Travellers, Kalé, Camminanti, Ashkali, etc.) with similar cultural characteristics and a history of social marginalisation and exclusion within European society; but rules out any attempt to simplify and assimilate groups within a single socio-cultural identity;

| 11. | accepts that the instruments and policies adopted at EU level to encourage the inclusion of the Roma people are appropriate but that implementation at national, regional and local levels is lacking owing both to the absence of strong partnerships and coordination mechanisms and to a local-level failure to implement instruments that could alter the practical living conditions of the Roma; |
| --- | --- |

11.

accepts that the instruments and policies adopted at EU level to encourage the inclusion of the Roma people are appropriate but that implementation at national, regional and local levels is lacking owing both to the absence of strong partnerships and coordination mechanisms and to a local-level failure to implement instruments that could alter the practical living conditions of the Roma;

| 12. | nevertheless stresses that these shortcomings and the difficulties faced by local authorities cannot be ascribed simply to prejudice and stereotyping on the part of local administrations and communities but also, more generally, are the responsibility of the national governments that define the legislative backdrop, and result from the not always clear-cut distribution of competences between the various tiers of government when it comes to the fight against social exclusion and from insufficient vertical cooperation between central and local government; recalls that the majority of the many examples of good practice in this field developed at European level are based on projects and pilot schemes launched by local authorities; |
| --- | --- |

12.

nevertheless stresses that these shortcomings and the difficulties faced by local authorities cannot be ascribed simply to prejudice and stereotyping on the part of local administrations and communities but also, more generally, are the responsibility of the national governments that define the legislative backdrop, and result from the not always clear-cut distribution of competences between the various tiers of government when it comes to the fight against social exclusion and from insufficient vertical cooperation between central and local government; recalls that the majority of the many examples of good practice in this field developed at European level are based on projects and pilot schemes launched by local authorities;

| 13. | recognises that generally there is no lack of European funds available for programmes aimed at Roma inclusion (European Social Fund - ESF, European Regional Development Fund - ERDF, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development - EAFRD); but points out that these are not utilised in a sufficient, sustained manner at national and/or regional and local level, and that one obstacle to their use is the low level of involvement of Roma communities in planning, sometimes because they are unable to mobilise themselves and become active members of civil society; |
| --- | --- |

13.

recognises that generally there is no lack of European funds available for programmes aimed at Roma inclusion (European Social Fund - ESF, European Regional Development Fund - ERDF, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development - EAFRD); but points out that these are not utilised in a sufficient, sustained manner at national and/or regional and local level, and that one obstacle to their use is the low level of involvement of Roma communities in planning, sometimes because they are unable to mobilise themselves and become active members of civil society;

| 14. | considers that the European Commission and Member States, in partnership with the local authorities, must step up the promotion, on the basis of agreed actions, of opportunities offered by European policies and funding programmes for the social integration of the Roma minority, and in particular of effective measures aimed at Roma communities who have moved to another country; |
| --- | --- |

14.

considers that the European Commission and Member States, in partnership with the local authorities, must step up the promotion, on the basis of agreed actions, of opportunities offered by European policies and funding programmes for the social integration of the Roma minority, and in particular of effective measures aimed at Roma communities who have moved to another country;

EU Platform for Roma Inclusion

| 15. | agrees that the EU Platform for Roma Inclusion provides a forum for cooperation between all stakeholders (governments, international bodies, NGOs, experts and civil society) involved at various levels in promoting the integration of the Roma, and for the exchange of good practice and experience among Member States; |
| --- | --- |

15.

agrees that the EU Platform for Roma Inclusion provides a forum for cooperation between all stakeholders (governments, international bodies, NGOs, experts and civil society) involved at various levels in promoting the integration of the Roma, and for the exchange of good practice and experience among Member States;

| 16. | considers that the EU Platform for Roma Inclusion would be more effective and would yield greater results if the coordination mechanisms were formalised, involving the Commission and all Member States and ensuring closer cooperation with local authorities and NGOs. With a formal mechanism, the Platform would be able to coordinate and effectively implement European, national, regional and local policies on the social integration of the Roma population as well as effective assessment of results; |
| --- | --- |

16.

considers that the EU Platform for Roma Inclusion would be more effective and would yield greater results if the coordination mechanisms were formalised, involving the Commission and all Member States and ensuring closer cooperation with local authorities and NGOs. With a formal mechanism, the Platform would be able to coordinate and effectively implement European, national, regional and local policies on the social integration of the Roma population as well as effective assessment of results;

| 17. | agrees on the need to apply the 10 Common Basic Principles for Roma Inclusion (drawn up by means of the Integrated European Platform in April 2009) to the planning, implementation and evaluation of Roma inclusion policies:






  1. | Constructive, pragmatic and non-discriminatory policies |
| --- | --- | --- |

17.

agrees on the need to apply the 10 Common Basic Principles for Roma Inclusion (drawn up by means of the Integrated European Platform in April 2009) to the planning, implementation and evaluation of Roma inclusion policies:

1.

Constructive, pragmatic and non-discriminatory policies

| 2. | Explicit but not exclusive targeting |
| --- | --- |

2.

Explicit but not exclusive targeting

| 3. | Intercultural approach |
| --- | --- |

3.

Intercultural approach

| 4. | Aiming for the mainstream |
| --- | --- |

4.

Aiming for the mainstream

| 5. | Awareness of the gender dimension |
| --- | --- |

5.

Awareness of the gender dimension

| 6. | Transfer of evidence-based policies |
| --- | --- |

6.

Transfer of evidence-based policies

| 7. | Use of Community instruments |
| --- | --- |

7.

Use of Community instruments

| 8. | Involvement of regional and local authorities |
| --- | --- |

8.

Involvement of regional and local authorities

| 9. | Involvement of civil society |
| --- | --- |

9.

Involvement of civil society

| 10. | Active participation of the Roma; |
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10.

Active participation of the Roma;

| 18. | appreciates the practical effort represented by the Integrated European Platform for Roma Inclusion – Road Map proposed by the Spanish presidency of the EU on 30 June 2010 in implementation of the conclusions of the Health and Consumer Council (EPSCO) of 7 June 2010 on Advancing Roma Inclusion, with a view to setting specific medium-term objectives for establishing processes to promote the social inclusion of the Roma population; |
| --- | --- |

18.

appreciates the practical effort represented by the Integrated European Platform for Roma Inclusion – Road Map proposed by the Spanish presidency of the EU on 30 June 2010 in implementation of the conclusions of the Health and Consumer Council (EPSCO) of 7 June 2010 on Advancing Roma Inclusion, with a view to setting specific medium-term objectives for establishing processes to promote the social inclusion of the Roma population;

| 19. | supports the Commission’s clear position that free movement must apply fully to Roma who are EU citizens on the same terms as it applies to all other EU citizens; |
| --- | --- |

19.

supports the Commission’s clear position that free movement must apply fully to Roma who are EU citizens on the same terms as it applies to all other EU citizens;

The role of local and regional authorities in Roma inclusion policies

| 20. | considers that the effective implementation of these principles calls for policies to be defined not only at EU level but, above all, at the level of individual Member States and on a regional and local scale, as underlined in the European Economic and Social Committee opinion on Integration of minorities – Roma (OJ C 27 of 3 February 2009); |
| --- | --- |

20.

considers that the effective implementation of these principles calls for policies to be defined not only at EU level but, above all, at the level of individual Member States and on a regional and local scale, as underlined in the European Economic and Social Committee opinion on Integration of minorities – Roma (OJ C 27 of 3 February 2009);

| 21. | considers, however, that: a) local authorities should not be left on their own when addressing social inclusion policies for the Roma community, whether autochthonous or emerging as the result of intra-European mobility; b) there is a need for territorially integrated regional policies and cooperation arrangements with the countries of origin of Roma migrants; and c) local policies can only be conducted in the context of properly operational European mobility and European and national anti-discrimination policies; |
| --- | --- |

21.

considers, however, that: a) local authorities should not be left on their own when addressing social inclusion policies for the Roma community, whether autochthonous or emerging as the result of intra-European mobility; b) there is a need for territorially integrated regional policies and cooperation arrangements with the countries of origin of Roma migrants; and c) local policies can only be conducted in the context of properly operational European mobility and European and national anti-discrimination policies;

| 22. | believes that on the one hand there is an urgent need for Member States to adopt legislation to render European anti-discrimination and pro-rights legislation effective and applicable, while on the other hand, long-term processes must be launched on the basis of local and regional authority policies in the area of anti-discrimination, civil society involvement, active Roma participation, gender dimension awareness and an intercultural approach; |
| --- | --- |

22.

believes that on the one hand there is an urgent need for Member States to adopt legislation to render European anti-discrimination and pro-rights legislation effective and applicable, while on the other hand, long-term processes must be launched on the basis of local and regional authority policies in the area of anti-discrimination, civil society involvement, active Roma participation, gender dimension awareness and an intercultural approach;

| 23. | is aware that Roma-inclusive policies relating to education and training for children and young people, labour market integration, improved health conditions and housing, must be integral parts of local and regional authorities’ policies on combating poverty and promoting social inclusion; |
| --- | --- |

23.

is aware that Roma-inclusive policies relating to education and training for children and young people, labour market integration, improved health conditions and housing, must be integral parts of local and regional authorities’ policies on combating poverty and promoting social inclusion;

| 24. | agrees with the European Commission that the prime objective is an inclusive society not a new form of ethnic segregation; it is therefore essential that public policies keep the Roma population as their specific, though not exclusive, target and measures must be included within broader policies and national programmes for tackling social exclusion and poverty within the EU; the approach must be mainstreamed and cross-cutting, and must take account of the complexity and interdependence of the factors that lead to social exclusion and poverty; |
| --- | --- |

24.

agrees with the European Commission that the prime objective is an inclusive society not a new form of ethnic segregation; it is therefore essential that public policies keep the Roma population as their specific, though not exclusive, target and measures must be included within broader policies and national programmes for tackling social exclusion and poverty within the EU; the approach must be mainstreamed and cross-cutting, and must take account of the complexity and interdependence of the factors that lead to social exclusion and poverty;

| 25. | is aware of the fundamental and strategic role of local and regional authorities in raising public awareness, in combating racist, xenophobic and discriminatory behaviour within local communities, and in promoting an intercultural society; asks that regional and local authorities be equipped with the necessary instruments to counter the propagation of negative stereotypes by the media, so that they can promote ethically correct information and foster a non-discriminatory attitude among the general public; |
| --- | --- |

25.

is aware of the fundamental and strategic role of local and regional authorities in raising public awareness, in combating racist, xenophobic and discriminatory behaviour within local communities, and in promoting an intercultural society; asks that regional and local authorities be equipped with the necessary instruments to counter the propagation of negative stereotypes by the media, so that they can promote ethically correct information and foster a non-discriminatory attitude among the general public;

| 26. | considers that regional and local authorities have a fundamental and strategic role to play in harnessing the resources of the Roma community as informed players in the inclusion process, in informing the Roma population of its rights and in encouraging the bottom-up participation of Roma NGOs and civil society organisations; |
| --- | --- |

26.

considers that regional and local authorities have a fundamental and strategic role to play in harnessing the resources of the Roma community as informed players in the inclusion process, in informing the Roma population of its rights and in encouraging the bottom-up participation of Roma NGOs and civil society organisations;

| 27. | believes that policies aimed at the desegregation of the Roma community require special planning and extra funding: integration of children within schools and pre-school facilities, with specific support such as cultural mediation and public transport; incentives to enter the labour market, by means of qualifications or micro-credits, avoiding the formation of segregated labour markets; specific measures aimed at the more fragile sub-populations exposed to greater risk, such as women; and adoption of non-marginalising urban settlement and housing policies; |
| --- | --- |

27.

believes that policies aimed at the desegregation of the Roma community require special planning and extra funding: integration of children within schools and pre-school facilities, with specific support such as cultural mediation and public transport; incentives to enter the labour market, by means of qualifications or micro-credits, avoiding the formation of segregated labour markets; specific measures aimed at the more fragile sub-populations exposed to greater risk, such as women; and adoption of non-marginalising urban settlement and housing policies;

Main objectives of local and regional authorities regarding the social and economic integration of the Roma in Europe

| 28. | believes that local authorities can play a strategic role through their urban planning and housing policies and can have a huge impact when it comes to doing away with the conditions that cause exclusion and place the Roma population at risk. Housing schemes that do not segregate or discriminate, and that bring an end to the illegal camps where Roma communities often continue to live, can also benefit their health and their access to education and employment. In a timely move to encourage such policies, the European Parliament recently introduced measures – adopted specifically for Roma communities – extending the scope of ERDF aid to include housing programmes for marginalised communities in all Member States; |
| --- | --- |

28.

believes that local authorities can play a strategic role through their urban planning and housing policies and can have a huge impact when it comes to doing away with the conditions that cause exclusion and place the Roma population at risk. Housing schemes that do not segregate or discriminate, and that bring an end to the illegal camps where Roma communities often continue to live, can also benefit their health and their access to education and employment. In a timely move to encourage such policies, the European Parliament recently introduced measures – adopted specifically for Roma communities – extending the scope of ERDF aid to include housing programmes for marginalised communities in all Member States;

| 29. | emphasises that European policies and programmes for the social inclusion of the Roma population have added value as regards achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, particularly those relating to education and the eradication of poverty; |
| --- | --- |

29.

emphasises that European policies and programmes for the social inclusion of the Roma population have added value as regards achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, particularly those relating to education and the eradication of poverty;

| 30. | would argue that by means of their equal opportunities, gender mainstreaming and maternity rights policies, local and regional authorities can play a strategic role in combating the manifold forms of discrimination suffered by Roma women and remove the conditions for exploitation, securing them access to health services and education and combating household and social violence against women; |
| --- | --- |

30.

would argue that by means of their equal opportunities, gender mainstreaming and maternity rights policies, local and regional authorities can play a strategic role in combating the manifold forms of discrimination suffered by Roma women and remove the conditions for exploitation, securing them access to health services and education and combating household and social violence against women;

| 31. | believes that local authorities, through their policies in the areas of child protection, early childhood services and promoting the right to education, can play a strategic role in securing the inclusion of Roma children in pre-school and school systems, in preventative health and healthcare systems, and in social and sporting activities aimed at the population as a whole, thus helping to remove the causes of exclusion from the earliest age, promoting equal opportunities, dispelling cultural prejudices and stereotypes, and helping people to live together in harmony; |
| --- | --- |

31.

believes that local authorities, through their policies in the areas of child protection, early childhood services and promoting the right to education, can play a strategic role in securing the inclusion of Roma children in pre-school and school systems, in preventative health and healthcare systems, and in social and sporting activities aimed at the population as a whole, thus helping to remove the causes of exclusion from the earliest age, promoting equal opportunities, dispelling cultural prejudices and stereotypes, and helping people to live together in harmony;

| 32. | trusts that in order to deliver on these public policies, local and regional authorities will secure greater and broader access to EU funds (ESF, ERDF, EAFRD) that can be used to develop Roma inclusion programmes, increasing their own planning and implementation potential for inclusive policies; and stresses that information and technical support must be made available in order to help this process, inter alia to ensure that measures have a real structural impact on the problem rather than being merely ad hoc or piecemeal; |
| --- | --- |

32.

trusts that in order to deliver on these public policies, local and regional authorities will secure greater and broader access to EU funds (ESF, ERDF, EAFRD) that can be used to develop Roma inclusion programmes, increasing their own planning and implementation potential for inclusive policies; and stresses that information and technical support must be made available in order to help this process, inter alia to ensure that measures have a real structural impact on the problem rather than being merely ad hoc or piecemeal;

| 33. | considers that the Commission’s coordinating role is essential for local and regional authorities when it comes to choosing ways to encourage the exchange of good practice, spreading information about effective schemes, the modelling and dissemination of approaches, and the monitoring of policies, encouraging not only exchanges between Member States but also the establishment of networks of local and regional authorities and civil society players; |
| --- | --- |

33.

considers that the Commission’s coordinating role is essential for local and regional authorities when it comes to choosing ways to encourage the exchange of good practice, spreading information about effective schemes, the modelling and dissemination of approaches, and the monitoring of policies, encouraging not only exchanges between Member States but also the establishment of networks of local and regional authorities and civil society players;

| 34. | would emphasise that Roma communities in the Member States and in candidate and potential candidate countries do not form a homogenous group and that differentiated approaches are therefore required to reflect the various historical, geographical, economic, social, cultural and regulatory contexts (particularly for Roma communities who have moved to another country and whose members may be citizens of the EU or of third countries, stateless people or refugees); stresses that this complexity poses problems for Member States and also for regional and local authorities when it comes to choosing and testing effective inclusion strategies and nurturing positive changes in the public and civil society mindset; |
| --- | --- |

34.

would emphasise that Roma communities in the Member States and in candidate and potential candidate countries do not form a homogenous group and that differentiated approaches are therefore required to reflect the various historical, geographical, economic, social, cultural and regulatory contexts (particularly for Roma communities who have moved to another country and whose members may be citizens of the EU or of third countries, stateless people or refugees); stresses that this complexity poses problems for Member States and also for regional and local authorities when it comes to choosing and testing effective inclusion strategies and nurturing positive changes in the public and civil society mindset;

| 35. | would also stress that, in general, social exclusion and poverty may make those who experience them vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and crime which, by fostering a public perception of insecurity and risks to public order, causes social alarm and may lead to reactions that take the form of discrimination and lack of respect. In the case of the Roma community, these pose additional obstacles to integration within the social fabric. As part of their responsibilities for local security and policing, local and regional authorities, in coordination with the forces of law and order, can play a strategic role in ensuring that the law is upheld, maintaining public security and civil harmony, and avoiding the criminalisation of whole communities; |
| --- | --- |

35.

would also stress that, in general, social exclusion and poverty may make those who experience them vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and crime which, by fostering a public perception of insecurity and risks to public order, causes social alarm and may lead to reactions that take the form of discrimination and lack of respect. In the case of the Roma community, these pose additional obstacles to integration within the social fabric. As part of their responsibilities for local security and policing, local and regional authorities, in coordination with the forces of law and order, can play a strategic role in ensuring that the law is upheld, maintaining public security and civil harmony, and avoiding the criminalisation of whole communities;

| 36. | is committed to working with the Commission, European bodies and Member States in order to nurture policy coherence and harmonisation, consolidate best practice and disseminate the results achieved, promote greater awareness among local administrations and strengthen local authorities’ planning capacities, with a view to implementing projects that remove all forms of discrimination and segregation with respect to the Roma and promote their inclusion; |
| --- | --- |

36.

is committed to working with the Commission, European bodies and Member States in order to nurture policy coherence and harmonisation, consolidate best practice and disseminate the results achieved, promote greater awareness among local administrations and strengthen local authorities’ planning capacities, with a view to implementing projects that remove all forms of discrimination and segregation with respect to the Roma and promote their inclusion;

| 37. | commits itself, on 27 January 2011, the UN international day commemorating holocaust victims, to displaying the flag of the Roma at the Committee of the Regions building, in memory of the Porajmos, the genocide of the Roma population, as a symbolic act to promote the social inclusion of the Roma population developed in 2010 during the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion; and proposes that the local and regional authorities of the Member States do the same, as a token of their commitment to social inclusion and the fight against discrimination. |
| --- | --- |

37.

commits itself, on 27 January 2011, the UN international day commemorating holocaust victims, to displaying the flag of the Roma at the Committee of the Regions building, in memory of the Porajmos, the genocide of the Roma population, as a symbolic act to promote the social inclusion of the Roma population developed in 2010 during the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion; and proposes that the local and regional authorities of the Member States do the same, as a token of their commitment to social inclusion and the fight against discrimination.

Brussels, 1 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/28

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries’

2011/C 42/06

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | welcomes the fact that with the Green Paper ‘Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries’ the Commission has launched a European debate on the necessary conditions to improve the creative and innovative environment in Europe in order to stimulate the potential of cultural and creative industries, which is a generator of growth and employment; |
| --- | --- |

—

welcomes the fact that with the Green Paper ‘Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries’ the Commission has launched a European debate on the necessary conditions to improve the creative and innovative environment in Europe in order to stimulate the potential of cultural and creative industries, which is a generator of growth and employment;

| — | welcomes the increasing recognition at European level of the role played by cultural and creative industries in fostering creativity and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

—

welcomes the increasing recognition at European level of the role played by cultural and creative industries in fostering creativity and innovation;

| — | observes that in most Member States local and regional authorities are responsible for sectors mentioned in the context of cultural and creative industries, especially culture, research, education, tourism and employment; |
| --- | --- |

—

observes that in most Member States local and regional authorities are responsible for sectors mentioned in the context of cultural and creative industries, especially culture, research, education, tourism and employment;

| — | stresses that the successful implementation of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy – the Digital Agenda and the other initiatives – requires a bold innovative approach, and here the role of the creative industries is, in particular, to generate multidisciplinary and multicultural solutions. For this, Europe needs open-minded, pioneering players at local and regional level to create social innovations and the global business activity they help to engender. |
| --- | --- |

—

stresses that the successful implementation of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy – the Digital Agenda and the other initiatives – requires a bold innovative approach, and here the role of the creative industries is, in particular, to generate multidisciplinary and multicultural solutions. For this, Europe needs open-minded, pioneering players at local and regional level to create social innovations and the global business activity they help to engender.

| Rapporteur | : | Ursula Männle (DE/EPP), Member of the Bavarian State Assembly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference document | : | Green Paper on Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries
  COM(2010) 183 final |

Rapporteur

:

Ursula Männle (DE/EPP), Member of the Bavarian State Assembly

Reference document

:

Green Paper on Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries

COM(2010) 183 final

I.   INTRODUCTION

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | notes that, throughout the European Union, local and regional authorities assume a high level of responsibility for implementing policies in the cultural domain; |
| --- | --- |

1.

notes that, throughout the European Union, local and regional authorities assume a high level of responsibility for implementing policies in the cultural domain;

| 2. | points out that local and regional authorities play a key role in developing and fostering culture, especially in protecting cultural heritage and promoting artistic innovation (1); |
| --- | --- |

2.

points out that local and regional authorities play a key role in developing and fostering culture, especially in protecting cultural heritage and promoting artistic innovation (1);

| 3. | emphasises that local and regional authorities, through their proximity to citizens, are strategically better placed to engage with different cultures and cultural activities within the European Union, as well as to effectively call up local and regional communities in support of the promotion of a better intercultural dialogue (2); |
| --- | --- |

3.

emphasises that local and regional authorities, through their proximity to citizens, are strategically better placed to engage with different cultures and cultural activities within the European Union, as well as to effectively call up local and regional communities in support of the promotion of a better intercultural dialogue (2);

| 4. | notes that local and regional authorities are also able to effectively mobilise their citizens to participate in creative activities (3) and innovative practices; |
| --- | --- |

4.

notes that local and regional authorities are also able to effectively mobilise their citizens to participate in creative activities (3) and innovative practices;

| 5. | points out that the cultural and creative industries strongly contribute to local and regional development by making European regions more attractive, developing sustainable tourism and creating new employment opportunities. They play a key role in fostering a competitive and innovative market economy in Europe (4); |
| --- | --- |

5.

points out that the cultural and creative industries strongly contribute to local and regional development by making European regions more attractive, developing sustainable tourism and creating new employment opportunities. They play a key role in fostering a competitive and innovative market economy in Europe (4);

| 6. | takes note that, according to a study on the economy of culture in Europe carried out by KEA European Affairs for the European Commission in 2006, the cultural sector itself is very dynamic in economic activity and job creation within the EU. The number of people working for the cultural sector in 2004 was estimated at 5,8 million, equivalent to 3,1 % of the total employed population in the EU 25. In addition, the cultural sector contributed around 2,6 % to the EU GDP in 2003, with growth significantly higher than that of the economy in general between 1999 and 2003 (5); |
| --- | --- |

6.

takes note that, according to a study on the economy of culture in Europe carried out by KEA European Affairs for the European Commission in 2006, the cultural sector itself is very dynamic in economic activity and job creation within the EU. The number of people working for the cultural sector in 2004 was estimated at 5,8 million, equivalent to 3,1 % of the total employed population in the EU 25. In addition, the cultural sector contributed around 2,6 % to the EU GDP in 2003, with growth significantly higher than that of the economy in general between 1999 and 2003 (5);

| 7. | also takes note that in the Green Paper, the European Commission mentions the digital revolution as an increased growth opportunity for cultural and creative sectors. Cultural and creative industries face a rapidly changing context with (global) digital information and communication technologies (ICT) having a huge impact in all sectors along the whole value chain; |
| --- | --- |

7.

also takes note that in the Green Paper, the European Commission mentions the digital revolution as an increased growth opportunity for cultural and creative sectors. Cultural and creative industries face a rapidly changing context with (global) digital information and communication technologies (ICT) having a huge impact in all sectors along the whole value chain;

| 8. | points out that, as long as the full potential of ICTs is exploited with due regard to the interests of end users, content providers as well as ICT providers and traditional patterns of production and distribution are reviewed, this offers potentially larger audiences and markets for creators and a more diverse cultural offer for citizens; |
| --- | --- |

8.

points out that, as long as the full potential of ICTs is exploited with due regard to the interests of end users, content providers as well as ICT providers and traditional patterns of production and distribution are reviewed, this offers potentially larger audiences and markets for creators and a more diverse cultural offer for citizens;

| 9. | welcomes the fact that, in that context, the Commission will be working on three major policy frameworks, which will have a significant impact on the framework conditions for CCIs in a digital environment and were based on earlier consultation processes. These are:






  — | the Digital Agenda for Europe, which is one of the seven flagship initiatives of Europe 2020; |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

welcomes the fact that, in that context, the Commission will be working on three major policy frameworks, which will have a significant impact on the framework conditions for CCIs in a digital environment and were based on earlier consultation processes. These are:

—

the Digital Agenda for Europe, which is one of the seven flagship initiatives of Europe 2020;

| — | the ‘Innovation Union’ flagship initiative, under which specific measures will be undertaken to strengthen the role of CCIs as a catalyst for innovation and structural change; |
| --- | --- |

—

the ‘Innovation Union’ flagship initiative, under which specific measures will be undertaken to strengthen the role of CCIs as a catalyst for innovation and structural change;

| — | the Strategy on Intellectual Property, which will clearly focus on the use and management of rights, looking for a balance between the necessary protection and sustainability of creation and the need to foster the development of new services and business models. |
| --- | --- |

—

the Strategy on Intellectual Property, which will clearly focus on the use and management of rights, looking for a balance between the necessary protection and sustainability of creation and the need to foster the development of new services and business models.

II.   POLITICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 10. | welcomes the fact that with the Green Paper ‘Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries’ the Commission has launched a European debate on the necessary conditions to improve the creative and innovative environment in Europe in order to stimulate the potential of cultural and creative industries, which is a generator of growth and employment; |
| --- | --- |

10.

welcomes the fact that with the Green Paper ‘Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries’ the Commission has launched a European debate on the necessary conditions to improve the creative and innovative environment in Europe in order to stimulate the potential of cultural and creative industries, which is a generator of growth and employment;

| 11. | welcomes the fact that throughout the Green Paper culture is recognised as a tool of local and regional development; |
| --- | --- |

11.

welcomes the fact that throughout the Green Paper culture is recognised as a tool of local and regional development;

| 12. | welcomes the increasing recognition at European level of the role played by cultural and creative industries in fostering creativity and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

12.

welcomes the increasing recognition at European level of the role played by cultural and creative industries in fostering creativity and innovation;

| 13. | believes that innovation policy - at European, national, regional and local level - can build bridges with the cultural and creative industries; |
| --- | --- |

13.

believes that innovation policy - at European, national, regional and local level - can build bridges with the cultural and creative industries;

| 14. | welcomes the intention of the Commission to take into account the needs of cultural and creative industries in three of its flagship initiatives, thereby giving due regard to Article 167 of the TFEU; |
| --- | --- |

14.

welcomes the intention of the Commission to take into account the needs of cultural and creative industries in three of its flagship initiatives, thereby giving due regard to Article 167 of the TFEU;

| 15. | observes that in most Member States local and regional authorities are responsible for sectors mentioned in the context of cultural and creative industries, especially culture, research, education, tourism and employment; |
| --- | --- |

15.

observes that in most Member States local and regional authorities are responsible for sectors mentioned in the context of cultural and creative industries, especially culture, research, education, tourism and employment;

| 16. | stresses that the cultural and creative industries are not only industries that are of major importance for development, employment and competitiveness but can also contribute to promoting the local and regional cultural identity and diversity; |
| --- | --- |

16.

stresses that the cultural and creative industries are not only industries that are of major importance for development, employment and competitiveness but can also contribute to promoting the local and regional cultural identity and diversity;

| 17. | points out that local authorities have an extensive role relating to infrastructure (rehearsal space, performance space, production space), strategy and planning (cultural strategies, sector development initiatives) and networking. Local authorities also support arts and culture venues and extensive investment in young, creative talent; |
| --- | --- |

17.

points out that local authorities have an extensive role relating to infrastructure (rehearsal space, performance space, production space), strategy and planning (cultural strategies, sector development initiatives) and networking. Local authorities also support arts and culture venues and extensive investment in young, creative talent;

| 18. | underlines the importance of diversity and multilingualism as specific European assets to stimulate creativity; |
| --- | --- |

18.

underlines the importance of diversity and multilingualism as specific European assets to stimulate creativity;

| 19. | calls for sufficient attention to be paid to disadvantaged groups in the cultural and creative industries; |
| --- | --- |

19.

calls for sufficient attention to be paid to disadvantaged groups in the cultural and creative industries;

| 20. | believes that the creation of a stimulating framework for the development of creative industries at European level leads to a strong European added value and can initiate the drafting of programmes and initiatives between the Union Member States, regions and cities which encourage the cooperation between the main actors; |
| --- | --- |

20.

believes that the creation of a stimulating framework for the development of creative industries at European level leads to a strong European added value and can initiate the drafting of programmes and initiatives between the Union Member States, regions and cities which encourage the cooperation between the main actors;

| 21. | stresses the importance of the local and regional level for the development of the cultural and creative sector in Europe; therefore recommends that the Commission include local and regional authorities in the follow-up process of the Green Paper in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity; |
| --- | --- |

21.

stresses the importance of the local and regional level for the development of the cultural and creative sector in Europe; therefore recommends that the Commission include local and regional authorities in the follow-up process of the Green Paper in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity;

| 22. | affirms the necessity to reinforce European investments in new intelligent, sustainable and creative sources; |
| --- | --- |

22.

affirms the necessity to reinforce European investments in new intelligent, sustainable and creative sources;

| 23. | believes that the needs of small and medium industries must be specifically supported at different levels of government since they are well placed to capture new talents and to boost the development of cultural and creative industries in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

23.

believes that the needs of small and medium industries must be specifically supported at different levels of government since they are well placed to capture new talents and to boost the development of cultural and creative industries in Europe;

| 24. | points out that local and regional authorities have successfully integrated cultural and creative industries into their development strategies and that this has contributed to boosting local economies; in particular, it is possible at the level of local and regional authorities to set up networks and databases of young artists, promote the training of young people in artistic and cultural disciplines, help young artists to become professional, stimulate multimedia and multicultural experimentation, make public spaces available for the work of young artists, encourage the artistic and cultural appreciation of the young audience, support young people in forming associations in the artistic and cultural domain, and foster innovation in local traditions and vocations; |
| --- | --- |

24.

points out that local and regional authorities have successfully integrated cultural and creative industries into their development strategies and that this has contributed to boosting local economies; in particular, it is possible at the level of local and regional authorities to set up networks and databases of young artists, promote the training of young people in artistic and cultural disciplines, help young artists to become professional, stimulate multimedia and multicultural experimentation, make public spaces available for the work of young artists, encourage the artistic and cultural appreciation of the young audience, support young people in forming associations in the artistic and cultural domain, and foster innovation in local traditions and vocations;

| 25. | therefore recommends ensuring the right conditions for the transfer of best practices, for fostering knowledge, and setting up networks for sharing experience on the opportunities for making use of the potential of these sectors; moreover, in view of their contribution, it also recommends that cultural and creative industries be covered by the general principles of the EU's economic and social cohesion policy; |
| --- | --- |

25.

therefore recommends ensuring the right conditions for the transfer of best practices, for fostering knowledge, and setting up networks for sharing experience on the opportunities for making use of the potential of these sectors; moreover, in view of their contribution, it also recommends that cultural and creative industries be covered by the general principles of the EU's economic and social cohesion policy;

| 26. | recommends that a constructive way of engaging between local and national levels would be via outcome-type agreements whereby each governance level commits to work towards agreed outcomes to facilitate the development of cultural and creative industries at the local level; |
| --- | --- |

26.

recommends that a constructive way of engaging between local and national levels would be via outcome-type agreements whereby each governance level commits to work towards agreed outcomes to facilitate the development of cultural and creative industries at the local level;

| 27. | notes that creativity is locally rooted and therefore, in order to develop, cultural and creative industries need local networking, clustering, business incubators and partnerships between art and science/industrial institutes and universities and businesses; |
| --- | --- |

27.

notes that creativity is locally rooted and therefore, in order to develop, cultural and creative industries need local networking, clustering, business incubators and partnerships between art and science/industrial institutes and universities and businesses;

| 28. | challenges art and design educational establishments and universities to work in close cooperation with other sectors with a view to creating new alliances and other structural and operational arrangements leading to the creation of entirely new European products and services which pioneer the way to global commercial success. Young people's lack of preconceived ideas is often a critical success factor; |
| --- | --- |

28.

challenges art and design educational establishments and universities to work in close cooperation with other sectors with a view to creating new alliances and other structural and operational arrangements leading to the creation of entirely new European products and services which pioneer the way to global commercial success. Young people's lack of preconceived ideas is often a critical success factor;

| 29. | points out that cultural activities can be used, for example, to foster social cohesion by developing intercultural understanding and building strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds in the workplace and in schools and therefore boost the potential of the cultural and creative sectors; |
| --- | --- |

29.

points out that cultural activities can be used, for example, to foster social cohesion by developing intercultural understanding and building strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds in the workplace and in schools and therefore boost the potential of the cultural and creative sectors;

| 30. | notes that Europe's cultural diversity represents a major economic and competitive asset. Recommends that investment in culture be used to promote Europe's cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in order to facilitate cultural and social integration; |
| --- | --- |

30.

notes that Europe's cultural diversity represents a major economic and competitive asset. Recommends that investment in culture be used to promote Europe's cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in order to facilitate cultural and social integration;

| 31. | notes that it will only be possible to successfully make use of the potential of cultural and creative industries if the European Union focuses its cultural efforts on the importance for society of the intangible values of culture; therefore emphasises that cultural education and cultural cooperation must be fostered if society's creative resources are to be tapped and the cultural industry is to flourish. Culture exists without a cultural industry, but a cultural industry cannot exist without culture (6); |
| --- | --- |

31.

notes that it will only be possible to successfully make use of the potential of cultural and creative industries if the European Union focuses its cultural efforts on the importance for society of the intangible values of culture; therefore emphasises that cultural education and cultural cooperation must be fostered if society's creative resources are to be tapped and the cultural industry is to flourish. Culture exists without a cultural industry, but a cultural industry cannot exist without culture (6);

| 32. | urges that difficulties and/or obstacles encountered in the development of cultural and creative industries be identified and dealt with at the appropriate level of government; |
| --- | --- |

32.

urges that difficulties and/or obstacles encountered in the development of cultural and creative industries be identified and dealt with at the appropriate level of government;

| 33. | recommends that the Commission evaluate the relevance of Structural Funds as well as existing and future programmes in the field of culture, audiovisual media, youth and education with a view to their potential for supporting creative industries; |
| --- | --- |

33.

recommends that the Commission evaluate the relevance of Structural Funds as well as existing and future programmes in the field of culture, audiovisual media, youth and education with a view to their potential for supporting creative industries;

| 34. | stresses particularly that the European Union should support and encourage the mobility of young artists in Europe, the creation of international networks and groupings of artists, and exchanges and creative residencies for young artists at EU and third-country level; |
| --- | --- |

34.

stresses particularly that the European Union should support and encourage the mobility of young artists in Europe, the creation of international networks and groupings of artists, and exchanges and creative residencies for young artists at EU and third-country level;

| 35. | asks the Commission to take into account the financial and administrative needs of Local and Regional authorities in follow-up initiatives to the Green Paper; |
| --- | --- |

35.

asks the Commission to take into account the financial and administrative needs of Local and Regional authorities in follow-up initiatives to the Green Paper;

| 36. | notes the need to develop joint indicators, codes and definitions for measuring employment and the market impact of the cultural and creative industries. |
| --- | --- |

36.

notes the need to develop joint indicators, codes and definitions for measuring employment and the market impact of the cultural and creative industries.

III.   CONCLUSIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 37. | points out that creative and cultural industries can play an important role in meeting economic social objectives at local and regional level in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

37.

points out that creative and cultural industries can play an important role in meeting economic social objectives at local and regional level in Europe;

| 38. | emphasises the key role that cultural and creative industries play as part of the culture agenda by supporting local communities and economies in achieving outcomes across a wide span of different policy areas from economic development, education, lifelong learning, community safety and the criminal justice agendas; |
| --- | --- |

38.

emphasises the key role that cultural and creative industries play as part of the culture agenda by supporting local communities and economies in achieving outcomes across a wide span of different policy areas from economic development, education, lifelong learning, community safety and the criminal justice agendas;

| 39. | considers that the hospitality/tourist industry should be included in descriptions of the cultural and creative industries; |
| --- | --- |

39.

considers that the hospitality/tourist industry should be included in descriptions of the cultural and creative industries;

| 40. | emphasises that, in the post-crisis economy, culture can play a role in creatively meeting social policy objectives by fostering innovation as a way to achieve social outcomes. Culture and art can trigger behavioural changes and have the power to create new social relationships to motivate people to use their abilities to be creative; |
| --- | --- |

40.

emphasises that, in the post-crisis economy, culture can play a role in creatively meeting social policy objectives by fostering innovation as a way to achieve social outcomes. Culture and art can trigger behavioural changes and have the power to create new social relationships to motivate people to use their abilities to be creative;

| 41. | notes that, as a consequence, the contribution of culture, especially the cultural and creative industries, is essential when implementing the Europe 2020 Strategy (7); |
| --- | --- |

41.

notes that, as a consequence, the contribution of culture, especially the cultural and creative industries, is essential when implementing the Europe 2020 Strategy (7);

| 42. | stresses that the successful implementation of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy – the Digital Agenda and the other initiatives – requires a bold innovative approach, and here the role of the creative industries is, in particular, to generate multidisciplinary and multicultural solutions. For this, Europe needs open-minded, pioneering players at local and regional level to create social innovations and the global business activity they help to engender. |
| --- | --- |

42.

stresses that the successful implementation of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy – the Digital Agenda and the other initiatives – requires a bold innovative approach, and here the role of the creative industries is, in particular, to generate multidisciplinary and multicultural solutions. For this, Europe needs open-minded, pioneering players at local and regional level to create social innovations and the global business activity they help to engender.

Brussels, 1 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

---

(1)  CdR 172/2007 fin.

1

(2)  CdR 44/2006 fin.

2

(3)  CdR 11/2006 fin.

3

(4)  Council conclusions on the contribution of culture to local and regional development, 10 May 2010.

4

(5)  ‘Study on the Economy of Culture in Europe’, conducted by KEA European Affairs for the European Commission, 2006.

5

(6)  CdR 172/2007 fin.

6

(7)  CdR 172/2007 fin.

7

---

| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/32 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/32

---

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘European cooperation in vocational education and training to support the Europe 2020 strategy’

2011/C 42/07

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | welcomes the achievements to date in European cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) supported by the Copenhagen process and wishes to stress that the main focus in the forthcoming period should be on swift implementation, simplification and consolidation of the most effective existing instruments, initiatives and programmes; |
| --- | --- |

—

welcomes the achievements to date in European cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) supported by the Copenhagen process and wishes to stress that the main focus in the forthcoming period should be on swift implementation, simplification and consolidation of the most effective existing instruments, initiatives and programmes;

| — | shares the Commission’s view that given the future changes in jobs and social structures, such as the move towards a low-carbon economy and an ageing population, education and training, including VET, must adapt accordingly. Furthermore, VET must play a dual role: as a tool to help meet Europe’s immediate and future skills needs; and, in parallel, to reduce the social impact of and facilitate recovery from the crisis. These roles call for urgent reforms in order to ensure excellence and equity; |
| --- | --- |

—

shares the Commission’s view that given the future changes in jobs and social structures, such as the move towards a low-carbon economy and an ageing population, education and training, including VET, must adapt accordingly. Furthermore, VET must play a dual role: as a tool to help meet Europe’s immediate and future skills needs; and, in parallel, to reduce the social impact of and facilitate recovery from the crisis. These roles call for urgent reforms in order to ensure excellence and equity;

| — | stresses that effective cooperation in VET and implementation requires continuous political and administrative interaction between, and sustained commitment from, all tiers of government. The Commission should ensure, therefore, that meaningful engagement with local and regional authorities (LRAs) takes place, properly reflecting their essential role as key partners in education and training in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

—

stresses that effective cooperation in VET and implementation requires continuous political and administrative interaction between, and sustained commitment from, all tiers of government. The Commission should ensure, therefore, that meaningful engagement with local and regional authorities (LRAs) takes place, properly reflecting their essential role as key partners in education and training in Europe;

| — | endorses the aims of the Communication to increase the relevance of VET in order to promote an increase in the skills base of the labour market in Europe, and also acknowledges that, in addition, education and training are a means to foster and further develop social participation. Not least in the context of the year for fighting poverty and social exclusion 2010, VET is an important element of any strategy to reduce social and economic disadvantage. It has been shown that relatively small improvements to labour force skills can have a substantial impact on the future well-being of a nation state. |
| --- | --- |

—

endorses the aims of the Communication to increase the relevance of VET in order to promote an increase in the skills base of the labour market in Europe, and also acknowledges that, in addition, education and training are a means to foster and further develop social participation. Not least in the context of the year for fighting poverty and social exclusion 2010, VET is an important element of any strategy to reduce social and economic disadvantage. It has been shown that relatively small improvements to labour force skills can have a substantial impact on the future well-being of a nation state.

| Rapporteur | : | Robert Bright (UK/PES), Member of Newport City Council |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference document | : | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - A new impetus for European cooperation in Vocational Education and Training to support the Europe 2020 strategy
  COM(2010) 296 final |

Rapporteur

:

Robert Bright (UK/PES), Member of Newport City Council

Reference document

:

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - A new impetus for European cooperation in Vocational Education and Training to support the Europe 2020 strategy

COM(2010) 296 final

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | endorses the Commission's emphasis on a new impetus for further European cooperation in VET which will support the Europe 2020 Strategy; |
| --- | --- |

1.

endorses the Commission's emphasis on a new impetus for further European cooperation in VET which will support the Europe 2020 Strategy;

| 2. | welcomes the achievements to date in European cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) supported by the Copenhagen process and wishes to stress that the main focus in the forthcoming period should be on swift implementation, simplification and consolidation of the most effective existing instruments, initiatives and programmes; |
| --- | --- |

2.

welcomes the achievements to date in European cooperation in vocational education and training (VET) supported by the Copenhagen process and wishes to stress that the main focus in the forthcoming period should be on swift implementation, simplification and consolidation of the most effective existing instruments, initiatives and programmes;

| 3. | believes that much can be gained from developing the exchange of information and experience between European governments at all levels, attaches high priority to the dissemination of best practice by the Commission and pledges to support such action by involving its own members and networks where appropriate; |
| --- | --- |

3.

believes that much can be gained from developing the exchange of information and experience between European governments at all levels, attaches high priority to the dissemination of best practice by the Commission and pledges to support such action by involving its own members and networks where appropriate;

| 4. | reiterates its support for reaching targets on competitiveness and innovation by 2020 and recognises that in order to achieve these targets, continued investment in education and training needs to be maintained, particularly during times of economic uncertainty; |
| --- | --- |

4.

reiterates its support for reaching targets on competitiveness and innovation by 2020 and recognises that in order to achieve these targets, continued investment in education and training needs to be maintained, particularly during times of economic uncertainty;

| 5. | shares the Commission's view that given the future changes in jobs and social structures, such as the move towards a low-carbon economy and an ageing population, education and training, including VET, must adapt accordingly. Furthermore, VET must play a dual role: as a tool to help meet Europe's immediate and future skills needs; and, in parallel, to reduce the social impact of and facilitate recovery from the crisis. These roles call for urgent reforms in order to ensure excellence and equity; |
| --- | --- |

5.

shares the Commission's view that given the future changes in jobs and social structures, such as the move towards a low-carbon economy and an ageing population, education and training, including VET, must adapt accordingly. Furthermore, VET must play a dual role: as a tool to help meet Europe's immediate and future skills needs; and, in parallel, to reduce the social impact of and facilitate recovery from the crisis. These roles call for urgent reforms in order to ensure excellence and equity;

| 6. | supports actions to bring the worlds of education, training and work closer together, such as ‘New Skills for New Jobs’. The distinction between education and training and its context in the workplace will become increasingly blurred in the future, and achieving greater integration will require a fundamental change in the way in which education and training are considered, not only from an individual perspective, but also at institutional level and at all levels of government. Systemic and attitudinal barriers to integration must be addressed if Europe's learners are to move up the skills/value chain and contribute effectively to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy; |
| --- | --- |

6.

supports actions to bring the worlds of education, training and work closer together, such as ‘New Skills for New Jobs’. The distinction between education and training and its context in the workplace will become increasingly blurred in the future, and achieving greater integration will require a fundamental change in the way in which education and training are considered, not only from an individual perspective, but also at institutional level and at all levels of government. Systemic and attitudinal barriers to integration must be addressed if Europe's learners are to move up the skills/value chain and contribute effectively to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy;

| 7. | stresses that effective cooperation in VET and implementation requires continuous political and administrative interaction between, and sustained commitment from, all tiers of government. The Commission should ensure, therefore, that meaningful engagement with local and regional authorities (LRAs) takes place, properly reflecting their essential role as key partners in education and training in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

7.

stresses that effective cooperation in VET and implementation requires continuous political and administrative interaction between, and sustained commitment from, all tiers of government. The Commission should ensure, therefore, that meaningful engagement with local and regional authorities (LRAs) takes place, properly reflecting their essential role as key partners in education and training in Europe;

| 8. | underlines that VET should be delivered in an integrated way where partnerships, dialogue and curricula are developed in close cooperation between education and training institutions, governments at all levels and businesses. More effective partnerships between providers, employers and guidance and placement services should be supported by evidence-based, targeted priorities and effective use of up-to-date, reliable and shared data; |
| --- | --- |

8.

underlines that VET should be delivered in an integrated way where partnerships, dialogue and curricula are developed in close cooperation between education and training institutions, governments at all levels and businesses. More effective partnerships between providers, employers and guidance and placement services should be supported by evidence-based, targeted priorities and effective use of up-to-date, reliable and shared data;

| 9. | considers it vitally important that the issues addressed in the Communication penetrate through to all levels of society. This is where LRAs have a fundamental role to play in terms of communication and dissemination of information via their networks and also by promoting equal rights and opportunities, delivering world-class quality assurance and improvements in both formal and non-formal contexts, and through the implementation of programmes; |
| --- | --- |

9.

considers it vitally important that the issues addressed in the Communication penetrate through to all levels of society. This is where LRAs have a fundamental role to play in terms of communication and dissemination of information via their networks and also by promoting equal rights and opportunities, delivering world-class quality assurance and improvements in both formal and non-formal contexts, and through the implementation of programmes;

| 10. | endorses the aims of the Communication to increase the relevance of VET in order to promote an increase in the skills base of the labour market in Europe, and also acknowledges that, in addition, education and training are a means to foster and further develop social participation. Not least in the context of the year for fighting poverty and social exclusion 2010, VET is an important element of any strategy to reduce social and economic disadvantage. It has been shown that relatively small improvements to labour force skills can have a substantial impact on the future well-being of a nation state (1); |
| --- | --- |

10.

endorses the aims of the Communication to increase the relevance of VET in order to promote an increase in the skills base of the labour market in Europe, and also acknowledges that, in addition, education and training are a means to foster and further develop social participation. Not least in the context of the year for fighting poverty and social exclusion 2010, VET is an important element of any strategy to reduce social and economic disadvantage. It has been shown that relatively small improvements to labour force skills can have a substantial impact on the future well-being of a nation state (1);

| 11. | stresses that given the economic and social functions of VET, it is essential that the right mix of competences and transnational/cross-vocational mobility become an integral part of it, including developing a knowledge of languages. Mobility can help to overcome language barriers and develop self-confidence, adaptability, a sense of responsibility, employability and intercultural competence; |
| --- | --- |

11.

stresses that given the economic and social functions of VET, it is essential that the right mix of competences and transnational/cross-vocational mobility become an integral part of it, including developing a knowledge of languages. Mobility can help to overcome language barriers and develop self-confidence, adaptability, a sense of responsibility, employability and intercultural competence;

| 12. | asks the Commission to consider that increasing participation in lifelong learning in adults is a major challenge for many governments with competence for education at the local, regional and national levels, and that current and future skills gaps must be filled by providing an individually-tailored balance between skills training focused on key competences and more job-specific training for both young people and the adult workforce, if such skills gaps are to be addressed; |
| --- | --- |

12.

asks the Commission to consider that increasing participation in lifelong learning in adults is a major challenge for many governments with competence for education at the local, regional and national levels, and that current and future skills gaps must be filled by providing an individually-tailored balance between skills training focused on key competences and more job-specific training for both young people and the adult workforce, if such skills gaps are to be addressed;

| 13. | considers that the current economic situation could put a considerable strain on governments at the local, regional and national levels to maintain existing levels of investment in education and training. If Europe, however, is to compete on the global economic stage, there should be a relentless effort to equip the current and future workforce with the type of skills that are needed by business to thrive. All tiers of government should work together to match investment with skills needs, with the aim of ensuring that Europe in turn will have access to a pool of highly skilled workers to drive forward economic recovery; |
| --- | --- |

13.

considers that the current economic situation could put a considerable strain on governments at the local, regional and national levels to maintain existing levels of investment in education and training. If Europe, however, is to compete on the global economic stage, there should be a relentless effort to equip the current and future workforce with the type of skills that are needed by business to thrive. All tiers of government should work together to match investment with skills needs, with the aim of ensuring that Europe in turn will have access to a pool of highly skilled workers to drive forward economic recovery;

A key role of VET in lifelong learning and mobility

| 14. | backs the key action to create flexible à la carte approaches to VET which aim to maximise access to continued education and training, as well as flexible systems based on the recognition of learning outcomes. Providing a genuine choice of courses and providers to learners will ensure that education and training can be accessed whatever the situation of the learner; |
| --- | --- |

14.

backs the key action to create flexible à la carte approaches to VET which aim to maximise access to continued education and training, as well as flexible systems based on the recognition of learning outcomes. Providing a genuine choice of courses and providers to learners will ensure that education and training can be accessed whatever the situation of the learner;

| 15. | stresses that this approach will inevitably have an impact on administration and funding for LRAs; however, to ensure quality of service, the best use of resources and the sustainability of public finances, provider institutions must work together to provide a suite of courses, accessible in a range of settings, that complement each other whilst avoiding duplication over a local area; |
| --- | --- |

15.

stresses that this approach will inevitably have an impact on administration and funding for LRAs; however, to ensure quality of service, the best use of resources and the sustainability of public finances, provider institutions must work together to provide a suite of courses, accessible in a range of settings, that complement each other whilst avoiding duplication over a local area;

| 16. | supports the call for the development of VET programmes which aim to create genuinely open pathways from VET to university education. In order for this to be achieved, higher education institutions (HEIs) should be encouraged to work with all tiers of government, and with each other, across the EU, and with business interests to ensure that quality vocational courses are developed which provide relevant and high-quality skills training. The sharing of best practice in the development of higher-level vocational courses should be encouraged and coherence improved by developing ongoing joint programmes; |
| --- | --- |

16.

supports the call for the development of VET programmes which aim to create genuinely open pathways from VET to university education. In order for this to be achieved, higher education institutions (HEIs) should be encouraged to work with all tiers of government, and with each other, across the EU, and with business interests to ensure that quality vocational courses are developed which provide relevant and high-quality skills training. The sharing of best practice in the development of higher-level vocational courses should be encouraged and coherence improved by developing ongoing joint programmes;

| 17. | recommends that in order to speed up Europe's economic recovery, boost skills, increase employment and commit to the Europe 2020 headline target of investing 3 % of the EU's GDP in R&D (2), education institutions providing vocational education and training should be able to introduce more and better VET provision. The use of non-classroom, work-based learning for learners who are less academically oriented should also be promoted, and even learners who are less academically oriented should be encouraged to obtain qualifications that help them successfully enter the labour market, as well as ensuring parity between vocational qualifications and more academically oriented degrees. Classroom work should also be strongly geared to individual students’ needs and learning methods, with the aim also of developing creativity, innovativeness and entrepreneurship. Effective, attractive VET can play a key role in providing early school leavers with an option for getting back to learning, and can also help address the high youth unemployment figures in Europe (3); |
| --- | --- |

17.

recommends that in order to speed up Europe's economic recovery, boost skills, increase employment and commit to the Europe 2020 headline target of investing 3 % of the EU's GDP in R&D (2), education institutions providing vocational education and training should be able to introduce more and better VET provision. The use of non-classroom, work-based learning for learners who are less academically oriented should also be promoted, and even learners who are less academically oriented should be encouraged to obtain qualifications that help them successfully enter the labour market, as well as ensuring parity between vocational qualifications and more academically oriented degrees. Classroom work should also be strongly geared to individual students’ needs and learning methods, with the aim also of developing creativity, innovativeness and entrepreneurship. Effective, attractive VET can play a key role in providing early school leavers with an option for getting back to learning, and can also help address the high youth unemployment figures in Europe (3);

| 18. | agrees that in order to achieve effective transitions between learning phases and the world of work, guidance and counselling should be provided which will enable learners to gather relevant and timely information to inform career choices. Such career advice services should be available at all stages of learning, for both young people and adults, allowing learning choices to be made that will be relevant to the present jobs market, as well as advice once learning has been completed. LRAs are best placed to provide such support for learners at all levels and this contribution should be considered when developing support programmes. If they are to succeed in their aim, guidance services should have access to straightforward, reliable and coordinated information on the state of the labour market and its most immediate future needs; |
| --- | --- |

18.

agrees that in order to achieve effective transitions between learning phases and the world of work, guidance and counselling should be provided which will enable learners to gather relevant and timely information to inform career choices. Such career advice services should be available at all stages of learning, for both young people and adults, allowing learning choices to be made that will be relevant to the present jobs market, as well as advice once learning has been completed. LRAs are best placed to provide such support for learners at all levels and this contribution should be considered when developing support programmes. If they are to succeed in their aim, guidance services should have access to straightforward, reliable and coordinated information on the state of the labour market and its most immediate future needs;

| 19. | recalls that it is crucial that high-quality VET provided in one area should be recognised across the whole of the EU in order to encourage mobility and exchange. This approach will have to be supported by high quality and consistent quality assurance mechanisms supported by LRAs, which are recognised by the relevant stakeholders (competent governments, social partners, VET providers and learners); |
| --- | --- |

19.

recalls that it is crucial that high-quality VET provided in one area should be recognised across the whole of the EU in order to encourage mobility and exchange. This approach will have to be supported by high quality and consistent quality assurance mechanisms supported by LRAs, which are recognised by the relevant stakeholders (competent governments, social partners, VET providers and learners);

| 20. | underlines that given the responsibility of the competent authorities in the Member States for the fields addressed in the Communication, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) is the appropriate working method for European cooperation in education and training. Furthermore, the administrative and financial implications for LRAs should be taken into account when applying the OMC in education and training; |
| --- | --- |

20.

underlines that given the responsibility of the competent authorities in the Member States for the fields addressed in the Communication, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) is the appropriate working method for European cooperation in education and training. Furthermore, the administrative and financial implications for LRAs should be taken into account when applying the OMC in education and training;

| 21. | recommends that consideration also be given to the use of projects such as the Soft Open Method of Coordination (SMOC), which supports the transfer of VET practices among regions through scientific systematisation of learning and transfer (4); |
| --- | --- |

21.

recommends that consideration also be given to the use of projects such as the Soft Open Method of Coordination (SMOC), which supports the transfer of VET practices among regions through scientific systematisation of learning and transfer (4);

| 22. | reminds the Commission that LRAs are leading the way in Europe in the development of VET mobility actions. LRAs can make an important contribution to promoting learning mobility, particularly with regard to information, advice and awareness-raising, and in supporting measures ensuring quality and the availability of financing as also outlined in the ‘Barcelona Declaration’ (5) The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), which provides a new legal framework for cross-border and inter-regional cooperation, can be a useful instrument in fostering VET mobility actions; |
| --- | --- |

22.

reminds the Commission that LRAs are leading the way in Europe in the development of VET mobility actions. LRAs can make an important contribution to promoting learning mobility, particularly with regard to information, advice and awareness-raising, and in supporting measures ensuring quality and the availability of financing as also outlined in the ‘Barcelona Declaration’ (5) The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), which provides a new legal framework for cross-border and inter-regional cooperation, can be a useful instrument in fostering VET mobility actions;

| 23. | calls on the Commission to actively seek engagement with LRAs, and to have proper regard to views expressed, either collectively through the CoR, networks, or as individual governments, in the development of European initiatives which support the delivery of VET, such as ‘An Agenda for new skills and new jobs’, and ‘Youth on the Move’; |
| --- | --- |

23.

calls on the Commission to actively seek engagement with LRAs, and to have proper regard to views expressed, either collectively through the CoR, networks, or as individual governments, in the development of European initiatives which support the delivery of VET, such as ‘An Agenda for new skills and new jobs’, and ‘Youth on the Move’;

| 24. | invites the Commission to consider the role of LRAs as potential mobility support structures in the development of its VET mobility support programmes; |
| --- | --- |

24.

invites the Commission to consider the role of LRAs as potential mobility support structures in the development of its VET mobility support programmes;

| 25. | wishes to point out that the EU should ensure that these programmes for mobility in education are accessible under equal conditions to all students, regardless of the geographical location of their home region, and thus recommends that support be given to regions with specific geographical features, such as the outermost regions, whose mobility policies are seriously hampered by their distance and geographical isolation from mainland Europe; |
| --- | --- |

25.

wishes to point out that the EU should ensure that these programmes for mobility in education are accessible under equal conditions to all students, regardless of the geographical location of their home region, and thus recommends that support be given to regions with specific geographical features, such as the outermost regions, whose mobility policies are seriously hampered by their distance and geographical isolation from mainland Europe;

Increasing attractiveness and excellence of VET through quality and efficiency

| 26. | calls upon the Commission to continue to support quality assurance systems, such as those recommended in the European Quality Assurance in VET framework (EQAVET); |
| --- | --- |

26.

calls upon the Commission to continue to support quality assurance systems, such as those recommended in the European Quality Assurance in VET framework (EQAVET);

| 27. | stresses that quality assurance is the key to providing flexible and portable VET. However, such frameworks have a financial implication at a local and regional level, where many of the VET providers are located. It is essential, therefore, that any such frameworks are mindful of existing local quality assurance systems and aim to build on existing good practice; |
| --- | --- |

27.

stresses that quality assurance is the key to providing flexible and portable VET. However, such frameworks have a financial implication at a local and regional level, where many of the VET providers are located. It is essential, therefore, that any such frameworks are mindful of existing local quality assurance systems and aim to build on existing good practice;

| 28. | supports the proposal to increase the use of different forms of work-based learning. If key skills gaps in the labour force are to be addressed then it is essential that the current workforce actively participate in VET, as the majority of the future workforce, upon which economic recovery is dependent, is already in employment; |
| --- | --- |

28.

supports the proposal to increase the use of different forms of work-based learning. If key skills gaps in the labour force are to be addressed then it is essential that the current workforce actively participate in VET, as the majority of the future workforce, upon which economic recovery is dependent, is already in employment;

| 29. | emphasises that in order to increase the use of work-based learning, businesses will need to be fully supportive and engaged. Providing the right incentives to intensify cooperation between providers of education, training and businesses will be crucial. With a multi-level governmental approach, LRAs are best placed to develop and maintain links with business, especially small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), which employ a significant proportion of the European workforce. Encouraging skills development within these businesses will support economic growth within this important sector; |
| --- | --- |

29.

emphasises that in order to increase the use of work-based learning, businesses will need to be fully supportive and engaged. Providing the right incentives to intensify cooperation between providers of education, training and businesses will be crucial. With a multi-level governmental approach, LRAs are best placed to develop and maintain links with business, especially small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), which employ a significant proportion of the European workforce. Encouraging skills development within these businesses will support economic growth within this important sector;

| 30. | supports the view that the labour market relevance of VET can be strengthened by the development of forward planning tools to match skills and jobs, and emphasises that VET providers, in cooperation with LRAs and local labour market representatives, are in a special position to recognise the needs to adapt curricula accordingly to reflect skills shortages, surpluses, skills gaps or obsolescence; |
| --- | --- |

30.

supports the view that the labour market relevance of VET can be strengthened by the development of forward planning tools to match skills and jobs, and emphasises that VET providers, in cooperation with LRAs and local labour market representatives, are in a special position to recognise the needs to adapt curricula accordingly to reflect skills shortages, surpluses, skills gaps or obsolescence;

| 31. | believes that adaptability and flexibility of learners and workers is essential. For this to be achieved, VET needs to equip them with skills that are adaptable and flexible, that are competency based, and match the current and future needs of business; |
| --- | --- |

31.

believes that adaptability and flexibility of learners and workers is essential. For this to be achieved, VET needs to equip them with skills that are adaptable and flexible, that are competency based, and match the current and future needs of business;

| 32. | supports the Commission in calling for VET that is more responsive to market needs, to achieve the vision of an adaptable and flexible workforce. However, it should be noted that the needs of business do not always match the needs of governments in promoting social participation and cohesion policies, and that the demands of flexibility from the workforce need to be balanced by the provision of appropriate levels of security (as expressed in the ‘flexicurity’ concept) for the individual; |
| --- | --- |

32.

supports the Commission in calling for VET that is more responsive to market needs, to achieve the vision of an adaptable and flexible workforce. However, it should be noted that the needs of business do not always match the needs of governments in promoting social participation and cohesion policies, and that the demands of flexibility from the workforce need to be balanced by the provision of appropriate levels of security (as expressed in the ‘flexicurity’ concept) for the individual;

| 33. | notes that. in many cases, it is also difficult for many individual sectors and businesses to accurately anticipate their needs several years in advance, and to have a full overview of their needs for all occupations within a sector. There must therefore be a considered balance between specialisation and generalisation in training courses, and vocational training options with both a longer-term and permanent perspective and a shorter-term and rapid perspective. In this context, the need for - and potential offered by - public-private cooperation should be emphasised. By accumulating key competences, individuals become better equipped to deal with sudden and unforeseeable changes at work; |
| --- | --- |

33.

notes that. in many cases, it is also difficult for many individual sectors and businesses to accurately anticipate their needs several years in advance, and to have a full overview of their needs for all occupations within a sector. There must therefore be a considered balance between specialisation and generalisation in training courses, and vocational training options with both a longer-term and permanent perspective and a shorter-term and rapid perspective. In this context, the need for - and potential offered by - public-private cooperation should be emphasised. By accumulating key competences, individuals become better equipped to deal with sudden and unforeseeable changes at work;

| 34. | points out that mapping the skills needs of business can put an administrative burden on LRAs, especially if this is not a task that they currently carry out. In order for such skills analysis to be relevant it needs to be regularly updated, as the needs of business can change quickly. Knowledge sharing should be encouraged in this area, including on analysis systems with governments that do not currently employ such techniques; |
| --- | --- |

34.

points out that mapping the skills needs of business can put an administrative burden on LRAs, especially if this is not a task that they currently carry out. In order for such skills analysis to be relevant it needs to be regularly updated, as the needs of business can change quickly. Knowledge sharing should be encouraged in this area, including on analysis systems with governments that do not currently employ such techniques;

Equity and active citizenship

| 35. | welcomes the Commission's inclusive approach and agrees about the importance of promoting equal rights and opportunities by recognizing the key competences and skills of the least advantaged. VET has a major role in promoting equity, social inclusion and active citizenship, especially of the low-skilled, learners from a migrant background, the unemployed and those with special educational needs; |
| --- | --- |

35.

welcomes the Commission's inclusive approach and agrees about the importance of promoting equal rights and opportunities by recognizing the key competences and skills of the least advantaged. VET has a major role in promoting equity, social inclusion and active citizenship, especially of the low-skilled, learners from a migrant background, the unemployed and those with special educational needs;

| 36. | calls upon the Commission to fully take into account the needs of at-risk groups when considering transitions between learning phases, and pathways between VET and other forms of education. Both adults and young people from vulnerable or at-risk groups can benefit significantly from accessible and relevant VET, which can enable individuals to participate positively in active citizenship and also make a meaningful contribution to the economy. Programmes should be tailored to suit the needs of the individual and should be set within the context of locally provided services for such vulnerable groups. It is essential that LRAs play a key role in promoting development of local course provision, and also in ensuring that information about courses is readily available, especially to vulnerable individuals; |
| --- | --- |

36.

calls upon the Commission to fully take into account the needs of at-risk groups when considering transitions between learning phases, and pathways between VET and other forms of education. Both adults and young people from vulnerable or at-risk groups can benefit significantly from accessible and relevant VET, which can enable individuals to participate positively in active citizenship and also make a meaningful contribution to the economy. Programmes should be tailored to suit the needs of the individual and should be set within the context of locally provided services for such vulnerable groups. It is essential that LRAs play a key role in promoting development of local course provision, and also in ensuring that information about courses is readily available, especially to vulnerable individuals;

| 37. | stresses that although it is important to ensure that systems are in place to monitor employment rates of VET students, particularly those belonging to at-risk groups, such systems should also seek to look at the quality of employment attained by such groups. In this way information collated can be used to inform future development of VET that seeks to provide skills giving learners the opportunity to find decent work; |
| --- | --- |

37.

stresses that although it is important to ensure that systems are in place to monitor employment rates of VET students, particularly those belonging to at-risk groups, such systems should also seek to look at the quality of employment attained by such groups. In this way information collated can be used to inform future development of VET that seeks to provide skills giving learners the opportunity to find decent work;

| 38. | welcomes the emphasis on the development of key competencies for active citizenship in partnerships between VET providers, local communities, civil organisations, parents and learners. This approach should also seek to include LRAs who play a key role in supporting local communities and developing citizenship; |
| --- | --- |

38.

welcomes the emphasis on the development of key competencies for active citizenship in partnerships between VET providers, local communities, civil organisations, parents and learners. This approach should also seek to include LRAs who play a key role in supporting local communities and developing citizenship;

| 39. | endorses the Commission's emphasis on the development of key competencies, and considers that developing literacy, numeracy and other basic skills, as well as IT and language skills, are essential to engaging vulnerable and at-risk groups, including migrant workers, particularly given that approximately 20 % of EU citizens have poor literacy skills (6); |
| --- | --- |

39.

endorses the Commission's emphasis on the development of key competencies, and considers that developing literacy, numeracy and other basic skills, as well as IT and language skills, are essential to engaging vulnerable and at-risk groups, including migrant workers, particularly given that approximately 20 % of EU citizens have poor literacy skills (6);

Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship

| 40. | compliments the Commission on the inclusion of the provision of experienced-based and active learning with a view to developing high level e-skills, risk-taking and critical thinking. If the European economy is to thrive, then nurturing skills such as these, in conjunction with vocational skills, will provide opportunities for learners as well as enhancing the skills base for business; |
| --- | --- |

40.

compliments the Commission on the inclusion of the provision of experienced-based and active learning with a view to developing high level e-skills, risk-taking and critical thinking. If the European economy is to thrive, then nurturing skills such as these, in conjunction with vocational skills, will provide opportunities for learners as well as enhancing the skills base for business;

A new agenda for European Cooperation in VET

| 41. | supports the Commission in calling on the EU ministers in charge of VET to endorse an ambitious VET modernisation agenda, to define concrete deliverables over the next decade, and to make a strong commitment to its implementation within the Europe 2020 national reform programmes. Building higher skills through better education and training systems is an essential part of Europe's strategy to meet current and future challenges, and these challenges need to be addressed in an integrated policy across all levels of the education systems; |
| --- | --- |

41.

supports the Commission in calling on the EU ministers in charge of VET to endorse an ambitious VET modernisation agenda, to define concrete deliverables over the next decade, and to make a strong commitment to its implementation within the Europe 2020 national reform programmes. Building higher skills through better education and training systems is an essential part of Europe's strategy to meet current and future challenges, and these challenges need to be addressed in an integrated policy across all levels of the education systems;

| 42. | welcomes the reference to the need for close partnerships between Member States, the Commission and the social partners when reviewing VET priorities in December 2010, while including LRAs, vocational providers, teachers and trainers as well as learners at all levels when referring to the implementation. Integrating education, training and work requires more effective coherence at the local, national and European levels. In addition, VET strategies must be linked to economic development strategies, again at the local, national and European levels; |
| --- | --- |

42.

welcomes the reference to the need for close partnerships between Member States, the Commission and the social partners when reviewing VET priorities in December 2010, while including LRAs, vocational providers, teachers and trainers as well as learners at all levels when referring to the implementation. Integrating education, training and work requires more effective coherence at the local, national and European levels. In addition, VET strategies must be linked to economic development strategies, again at the local, national and European levels;

| 43. | reiterates that LRAs should be fully involved by individual Member States during all phases of the implementation of the set objectives. The working methods chosen for long-term European cooperation in education and training must take into account the responsibilities of LRAs and include them as partners during the process of their improvement; |
| --- | --- |

43.

reiterates that LRAs should be fully involved by individual Member States during all phases of the implementation of the set objectives. The working methods chosen for long-term European cooperation in education and training must take into account the responsibilities of LRAs and include them as partners during the process of their improvement;

| 44. | emphasises that the design and delivery of the agreed actions requires support not only from European-level existing platforms such as the Directors-General for Vocational Training (DGVT) and the Advisory Committee for Vocational Training (ACVT), but also via the relevant EU programmes and instruments, such as the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, which should continue to support accessibility, mobility and innovation in VET within the Lifelong Learning Programme; |
| --- | --- |

44.

emphasises that the design and delivery of the agreed actions requires support not only from European-level existing platforms such as the Directors-General for Vocational Training (DGVT) and the Advisory Committee for Vocational Training (ACVT), but also via the relevant EU programmes and instruments, such as the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, which should continue to support accessibility, mobility and innovation in VET within the Lifelong Learning Programme;

| 45. | believes it is crucial to maximise usage of the Structural Funds to support VET. A refocused European Social Fund could provide tailor-made solutions for learners who will require up-skilling to obtain new employment opportunities or keep existing ones. The European Regional Development Fund and European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could also be mobilised in this respect. |
| --- | --- |

45.

believes it is crucial to maximise usage of the Structural Funds to support VET. A refocused European Social Fund could provide tailor-made solutions for learners who will require up-skilling to obtain new employment opportunities or keep existing ones. The European Regional Development Fund and European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could also be mobilised in this respect.

Brussels, 1 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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(1)  OECD 2010, The High Cost of Low Educational Performance.

1

The High Cost of Low Educational Performance

(2)  http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/pdf/115346.pdf.

2

(3)  http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=113&newsId=831&furtherNews=yes.

3

(4)  http://www.earlall.eu/page.asp?n=newsdetails&i=13340.

4

(5)  http://www.earlall.eu/filebank/G%C3&%B6teborg_BarcelonaDeclaration_English.pdf

5

(6)  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/report09/report_en.pdf

6

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| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/38 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/38

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘The role of local and regional authorities in the implementation of the health strategy 2008-2013’

2011/C 42/08

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS:

| — | stresses the need to change the way in which the strategy is implemented in order to take full account of the interests and experience of local and regional authorities and calls for health indicators and objectives to be included in the Europe 2020 strategy; |
| --- | --- |

—

stresses the need to change the way in which the strategy is implemented in order to take full account of the interests and experience of local and regional authorities and calls for health indicators and objectives to be included in the Europe 2020 strategy;

| — | notes the many possibilities for improving the way in which the strategy operates, especially as regards European funds, mechanisms and structures for implementing the strategy, regional health indicators and objectives as well as adapting healthcare systems to meet new challenges; |
| --- | --- |

—

notes the many possibilities for improving the way in which the strategy operates, especially as regards European funds, mechanisms and structures for implementing the strategy, regional health indicators and objectives as well as adapting healthcare systems to meet new challenges;

| — | draws attention to the fact that budget cuts by individual Member States as a result of the crisis should not mean fewer resources for health policy and healthcare, and that more attention should be paid to maintaining their viability by helping them to adapt to future challenges and the potential synergies of public-private partnerships; |
| --- | --- |

—

draws attention to the fact that budget cuts by individual Member States as a result of the crisis should not mean fewer resources for health policy and healthcare, and that more attention should be paid to maintaining their viability by helping them to adapt to future challenges and the potential synergies of public-private partnerships;

| — | notes that health promotion and preventive measures are an effective means of ensuring public health and limiting ever growing healthcare expenditure and is convinced that good health should be promoted at all stages of life; |
| --- | --- |

—

notes that health promotion and preventive measures are an effective means of ensuring public health and limiting ever growing healthcare expenditure and is convinced that good health should be promoted at all stages of life;

| — | requests that the Committee of the Regions be systematically invited to sit in on the work of the Working Party on Public Health at Senior Level and calls for the Committee of the Regions to be involved in the work of certain subject-based working groups set up at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

—

requests that the Committee of the Regions be systematically invited to sit in on the work of the Working Party on Public Health at Senior Level and calls for the Committee of the Regions to be involved in the work of certain subject-based working groups set up at EU level;

| — | supports initiatives geared towards introducing new technologies, for example an electronic health card, containing a basic package of information about the patient - provided that sensitive personal data remains protected - or other solutions, which make information about individual patients more easily accessible throughout the EU; |
| --- | --- |

—

supports initiatives geared towards introducing new technologies, for example an electronic health card, containing a basic package of information about the patient - provided that sensitive personal data remains protected - or other solutions, which make information about individual patients more easily accessible throughout the EU;

| — | welcomes the initiative by DG SANCO to set up common projects with the Committee of the Regions with a view to involving local and regional authorities in the implementation of the strategy; |
| --- | --- |

—

welcomes the initiative by DG SANCO to set up common projects with the Committee of the Regions with a view to involving local and regional authorities in the implementation of the strategy;

| Rapporteur | : | Mr Adam Banaszak (PL/EA), Member of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Assembly |
| --- | --- | --- |

Rapporteur

:

Mr Adam Banaszak (PL/EA), Member of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Assembly

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS,

| 1. | considers that local and regional authorities are directly affected by the 2008-2013 health strategy since, in the majority of Member States, it is they who are responsible for services that affect healthcare in their area and the conditions for regional development; |
| --- | --- |

1.

considers that local and regional authorities are directly affected by the 2008-2013 health strategy since, in the majority of Member States, it is they who are responsible for services that affect healthcare in their area and the conditions for regional development;

| 2. | emphasises that regions and local health players are responsible for the planning, management, operation and development of the health sector. They also carry out preventive medicine and health promotion programmes. Moreover, they also frequently bear financial responsibility for this area too; they are close to grassroots concerns and thus have a profound understanding and knowledge of the health field; |
| --- | --- |

2.

emphasises that regions and local health players are responsible for the planning, management, operation and development of the health sector. They also carry out preventive medicine and health promotion programmes. Moreover, they also frequently bear financial responsibility for this area too; they are close to grassroots concerns and thus have a profound understanding and knowledge of the health field;

| 3. | notes the broad scope of the strategy and endorses its objectives; |
| --- | --- |

3.

notes the broad scope of the strategy and endorses its objectives;

| 4. | stresses the significance of setting up mechanisms to apply the adopted principles in accordance with the subsidiarity principle; |
| --- | --- |

4.

stresses the significance of setting up mechanisms to apply the adopted principles in accordance with the subsidiarity principle;

| 5. | is of the opinion that strategies and measures must be conceived and formulated with an eye to gender-mainstreaming as well as other aspects of non-discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

5.

is of the opinion that strategies and measures must be conceived and formulated with an eye to gender-mainstreaming as well as other aspects of non-discrimination;

| 6. | points out that under no circumstances can they be called into question as a result of the economic crisis; |
| --- | --- |

6.

points out that under no circumstances can they be called into question as a result of the economic crisis;

| 7. | deplores the fact that local and regional authorities are not involved in the strategy's implementation to any appreciable extent; |
| --- | --- |

7.

deplores the fact that local and regional authorities are not involved in the strategy's implementation to any appreciable extent;

| 8. | notes the lack of response to requests included in the opinions on the White Paper ‘Together for health: a strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013’ and ‘Solidarity in health: reducing health inequalities in the EU’ as well as many proposals from other Committee opinions; |
| --- | --- |

8.

notes the lack of response to requests included in the opinions on the White Paper ‘Together for health: a strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013’ and ‘Solidarity in health: reducing health inequalities in the EU’ as well as many proposals from other Committee opinions;

| 9. | once again recalls the requests included in the abovementioned opinions, especially those concerning efforts to reduce health inequalities in and between EU countries; |
| --- | --- |

9.

once again recalls the requests included in the abovementioned opinions, especially those concerning efforts to reduce health inequalities in and between EU countries;

| 10. | stresses the need to change the way in which the strategy is implemented in order to take full account of the interests and experience of local and regional authorities, while guaranteeing the success of both the current strategy and the one to be adopted in the coming years; |
| --- | --- |

10.

stresses the need to change the way in which the strategy is implemented in order to take full account of the interests and experience of local and regional authorities, while guaranteeing the success of both the current strategy and the one to be adopted in the coming years;

| 11. | notes that health promotion and preventive measures are the most effective way of reducing ever increasing health care costs - they should be promoted at all stages of life, together with healthy living habits. Vigorous efforts must be pursued to implement the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; |
| --- | --- |

11.

notes that health promotion and preventive measures are the most effective way of reducing ever increasing health care costs - they should be promoted at all stages of life, together with healthy living habits. Vigorous efforts must be pursued to implement the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control;

| 12. | considers that action in the area of health promotion in the broad sense should occupy a permanent place within the EU's approach to health in all areas of policy; |
| --- | --- |

12.

considers that action in the area of health promotion in the broad sense should occupy a permanent place within the EU's approach to health in all areas of policy;

| 13. | supports initiatives geared towards introducing new technologies, for example an electronic health card, containing a basic package of information about the patient - provided that sensitive personal data remains protected - or other solutions, which make information about individual patients more easily accessible throughout the EU; |
| --- | --- |

13.

supports initiatives geared towards introducing new technologies, for example an electronic health card, containing a basic package of information about the patient - provided that sensitive personal data remains protected - or other solutions, which make information about individual patients more easily accessible throughout the EU;

| 14. | notes the many possibilities for improving the way in which the strategy operates, especially as regards European funds, mechanisms and structures for implementing the strategy, regional health indicators and objectives as well as adapting healthcare systems to meet new challenges; |
| --- | --- |

14.

notes the many possibilities for improving the way in which the strategy operates, especially as regards European funds, mechanisms and structures for implementing the strategy, regional health indicators and objectives as well as adapting healthcare systems to meet new challenges;

Assessing the way in which the strategy operates against the background of the economic crisis

| 15. | agrees with the idea expressed in the strategy that health is the greatest wealth, that a healthy population is a key condition for productivity and prosperity and that for this reason spending on health should be viewed as an investment and not just as a cost; |
| --- | --- |

15.

agrees with the idea expressed in the strategy that health is the greatest wealth, that a healthy population is a key condition for productivity and prosperity and that for this reason spending on health should be viewed as an investment and not just as a cost;

| 16. | stresses that health is above all a basic determinant of people's quality of life and must not be seen only in economic terms; |
| --- | --- |

16.

stresses that health is above all a basic determinant of people's quality of life and must not be seen only in economic terms;

| 17. | draws attention to the fact that budget cuts by individual Member States as a result of the crisis should not mean fewer resources for health policy and healthcare, and that more attention should be paid to maintaining their viability by helping them to adapt to future challenges and the potential synergies of public-private partnerships; |
| --- | --- |

17.

draws attention to the fact that budget cuts by individual Member States as a result of the crisis should not mean fewer resources for health policy and healthcare, and that more attention should be paid to maintaining their viability by helping them to adapt to future challenges and the potential synergies of public-private partnerships;

| 18. | notes that the current economic crisis cannot be a reason for Member States to reduce measures promoting healthy lifestyles and health promotion programmes; |
| --- | --- |

18.

notes that the current economic crisis cannot be a reason for Member States to reduce measures promoting healthy lifestyles and health promotion programmes;

| 19. | believes that the economic crisis affecting all the Member States must not lead the authorities to neglect vital priorities out of a desire to restrain expenditure (in areas such as health). On the contrary, the Member States must do their utmost to ensure that the health of their populations continues to improve; |
| --- | --- |

19.

believes that the economic crisis affecting all the Member States must not lead the authorities to neglect vital priorities out of a desire to restrain expenditure (in areas such as health). On the contrary, the Member States must do their utmost to ensure that the health of their populations continues to improve;

Making use of European funds to finance health projects

| 20. | stresses the key role played by EU support, through the action programme on health, for improving health protection for Europeans, promoting health and developing and propagating information and knowledge on health issues; it notes the need to review the selection and eligibility criteria for the European funds, in order, among other things, to influence social determinants, and to involve the regions directly in this process to ensure that as much account as possible is taken of their experience in this area; |
| --- | --- |

20.

stresses the key role played by EU support, through the action programme on health, for improving health protection for Europeans, promoting health and developing and propagating information and knowledge on health issues; it notes the need to review the selection and eligibility criteria for the European funds, in order, among other things, to influence social determinants, and to involve the regions directly in this process to ensure that as much account as possible is taken of their experience in this area;

| 21. | considers that it is vital to continue allocating European resources to cohesion funds and to monitor their effectiveness, including through the use of joint social health indicators. The continued application of cohesion policy at European level will allow its impacts on public health to be assessed; |
| --- | --- |

21.

considers that it is vital to continue allocating European resources to cohesion funds and to monitor their effectiveness, including through the use of joint social health indicators. The continued application of cohesion policy at European level will allow its impacts on public health to be assessed;

| 22. | notes the need to allow the regions to be directly involved in the programming of European funds, which would allow regional priorities to be included in programming and thus increase significantly the take-up of the available packages; |
| --- | --- |

22.

notes the need to allow the regions to be directly involved in the programming of European funds, which would allow regional priorities to be included in programming and thus increase significantly the take-up of the available packages;

| 23. | suggests






  — | simplifying the procedures for obtaining funds and reducing the deadline for pre-financing to 45 days; |
| --- | --- | --- |

23.

suggests

—

simplifying the procedures for obtaining funds and reducing the deadline for pre-financing to 45 days;

| — | making calls for tender more transparent by translating them into all the languages and publishing them on a special website; |
| --- | --- |

—

making calls for tender more transparent by translating them into all the languages and publishing them on a special website;

| — | simplifying procedures and setting up easily accessible common information sources to make it easier to use several different funds in parallel; |
| --- | --- |

—

simplifying procedures and setting up easily accessible common information sources to make it easier to use several different funds in parallel;

| — | increasing the package available for cross-border cooperation projects; |
| --- | --- |

—

increasing the package available for cross-border cooperation projects;

| 24. | calls for long-term support for projects whose aim is to adapt existing healthcare systems in response to new challenges such as growing patient mobility, population ageing and the increase in chronic illnesses and in disability and dependence; |
| --- | --- |

24.

calls for long-term support for projects whose aim is to adapt existing healthcare systems in response to new challenges such as growing patient mobility, population ageing and the increase in chronic illnesses and in disability and dependence;

| 25. | notes the necessity of developing indicators for measuring the impact of the projects financed by European funds, not only on public health but also on the economic development of the regions concerned; |
| --- | --- |

25.

notes the necessity of developing indicators for measuring the impact of the projects financed by European funds, not only on public health but also on the economic development of the regions concerned;

Promoting health and prevention

| 26. | notes that health promotion and preventive measures are an effective means of ensuring public health and limiting ever growing healthcare expenditure; |
| --- | --- |

26.

notes that health promotion and preventive measures are an effective means of ensuring public health and limiting ever growing healthcare expenditure;

| 27. | is convinced that good health should be promoted at all stages of life, with a view to putting in place the conditions for economic autonomy, so that people can achieve physical, mental and social wellbeing at every age; |
| --- | --- |

27.

is convinced that good health should be promoted at all stages of life, with a view to putting in place the conditions for economic autonomy, so that people can achieve physical, mental and social wellbeing at every age;

| 28. | supports health promotion and preventive measures on many levels, in all areas of social and economic life; |
| --- | --- |

28.

supports health promotion and preventive measures on many levels, in all areas of social and economic life;

| 29. | feels that it is necessary to promote initiatives to increase physical activity and exercise both of children and adults; |
| --- | --- |

29.

feels that it is necessary to promote initiatives to increase physical activity and exercise both of children and adults;

| 30. | calls on local authorities to support, promote and publicise organisations which bring together people of various ages, whose activities are focussed on cooperation among different generations, exchange of knowledge and experiences; |
| --- | --- |

30.

calls on local authorities to support, promote and publicise organisations which bring together people of various ages, whose activities are focussed on cooperation among different generations, exchange of knowledge and experiences;

| 31. | stresses the importance of supporting the education of children and young people in the following areas:






  — | healthy nutrition (planting vegetable gardens by nursery schools and schools, learning to prepare meals with an eye to quality); |
| --- | --- | --- |

31.

stresses the importance of supporting the education of children and young people in the following areas:

—

healthy nutrition (planting vegetable gardens by nursery schools and schools, learning to prepare meals with an eye to quality);

| — | physical activity (trekking and cycling, sports days, inter-school competitions, competitions within the framework of cross-border cooperation, school sports clubs, school tourism associations); |
| --- | --- |

—

physical activity (trekking and cycling, sports days, inter-school competitions, competitions within the framework of cross-border cooperation, school sports clubs, school tourism associations);

| — | environmental and health education (learning about nature in the field, environmental protection programme, green schools, promoting cycling, rollerskating and swimming among children); |
| --- | --- |

—

environmental and health education (learning about nature in the field, environmental protection programme, green schools, promoting cycling, rollerskating and swimming among children);

| 32. | supports ‘healthy nutrition’ initiatives for children. In institutions that provide food for children (schools, nursery schools, institutions looking after children from disadvantaged, problem families) it is essential to place emphasis on using unmodified foods, cultivated in an environmentally-friendly manner and processed in such a way that no valuable ingredients are lost; |
| --- | --- |

32.

supports ‘healthy nutrition’ initiatives for children. In institutions that provide food for children (schools, nursery schools, institutions looking after children from disadvantaged, problem families) it is essential to place emphasis on using unmodified foods, cultivated in an environmentally-friendly manner and processed in such a way that no valuable ingredients are lost;

| 33. | believes that it is important to step up efforts to promote good health among adults. This should include both physical health, by promoting sports clubs, exercise classes for the over-50s, as well as activities designed to reduce alienation from society, facilitating the establishment of contacts, developing habits of actively spending time in a group, regardless of the level of physical fitness. The ageing population and social changes are giving rise to a situation whereby adults are frequently becoming alienated from the group to which they had previously belonged (loss of work, divorce, death of a spouse). Loneliness and a lack of opportunities to actively spend time in a group can have negative consequences and may perhaps lead to depression, a phenomenon known as ‘escaping into illness’; |
| --- | --- |

33.

believes that it is important to step up efforts to promote good health among adults. This should include both physical health, by promoting sports clubs, exercise classes for the over-50s, as well as activities designed to reduce alienation from society, facilitating the establishment of contacts, developing habits of actively spending time in a group, regardless of the level of physical fitness. The ageing population and social changes are giving rise to a situation whereby adults are frequently becoming alienated from the group to which they had previously belonged (loss of work, divorce, death of a spouse). Loneliness and a lack of opportunities to actively spend time in a group can have negative consequences and may perhaps lead to depression, a phenomenon known as ‘escaping into illness’;

| 34. | believes that it might be a good idea for adults aged 40, 50 and 60+ to have a health review, with an emphasis on health education: maintaining the right body mass at each age, ensuring that the cardiovascular system and eyesight are in good condition, having a diet that is qualitatively and quantitatively appropriate for one's age, getting rid of bad habits, based upon existing scientific evidence. In particular, consideration should be given here to the other specific health risks for women relating to the cardiovascular system and heart attacks; |
| --- | --- |

34.

believes that it might be a good idea for adults aged 40, 50 and 60+ to have a health review, with an emphasis on health education: maintaining the right body mass at each age, ensuring that the cardiovascular system and eyesight are in good condition, having a diet that is qualitatively and quantitatively appropriate for one's age, getting rid of bad habits, based upon existing scientific evidence. In particular, consideration should be given here to the other specific health risks for women relating to the cardiovascular system and heart attacks;

| 35. | stresses that given the fact that, in most instances, preventive health policies and policies promoting a healthy way of life are still the most effective measures, it is local and regional authorities which must play a key role in policies, since they are closest to the public and specific grassroots concerns. The close contact between local and regional authorities and stakeholders on the ground (officials, workers, health institutions, trade unions, employee representatives, health insurance companies, schools carrying out health education campaigns) means that they have to be taken into account when these measures are implemented; |
| --- | --- |

35.

stresses that given the fact that, in most instances, preventive health policies and policies promoting a healthy way of life are still the most effective measures, it is local and regional authorities which must play a key role in policies, since they are closest to the public and specific grassroots concerns. The close contact between local and regional authorities and stakeholders on the ground (officials, workers, health institutions, trade unions, employee representatives, health insurance companies, schools carrying out health education campaigns) means that they have to be taken into account when these measures are implemented;

| 36. | notes that it is vital for LRAs to be closely involved in the planning and development of preventive activities over the coming years and for them to be given the necessary resources to implement them; |
| --- | --- |

36.

notes that it is vital for LRAs to be closely involved in the planning and development of preventive activities over the coming years and for them to be given the necessary resources to implement them;

| 37. | feels that they should also be provided with resources to build networks that will allow them to exchange experiences in this area and to deal with other problems occurring in EU regions; |
| --- | --- |

37.

feels that they should also be provided with resources to build networks that will allow them to exchange experiences in this area and to deal with other problems occurring in EU regions;

Levelling out differences in the standard of healthcare to promote European territorial cohesion against the background of the Europe 2020 strategy

| 38. | feels that in rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border, mountain and poor regions, there must be efforts to ensure in particular that people have comparable access to healthcare and factors promoting good health at every age; |
| --- | --- |

38.

feels that in rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border, mountain and poor regions, there must be efforts to ensure in particular that people have comparable access to healthcare and factors promoting good health at every age;

| 39. | recommends that greater use be made of available indicators with a view to improving the health of everyone, particularly those with below average quality life expectancy and levelling out inequalities in regions; |
| --- | --- |

39.

recommends that greater use be made of available indicators with a view to improving the health of everyone, particularly those with below average quality life expectancy and levelling out inequalities in regions;

| 40. | stresses the importance of ensuring the systematic collection of the data needed to identify, analyse and monitor health indicators for the people of Europe, as a basis for conclusions, proposals and recommendations in the fields of healthcare, health promotion and countering possible health threats, establishing a minimum dataset to be shared and exchanged at the European, national, regional and local levels, which would make it possible to draw up this number of indicators; |
| --- | --- |

40.

stresses the importance of ensuring the systematic collection of the data needed to identify, analyse and monitor health indicators for the people of Europe, as a basis for conclusions, proposals and recommendations in the fields of healthcare, health promotion and countering possible health threats, establishing a minimum dataset to be shared and exchanged at the European, national, regional and local levels, which would make it possible to draw up this number of indicators;

| 41. | is convinced that it would be a good idea to draw up and to seek to even out the differences between the indicators for employment of medical and auxiliary staff, especially in those countries which have yet to work on the basis of such indicators. It is desirable that regional authorities be involved in these measures; |
| --- | --- |

41.

is convinced that it would be a good idea to draw up and to seek to even out the differences between the indicators for employment of medical and auxiliary staff, especially in those countries which have yet to work on the basis of such indicators. It is desirable that regional authorities be involved in these measures;

| 42. | recommends monitoring the employment and migration rates of healthcare staff so as to ensure optimal levels of healthcare across all of the EU's regions and that data is available to allow consideration to be given to compensating those areas that invest in training without obtaining a return on that investment; |
| --- | --- |

42.

recommends monitoring the employment and migration rates of healthcare staff so as to ensure optimal levels of healthcare across all of the EU's regions and that data is available to allow consideration to be given to compensating those areas that invest in training without obtaining a return on that investment;

| 43. | supports measures to draw up standards of good practice and to exchange ‘good practices’ in similar regions; |
| --- | --- |

43.

supports measures to draw up standards of good practice and to exchange ‘good practices’ in similar regions;

| 44. | calls for analysis to be carried out to take account of the economic impact of projects at regional level and to establish the return on investments in health projects. The goal here is to conduct an ex-post assessment of political strategies that have been implemented. It should be made clear what tools can be used to perform this analysis, not only ex-post but ex-ante or with a view to prevention, such as the Health Impact Assessment (HIA), for example; |
| --- | --- |

44.

calls for analysis to be carried out to take account of the economic impact of projects at regional level and to establish the return on investments in health projects. The goal here is to conduct an ex-post assessment of political strategies that have been implemented. It should be made clear what tools can be used to perform this analysis, not only ex-post but ex-ante or with a view to prevention, such as the Health Impact Assessment (HIA), for example;

| 45. | calls for health indicators and objectives to be included in the Europe 2020 strategy with a view to achieving intelligent and balanced development that can help combat social exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

45.

calls for health indicators and objectives to be included in the Europe 2020 strategy with a view to achieving intelligent and balanced development that can help combat social exclusion;

| 46. | urges the Commission to draw up appropriate health indicators and calls for regional conditions to be fully taken into account; |
| --- | --- |

46.

urges the Commission to draw up appropriate health indicators and calls for regional conditions to be fully taken into account;

| 47. | calls on the Commission to further support projects concerning regional indicators, such as I2SARE, and to ensure that, once indicators have been established and their usefulness demonstrated, structures for collecting and analysing data continue the work linked with these projects. In addition, all of this work should be publicised as much as possible in order to enable regions to exchange experiences and best practices; |
| --- | --- |

47.

calls on the Commission to further support projects concerning regional indicators, such as I2SARE, and to ensure that, once indicators have been established and their usefulness demonstrated, structures for collecting and analysing data continue the work linked with these projects. In addition, all of this work should be publicised as much as possible in order to enable regions to exchange experiences and best practices;

The ‘Health in All Policies’ principle at all levels of governance

| 48. | believes that in order for the ‘Health in all policies’ principle to be applied there must be better coordination among individual Commission DGs and DG SANCO should be equipped with the tools to monitor whether all DGs adhere to this principle; |
| --- | --- |

48.

believes that in order for the ‘Health in all policies’ principle to be applied there must be better coordination among individual Commission DGs and DG SANCO should be equipped with the tools to monitor whether all DGs adhere to this principle;

| 49. | stresses that all the players in the decision-making process must make respect for this principle a sine qua non for all their activities so that this aspiration becomes a reality; |
| --- | --- |

49.

stresses that all the players in the decision-making process must make respect for this principle a sine qua non for all their activities so that this aspiration becomes a reality;

| 50. | stresses that the ‘Health in all policies’ principle is universal and that in order for it to become a reality at local and regional level as well, all sub-state actors also need to make a strong commitment to it; |
| --- | --- |

50.

stresses that the ‘Health in all policies’ principle is universal and that in order for it to become a reality at local and regional level as well, all sub-state actors also need to make a strong commitment to it;

Healthcare systems in the face of new challenges

| 51. | recommends that the European Commission furnish a study evaluating the use of new ICT solutions to help healthcare services adapt to the future, particularly in view of the challenge presented by population ageing and chronic illnesses; stresses that health-care services are necessary from the users’ point of view. Specialised advisory structures and local public disease prevention facilities should be geared to local circumstances, and in particular tied in with care for the elderly. Here, local authority competences for providing health care for older people should be consolidated; |
| --- | --- |

51.

recommends that the European Commission furnish a study evaluating the use of new ICT solutions to help healthcare services adapt to the future, particularly in view of the challenge presented by population ageing and chronic illnesses; stresses that health-care services are necessary from the users’ point of view. Specialised advisory structures and local public disease prevention facilities should be geared to local circumstances, and in particular tied in with care for the elderly. Here, local authority competences for providing health care for older people should be consolidated;

| 52. | supports initiatives to introduce new technologies, for example health cards, providing access to a patient's electronic medical records or a basic package of information about the patient or other solutions which would facilitate the use of healthcare services in life-saving situations, for the weak, the elderly, the mentally ill, those with low levels of education, including those having problems with communication due to a language barrier, as well as the receipt of full medical care in a country other than the one in which they are insured or the right to healthcare under a national health system. The electronic system, which must be secure, would serve to exchange information among healthcare staff and facilitate immediate access to the patient's clinical history, information about chronic illnesses, recommended further treatment, which is invaluable for today's world of increasing patient mobility and the right to access cross-border care; |
| --- | --- |

52.

supports initiatives to introduce new technologies, for example health cards, providing access to a patient's electronic medical records or a basic package of information about the patient or other solutions which would facilitate the use of healthcare services in life-saving situations, for the weak, the elderly, the mentally ill, those with low levels of education, including those having problems with communication due to a language barrier, as well as the receipt of full medical care in a country other than the one in which they are insured or the right to healthcare under a national health system. The electronic system, which must be secure, would serve to exchange information among healthcare staff and facilitate immediate access to the patient's clinical history, information about chronic illnesses, recommended further treatment, which is invaluable for today's world of increasing patient mobility and the right to access cross-border care;

| 53. | stresses the need to support local and regional authorities, to enable them to maintain healthcare systems and respond effectively to the problems being experienced by regions with low population density or highly dispersed communities and tourist destinations with a fluctuating population; |
| --- | --- |

53.

stresses the need to support local and regional authorities, to enable them to maintain healthcare systems and respond effectively to the problems being experienced by regions with low population density or highly dispersed communities and tourist destinations with a fluctuating population;

| 54. | underlines the need to work closely with the international organisations, in particular the World Health Organization (WHO) on this issue; |
| --- | --- |

54.

underlines the need to work closely with the international organisations, in particular the World Health Organization (WHO) on this issue;

| 55. | stresses the need for all stakeholders in Member State healthcare systems to be involved in drawing up their development and operation plans (opinions of associations, regions, bodies formulating the health policy of EU countries, bodies training medical staff); |
| --- | --- |

55.

stresses the need for all stakeholders in Member State healthcare systems to be involved in drawing up their development and operation plans (opinions of associations, regions, bodies formulating the health policy of EU countries, bodies training medical staff);

| 56. | requests that the Committee of the Regions participate in the ad hoc working groups to promote the exchange of good practice; |
| --- | --- |

56.

requests that the Committee of the Regions participate in the ad hoc working groups to promote the exchange of good practice;

| 57. | stresses that the Committee of the Regions supports the consensus reached recently at the Council regarding the Proposal for a Directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, on the provisions relating to the country of origin and charging of treatment costs; |
| --- | --- |

57.

stresses that the Committee of the Regions supports the consensus reached recently at the Council regarding the Proposal for a Directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, on the provisions relating to the country of origin and charging of treatment costs;

| 58. | proposes that the European Parliament considers abandoning, in particular, its calls for the introduction of a voucher system, i.e. the obligation of the hospital to charge the foreign healthcare insurer directly for treatment costs, and for a reduction of the Council's prior approval criteria for planned hospital treatment in another EU Member State; |
| --- | --- |

58.

proposes that the European Parliament considers abandoning, in particular, its calls for the introduction of a voucher system, i.e. the obligation of the hospital to charge the foreign healthcare insurer directly for treatment costs, and for a reduction of the Council's prior approval criteria for planned hospital treatment in another EU Member State;

The need for local and regional authorities to play an effective role in the strategy's implementation mechanisms

| 59. | requests that the Committee of the Regions be systematically invited to sit in on the work of the Working Party on Public Health at Senior Level; |
| --- | --- |

59.

requests that the Committee of the Regions be systematically invited to sit in on the work of the Working Party on Public Health at Senior Level;

| 60. | requests that, when the Working Party on Public Health addresses issues within the remit of the regions or local authorities in Member States, a representative thereof be invited to take part in discussions; |
| --- | --- |

60.

requests that, when the Working Party on Public Health addresses issues within the remit of the regions or local authorities in Member States, a representative thereof be invited to take part in discussions;

| 61. | calls for the Committee of the Regions to be involved in the work of certain subject-based working groups set up at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

61.

calls for the Committee of the Regions to be involved in the work of certain subject-based working groups set up at EU level;

| 62. | welcomes the initiative by DG SANCO to set up common projects with the Committee of the Regions with a view to involving local and regional authorities in the implementation of the strategy; |
| --- | --- |

62.

welcomes the initiative by DG SANCO to set up common projects with the Committee of the Regions with a view to involving local and regional authorities in the implementation of the strategy;

| 63. | points out that the Committee of the Regions’ technical platform for cooperation on health should enable local and regional authorities to take the European health strategy on board more effectively and to facilitate its implementation through the exchange of good practices, in particular, and that it constitutes a step in the right direction. |
| --- | --- |

63.

points out that the Committee of the Regions’ technical platform for cooperation on health should enable local and regional authorities to take the European health strategy on board more effectively and to facilitate its implementation through the exchange of good practices, in particular, and that it constitutes a step in the right direction.

Brussels, 2 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

---

| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/43 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/43

---

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘Cohesion policy: Strategic Report 2010 on the implementation of the programmes 2007-2013’

2011/C 42/09

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | regrets that because of the complexity of the funding mechanism, European projects are driven more and more by compliance with administrative procedures rather than development strategy; |
| --- | --- |

—

regrets that because of the complexity of the funding mechanism, European projects are driven more and more by compliance with administrative procedures rather than development strategy;

| — | stresses that fragmentation of EU funding is a barrier to the effective implementation of projects and is hampering the focus on common priorities for development; |
| --- | --- |

—

stresses that fragmentation of EU funding is a barrier to the effective implementation of projects and is hampering the focus on common priorities for development;

| — | calls for a smart approach with a view to future modifications and amendments to the structural fund (SF) regulations because frequent changes generate administrative burdens and delays in implementation; |
| --- | --- |

—

calls for a smart approach with a view to future modifications and amendments to the structural fund (SF) regulations because frequent changes generate administrative burdens and delays in implementation;

| — | is convinced that the close involvement of LRAs in the operational programmes design paves the way for less unrealistic projects and generates projects that respond better to territorial needs and guarantee swift take-up of funds; |
| --- | --- |

—

is convinced that the close involvement of LRAs in the operational programmes design paves the way for less unrealistic projects and generates projects that respond better to territorial needs and guarantee swift take-up of funds;

| — | regrets that concrete evidence about the performance and effectiveness of cohesion policy is missing from the available studies, analysis and reports, due mainly to the focus on the degree of fund implementation and the implementation of the programmes rather than on the actual outcomes of projects and their role in regional development; |
| --- | --- |

—

regrets that concrete evidence about the performance and effectiveness of cohesion policy is missing from the available studies, analysis and reports, due mainly to the focus on the degree of fund implementation and the implementation of the programmes rather than on the actual outcomes of projects and their role in regional development;

| — | believes that, in order to have a clearer picture of the achievements of the policy and the structural changes generated, a reporting methodology must be agreed that focuses primarily on the results and secondly on the take-up of funds. |
| --- | --- |

—

believes that, in order to have a clearer picture of the achievements of the policy and the structural changes generated, a reporting methodology must be agreed that focuses primarily on the results and secondly on the take-up of funds.

| Rapporteur | : | Constantin Ostaficiuc (RO/EPP), President of Timiș County Council |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference document | : | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Cohesion policy: Strategic Report 2010 on the implementation of the programmes 2007-2013
  COM(2010) 110 final |

Rapporteur

:

Constantin Ostaficiuc (RO/EPP), President of Timiș County Council

Reference document

:

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Cohesion policy: Strategic Report 2010 on the implementation of the programmes 2007-2013

COM(2010) 110 final

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS,

| 1. | welcomes the strategic reporting exercise introduced by the general regulation aiming to provide early evidence on outputs and results for the implementation of the cohesion policy 2007-2013. The strategic report will put more weight on the need to maximise the effects of EU cohesion policy measures at local, regional and national levels; |
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1.

welcomes the strategic reporting exercise introduced by the general regulation aiming to provide early evidence on outputs and results for the implementation of the cohesion policy 2007-2013. The strategic report will put more weight on the need to maximise the effects of EU cohesion policy measures at local, regional and national levels;

| 2. | regrets that because of the complexity of the funding mechanism, European projects are driven more and more by compliance with administrative procedures rather than development strategy. This is considered one of the major barriers to efficient, speedy and effective delivery of the operational programmes (OP). Project developers lose sight of the core objectives, content and outputs of their projects and focus mainly on compliance with the regulations and financial control requirements; |
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2.

regrets that because of the complexity of the funding mechanism, European projects are driven more and more by compliance with administrative procedures rather than development strategy. This is considered one of the major barriers to efficient, speedy and effective delivery of the operational programmes (OP). Project developers lose sight of the core objectives, content and outputs of their projects and focus mainly on compliance with the regulations and financial control requirements;

| 3. | recalls that, unlike sectoral policies of the EU, cohesion policy takes account of the economic, social, cultural and administrative characteristics of each territory and is meant to adapt the EU's intervention to these territorial specificities. For that reason, the EU must in its future policy reforms avoid any forms of standardisation that could hamper sustainable territorial development that is taking into account the needs of all territories concerned; |
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3.

recalls that, unlike sectoral policies of the EU, cohesion policy takes account of the economic, social, cultural and administrative characteristics of each territory and is meant to adapt the EU's intervention to these territorial specificities. For that reason, the EU must in its future policy reforms avoid any forms of standardisation that could hamper sustainable territorial development that is taking into account the needs of all territories concerned;

| 4. | stresses that fragmentation of EU funding is a barrier to the effective implementation of projects and is hampering the focus on common priorities for development. This issue must be addressed seriously at all levels in the future debates about reform of cohesion policy and the EU budget review, in the forthcoming programming exercise; |
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4.

stresses that fragmentation of EU funding is a barrier to the effective implementation of projects and is hampering the focus on common priorities for development. This issue must be addressed seriously at all levels in the future debates about reform of cohesion policy and the EU budget review, in the forthcoming programming exercise;

| 5. | recommends to the European Commission to seek to avoid an overly strict application of prescriptive strategies that might not respond to local needs, specificities and development opportunities, and to try to work in partnership with LRAs; |
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5.

recommends to the European Commission to seek to avoid an overly strict application of prescriptive strategies that might not respond to local needs, specificities and development opportunities, and to try to work in partnership with LRAs;

| 6. | believes that the adaptation of the policy to financial and economic shocks needs to be addressed in the future regulations in order to increase the EU capacity to intervene, to adapt the interventions to new economic and social contexts and to speed up project implementation; |
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6.

believes that the adaptation of the policy to financial and economic shocks needs to be addressed in the future regulations in order to increase the EU capacity to intervene, to adapt the interventions to new economic and social contexts and to speed up project implementation;

| 7. | calls for a smart approach with a view to future modifications and amendments to the structural fund (SF) regulations because frequent changes generate administrative burdens and delays in implementation. The practice of laying down rules and standards with retroactive effect complicates the implementation and must be avoided in the future. The EC should try to better anticipate the effect of regulations, in order to make them more consistent and easy to apply; |
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7.

calls for a smart approach with a view to future modifications and amendments to the structural fund (SF) regulations because frequent changes generate administrative burdens and delays in implementation. The practice of laying down rules and standards with retroactive effect complicates the implementation and must be avoided in the future. The EC should try to better anticipate the effect of regulations, in order to make them more consistent and easy to apply;

| 8. | is convinced that there is a direct relationship between the following three elements: (1) participation of LRAs, (2) take-up of funds and (3) successful implementation of cohesion policy objectives in the programming as well as project phases. The close involvement of LRAs in the operational programmes design paves the way for less unrealistic projects and – on the contrary – generates projects that respond better to territorial needs and guarantee swift take-up of funds; |
| --- | --- |

8.

is convinced that there is a direct relationship between the following three elements: (1) participation of LRAs, (2) take-up of funds and (3) successful implementation of cohesion policy objectives in the programming as well as project phases. The close involvement of LRAs in the operational programmes design paves the way for less unrealistic projects and – on the contrary – generates projects that respond better to territorial needs and guarantee swift take-up of funds;

| 9. | strongly believes that LRAs must be encouraged to modernise and innovate in order to improve the delivery mechanism and calls for strengthening of the sub-national government level through capacity building and decentralisation of cohesion policy; |
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9.

strongly believes that LRAs must be encouraged to modernise and innovate in order to improve the delivery mechanism and calls for strengthening of the sub-national government level through capacity building and decentralisation of cohesion policy;

A more strategic reporting exercise

| 10. | underlines the important role played by cohesion policy in the development of regions and local communities and in increasing their adaptation capacity in a globalised economy. However, it regrets that concrete evidence about the performance and effectiveness of cohesion policy is missing from the available studies, analysis and reports, due mainly to the focus on the degree of fund implementation and the implementation of the programmes rather than on the actual outcomes of projects and their role in regional development; |
| --- | --- |

10.

underlines the important role played by cohesion policy in the development of regions and local communities and in increasing their adaptation capacity in a globalised economy. However, it regrets that concrete evidence about the performance and effectiveness of cohesion policy is missing from the available studies, analysis and reports, due mainly to the focus on the degree of fund implementation and the implementation of the programmes rather than on the actual outcomes of projects and their role in regional development;

| 11. | considers that the recommendations from strategic reports constitute valuable input to be used in the preparation of future European and national strategic reference frameworks, in order to avoid repeating past mistakes. In this respect, more focus must be put on qualitative evaluation of the policy, especially for big projects, rather than interpretation of statistical data. The true value of cohesion policy must be measured by its results and the leverage effect generated at national and sub national level (1); |
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11.

considers that the recommendations from strategic reports constitute valuable input to be used in the preparation of future European and national strategic reference frameworks, in order to avoid repeating past mistakes. In this respect, more focus must be put on qualitative evaluation of the policy, especially for big projects, rather than interpretation of statistical data. The true value of cohesion policy must be measured by its results and the leverage effect generated at national and sub national level (1);

| 12. | thinks that European and national reports should explain in a more structured way the reasons for the failure to achieve the intermediate targets, indicating both internal and external factors; |
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12.

thinks that European and national reports should explain in a more structured way the reasons for the failure to achieve the intermediate targets, indicating both internal and external factors;

| 13. | believes that, in order to have a clearer picture of the achievements of the policy and the structural changes generated, a reporting methodology must be agreed that focuses primarily on the results and secondly on the take-up of funds. The reference point for the evaluation should be the short-, medium- and long-term results and the leverage effect of the policy. Outputs and outcomes expressed in both quantitative and qualitative terms will make the reports more strategically oriented; |
| --- | --- |

13.

believes that, in order to have a clearer picture of the achievements of the policy and the structural changes generated, a reporting methodology must be agreed that focuses primarily on the results and secondly on the take-up of funds. The reference point for the evaluation should be the short-, medium- and long-term results and the leverage effect of the policy. Outputs and outcomes expressed in both quantitative and qualitative terms will make the reports more strategically oriented;

| 14. | considers that changes in the macro-economic situation and the consequent changes in the operational programmes should be explained in the strategic reports, in order to better justify the relevance of the reports to the new economic, financial, social or environmental contexts; |
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14.

considers that changes in the macro-economic situation and the consequent changes in the operational programmes should be explained in the strategic reports, in order to better justify the relevance of the reports to the new economic, financial, social or environmental contexts;

| 15. | considers that the figures presented in the EC report confirm the slow implementation of the programmes in key EU policy priority areas such as the rail sector, energy, environment, digital economy, social inclusion, governance and capacity building. This calls for an in-depth analysis of the reasons for poor performance in these areas, with corrective measures to be taken in order to improve the situation. Where the situation is generated by changes in the priorities due to economic and social market conditions, reallocation should be allowed in order to respond to more acute territorial needs; |
| --- | --- |

15.

considers that the figures presented in the EC report confirm the slow implementation of the programmes in key EU policy priority areas such as the rail sector, energy, environment, digital economy, social inclusion, governance and capacity building. This calls for an in-depth analysis of the reasons for poor performance in these areas, with corrective measures to be taken in order to improve the situation. Where the situation is generated by changes in the priorities due to economic and social market conditions, reallocation should be allowed in order to respond to more acute territorial needs;

| 16. | considers that strategic reports must focus more precisely on issues that have caused investments to be withheld and seek to collect feedback from national, regional and local authorities on the delivery of operational programmes; |
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16.

considers that strategic reports must focus more precisely on issues that have caused investments to be withheld and seek to collect feedback from national, regional and local authorities on the delivery of operational programmes;

| 17. | considers local and regional authorities to be natural partners for the Member States (MS) and the EC in the strategic reporting exercise, because they are the level closest to the citizens and local businesses that know the realities on the ground. They can provide valuable solutions for improvement in the delivery of the policy and contribute to the focus on outputs, results and strategic developments. Building on the reporting experience and results, debates could be open between LRA and the MA (Managing Authorities) to analyse the obstacles faced and to indentify appropriate measures to be taken in view of improving performance; |
| --- | --- |

17.

considers local and regional authorities to be natural partners for the Member States (MS) and the EC in the strategic reporting exercise, because they are the level closest to the citizens and local businesses that know the realities on the ground. They can provide valuable solutions for improvement in the delivery of the policy and contribute to the focus on outputs, results and strategic developments. Building on the reporting experience and results, debates could be open between LRA and the MA (Managing Authorities) to analyse the obstacles faced and to indentify appropriate measures to be taken in view of improving performance;

| 18. | considers that national, regional and local authorities should be able to ask for and receive support from the European Commission services when encountering difficulties in organising the management, control and audit systems. A better understanding of the problems faced by the national, regional and local authorities when setting up these mandatory systems can contribute to the continuous improvement of the cohesion policy implementation process; |
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18.

considers that national, regional and local authorities should be able to ask for and receive support from the European Commission services when encountering difficulties in organising the management, control and audit systems. A better understanding of the problems faced by the national, regional and local authorities when setting up these mandatory systems can contribute to the continuous improvement of the cohesion policy implementation process;

| 19. | considers that more good practices identified in the reports should be shared among local and regional authorities. The spread of best practices must not be limited to internet platforms and conferences; other, more effective, methods should be encouraged as well, for instance peer reviews, staff exchanges and study tours; |
| --- | --- |

19.

considers that more good practices identified in the reports should be shared among local and regional authorities. The spread of best practices must not be limited to internet platforms and conferences; other, more effective, methods should be encouraged as well, for instance peer reviews, staff exchanges and study tours;

Future regulations post 2013

| 20. | calls on the Member States and the Commission to take into consideration the vertical and horizontal approach in the future strategic reporting exercises, thereby paying more attention to territorial changes and achievement of the territorial cohesion objective. The 2010 report concentrates on analysis of the achievements in different sectors and it does not look into the territorial aspects and the structural changes at the level of functional areas; |
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20.

calls on the Member States and the Commission to take into consideration the vertical and horizontal approach in the future strategic reporting exercises, thereby paying more attention to territorial changes and achievement of the territorial cohesion objective. The 2010 report concentrates on analysis of the achievements in different sectors and it does not look into the territorial aspects and the structural changes at the level of functional areas;

| 21. | believes that, with a view to future programming and in order to stimulate policy learning, the European Commission should start a debate with local and regional authorities and stakeholders about delegation, subsidiarity, simplification, eligibility and new evaluation indicators, possibly via web-based interactive communication tools; |
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21.

believes that, with a view to future programming and in order to stimulate policy learning, the European Commission should start a debate with local and regional authorities and stakeholders about delegation, subsidiarity, simplification, eligibility and new evaluation indicators, possibly via web-based interactive communication tools;

| 22. | considers that the European Commission should look for better synergies between the strategic reports and other types of report, namely the progress reports on economic, social and territorial cohesion and the reports on the implementation of the national reform programmes about the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy. The strategic reports should capture the overall impact and performance of the policy in the medium to long term. It must be strategy oriented, in order to assess the value added and the scope of the programmes across the EU and their compatibility with other EU strategies and also with national strategies and programmes; |
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22.

considers that the European Commission should look for better synergies between the strategic reports and other types of report, namely the progress reports on economic, social and territorial cohesion and the reports on the implementation of the national reform programmes about the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy. The strategic reports should capture the overall impact and performance of the policy in the medium to long term. It must be strategy oriented, in order to assess the value added and the scope of the programmes across the EU and their compatibility with other EU strategies and also with national strategies and programmes;

| 23. | considers that the reporting exercise should not be limited to a seven year programming period; it must be a continuous and dynamic exercise, to allow an in-depth assessment of the long-term results of the policy and consequent improvements of the economic, social and environmental situation at territorial level. Strategic reporting should be an incentive to improve, it should contain feasible recommendations that help amelioration and avoid further bureaucratic efforts; |
| --- | --- |

23.

considers that the reporting exercise should not be limited to a seven year programming period; it must be a continuous and dynamic exercise, to allow an in-depth assessment of the long-term results of the policy and consequent improvements of the economic, social and environmental situation at territorial level. Strategic reporting should be an incentive to improve, it should contain feasible recommendations that help amelioration and avoid further bureaucratic efforts;

| 24. | recommends the application of the SISA principle (Single Information Single Audit), a concrete solution to reduce the administrative burden for both businesses and governments (2); |
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24.

recommends the application of the SISA principle (Single Information Single Audit), a concrete solution to reduce the administrative burden for both businesses and governments (2);

| 25. | strongly recommends that Member States and the Commission involve local and regional authorities during negotiations on the operational programmes and create the conditions for effective implementation of the partnership principle. The dialogue with local authorities at national and European level must be reinforced in the future negotiations on the multi-annual programmes from 2014 onwards. Greater attention needs to be paid to the distribution of tasks, administrative capacity and existing barriers in the implementation of funds at national, regional and local level, avoiding the centralisation of tasks at national level. Arguments that local and regional institutional expertise is rather weak should not be considered as sustainable arguments and should not be obstacles to the decentralisation of cohesion policy; |
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25.

strongly recommends that Member States and the Commission involve local and regional authorities during negotiations on the operational programmes and create the conditions for effective implementation of the partnership principle. The dialogue with local authorities at national and European level must be reinforced in the future negotiations on the multi-annual programmes from 2014 onwards. Greater attention needs to be paid to the distribution of tasks, administrative capacity and existing barriers in the implementation of funds at national, regional and local level, avoiding the centralisation of tasks at national level. Arguments that local and regional institutional expertise is rather weak should not be considered as sustainable arguments and should not be obstacles to the decentralisation of cohesion policy;

| 26. | believes that tripartite agreements between regions, national authorities and the EC can be a possible solution, in this way increasing the political responsibility and ownership of the policy; |
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26.

believes that tripartite agreements between regions, national authorities and the EC can be a possible solution, in this way increasing the political responsibility and ownership of the policy;

| 27. | recommends the application of outcome-based mechanisms in the delivery of cohesion policy and agreed indicators for the evaluation and performance measurement, thereby attaining mutual accountability for the policy; |
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27.

recommends the application of outcome-based mechanisms in the delivery of cohesion policy and agreed indicators for the evaluation and performance measurement, thereby attaining mutual accountability for the policy;

| 28. | calls for a streamlining of programming, monitoring and evaluation of cohesion policy with a view to improving the advisory role of the European Commission and decreasing the administrative burden related, in particular, to control and audit. The European Commission services should be a source of expertise in the field of sectoral and territorial development and this should be made available on a coherent basis to Member States, regions and local authorities during all the programming cycle: preparation, negotiation and implementation; |
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28.

calls for a streamlining of programming, monitoring and evaluation of cohesion policy with a view to improving the advisory role of the European Commission and decreasing the administrative burden related, in particular, to control and audit. The European Commission services should be a source of expertise in the field of sectoral and territorial development and this should be made available on a coherent basis to Member States, regions and local authorities during all the programming cycle: preparation, negotiation and implementation;

| 29. | recommends that commitment of match funding by the national, regional and local authorities for major strategic projects starts in the early stages of the acceptance of the OPs; it could even be envisaged as part of the approval of the Ops; |
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29.

recommends that commitment of match funding by the national, regional and local authorities for major strategic projects starts in the early stages of the acceptance of the OPs; it could even be envisaged as part of the approval of the Ops;

| 30. | urges the European Commission to define the requirements for the control systems and audit trail more clearly and in this respect to cooperate more closely with the managing authorities, especially while the conditions of the operational programmes are being determined; |
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30.

urges the European Commission to define the requirements for the control systems and audit trail more clearly and in this respect to cooperate more closely with the managing authorities, especially while the conditions of the operational programmes are being determined;

| 31. | notes that the N+2 rule is particularly problematic for the first year of the programming period, given the late approval of the OPs, launching of calls for projects, evaluation etc., and asks for application of the N+3 rule to all EU 27 Member States in the first half of the programming period; |
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31.

notes that the N+2 rule is particularly problematic for the first year of the programming period, given the late approval of the OPs, launching of calls for projects, evaluation etc., and asks for application of the N+3 rule to all EU 27 Member States in the first half of the programming period;

| 32. | calls for stronger support for the development and management of the projects where administrative and technical capacity is weak from the technical assistance OPs. Furthermore, instruments that focus on supporting the preparation of large scale projects like JASPERS, ELENA or any other existing similar mechanisms are welcomed; |
| --- | --- |

32.

calls for stronger support for the development and management of the projects where administrative and technical capacity is weak from the technical assistance OPs. Furthermore, instruments that focus on supporting the preparation of large scale projects like JASPERS, ELENA or any other existing similar mechanisms are welcomed;

| 33. | believes that the structural funds should become fully integrated instruments for EU intervention in the territories, helping to underpin the sector specific policies. European Social Fund interventions should remain part of the cohesion policy. Furthermore, the rural development fund should be better coordinated with the other structural instruments in order to avoid problems (e.g. uncoordinated investments timetables, demarcation, different requirements for funding) and to promote an integrated territorial development; |
| --- | --- |

33.

believes that the structural funds should become fully integrated instruments for EU intervention in the territories, helping to underpin the sector specific policies. European Social Fund interventions should remain part of the cohesion policy. Furthermore, the rural development fund should be better coordinated with the other structural instruments in order to avoid problems (e.g. uncoordinated investments timetables, demarcation, different requirements for funding) and to promote an integrated territorial development;

Simplification

| 34. | encourages Member States and the European Commission to assess the results achieved through the simplification measures adopted in 2008 and 2009 and implemented by the Member States, in particular with a view to cost and effort proportion of the measures. Further measures that could contribute substantially to the overall goal of reducing the administrative burdens of cohesion policy at all levels are still needed; |
| --- | --- |

34.

encourages Member States and the European Commission to assess the results achieved through the simplification measures adopted in 2008 and 2009 and implemented by the Member States, in particular with a view to cost and effort proportion of the measures. Further measures that could contribute substantially to the overall goal of reducing the administrative burdens of cohesion policy at all levels are still needed;

| 35. | calls for application of the proportionality principle so that a better balance can be found between audit and control activities. Well-designed rules and legislations that are clear and simple to interpret and apply can significantly reduce the risk of errors and can be more effective than measures such as increasing the number of controls and audits; |
| --- | --- |

35.

calls for application of the proportionality principle so that a better balance can be found between audit and control activities. Well-designed rules and legislations that are clear and simple to interpret and apply can significantly reduce the risk of errors and can be more effective than measures such as increasing the number of controls and audits;

| 36. | stresses that management and control procedures must be proportionate to the scale of the projects, because it is very difficult for small institutions and small local authorities to implement projects under the present conditions. Special provisions must be designed for small-scale EU grants in the next programming period; |
| --- | --- |

36.

stresses that management and control procedures must be proportionate to the scale of the projects, because it is very difficult for small institutions and small local authorities to implement projects under the present conditions. Special provisions must be designed for small-scale EU grants in the next programming period;

| 37. | underlines the need for simplification of European legislation and audit practices in order to resolve promptly and uniformly questions concerning interpretation of the structural funds regulation and to make the answers available to the public, possibly using internet platforms; |
| --- | --- |

37.

underlines the need for simplification of European legislation and audit practices in order to resolve promptly and uniformly questions concerning interpretation of the structural funds regulation and to make the answers available to the public, possibly using internet platforms;

| 38. | calls for simple, transparent and effective monitoring procedures and in particular for the application of the proportionality principle in the control procedure knowing that too many administrative rules increase rather than reduce the margin of errors. Further considerations should be also given to the definition and identification of the margins of errors with a view of possible simplification; |
| --- | --- |

38.

calls for simple, transparent and effective monitoring procedures and in particular for the application of the proportionality principle in the control procedure knowing that too many administrative rules increase rather than reduce the margin of errors. Further considerations should be also given to the definition and identification of the margins of errors with a view of possible simplification;

| 39. | reiterates that the EU public procurement legal framework involves complex procedures that cause delays in project implementation and for that reason encourages the EU institutions to consider revising the relevant Community legislation, in order to ensure firstly respect for the principles of local and regional self-government in relation to Services of General Interest, as defined in the Treaty of Lisbon which postdates the bulk of the legislation, and secondly greater clarity in the legal texts, since the complex case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union has filled in some of the gaps in the legislation in a piece-meal fashion; |
| --- | --- |

39.

reiterates that the EU public procurement legal framework involves complex procedures that cause delays in project implementation and for that reason encourages the EU institutions to consider revising the relevant Community legislation, in order to ensure firstly respect for the principles of local and regional self-government in relation to Services of General Interest, as defined in the Treaty of Lisbon which postdates the bulk of the legislation, and secondly greater clarity in the legal texts, since the complex case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union has filled in some of the gaps in the legislation in a piece-meal fashion;

| 40. | shares the views expressed by many local and regional authorities that the application of Article 55 of the general regulation creates a considerable administrative burden; it works against economically sustainable projects and discourages public-private partnerships. For this reason, it recommends that this article only apply to large projects and not at all to services. It also considers that the current Article 57 of the general regulation should not apply to innovation projects, so that the burden on small business and ESF projects is reduced; |
| --- | --- |

40.

shares the views expressed by many local and regional authorities that the application of Article 55 of the general regulation creates a considerable administrative burden; it works against economically sustainable projects and discourages public-private partnerships. For this reason, it recommends that this article only apply to large projects and not at all to services. It also considers that the current Article 57 of the general regulation should not apply to innovation projects, so that the burden on small business and ESF projects is reduced;

Policy learning

| 41. | encourages the European Commission and Member States to use the strategic reports as valuable sources of information for policy learning and also to rely on the recommendations for improvements made by local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

41.

encourages the European Commission and Member States to use the strategic reports as valuable sources of information for policy learning and also to rely on the recommendations for improvements made by local and regional authorities;

| 42. | particularly welcomes the reporting on project implementation in the Member States and the comparative analysis by guidelines and themes and encourages the European Commission to further develop a benchmarking exercise in order to promote policy learning and good practices illustrated in the national reports; |
| --- | --- |

42.

particularly welcomes the reporting on project implementation in the Member States and the comparative analysis by guidelines and themes and encourages the European Commission to further develop a benchmarking exercise in order to promote policy learning and good practices illustrated in the national reports;

| 43. | is confident that strategic reports provide the basis for building a more thorough peer review. Unfortunately, the mechanisms and modalities for such peer review, good practice exchange and policy learning are not spelt out in the communication and should be further elaborated by the Commission services with a view to the next strategic report, to be issued in 2012; |
| --- | --- |

43.

is confident that strategic reports provide the basis for building a more thorough peer review. Unfortunately, the mechanisms and modalities for such peer review, good practice exchange and policy learning are not spelt out in the communication and should be further elaborated by the Commission services with a view to the next strategic report, to be issued in 2012;

| 44. | calls on the European Commission to encourage exchanges and cooperation between authorities from different Member States in order to identify good and appropriate solutions. Implementation of new management, control and audit systems sometimes require considerable changes in national legislation; |
| --- | --- |

44.

calls on the European Commission to encourage exchanges and cooperation between authorities from different Member States in order to identify good and appropriate solutions. Implementation of new management, control and audit systems sometimes require considerable changes in national legislation;

| 45. | believes that working in partnership with the local and regional authorities that know best the local situation and bottlenecks in implementation of projects is the best approach to determine common measures for improvements of policy effectiveness and its management, better accountability and sound financial management; |
| --- | --- |

45.

believes that working in partnership with the local and regional authorities that know best the local situation and bottlenecks in implementation of projects is the best approach to determine common measures for improvements of policy effectiveness and its management, better accountability and sound financial management;

| 46. | observes that some managing and control authorities have limited experience in project implementation at the ground level and some project developers also have a narrow experience in the administration of the operational programmes. In such cases, technical assistance could be used to enable these two categories of players to work better in partnership for the successful implementation of cohesion policy. Technical assistance should be more flexible and serve the needs of those stakeholders; in the first place, however, Community funding should as far possible benefit final recipients; |
| --- | --- |

46.

observes that some managing and control authorities have limited experience in project implementation at the ground level and some project developers also have a narrow experience in the administration of the operational programmes. In such cases, technical assistance could be used to enable these two categories of players to work better in partnership for the successful implementation of cohesion policy. Technical assistance should be more flexible and serve the needs of those stakeholders; in the first place, however, Community funding should as far possible benefit final recipients;

| 47. | is of the opinion that managing authorities should be inspired by the diversity of practices for the selection and contracting of projects in different Member States, and learn from each other. They should seek to be more accountable in what concerns evaluation and contractual formalities and to respect a reasonable timeframe, in order to allow smooth implementation of projects. Major delays in the selection process have serious consequences for local and regional authorities, firstly financially because of the variation of exchange rates in Member states not being part of the Euro zone and secondly technically in the case of public works where delays cause discontinuities in the delivery of public services. The evaluation, selection and contracting practices could be benchmarked between managing authorities in the strategic reports; |
| --- | --- |

47.

is of the opinion that managing authorities should be inspired by the diversity of practices for the selection and contracting of projects in different Member States, and learn from each other. They should seek to be more accountable in what concerns evaluation and contractual formalities and to respect a reasonable timeframe, in order to allow smooth implementation of projects. Major delays in the selection process have serious consequences for local and regional authorities, firstly financially because of the variation of exchange rates in Member states not being part of the Euro zone and secondly technically in the case of public works where delays cause discontinuities in the delivery of public services. The evaluation, selection and contracting practices could be benchmarked between managing authorities in the strategic reports;

| 48. | believes that the Commission could encourage benchmarking of performance rate and methods between MS and peers, and assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, in order to facilitate learning and continuous improvement; |
| --- | --- |

48.

believes that the Commission could encourage benchmarking of performance rate and methods between MS and peers, and assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, in order to facilitate learning and continuous improvement;

... and the Committee’s role in policy learning

| 49. | through its opinions, must be a guardian of the application of the partnership principle in the delivery of cohesion policy: to encourage the learning of strategic policy lessons, highlight good practices where the involvement of local and regional authorities has facilitated the implementation of OPs and voice criticism where LRAs are poorly involved; |
| --- | --- |

49.

through its opinions, must be a guardian of the application of the partnership principle in the delivery of cohesion policy: to encourage the learning of strategic policy lessons, highlight good practices where the involvement of local and regional authorities has facilitated the implementation of OPs and voice criticism where LRAs are poorly involved;

| 50. | through forums and conferences, should act in particular as a promoter of LRA experience and expertise and advocates this with EU decision-makers. It should also promote pilot initiatives and support local authorities that have less institutional capacity and a low propensity for networking; |
| --- | --- |

50.

through forums and conferences, should act in particular as a promoter of LRA experience and expertise and advocates this with EU decision-makers. It should also promote pilot initiatives and support local authorities that have less institutional capacity and a low propensity for networking;

Involvement of the local and regional authorities and their associations

| 51. | values the positive experience achieved by the LRAs in the management of the EU multiannual financial framework, based on common EU priorities and territorial development strategies and encourages further exploration of development concepts, including the integrated urban development concepts, as means for effective implementation of the Ops; |
| --- | --- |

51.

values the positive experience achieved by the LRAs in the management of the EU multiannual financial framework, based on common EU priorities and territorial development strategies and encourages further exploration of development concepts, including the integrated urban development concepts, as means for effective implementation of the Ops;

| 52. | considers that LRAs should play a greater role and should be treated as partners and not as bidding organisations by the Managing Authorities (MA). Furthermore, the dialogue between project developers and MAs must be consolidated through training sessions, annual forums, and so on. More transparency is also needed to facilitate direct contacts between beneficiaries and MAs, e.g. on who does what in the MAs; |
| --- | --- |

52.

considers that LRAs should play a greater role and should be treated as partners and not as bidding organisations by the Managing Authorities (MA). Furthermore, the dialogue between project developers and MAs must be consolidated through training sessions, annual forums, and so on. More transparency is also needed to facilitate direct contacts between beneficiaries and MAs, e.g. on who does what in the MAs;

| 53. | stresses that according to the subsidiarity principle regions should be managing authorities in as many cases as possible because of their better understanding of the local and regional development needs. Groupings of LRAs should also be encouraged to implement parts of the Ops; |
| --- | --- |

53.

stresses that according to the subsidiarity principle regions should be managing authorities in as many cases as possible because of their better understanding of the local and regional development needs. Groupings of LRAs should also be encouraged to implement parts of the Ops;

| 54. | calls for a detailed definition of the partnership principle. LRAs should be at the heart of the delivery mechanism. The partnership principle must be reinforced and dilution of responsibility among different organisations avoided; |
| --- | --- |

54.

calls for a detailed definition of the partnership principle. LRAs should be at the heart of the delivery mechanism. The partnership principle must be reinforced and dilution of responsibility among different organisations avoided;

| 55. | underlines the fact that LRAs combine, in an efficient manner, different EU priorities and integrate them into their own policies. Therefore, impact of EU cohesion policy must be measured in the medium and long term using qualitative and quantitative results indicators and taking into account the realities on the ground; |
| --- | --- |

55.

underlines the fact that LRAs combine, in an efficient manner, different EU priorities and integrate them into their own policies. Therefore, impact of EU cohesion policy must be measured in the medium and long term using qualitative and quantitative results indicators and taking into account the realities on the ground;

| 56. | reiterates that through regional policy the EU has encouraged the creation of different forms of LRA associations that have put the driving principles of cohesion into practice: integration of resources and knowledge, and partnership and cooperation. For that reason, European policies must encourage all forms of cooperation (institutionalised or not) – rural-urban, inter-municipal, interregional, cross-border and transnational – with a view to strategic territorial planning and effective management of complex projects; |
| --- | --- |

56.

reiterates that through regional policy the EU has encouraged the creation of different forms of LRA associations that have put the driving principles of cohesion into practice: integration of resources and knowledge, and partnership and cooperation. For that reason, European policies must encourage all forms of cooperation (institutionalised or not) – rural-urban, inter-municipal, interregional, cross-border and transnational – with a view to strategic territorial planning and effective management of complex projects;

| 57. | believes that communication between managing authorities and with the European Commission should be encouraged in order for opinions to be exchanged about measures taken to overcome difficulties in the implementation of the programmes. Furthermore, the dialogue between managing, control and audit authorities and local and regional authorities, as the major beneficiaries of the funds, should be consolidated, from the early stages of the preparation of new Structural Funds regulations; |
| --- | --- |

57.

believes that communication between managing authorities and with the European Commission should be encouraged in order for opinions to be exchanged about measures taken to overcome difficulties in the implementation of the programmes. Furthermore, the dialogue between managing, control and audit authorities and local and regional authorities, as the major beneficiaries of the funds, should be consolidated, from the early stages of the preparation of new Structural Funds regulations;

| 58. | urges the Member States and the Commission to apply the recommendations contained in the CoR's White paper on multilevel governance in order to improve the partnership principle in the application of cohesion policy. It’s essential to continue the decentralisation process in the implementation of the European cohesion policy and to ensure that the management system is structured around the principle of multi-level governance; |
| --- | --- |

58.

urges the Member States and the Commission to apply the recommendations contained in the CoR's White paper on multilevel governance in order to improve the partnership principle in the application of cohesion policy. It’s essential to continue the decentralisation process in the implementation of the European cohesion policy and to ensure that the management system is structured around the principle of multi-level governance;

Improvement of project implementation

| 59. | calls on Member States and the EC to give priority to the integrated approach for local and regional development projects, making it possible to combine several sources of financing: OPs, national programmes and private resources at the individual project level; |
| --- | --- |

59.

calls on Member States and the EC to give priority to the integrated approach for local and regional development projects, making it possible to combine several sources of financing: OPs, national programmes and private resources at the individual project level;

| 60. | recommends a better articulation between territorial projects financed by structural funds, their objectives, programming and implementation systems, as well as with the EC's FP7 and CIP programmes; |
| --- | --- |

60.

recommends a better articulation between territorial projects financed by structural funds, their objectives, programming and implementation systems, as well as with the EC's FP7 and CIP programmes;

| 61. | stresses the need to accelerate the formalities for confirmation of the awards and signing of grant agreements by the managing authorities in order to reduce time pressure on LRAs in project implementation. |
| --- | --- |

61.

stresses the need to accelerate the formalities for confirmation of the awards and signing of grant agreements by the managing authorities in order to reduce time pressure on LRAs in project implementation.

Brussels, 2 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

---

(1)  See the CoR opinion on the leverage effect of the European cohesion policy.

1

(2)  The SISA principle is applied successfully in the Netherlands.

2

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| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/49 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/49

---

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘Delivering an area of freedom, security and justice for Europe’s citizens — Action Plan implementing the Stockholm programme’

2011/C 42/10

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | wishes, as part of its shared responsibility for the implementation of European citizenship, the subsidiarity principle, multilevel governance and the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, to contribute to a healthy ‘culture of fundamental rights’; |
| --- | --- |

—

wishes, as part of its shared responsibility for the implementation of European citizenship, the subsidiarity principle, multilevel governance and the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, to contribute to a healthy ‘culture of fundamental rights’;

| — | notes that, as the level of government closest to the people, local and regional authorities have a particular commitment to the principles of political participation as laid down in the Lisbon Treaty and in national and regional constitutions; therefore recommends looking into giving EU citizens more extensive opportunities to take part in elections in their country of residence; |
| --- | --- |

—

notes that, as the level of government closest to the people, local and regional authorities have a particular commitment to the principles of political participation as laid down in the Lisbon Treaty and in national and regional constitutions; therefore recommends looking into giving EU citizens more extensive opportunities to take part in elections in their country of residence;

| — | points out that it is necessary to build a real foundation of trust and thorough understanding of the legal systems of other Member States in order to implement the Stockholm programme, and that local and regional authorities could contribute to this, not least as part of their urban and regional partnerships; |
| --- | --- |

—

points out that it is necessary to build a real foundation of trust and thorough understanding of the legal systems of other Member States in order to implement the Stockholm programme, and that local and regional authorities could contribute to this, not least as part of their urban and regional partnerships;

| — | notes that local and regional authorities have a key role in implementing a comprehensive data protection system focused on fundamental rights, and also a particular shared responsibility with regard to crime prevention and administrative approaches to preventing and fighting corruption and organised crime; |
| --- | --- |

—

notes that local and regional authorities have a key role in implementing a comprehensive data protection system focused on fundamental rights, and also a particular shared responsibility with regard to crime prevention and administrative approaches to preventing and fighting corruption and organised crime;

| — | once again stresses the need – with reference to the social dimension of ever-increasing poverty-related migration – for a European immigration and asylum policy that has been coordinated with local and regional authorities and is based on respect for human rights, solidarity and responsibility; and would therefore also welcome the appointment of a European representative for migration, refugees and integration at the European Parliament to deal in particular with the specific problems encountered by third-country nationals. |
| --- | --- |

—

once again stresses the need – with reference to the social dimension of ever-increasing poverty-related migration – for a European immigration and asylum policy that has been coordinated with local and regional authorities and is based on respect for human rights, solidarity and responsibility; and would therefore also welcome the appointment of a European representative for migration, refugees and integration at the European Parliament to deal in particular with the specific problems encountered by third-country nationals.

| Rapporteur | : | Holger Poppenhäger (DE/PES), Minister of Justice of the Free State of Thuringia |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference document | : | Delivering an area of freedom, security and justice for Europe's citizens – Action Plan Implementing the Stockholm Programme
  COM(2010) 171 final |

Rapporteur

:

Holger Poppenhäger (DE/PES), Minister of Justice of the Free State of Thuringia

Reference document

:

Delivering an area of freedom, security and justice for Europe's citizens – Action Plan Implementing the Stockholm Programme

COM(2010) 171 final

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | is pleased that the Commission has been quick to present an action plan setting out a comprehensive agenda for implementing the Stockholm programme designed to deliver an area of freedom, security and justice. This facilitates the systematic and targeted involvement of all stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

1.

is pleased that the Commission has been quick to present an action plan setting out a comprehensive agenda for implementing the Stockholm programme designed to deliver an area of freedom, security and justice. This facilitates the systematic and targeted involvement of all stakeholders;

| 2. | welcomes the action plan's objective of ‘advancing people's Europe’, thus ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights fully; |
| --- | --- |

2.

welcomes the action plan's objective of ‘advancing people's Europe’, thus ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights fully;

| 3. | again stresses the need to ensure that all fundamental rights and freedoms continue to be respected in the creation of a secure Europe; |
| --- | --- |

3.

again stresses the need to ensure that all fundamental rights and freedoms continue to be respected in the creation of a secure Europe;

| 4. | points out that local and regional authorities already bear much of the responsibility for enforcing these rights in practice, and therefore trusts that they will be fully involved from the pre-legislative process onwards in line with multilevel governance and taking due account of the subsidiarity principle; |
| --- | --- |

4.

points out that local and regional authorities already bear much of the responsibility for enforcing these rights in practice, and therefore trusts that they will be fully involved from the pre-legislative process onwards in line with multilevel governance and taking due account of the subsidiarity principle;

| 5. | will look at establishing its own database of examples of best practice by local and regional authorities with regard to the area of freedom, security and justice; |
| --- | --- |

5.

will look at establishing its own database of examples of best practice by local and regional authorities with regard to the area of freedom, security and justice;

A Europe of fundamental rights

| 6. | notes that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union recognises the indivisibility of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual, irrespective of their nationality or immigration status. The Committee stresses that fully respecting, protecting and promoting these rights is among the most important duties of the European Union's bodies and institutions, of the Member States, of regional parliaments and governments, and of local officials and elected representatives; |
| --- | --- |

6.

notes that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union recognises the indivisibility of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual, irrespective of their nationality or immigration status. The Committee stresses that fully respecting, protecting and promoting these rights is among the most important duties of the European Union's bodies and institutions, of the Member States, of regional parliaments and governments, and of local officials and elected representatives;

| 7. | draws attention to the important role played, in particular, by initiatives led by local and regional authorities and civil society groups in combating exclusion, racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and homophobia; |
| --- | --- |

7.

draws attention to the important role played, in particular, by initiatives led by local and regional authorities and civil society groups in combating exclusion, racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and homophobia;

| 8. | calls for improvements in the protection of minorities and of vulnerable groups and individuals; |
| --- | --- |

8.

calls for improvements in the protection of minorities and of vulnerable groups and individuals;

| 9. | encourages regions and local authorities to gradually re-evaluate their existing law, including their constitutions, and to examine new legislation in the light of the Charter and European constitutional developments, especially European anti-discrimination provisions; |
| --- | --- |

9.

encourages regions and local authorities to gradually re-evaluate their existing law, including their constitutions, and to examine new legislation in the light of the Charter and European constitutional developments, especially European anti-discrimination provisions;

| 10. | wishes to contribute to a healthy ‘culture of fundamental rights’ in the context of multilevel governance and in close cooperation with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and therefore asks the Commission to report regularly to the CoR too on the steps it has taken to contribute to the effective enforcement of fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

10.

wishes to contribute to a healthy ‘culture of fundamental rights’ in the context of multilevel governance and in close cooperation with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and therefore asks the Commission to report regularly to the CoR too on the steps it has taken to contribute to the effective enforcement of fundamental rights;

| 11. | welcomes the trilateral cooperation, launched in 2009, between the Commission, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the CoR, and calls for it to be stepped up and extended; |
| --- | --- |

11.

welcomes the trilateral cooperation, launched in 2009, between the Commission, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the CoR, and calls for it to be stepped up and extended;

A policy for citizens

| 12. | is clear that the right to complete freedom of movement and active grassroots involvement in the political process are key elements of EU citizenship; |
| --- | --- |

12.

is clear that the right to complete freedom of movement and active grassroots involvement in the political process are key elements of EU citizenship;

| 13. | notes that, as the level of government closest to the people, local and regional authorities have a particular obligation to implement the principles of participation, as laid down in national and regional constitutions and in the Lisbon Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

13.

notes that, as the level of government closest to the people, local and regional authorities have a particular obligation to implement the principles of participation, as laid down in national and regional constitutions and in the Lisbon Treaty;

| 14. | therefore recommends looking into the possibility of extending EU citizens’ voting rights beyond local and European elections; |
| --- | --- |

14.

therefore recommends looking into the possibility of extending EU citizens’ voting rights beyond local and European elections;

| 15. | supports moves to give third-country nationals legally resident in the EU the opportunity to participate in the political process at local level, subject to the duration of their residency; |
| --- | --- |

15.

supports moves to give third-country nationals legally resident in the EU the opportunity to participate in the political process at local level, subject to the duration of their residency;

| 16. | agrees with the European Parliament, the Commission and the European Council that the European Citizens’ Initiative as laid down in the Lisbon Treaty will also strengthen the EU's democratic legitimacy; |
| --- | --- |

16.

agrees with the European Parliament, the Commission and the European Council that the European Citizens’ Initiative as laid down in the Lisbon Treaty will also strengthen the EU's democratic legitimacy;

| 17. | highlights the need for EU citizens to have wide-ranging access to information to enable them to play an active part in the political process; would also like to see such access to information provided for in the Member States and calls on its members to work to achieve this; |
| --- | --- |

17.

highlights the need for EU citizens to have wide-ranging access to information to enable them to play an active part in the political process; would also like to see such access to information provided for in the Member States and calls on its members to work to achieve this;

A European judicial area – strengthening confidence

| 18. | is pleased that, thanks to decisive progress made in civil and criminal law under the Lisbon Treaty, the European judicial area has now become a tangible reality for the grassroots public; |
| --- | --- |

18.

is pleased that, thanks to decisive progress made in civil and criminal law under the Lisbon Treaty, the European judicial area has now become a tangible reality for the grassroots public;

| 19. | stresses that, for the principle of mutual recognition of legal systems to become established, it will be necessary to increase mutual trust, not least by introducing minimum standards; |
| --- | --- |

19.

stresses that, for the principle of mutual recognition of legal systems to become established, it will be necessary to increase mutual trust, not least by introducing minimum standards;

| 20. | therefore believes that exchanges of judges, public prosecutors and other members of the judiciary – especially as part of the European Judicial Network, but also on the basis of existing urban and regional partnerships – will be of benefit here and should be further promoted; |
| --- | --- |

20.

therefore believes that exchanges of judges, public prosecutors and other members of the judiciary – especially as part of the European Judicial Network, but also on the basis of existing urban and regional partnerships – will be of benefit here and should be further promoted;

| 21. | in the interests of continuing the development of a European legal culture, would also urge a broad-based exchange of information on experience gained with alternative criminal penalties, existing models such as alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the various systems in place for legal training and further training; |
| --- | --- |

21.

in the interests of continuing the development of a European legal culture, would also urge a broad-based exchange of information on experience gained with alternative criminal penalties, existing models such as alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the various systems in place for legal training and further training;

| 22. | believes that a ‘common reference framework’ would make a key contribution to giving a more European focus to legislation and to more effective enforcement; |
| --- | --- |

22.

believes that a ‘common reference framework’ would make a key contribution to giving a more European focus to legislation and to more effective enforcement;

| 23. | urges that, for future legislation, an impact assessment focusing on fundamental rights be carried out and due account taken of the financial, economic and social impact on the regions; |
| --- | --- |

23.

urges that, for future legislation, an impact assessment focusing on fundamental rights be carried out and due account taken of the financial, economic and social impact on the regions;

Safeguarding a free and secure Europe

| 24. | stresses that local and regional authorities bear a particular responsibility for the security of the resident population and the development of a European legal culture based on human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity. This is the single most important step in combating racism and xenophobia; |
| --- | --- |

24.

stresses that local and regional authorities bear a particular responsibility for the security of the resident population and the development of a European legal culture based on human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity. This is the single most important step in combating racism and xenophobia;

| 25. | highlights the key importance for any democratic society of freedom of association, as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and is, at the same time, concerned about the manipulation of this fundamental right for xenophobic, racist or extremist purposes; |
| --- | --- |

25.

highlights the key importance for any democratic society of freedom of association, as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and is, at the same time, concerned about the manipulation of this fundamental right for xenophobic, racist or extremist purposes;

| 26. | thus feels there is an urgent need to step up and improve administrative cooperation and exchanges of information on best practices between the competent authorities in order to safeguard the free right of association; |
| --- | --- |

26.

thus feels there is an urgent need to step up and improve administrative cooperation and exchanges of information on best practices between the competent authorities in order to safeguard the free right of association;

| 27. | welcomes the proposal to implement the action plan on violent radicalisation and asks that consideration be given to the possible introduction of Europe-wide minimum standards for criminal sanctions applicable to politically motivated extremist actions; |
| --- | --- |

27.

welcomes the proposal to implement the action plan on violent radicalisation and asks that consideration be given to the possible introduction of Europe-wide minimum standards for criminal sanctions applicable to politically motivated extremist actions;

| 28. | welcomes the proposal set out in the action plan to assess the Member States’ anti-corruption measures, and notes that this requires a prevention-based administrative culture and a high degree of transparency in administrative procedure; |
| --- | --- |

28.

welcomes the proposal set out in the action plan to assess the Member States’ anti-corruption measures, and notes that this requires a prevention-based administrative culture and a high degree of transparency in administrative procedure;

| 29. | shares the view of the European data protection supervisor that, in the global information society, safeguarding privacy is of vital importance. It is therefore essential to apply fundamental rights consistently to data protection, with regard not only to law enforcement and crime protection but also to international relations; |
| --- | --- |

29.

shares the view of the European data protection supervisor that, in the global information society, safeguarding privacy is of vital importance. It is therefore essential to apply fundamental rights consistently to data protection, with regard not only to law enforcement and crime protection but also to international relations;

| 30. | feels that, given their experience in this field, local and regional authorities should be involved in the continued development of data protection from an early stage and on an ongoing basis; |
| --- | --- |

30.

feels that, given their experience in this field, local and regional authorities should be involved in the continued development of data protection from an early stage and on an ongoing basis;

| 31. | welcomes the forthcoming revision of Directive 2006/24/EC on data retention, and trusts that it will also take due account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; |
| --- | --- |

31.

welcomes the forthcoming revision of Directive 2006/24/EC on data retention, and trusts that it will also take due account of the Charter of Fundamental Rights;

| 32. | shares the intention of the ‘digital agenda’ that guaranteeing data protection and data security – including in agreements with third countries and when examining new business models for the online economy – should increase people's trust in modern communication technologies and thus eliminate a significant barrier to the development of such technologies; |
| --- | --- |

32.

shares the intention of the ‘digital agenda’ that guaranteeing data protection and data security – including in agreements with third countries and when examining new business models for the online economy – should increase people's trust in modern communication technologies and thus eliminate a significant barrier to the development of such technologies;

| 33. | feels that the use of video surveillance by public and private operators requires critical examination; |
| --- | --- |

33.

feels that the use of video surveillance by public and private operators requires critical examination;

| 34. | reaffirms the points made in its opinions on the sexual exploitation of children, child pornography, human trafficking and the protection of unaccompanied minors; draws particular attention to its opinion CdR 136/2006 fin and stresses the need to create special financial instruments, in the context of implementing the Commission's action plan on unaccompanied minors, in order to take due account of the particular circumstances of such minors and of the regions taking them in; |
| --- | --- |

34.

reaffirms the points made in its opinions on the sexual exploitation of children, child pornography, human trafficking and the protection of unaccompanied minors; draws particular attention to its opinion CdR 136/2006 fin and stresses the need to create special financial instruments, in the context of implementing the Commission's action plan on unaccompanied minors, in order to take due account of the particular circumstances of such minors and of the regions taking them in;

| 35. | highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness of EU measures for protecting victims to date and the implementation thereof as part of the regular reporting required under EU rules; |
| --- | --- |

35.

highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness of EU measures for protecting victims to date and the implementation thereof as part of the regular reporting required under EU rules;

| 36. | would repeat, against the current backdrop of cross-border climate-related natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, that local and regional authorities have a key role to play in risk prevention; |
| --- | --- |

36.

would repeat, against the current backdrop of cross-border climate-related natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, that local and regional authorities have a key role to play in risk prevention;

| 37. | reiterates its call for a balanced, shared overall EU concept for civil protection that gives the Member States scope to set their own priorities; |
| --- | --- |

37.

reiterates its call for a balanced, shared overall EU concept for civil protection that gives the Member States scope to set their own priorities;

| 38. | looks forward to the evaluation, announced in the action plan, of the EU's civil protection policy instruments, and to the communication on the reinforcement of the EU's disaster response capacity, and emphatically welcomes the proposals on the renewal of the European civil protection financial instrument; |
| --- | --- |

38.

looks forward to the evaluation, announced in the action plan, of the EU's civil protection policy instruments, and to the communication on the reinforcement of the EU's disaster response capacity, and emphatically welcomes the proposals on the renewal of the European civil protection financial instrument;

| 39. | points out the important role played by local and regional authorities in crime prevention, and calls for their involvement at an early stage in evaluating the European crime prevention network, in establishing an observatory for the prevention of crime and in the administrative approach to preventing and fighting organised crime; |
| --- | --- |

39.

points out the important role played by local and regional authorities in crime prevention, and calls for their involvement at an early stage in evaluating the European crime prevention network, in establishing an observatory for the prevention of crime and in the administrative approach to preventing and fighting organised crime;

| 40. | urges that, under the proposed measures relating to crime statistics, particular care should be taken to ensure that the figures involved are in fact meaningful; |
| --- | --- |

40.

urges that, under the proposed measures relating to crime statistics, particular care should be taken to ensure that the figures involved are in fact meaningful;

Developing a European asylum and immigration policy

| 41. | once again stresses the need – with reference to the social dimension of ever-increasing poverty-related migration – for a European immigration and asylum policy that has been coordinated with local and regional authorities and is based on respect for human rights, solidarity and responsibility; |
| --- | --- |

41.

once again stresses the need – with reference to the social dimension of ever-increasing poverty-related migration – for a European immigration and asylum policy that has been coordinated with local and regional authorities and is based on respect for human rights, solidarity and responsibility;

| 42. | agrees with the European Parliament that Europe's border regions do not currently receive enough support, and therefore calls on the Commission to include, in its planned communication on enhanced intra-EU solidarity, proposals for solidarity-based refugee distribution and for immediate measures to reduce the pressure on affected regions; |
| --- | --- |

42.

agrees with the European Parliament that Europe's border regions do not currently receive enough support, and therefore calls on the Commission to include, in its planned communication on enhanced intra-EU solidarity, proposals for solidarity-based refugee distribution and for immediate measures to reduce the pressure on affected regions;

Migration

| 43. | welcomes an immigration policy that starts in the countries of origin but also takes account of European labour market needs and demographic change; |
| --- | --- |

43.

welcomes an immigration policy that starts in the countries of origin but also takes account of European labour market needs and demographic change;

| 44. | calls for a more coherent legislative framework for family reunification and feels that any further relaxation in visa agreements needs to be handled with due sensitivity; |
| --- | --- |

44.

calls for a more coherent legislative framework for family reunification and feels that any further relaxation in visa agreements needs to be handled with due sensitivity;

| 45. | welcomes, in principle, the measures proposed in the action plan to curb illegal immigration over the long term; |
| --- | --- |

45.

welcomes, in principle, the measures proposed in the action plan to curb illegal immigration over the long term;

| 46. | stresses that the proposed measures must not undermine European and international protection for refugees; |
| --- | --- |

46.

stresses that the proposed measures must not undermine European and international protection for refugees;

| 47. | laments the Commission's failure to include in its action plan any proposals or initiatives, underpinned by European fundamental rights, designed to coordinate procedures for people without residence permits, and trusts that these people's needs will be factored into the forthcoming amendment to the Directive defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence, and into the report on the Directive providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals; |
| --- | --- |

47.

laments the Commission's failure to include in its action plan any proposals or initiatives, underpinned by European fundamental rights, designed to coordinate procedures for people without residence permits, and trusts that these people's needs will be factored into the forthcoming amendment to the Directive defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence, and into the report on the Directive providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals;

| 48. | believes that repatriation programmes should, as a matter of principle, be operated on a purely voluntary basis and in line with the goals of development cooperation, and that repatriation should result in the long-term social integration of the people concerned; |
| --- | --- |

48.

believes that repatriation programmes should, as a matter of principle, be operated on a purely voluntary basis and in line with the goals of development cooperation, and that repatriation should result in the long-term social integration of the people concerned;

| 49. | finds it regrettable that the action plan does not currently provide for any improvement in the rights and obligations of people from third countries; |
| --- | --- |

49.

finds it regrettable that the action plan does not currently provide for any improvement in the rights and obligations of people from third countries;

| 50. | stresses the need, also in the areas of migration and asylum policy, for compliance with data protection rules when implementing and assessing the data security and data exchange measures proposed in the action plan; |
| --- | --- |

50.

stresses the need, also in the areas of migration and asylum policy, for compliance with data protection rules when implementing and assessing the data security and data exchange measures proposed in the action plan;

| 51. | welcomes the proposed measures to promote integration and, to that end, calls for the CoR to be involved from an early stage in drafting the communication on an EU agenda for integration and in developing the proposed coordination mechanism; |
| --- | --- |

51.

welcomes the proposed measures to promote integration and, to that end, calls for the CoR to be involved from an early stage in drafting the communication on an EU agenda for integration and in developing the proposed coordination mechanism;

| 52. | with regard to the proposed statistical measures, cautions on the need for an appropriate balance to be struck between the knowledge gained and the effort expended; |
| --- | --- |

52.

with regard to the proposed statistical measures, cautions on the need for an appropriate balance to be struck between the knowledge gained and the effort expended;

| 53. | would welcome the appointment of a European representative for migration, refugees and integration at the European Parliament to deal in particular with the specific problems encountered by third-country nationals; |
| --- | --- |

53.

would welcome the appointment of a European representative for migration, refugees and integration at the European Parliament to deal in particular with the specific problems encountered by third-country nationals;

Asylum policy

| 54. | calls on the European Parliament and the Council to put into practice without delay the action plan's proposal to develop comparable criteria and grounds for asylum decisions; |
| --- | --- |

54.

calls on the European Parliament and the Council to put into practice without delay the action plan's proposal to develop comparable criteria and grounds for asylum decisions;

| 55. | feels that the accommodation offered to asylum seekers must meet minimum standards that satisfy the requirements of fundamental and human rights; the same also goes for rules on asylum seekers’ freedom of movement; |
| --- | --- |

55.

feels that the accommodation offered to asylum seekers must meet minimum standards that satisfy the requirements of fundamental and human rights; the same also goes for rules on asylum seekers’ freedom of movement;

Global Europe – the foreign policy aspects of the area of freedom, security and justice

| 56. | is pleased that, under the Lisbon Treaty, the EU's external relations can be made more effective, with a greater focus on human-rights and development-policy goals; |
| --- | --- |

56.

is pleased that, under the Lisbon Treaty, the EU's external relations can be made more effective, with a greater focus on human-rights and development-policy goals;

| 57. | welcomes the Commission's assurance that it, together with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, will ensure coherence between external relations and the external dimension of justice and home affairs and development cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

57.

welcomes the Commission's assurance that it, together with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, will ensure coherence between external relations and the external dimension of justice and home affairs and development cooperation;

| 58. | welcomes the fact that the action plan also discusses common interests in connection with legal and illegal migration (immigration, asylum, border management cooperation), and takes due account of factors such as the fight against terrorism and crime, geographical priorities on specific issues, basic parameters for sharing information, guarantees for the protection of fundamental and human rights, transparency and freedom of information, data protection and associated guaranteed legal protections for EU citizens and third-country nationals; |
| --- | --- |

58.

welcomes the fact that the action plan also discusses common interests in connection with legal and illegal migration (immigration, asylum, border management cooperation), and takes due account of factors such as the fight against terrorism and crime, geographical priorities on specific issues, basic parameters for sharing information, guarantees for the protection of fundamental and human rights, transparency and freedom of information, data protection and associated guaranteed legal protections for EU citizens and third-country nationals;

| 59. | urges that the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Euro-Mediterranean Assembly of Local and Regional Authorities (ARLEM), the Eastern Partnership platforms and other relevant networks should be involved in discussions on matters relating to the external dimension of the area of freedom, security and justice; |
| --- | --- |

59.

urges that the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Euro-Mediterranean Assembly of Local and Regional Authorities (ARLEM), the Eastern Partnership platforms and other relevant networks should be involved in discussions on matters relating to the external dimension of the area of freedom, security and justice;

| 60. | feels that it is important to make use of, and to reinforce, local and regional authorities’ considerable potential in cross-border cooperation on issues relating to the area of freedom, security and justice, particularly on issues relating to the integration of migrants and asylum seekers; |
| --- | --- |

60.

feels that it is important to make use of, and to reinforce, local and regional authorities’ considerable potential in cross-border cooperation on issues relating to the area of freedom, security and justice, particularly on issues relating to the integration of migrants and asylum seekers;

| 61. | considers it necessary to undertake regular evaluations in this field, in order to ensure that the actions under this new EU foreign policy are implemented effectively and consistently. |
| --- | --- |

61.

considers it necessary to undertake regular evaluations in this field, in order to ensure that the actions under this new EU foreign policy are implemented effectively and consistently.

Brussels, 2 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/54 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/54

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘The implementation of the Eastern Partnership Initiative in Belarus and the development of cooperation between local and regional authorities in Belarus and the EU’

2011/C 42/11

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | recommends that the EU retain a comprehensive, open and structured dialogue with the Belarusian authorities, opposition movements and civil society and inform Belarus that ratification of the PCA and effective use of all European Neighbourhood Policy Instruments (ENPI) and their economic advantages are still possible if in exchange the government is prepared to make genuine changes and respects the rule of law and human rights and, in addition, if it carries out reforms to strengthen local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

—

recommends that the EU retain a comprehensive, open and structured dialogue with the Belarusian authorities, opposition movements and civil society and inform Belarus that ratification of the PCA and effective use of all European Neighbourhood Policy Instruments (ENPI) and their economic advantages are still possible if in exchange the government is prepared to make genuine changes and respects the rule of law and human rights and, in addition, if it carries out reforms to strengthen local and regional authorities;

| — | supports the continuation and extension of current forms of territorial cooperation with Belarus, inter alia, through appropriate INTERREG programmes in EU border regions and encourages the local and regional authorities there and NGOs to become involved in further projects in order to foster cross-border connections and make borders more open; |
| --- | --- |

—

supports the continuation and extension of current forms of territorial cooperation with Belarus, inter alia, through appropriate INTERREG programmes in EU border regions and encourages the local and regional authorities there and NGOs to become involved in further projects in order to foster cross-border connections and make borders more open;

| — | strongly urges the Belarusian government to also include representatives of the opposition in the Belarusian delegation to the parliamentary EURONEST assembly; |
| --- | --- |

—

strongly urges the Belarusian government to also include representatives of the opposition in the Belarusian delegation to the parliamentary EURONEST assembly;

| — | invites representatives of Belarusian local and regional authorities and representatives of democratic NGOs to participate as observers in assemblies of local and regional authorities from EU states, in order to promote twinning projects and encourage personal exchange among people; |
| --- | --- |

—

invites representatives of Belarusian local and regional authorities and representatives of democratic NGOs to participate as observers in assemblies of local and regional authorities from EU states, in order to promote twinning projects and encourage personal exchange among people;

| — | recommends even more strongly building on established discussion platforms, e.g. the Civil Society Forum or the Minsk forum at the Minsk office of the Association for International Education and Exchange in Dortmund (IBB Johannes Rau) and extending systematically and providing an institutional framework for dialogue between official representatives from Belarus, the opposition, NGOs, researchers and the media. |
| --- | --- |

—

recommends even more strongly building on established discussion platforms, e.g. the Civil Society Forum or the Minsk forum at the Minsk office of the Association for International Education and Exchange in Dortmund (IBB Johannes Rau) and extending systematically and providing an institutional framework for dialogue between official representatives from Belarus, the opposition, NGOs, researchers and the media.

| Rapporteur | : | Werner Heinrich Jostmeier (DE/EPP), Member of the North Rhine-Westphalia Landtag |
| --- | --- | --- |

Rapporteur

:

Werner Heinrich Jostmeier (DE/EPP), Member of the North Rhine-Westphalia Landtag

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS:

| 1. | points to the significance of Belarus, its history, its cultural identity and its cultural heritage. It is precisely these factors which are turning Belarus into a key state in the overall development of Eastern Europe and a bridge between east and west in the further cooperation of the European Union with the states of the former Soviet Union. The participation of Belarus in the Eastern Partnership thus has major strategic, economic and cultural significance for our Member States; |
| --- | --- |

1.

points to the significance of Belarus, its history, its cultural identity and its cultural heritage. It is precisely these factors which are turning Belarus into a key state in the overall development of Eastern Europe and a bridge between east and west in the further cooperation of the European Union with the states of the former Soviet Union. The participation of Belarus in the Eastern Partnership thus has major strategic, economic and cultural significance for our Member States;

| 2. | acknowledges at the same time that historical and cultural development must be taken into account in the process of forging closer ties between Belarus and the EU, namely by carefully selecting and applying EU instruments for democratisation and modernising regional and local authorities; |
| --- | --- |

2.

acknowledges at the same time that historical and cultural development must be taken into account in the process of forging closer ties between Belarus and the EU, namely by carefully selecting and applying EU instruments for democratisation and modernising regional and local authorities;

| 3. | notes that the progress of the Eastern Partnership in all countries participating in that partnership should be assessed on a differentiated and individual basis, especially because there is no universal formula for democratising countries, above all not for the former communist states in eastern Europe, which in their history have had only little experience of the rule of law, social mobility and market-economy freedoms. The Committee of the Regions understands that every country has its own history and thus can be allowed to develop at its own pace culturally, socially and economically; |
| --- | --- |

3.

notes that the progress of the Eastern Partnership in all countries participating in that partnership should be assessed on a differentiated and individual basis, especially because there is no universal formula for democratising countries, above all not for the former communist states in eastern Europe, which in their history have had only little experience of the rule of law, social mobility and market-economy freedoms. The Committee of the Regions understands that every country has its own history and thus can be allowed to develop at its own pace culturally, socially and economically;

| 4. | stresses at the same time that a country like Belarus, which demonstrates a willingness to take part in the Eastern Partnership and is interested in normalising relations with the European Union and the Council of Europe must also be prepared to declare its support for universal human rights and abolishing the death penalty, and thus be willing to pursue and implement a genuine course of reform, for example by strengthening participation in twinning projects, extending city partnerships and discussion forums with civil society organisations and stepping up interregional and cross-border cooperation, especially with the neighbouring states of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. This is all the more important given that the European Union is re-evaluating its relations with Belarus in October 2010 and may draw some key conclusions for future cooperation and further participation in the Eastern Partnership; |
| --- | --- |

4.

stresses at the same time that a country like Belarus, which demonstrates a willingness to take part in the Eastern Partnership and is interested in normalising relations with the European Union and the Council of Europe must also be prepared to declare its support for universal human rights and abolishing the death penalty, and thus be willing to pursue and implement a genuine course of reform, for example by strengthening participation in twinning projects, extending city partnerships and discussion forums with civil society organisations and stepping up interregional and cross-border cooperation, especially with the neighbouring states of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. This is all the more important given that the European Union is re-evaluating its relations with Belarus in October 2010 and may draw some key conclusions for future cooperation and further participation in the Eastern Partnership;

| 5. | points out that the Committee of the Regions, as the grassroots institution of regional and local authorities, is a genuine partner of Belarus for further cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership. The various contacts lend themselves very well to communication with Belarus, with a view to making a bottom-up contribution to democratisation and improving the situation of the Belarusian people; |
| --- | --- |

5.

points out that the Committee of the Regions, as the grassroots institution of regional and local authorities, is a genuine partner of Belarus for further cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership. The various contacts lend themselves very well to communication with Belarus, with a view to making a bottom-up contribution to democratisation and improving the situation of the Belarusian people;

Strategic challenges of cooperation between the EU and Belarus and requests presented to the Belarusian government.

| 6. | points out, however, that owing to insufficient efforts on the part of Belarus the EP has not yet been able to ratify the 1995 bilateral partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA) between the EU and Belarus, meaning that there is no formal basis for cooperation. As the only participating country from the Eastern Partnership, Belarus is not a fully-fledged partner of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and does not meet the standard requirements of the Council of Europe and the European Union, among other things, concerning the moratorium on death sentences and executions. For this reason, at present only individual multilateral programmes and instruments of the ENP can be used; |
| --- | --- |

6.

points out, however, that owing to insufficient efforts on the part of Belarus the EP has not yet been able to ratify the 1995 bilateral partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA) between the EU and Belarus, meaning that there is no formal basis for cooperation. As the only participating country from the Eastern Partnership, Belarus is not a fully-fledged partner of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and does not meet the standard requirements of the Council of Europe and the European Union, among other things, concerning the moratorium on death sentences and executions. For this reason, at present only individual multilateral programmes and instruments of the ENP can be used;

| 7. | supports the EU's decision to strengthen ties with Belarus in particular by improving cross-border and interregional cooperation and to integrate Belarus through the Eastern Partnership initiative using ENP finance instruments, while making further integration dependent on progress in democratisation, the rule of law and the development of a civil society, with an eye to the EU's forthcoming re-evaluation of cooperation with Belarus in October 2010; |
| --- | --- |

7.

supports the EU's decision to strengthen ties with Belarus in particular by improving cross-border and interregional cooperation and to integrate Belarus through the Eastern Partnership initiative using ENP finance instruments, while making further integration dependent on progress in democratisation, the rule of law and the development of a civil society, with an eye to the EU's forthcoming re-evaluation of cooperation with Belarus in October 2010;

| 8. | welcomes the fact that the Committee of the Regions has been asked by the European Commission to contribute to the Eastern Partnership and signals the willingness and commitment of local and regional authorities to use all available resources to support the Eastern Partnership and form closer ties with Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

8.

welcomes the fact that the Committee of the Regions has been asked by the European Commission to contribute to the Eastern Partnership and signals the willingness and commitment of local and regional authorities to use all available resources to support the Eastern Partnership and form closer ties with Belarus;

| 9. | welcomes the fact that recently the Belarusian government has taken initial steps towards improving the human rights situation and the rule of law, such as releasing political prisoners, agreeing to the opening of a delegation office of the European Commission in Minsk and tolerating the civil society forum, which explicitly champions democratisation and strengthening civil society in Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

9.

welcomes the fact that recently the Belarusian government has taken initial steps towards improving the human rights situation and the rule of law, such as releasing political prisoners, agreeing to the opening of a delegation office of the European Commission in Minsk and tolerating the civil society forum, which explicitly champions democratisation and strengthening civil society in Belarus;

| 10. | notes with satisfaction that the use of ENP instruments and action programmes such as TAIEX or EIDHR, which promote democracy and human rights, has elicited some initial improvements in the political situation of Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

10.

notes with satisfaction that the use of ENP instruments and action programmes such as TAIEX or EIDHR, which promote democracy and human rights, has elicited some initial improvements in the political situation of Belarus;

| 11. | furthermore welcomes Belarus’ cooperation with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in electoral law and urges Belarus to continue this cooperation with an eye to the forthcoming presidential elections in late 2010/early 2011 in order to ensure that the elections are conducted fairly and transparently. This also means allowing international observers at the elections and granting them access to all electoral procedures, both before and after the vote; |
| --- | --- |

11.

furthermore welcomes Belarus’ cooperation with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in electoral law and urges Belarus to continue this cooperation with an eye to the forthcoming presidential elections in late 2010/early 2011 in order to ensure that the elections are conducted fairly and transparently. This also means allowing international observers at the elections and granting them access to all electoral procedures, both before and after the vote;

| 12. | would point out the importance of the election observation missions of the Council of Europe's Congress of European Municipalities and Regions, in which the CoR participates, and recommends that its joint delegations should also be involved in the future in observing local and regional authority elections in Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

12.

would point out the importance of the election observation missions of the Council of Europe's Congress of European Municipalities and Regions, in which the CoR participates, and recommends that its joint delegations should also be involved in the future in observing local and regional authority elections in Belarus;

| 13. | welcomes the overwhelmingly positive development of relations between Belarus and other Eastern Partnership countries since early 2009. The diplomatic activities between Belarus and Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan point to an independent, multilateral development of regional cooperation among the countries between the Baltic and Black Seas; |
| --- | --- |

13.

welcomes the overwhelmingly positive development of relations between Belarus and other Eastern Partnership countries since early 2009. The diplomatic activities between Belarus and Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan point to an independent, multilateral development of regional cooperation among the countries between the Baltic and Black Seas;

| 14. | notes with concern, however, that relations between the EU and Belarus are at risk of stalling as a result of a renewed increase in human rights violations in Belarus, systematic repression against independent non-governmental organisations and the disappointing conduct of local elections in the first half of 2010, during which only two percent of the 25 000 candidates allowed to take part nationally were from the opposition; |
| --- | --- |

14.

notes with concern, however, that relations between the EU and Belarus are at risk of stalling as a result of a renewed increase in human rights violations in Belarus, systematic repression against independent non-governmental organisations and the disappointing conduct of local elections in the first half of 2010, during which only two percent of the 25 000 candidates allowed to take part nationally were from the opposition;

| 15. | at the same time is seriously concerned about the latest reports of infringements of press freedom and obstructions to the work of foreign media correspondents, restrictions on the freedom of ethnic minorities in Belarus, the carrying out of two death sentences in March, restrictive measures and programmes directed against the opposition in the run-up to the local elections and the nationwide campaign by the Belarusian secret service against the ‘Tell the truth’ campaign on 18 May 2010, during which numerous apartments and offices of the opposition were searched. The Committee of the Regions notes with increasing concern the government's current repressive measures to censure media freedom, especially the internet, which is hugely significant for communication among opposition movements and also has an important role to play in the forthcoming presidential election campaign; |
| --- | --- |

15.

at the same time is seriously concerned about the latest reports of infringements of press freedom and obstructions to the work of foreign media correspondents, restrictions on the freedom of ethnic minorities in Belarus, the carrying out of two death sentences in March, restrictive measures and programmes directed against the opposition in the run-up to the local elections and the nationwide campaign by the Belarusian secret service against the ‘Tell the truth’ campaign on 18 May 2010, during which numerous apartments and offices of the opposition were searched. The Committee of the Regions notes with increasing concern the government's current repressive measures to censure media freedom, especially the internet, which is hugely significant for communication among opposition movements and also has an important role to play in the forthcoming presidential election campaign;

| 16. | strongly urges the Belarusian government to return to the path of democratisation and to put an immediate stop to the imposition and carrying out of death sentences, human rights violations, intimidation of civil society groups as well as to end the political, economic, social and cultural restrictions, prejudice and discrimination faced by ethnic minorities in Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

16.

strongly urges the Belarusian government to return to the path of democratisation and to put an immediate stop to the imposition and carrying out of death sentences, human rights violations, intimidation of civil society groups as well as to end the political, economic, social and cultural restrictions, prejudice and discrimination faced by ethnic minorities in Belarus;

| 17. | calls on the Belarusian leadership to do its utmost to demonstrate significant progress in the following areas before the next presidential election: a functioning moratorium on the death penalty, comprehensive freedom of opinion, ensuring freedom of association and assembly, protection of religious freedom, ensuring political rights for opposition movements; |
| --- | --- |

17.

calls on the Belarusian leadership to do its utmost to demonstrate significant progress in the following areas before the next presidential election: a functioning moratorium on the death penalty, comprehensive freedom of opinion, ensuring freedom of association and assembly, protection of religious freedom, ensuring political rights for opposition movements;

| 18. | strongly urges the Belarusian government to also include representatives of the opposition in the Belarusian delegation to the parliamentary EURONEST assembly; |
| --- | --- |

18.

strongly urges the Belarusian government to also include representatives of the opposition in the Belarusian delegation to the parliamentary EURONEST assembly;

| 19. | notes that fundamental modernisation measures are required in Belarus in connection with local and regional self-government, in order to:






  — | carry out administrative and tax decentralisation; |
| --- | --- | --- |

19.

notes that fundamental modernisation measures are required in Belarus in connection with local and regional self-government, in order to:

—

carry out administrative and tax decentralisation;

| — | dissolve the asymmetric power structure between strong central and weak local or regional government in the allocation of financing and resources; |
| --- | --- |

—

dissolve the asymmetric power structure between strong central and weak local or regional government in the allocation of financing and resources;

| — | create better structural conditions for public-private partnerships to develop public services; |
| --- | --- |

—

create better structural conditions for public-private partnerships to develop public services;

| — | enhance the administrative capacities of local and regional government; |
| --- | --- |

—

enhance the administrative capacities of local and regional government;

| 20. | is convinced that this will help to improve the quality of life of Belarusian citizens. The Committee offers its support to moves to modernise local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

20.

is convinced that this will help to improve the quality of life of Belarusian citizens. The Committee offers its support to moves to modernise local and regional authorities;

| 21. | stresses that a renewed freeze in relations between the EU and Belarus would have negative consequences for the growing involvement of civil society and the current pro-European stance of the Belarusian people; |
| --- | --- |

21.

stresses that a renewed freeze in relations between the EU and Belarus would have negative consequences for the growing involvement of civil society and the current pro-European stance of the Belarusian people;

| 22. | points to the importance of active urban partnerships between EU countries and Belarus, e.g. between Minsk and Bonn. With their wealth of experience, contacts and networks, urban partnerships are a key pillar of Belarus’ continuing democratisation and closer ties with the EU. They motivate officials and citizens to offer their commitment and knowledge to such a partnership; |
| --- | --- |

22.

points to the importance of active urban partnerships between EU countries and Belarus, e.g. between Minsk and Bonn. With their wealth of experience, contacts and networks, urban partnerships are a key pillar of Belarus’ continuing democratisation and closer ties with the EU. They motivate officials and citizens to offer their commitment and knowledge to such a partnership;

| 23. | with a view to strengthening regional and cross-border cooperation, points to the key condition of good neighbourly relations with the EU Member States of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. They must be formed on the basis of friendship and ensure that all ethnic minorities have an appropriate political, economic, social and cultural role in their respective countries, thereby facilitating the development of a long-term, stable relationship in a spirit of mutual respect; |
| --- | --- |

23.

with a view to strengthening regional and cross-border cooperation, points to the key condition of good neighbourly relations with the EU Member States of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. They must be formed on the basis of friendship and ensure that all ethnic minorities have an appropriate political, economic, social and cultural role in their respective countries, thereby facilitating the development of a long-term, stable relationship in a spirit of mutual respect;

Policy recommendations for further cooperation:

| 24. | recommends that the EU retain a comprehensive, open and structured dialogue with the Belarusian authorities, opposition movements and civil society and inform Belarus that ratification of the PCA and effective use of all European Neighbourhood Policy Instruments (ENPI) and their economic advantages are still possible if in exchange the government is prepared to make genuine changes and respects the rule of law and human rights and, in addition, if it carries out reforms to strengthen local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

24.

recommends that the EU retain a comprehensive, open and structured dialogue with the Belarusian authorities, opposition movements and civil society and inform Belarus that ratification of the PCA and effective use of all European Neighbourhood Policy Instruments (ENPI) and their economic advantages are still possible if in exchange the government is prepared to make genuine changes and respects the rule of law and human rights and, in addition, if it carries out reforms to strengthen local and regional authorities;

| 25. | strongly recommends that in future the EU makes its endorsement or implementation of humanitarian aid projects and use of financial instruments even more contingent on progress in respecting human rights and establishing a functioning moratorium on the death sentence in Belarus. At the same time, the EU must attach even greater importance to ensuring that allocated resources are used purposefully and that they promote humanitarian development and development of the rule of law and do not serve to strengthen the authoritarian structures and authoritarian regime in Minsk; |
| --- | --- |

25.

strongly recommends that in future the EU makes its endorsement or implementation of humanitarian aid projects and use of financial instruments even more contingent on progress in respecting human rights and establishing a functioning moratorium on the death sentence in Belarus. At the same time, the EU must attach even greater importance to ensuring that allocated resources are used purposefully and that they promote humanitarian development and development of the rule of law and do not serve to strengthen the authoritarian structures and authoritarian regime in Minsk;

| 26. | advises the EU to continue to closely monitor the development of the domestic political situation in Belarus until the forthcoming presidential elections in late 2010/early 2011 and only afterwards to draw conclusions for further cooperation and not to carry out a re-evaluation scheduled for autumn 2010; |
| --- | --- |

26.

advises the EU to continue to closely monitor the development of the domestic political situation in Belarus until the forthcoming presidential elections in late 2010/early 2011 and only afterwards to draw conclusions for further cooperation and not to carry out a re-evaluation scheduled for autumn 2010;

| 27. | calls on the CLRAE to observe the Belarusian elections to see whether the preparations and conduct meet the general conditions of the Council of Europe; the CoR offers to continue to cooperate on election observation; |
| --- | --- |

27.

calls on the CLRAE to observe the Belarusian elections to see whether the preparations and conduct meet the general conditions of the Council of Europe; the CoR offers to continue to cooperate on election observation;

| 28. | advises the EU to submit a special interim report by early 2011 on relations with Belarus since the resumption of contacts with that country in October 2008. The aim is to carry out a self-critical assessment of its engagement with Belarus over the past 24 months and to draw conclusions for further cooperation with democratic NGOs from Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

28.

advises the EU to submit a special interim report by early 2011 on relations with Belarus since the resumption of contacts with that country in October 2008. The aim is to carry out a self-critical assessment of its engagement with Belarus over the past 24 months and to draw conclusions for further cooperation with democratic NGOs from Belarus;

| 29. | recommends that all European institutions continue to join forces with democratic stakeholders in Belarus and in particular to strengthen contacts with local and regional authorities in order to act as a counterbalance to the concentration of power in Minsk. The aim here should be to actively involve open and democratically minded opinion-formers primarily at local level and in the border regions of the EU Member States in cooperation discussions, in order to have a positive bottom-up influence on the domestic political situation in Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

29.

recommends that all European institutions continue to join forces with democratic stakeholders in Belarus and in particular to strengthen contacts with local and regional authorities in order to act as a counterbalance to the concentration of power in Minsk. The aim here should be to actively involve open and democratically minded opinion-formers primarily at local level and in the border regions of the EU Member States in cooperation discussions, in order to have a positive bottom-up influence on the domestic political situation in Belarus;

| 30. | recommends even more strongly building on established discussion platforms, e.g. the Civil Society Forum or the Minsk forum at the Minsk office of the Association for International Education and Exchange in Dortmund (IBB Johannes Rau) and extending systematically and providing an institutional framework for dialogue between official representatives from Belarus, the opposition, NGOs, researchers and the media; |
| --- | --- |

30.

recommends even more strongly building on established discussion platforms, e.g. the Civil Society Forum or the Minsk forum at the Minsk office of the Association for International Education and Exchange in Dortmund (IBB Johannes Rau) and extending systematically and providing an institutional framework for dialogue between official representatives from Belarus, the opposition, NGOs, researchers and the media;

| 31. | recommends that the further substantive development of dialogue with pro-democracy movements and opposition parties in Belarus should focus, first and foremost, on the subject of media and press freedom: since late autumn 2009, the Belarusian government has adopted various measures to obstruct the domestic and foreign press and to regulate the internet, which are hampering independent and unfettered reporting as well as the activities of opposition movements. Unrestricted reporting is of key importance, above all in relation to the forthcoming presidential election campaign in late 2010. The CoR can make an important contribution to promoting dialogue on democracy with Belarus by urging all authorities in that country to use the technologies and possibilities of the new media in particular (including YouTube, weblogs, Twitter and other social networking tools) to facilitate the work of opposition movements; |
| --- | --- |

31.

recommends that the further substantive development of dialogue with pro-democracy movements and opposition parties in Belarus should focus, first and foremost, on the subject of media and press freedom: since late autumn 2009, the Belarusian government has adopted various measures to obstruct the domestic and foreign press and to regulate the internet, which are hampering independent and unfettered reporting as well as the activities of opposition movements. Unrestricted reporting is of key importance, above all in relation to the forthcoming presidential election campaign in late 2010. The CoR can make an important contribution to promoting dialogue on democracy with Belarus by urging all authorities in that country to use the technologies and possibilities of the new media in particular (including YouTube, weblogs, Twitter and other social networking tools) to facilitate the work of opposition movements;

| 32. | calls on the national authorities of Belarus, in accordance with the instruments of the Eastern Partnership, to enter into open, systematic dialogue on decentralisation and the consolidation of local and regional authorities in the Belarusian political system and identifies the following areas:






  — | ‘good governance’ and cutting red tape; |
| --- | --- | --- |

32.

calls on the national authorities of Belarus, in accordance with the instruments of the Eastern Partnership, to enter into open, systematic dialogue on decentralisation and the consolidation of local and regional authorities in the Belarusian political system and identifies the following areas:

—

‘good governance’ and cutting red tape;

| — | a sustainable social and economic development and cohesion policy; |
| --- | --- |

—

a sustainable social and economic development and cohesion policy;

| — | matters concerning border traffic; |
| --- | --- |

—

matters concerning border traffic;

| — | environmental protection; |
| --- | --- |

—

environmental protection;

| — | cultural activities; |
| --- | --- |

—

cultural activities;

| — | better environment for small and medium size enterprises; |
| --- | --- |

—

better environment for small and medium size enterprises;

| — | ‘interpersonal contacts’ (youth exchange and urban partnerships); |
| --- | --- |

—

‘interpersonal contacts’ (youth exchange and urban partnerships);

| 33. | invites representatives of Belarusian local and regional authorities and representatives of democratic NGOs to participate as observers in assemblies of local and regional authorities from EU states, in order to promote twinning projects and encourage personal exchange among people; |
| --- | --- |

33.

invites representatives of Belarusian local and regional authorities and representatives of democratic NGOs to participate as observers in assemblies of local and regional authorities from EU states, in order to promote twinning projects and encourage personal exchange among people;

| 34. | supports the continuation and extension of current forms of territorial cooperation with Belarus, inter alia, through appropriate INTERREG programmes in EU border regions and encourages the local and regional authorities there and NGOs to become involved in further projects in order to foster cross-border connections and make borders more open; |
| --- | --- |

34.

supports the continuation and extension of current forms of territorial cooperation with Belarus, inter alia, through appropriate INTERREG programmes in EU border regions and encourages the local and regional authorities there and NGOs to become involved in further projects in order to foster cross-border connections and make borders more open;

| 35. | encourages the border regions in the EU Member States of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia in particular to continue to step up cross-border cooperation with municipalities and regional authorities in Belarus, for example in the following areas:






  — | border traffic, customs, promoting mobility (visa facilitation) to simplify the cross-border movement of travellers and make it easier for people from Belarus and bordering EU countries to meet one another; |
| --- | --- | --- |

35.

encourages the border regions in the EU Member States of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia in particular to continue to step up cross-border cooperation with municipalities and regional authorities in Belarus, for example in the following areas:

—

border traffic, customs, promoting mobility (visa facilitation) to simplify the cross-border movement of travellers and make it easier for people from Belarus and bordering EU countries to meet one another;

| — | migration, measures to tackle organised crime; |
| --- | --- |

—

migration, measures to tackle organised crime;

| — | cross-border environmental protection issues; |
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—

cross-border environmental protection issues;

| — | promoting the economy and facilitating cross-border trade; |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting the economy and facilitating cross-border trade;

| — | supporting vocational basic and further training; |
| --- | --- |

—

supporting vocational basic and further training;

| — | joint cultural events, e.g. concerts, art exhibitions and events to improve the joint historical culture of remembering and thus to reappraise the enduring effects of war on interpersonal relations; |
| --- | --- |

—

joint cultural events, e.g. concerts, art exhibitions and events to improve the joint historical culture of remembering and thus to reappraise the enduring effects of war on interpersonal relations;

| 36. | is in favour of continuing to use ENP instruments to strengthen cross-border exchange among pupils, students and teachers (ERASMUS, TEMPUS), in order to improve communication between people from Belarus and the EU Member States and thus to promote the European idea and awareness of civil involvement in Belarus. |
| --- | --- |

36.

is in favour of continuing to use ENP instruments to strengthen cross-border exchange among pupils, students and teachers (ERASMUS, TEMPUS), in order to improve communication between people from Belarus and the EU Member States and thus to promote the European idea and awareness of civil involvement in Belarus.

Brussels, 2 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/59 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/59

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘The implementation of the Eastern Partnership Initiative in Armenia and the development of cooperation between local and regional authorities in Armenia and the EU’

2011/C 42/12

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | underlines that the current situation in Armenia and the trajectory of its political development have to be understood in the context of the country's religious heritage and troubled history which includes constant foreign invasions and the traumatic experience of the genocide committed against Armenians in the early part of the 20th century; |
| --- | --- |

—

underlines that the current situation in Armenia and the trajectory of its political development have to be understood in the context of the country's religious heritage and troubled history which includes constant foreign invasions and the traumatic experience of the genocide committed against Armenians in the early part of the 20th century;

| — | welcomes that the first election for the Mayor of the City of Yerevan were held in May 2009 but notes that more efforts are needed on the improvement of the electoral conduct. Welcomes the fact that the capital has acquired a new status and its own law following the constitutional changes of 2005. Since the entry into force of the constitution, the focus is now on the consolidation or merger of the other local authorities. In this context, the CoR is concerned that, even though an agreement has been reached on this – and on the most important on the enlargement of powers of local authority leaders – this agreement has not yet been implemented; |
| --- | --- |

—

welcomes that the first election for the Mayor of the City of Yerevan were held in May 2009 but notes that more efforts are needed on the improvement of the electoral conduct. Welcomes the fact that the capital has acquired a new status and its own law following the constitutional changes of 2005. Since the entry into force of the constitution, the focus is now on the consolidation or merger of the other local authorities. In this context, the CoR is concerned that, even though an agreement has been reached on this – and on the most important on the enlargement of powers of local authority leaders – this agreement has not yet been implemented;

| — | acknowledges the particular progresses made by Armenia in its relationship with the European Union notably through the 2006 joint EU-Armenia ENP action plan, the opening of an EU delegation in 2008 and the work of the EU advisory group since 2009; |
| --- | --- |

—

acknowledges the particular progresses made by Armenia in its relationship with the European Union notably through the 2006 joint EU-Armenia ENP action plan, the opening of an EU delegation in 2008 and the work of the EU advisory group since 2009;

| — | thinks it is important that negotiations with Armenia on a visa facilitation and readmission agreement get underway soon. Cutting tariffs and simplifying visa rules make a real difference to people-to-people contacts and better relations in all areas. |
| --- | --- |

—

thinks it is important that negotiations with Armenia on a visa facilitation and readmission agreement get underway soon. Cutting tariffs and simplifying visa rules make a real difference to people-to-people contacts and better relations in all areas.

| Rapporteur | : | Teet Kallasvee (EE/EPP), Member of the Haapsalu City Council |
| --- | --- | --- |

Rapporteur

:

Teet Kallasvee (EE/EPP), Member of the Haapsalu City Council

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS:

Political aspects and historical background

| 1. | underlines that the current situation in Armenia and the trajectory of its political development have to be understood in the context of the country's religious heritage and troubled history which includes constant foreign invasions and the traumatic experience of the genocide committed against Armenians in the early part of the 20th century; |
| --- | --- |

1.

underlines that the current situation in Armenia and the trajectory of its political development have to be understood in the context of the country's religious heritage and troubled history which includes constant foreign invasions and the traumatic experience of the genocide committed against Armenians in the early part of the 20th century;

| 2. | notes that Armenia declared its independence in August 1991, which was confirmed by the referendum held in September of that year. In October 1991, the population elected a president; |
| --- | --- |

2.

notes that Armenia declared its independence in August 1991, which was confirmed by the referendum held in September of that year. In October 1991, the population elected a president;

| 3. | observes that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as other existing conflicts create great tensions in the region. In this regard, notes that the OSCE Minsk Group, which works since 1992 for a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has been co-chaired by the USA, France and Russia since 1995; |
| --- | --- |

3.

observes that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as other existing conflicts create great tensions in the region. In this regard, notes that the OSCE Minsk Group, which works since 1992 for a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has been co-chaired by the USA, France and Russia since 1995;

| 4. | welcomes Armenia's initiative to further normalise its relations with Turkey without preconditions. In October 2009, brokerage by Switzerland with the support of the European Union, the USA and Russia led to Armenia and Turkey agreeing to establish diplomatic relations; |
| --- | --- |

4.

welcomes Armenia's initiative to further normalise its relations with Turkey without preconditions. In October 2009, brokerage by Switzerland with the support of the European Union, the USA and Russia led to Armenia and Turkey agreeing to establish diplomatic relations;

Influence of crisis regions on domestic politics

| 5. | regrets that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the difficult relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan and turbulence in the international political climate have left their mark on Armenia's domestic politics; |
| --- | --- |

5.

regrets that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the difficult relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan and turbulence in the international political climate have left their mark on Armenia's domestic politics;

| 6. | notes the persisting status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and supports the continuing high-level efforts in the context of the Minsk Group to find a peaceful solution to the conflict; |
| --- | --- |

6.

notes the persisting status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and supports the continuing high-level efforts in the context of the Minsk Group to find a peaceful solution to the conflict;

| 7. | welcomes that the new constitution (adopted in 1995 and revised in 2005) and further new legal arrangements (including electoral law) have paved the way for the authoritarian post-Soviet legacy to be replaced by democratic institutions. Nevertheless, a certain part of the population remains somewhat mistrustful of election results to date; |
| --- | --- |

7.

welcomes that the new constitution (adopted in 1995 and revised in 2005) and further new legal arrangements (including electoral law) have paved the way for the authoritarian post-Soviet legacy to be replaced by democratic institutions. Nevertheless, a certain part of the population remains somewhat mistrustful of election results to date;

| 8. | regrets that the process of ratifying the agreement between Armenia and Turkey has ground to a halt because of recent differences; |
| --- | --- |

8.

regrets that the process of ratifying the agreement between Armenia and Turkey has ground to a halt because of recent differences;

| 9. | notes that, the Public Council of Armenia and its many sub-bodies, set up in 2009 gives many active citizens, as well as some extra-parliamentary political forces and charitable organisations, a voice in politics. The questions discussed and the recommendations drafted in the Public Council range widely and some of its recommendations are indeed taken up by the authorities, and covered in the media. Points out, however, that this advisory body cannot be a substitute for genuinely democratic channels of participation; |
| --- | --- |

9.

notes that, the Public Council of Armenia and its many sub-bodies, set up in 2009 gives many active citizens, as well as some extra-parliamentary political forces and charitable organisations, a voice in politics. The questions discussed and the recommendations drafted in the Public Council range widely and some of its recommendations are indeed taken up by the authorities, and covered in the media. Points out, however, that this advisory body cannot be a substitute for genuinely democratic channels of participation;

Local and regional authorities in Armenia

| 10. | notes that following the administrative and territorial reform of 1996 the country now has 915 local authorities (49 urban and 866 rural). The town and local councils (comprising five, ten or fifteen members – traditionally referred to as the elders or avagani) are elected for three years. The government appoints the heads (marzpet) of ten provinces, who all belong to the governing coalition. Underlines, that these reforms constitute important steps on the way to creating a multi-layer democratic system in Armenia and thus calls on the Armenian authorities to continue in the process of empowering local and regional levels of government; |
| --- | --- |

10.

notes that following the administrative and territorial reform of 1996 the country now has 915 local authorities (49 urban and 866 rural). The town and local councils (comprising five, ten or fifteen members – traditionally referred to as the elders or avagani) are elected for three years. The government appoints the heads (marzpet) of ten provinces, who all belong to the governing coalition. Underlines, that these reforms constitute important steps on the way to creating a multi-layer democratic system in Armenia and thus calls on the Armenian authorities to continue in the process of empowering local and regional levels of government;

| 11. | welcomes that the first election for the Mayor of the City of Yerevan were held in May 2009 but notes that more efforts are needed on the improvement of the electoral conduct. Welcomes the fact that the capital has acquired a new status and its own law following the constitutional changes of 2005. Since the entry into force of the constitution, the focus is now on the consolidation or merger of the other local authorities. In this context, the CoR is concerned that, even though an agreement has been reached on this – and on the most important on the enlargement of powers of local authority leaders – this agreement has not yet been implemented; |
| --- | --- |

11.

welcomes that the first election for the Mayor of the City of Yerevan were held in May 2009 but notes that more efforts are needed on the improvement of the electoral conduct. Welcomes the fact that the capital has acquired a new status and its own law following the constitutional changes of 2005. Since the entry into force of the constitution, the focus is now on the consolidation or merger of the other local authorities. In this context, the CoR is concerned that, even though an agreement has been reached on this – and on the most important on the enlargement of powers of local authority leaders – this agreement has not yet been implemented;

Armenia and the European Union

| 12. | notes that the partnership and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Armenia was signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1999; |
| --- | --- |

12.

notes that the partnership and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Armenia was signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1999;

| 13. | highlights the fact that Armenia has consistently welcomed the eastwards enlargement of the European Union and its own inclusion in the European Neighbourhood Policy and in the Eastern Partnership; |
| --- | --- |

13.

highlights the fact that Armenia has consistently welcomed the eastwards enlargement of the European Union and its own inclusion in the European Neighbourhood Policy and in the Eastern Partnership;

| 14. | acknowledges the particular progresses made by Armenia in its relationship with the European Union notably through the 2006 joint EU-Armenia ENP action plan, the opening of an EU delegation in 2008 and the work of the EU advisory group since 2009; |
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14.

acknowledges the particular progresses made by Armenia in its relationship with the European Union notably through the 2006 joint EU-Armenia ENP action plan, the opening of an EU delegation in 2008 and the work of the EU advisory group since 2009;

| 15. | welcomes that on 10 May 2010 the EU's Foreign Affairs Council set out the framework for negotiations on an association agreement between EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia and that at the first round of negotiations on the agreement which closely followed, the EU spelt out its readiness to make EUR 32 million available within the framework of Comprehensive Institution Building Programme to support the first planned reforms; |
| --- | --- |

15.

welcomes that on 10 May 2010 the EU's Foreign Affairs Council set out the framework for negotiations on an association agreement between EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia and that at the first round of negotiations on the agreement which closely followed, the EU spelt out its readiness to make EUR 32 million available within the framework of Comprehensive Institution Building Programme to support the first planned reforms;

Cooperation between Armenia's local and regional authorities and the European Union

| 16. | fully supports the mobility of students assisted by EU programmes (such as Tempus and Erasmus Mundus), but also supported by Armenians living abroad. The Ministry of Diaspora and the Ministry for Sport and Youth can make an important contribution on this front; |
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16.

fully supports the mobility of students assisted by EU programmes (such as Tempus and Erasmus Mundus), but also supported by Armenians living abroad. The Ministry of Diaspora and the Ministry for Sport and Youth can make an important contribution on this front;

| 17. | welcomes the decisive and swift progress made in relations between the EU and the South Caucasus countries, as evidenced by the start of association agreement negotiations with Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. This is all the more noteworthy given the wider political changes that have affected the region; |
| --- | --- |

17.

welcomes the decisive and swift progress made in relations between the EU and the South Caucasus countries, as evidenced by the start of association agreement negotiations with Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. This is all the more noteworthy given the wider political changes that have affected the region;

| 18. | welcomes the statements made by the EU representatives in all three capitals regarding priorities and key areas in the negotiations. The Committee trusts that Armenia's local and regional authorities will be given a say in matters that concern them when the agreement is being drawn up; |
| --- | --- |

18.

welcomes the statements made by the EU representatives in all three capitals regarding priorities and key areas in the negotiations. The Committee trusts that Armenia's local and regional authorities will be given a say in matters that concern them when the agreement is being drawn up;

| 19. | expects that the EU institutions and representatives working with or in Armenia are fully committed to bringing Armenia closer to the EU and help its political and economic progress including easier access to the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

19.

expects that the EU institutions and representatives working with or in Armenia are fully committed to bringing Armenia closer to the EU and help its political and economic progress including easier access to the European Union;

| 20. | thinks it is important that negotiations with Armenia on a visa facilitation and readmission agreement get underway soon. Cutting tariffs and simplifying visa rules make a real difference to people-to-people contacts and better relations in all areas; |
| --- | --- |

20.

thinks it is important that negotiations with Armenia on a visa facilitation and readmission agreement get underway soon. Cutting tariffs and simplifying visa rules make a real difference to people-to-people contacts and better relations in all areas;

| 21. | is convinced that the country's increasingly substantive relations with the European Union and the Union's role in stabilising and driving forward social development is having an impact and this deserves to be reflected in the media, in all forms of education and in school curricula; |
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21.

is convinced that the country's increasingly substantive relations with the European Union and the Union's role in stabilising and driving forward social development is having an impact and this deserves to be reflected in the media, in all forms of education and in school curricula;

| 22. | points out that international experts and election observers have often experienced difficulties in getting the Armenian authorities to follow through on promises made to implement the relevant legislation. Recalls therefore the need for open dialogue at the appropriate levels in order to foster mutual understanding and joint problem solving; |
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22.

points out that international experts and election observers have often experienced difficulties in getting the Armenian authorities to follow through on promises made to implement the relevant legislation. Recalls therefore the need for open dialogue at the appropriate levels in order to foster mutual understanding and joint problem solving;

| 23. | welcomes the appointment (in July 2003) of an EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, which highlighted the importance of regional cooperation between the three South Caucasus countries; |
| --- | --- |

23.

welcomes the appointment (in July 2003) of an EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, which highlighted the importance of regional cooperation between the three South Caucasus countries;

| 24. | notes that the tendency to ignore political opponents has become one of the hallmarks of political life in Armenia. Transcending such behaviour must be one of the issues tackled in the ongoing dialogue and the public debate. To some extent, people-to-people contacts should begin with a discussion of politician-to-politician contacts, in particular at local level and using the ways and means available at that level such as local public councils, discussion circles, internet portals for the young. Furthermore, direct contact between individuals are crucial to foster a democratic culture of open dialogue and should therefore be supported; |
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24.

notes that the tendency to ignore political opponents has become one of the hallmarks of political life in Armenia. Transcending such behaviour must be one of the issues tackled in the ongoing dialogue and the public debate. To some extent, people-to-people contacts should begin with a discussion of politician-to-politician contacts, in particular at local level and using the ways and means available at that level such as local public councils, discussion circles, internet portals for the young. Furthermore, direct contact between individuals are crucial to foster a democratic culture of open dialogue and should therefore be supported;

| 25. | encourages women at both national and local level to join in the public debate and to stand for important offices in society; |
| --- | --- |

25.

encourages women at both national and local level to join in the public debate and to stand for important offices in society;

| 26. | calls on the Armenian authorities, in the light of the forthcoming electoral campaign, to complete the ongoing review of electoral law with the improvements proposed by the EU institutions, and to guarantee equal media access to all political forces taking part; |
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26.

calls on the Armenian authorities, in the light of the forthcoming electoral campaign, to complete the ongoing review of electoral law with the improvements proposed by the EU institutions, and to guarantee equal media access to all political forces taking part;

| 27. | highlights the need for constant attention regarding respect for human rights and especially the need to delve into those issues that international human rights organisations have taken up; |
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27.

highlights the need for constant attention regarding respect for human rights and especially the need to delve into those issues that international human rights organisations have taken up;

| 28. | welcomes the training of human rights specialists for Armenia initiated by the Council of Europe under the HELP II project, as well as the participation of Armenian organisations in the work of the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders; |
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28.

welcomes the training of human rights specialists for Armenia initiated by the Council of Europe under the HELP II project, as well as the participation of Armenian organisations in the work of the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders;

| 29. | calls on the political parties to put public dialogue and the search for viable political solutions to the challenges facing Armenian society above point-scoring. Armenians living abroad could, where possible, contribute to this process – bringing to the debate the experience of those who have lived in countries with long democratic traditions; |
| --- | --- |

29.

calls on the political parties to put public dialogue and the search for viable political solutions to the challenges facing Armenian society above point-scoring. Armenians living abroad could, where possible, contribute to this process – bringing to the debate the experience of those who have lived in countries with long democratic traditions;

| 30. | welcomes the initiative of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and believes that, especially given the contribution of the opposition, regional cooperation between local authorities in the South Caucasus – and first and foremost cooperation between the administrations of the capitals Yerevan, Tbilisi and Baku and the debates that this involves – is proving fruitful and sets a good precedent; |
| --- | --- |

30.

welcomes the initiative of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and believes that, especially given the contribution of the opposition, regional cooperation between local authorities in the South Caucasus – and first and foremost cooperation between the administrations of the capitals Yerevan, Tbilisi and Baku and the debates that this involves – is proving fruitful and sets a good precedent;

| 31. | reiterates its satisfaction that the Committee of the Regions is a party to discussions on Democracy, good governance and stability and People-to-people contacts following decisions taken in the European Union's Eastern Partnership. At the same time, the Committee reaffirms its readiness to take part in the other two parts of the platform, which concern local and regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

31.

reiterates its satisfaction that the Committee of the Regions is a party to discussions on Democracy, good governance and stability and People-to-people contacts following decisions taken in the European Union's Eastern Partnership. At the same time, the Committee reaffirms its readiness to take part in the other two parts of the platform, which concern local and regional authorities;

| 32. | recalls that as part of its contribution to the implementation of the Eastern Partnership sits on Platforms 1 and 4, is issuing opinions on the local and regional dimension in each of the six countries, and intends to set up a regular conference of the EU and EaP regional and local authorities; |
| --- | --- |

32.

recalls that as part of its contribution to the implementation of the Eastern Partnership sits on Platforms 1 and 4, is issuing opinions on the local and regional dimension in each of the six countries, and intends to set up a regular conference of the EU and EaP regional and local authorities;

| 33. | notes that Armenia's ratification of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 2002 was an important step towards closer contacts with the country's local and regional authorities. It also prompted a change in electoral law and ushered in local elections in Yerevan in 2009, at which observers from the Committee of the Regions were present, and the following election of the city mayor by the council; |
| --- | --- |

33.

notes that Armenia's ratification of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 2002 was an important step towards closer contacts with the country's local and regional authorities. It also prompted a change in electoral law and ushered in local elections in Yerevan in 2009, at which observers from the Committee of the Regions were present, and the following election of the city mayor by the council;

| 34. | welcomes the fact that the reform of Armenia's local authorities has entered a new stage. It especially welcomes the fact that, in consequence, the Armenian authorities can now benefit from the two-year plan (2009-2011) to promote reforms – a plan drafted by experts from the LGI (Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative) and the CFOA (Communities Finance Officers Association); |
| --- | --- |

34.

welcomes the fact that the reform of Armenia's local authorities has entered a new stage. It especially welcomes the fact that, in consequence, the Armenian authorities can now benefit from the two-year plan (2009-2011) to promote reforms – a plan drafted by experts from the LGI (Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative) and the CFOA (Communities Finance Officers Association);

| 35. | points out its own significant role in disseminating experience and best practices (including TAIEX and SIGMA toolboxes) among local and regional authorities in the partner countries. The aim of our work is to support properly endowed, better managed and more accountable regional and local public administration that will operate efficiently while respecting transparency and inclusiveness; |
| --- | --- |

35.

points out its own significant role in disseminating experience and best practices (including TAIEX and SIGMA toolboxes) among local and regional authorities in the partner countries. The aim of our work is to support properly endowed, better managed and more accountable regional and local public administration that will operate efficiently while respecting transparency and inclusiveness;

| 36. | thinks that when new initiatives arise in the Eastern Partnership countries that the population supports, then these initiatives must be heeded, just as other European institutions take note of the new institution that has been up and running for over a year – the Public Council of Armenia and the work of its committees and subcommittees – and its influence in the taking of certain decisions at national and local level. Showing an interest in an institution that has its roots in popular traditions can only enhance the standing of European experts; |
| --- | --- |

36.

thinks that when new initiatives arise in the Eastern Partnership countries that the population supports, then these initiatives must be heeded, just as other European institutions take note of the new institution that has been up and running for over a year – the Public Council of Armenia and the work of its committees and subcommittees – and its influence in the taking of certain decisions at national and local level. Showing an interest in an institution that has its roots in popular traditions can only enhance the standing of European experts;

| 37. | considers it important that the Armenian authorities ensure the greatest possible transparency and the greatest possible involvement of the people in the reform processes. This is crucial because the country faces many important reforms, including that of local authority powers and funding. Support from foreign advisory and funding programmes will also be stepped up in the attempt to assist Armenia in overcoming the history of totalitarianism and a command economy; |
| --- | --- |

37.

considers it important that the Armenian authorities ensure the greatest possible transparency and the greatest possible involvement of the people in the reform processes. This is crucial because the country faces many important reforms, including that of local authority powers and funding. Support from foreign advisory and funding programmes will also be stepped up in the attempt to assist Armenia in overcoming the history of totalitarianism and a command economy;

| 38. | welcomes the active participation of the Armenian authorities and president in the implementation of the programmes carried out at local and regional level as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership; |
| --- | --- |

38.

welcomes the active participation of the Armenian authorities and president in the implementation of the programmes carried out at local and regional level as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership;

| 39. | welcomes the expansion of the law on local taxes and the consolidation of a system to assess the activities of local authority leaders in 2009; |
| --- | --- |

39.

welcomes the expansion of the law on local taxes and the consolidation of a system to assess the activities of local authority leaders in 2009;

| 40. | points out how useful the CEMAT/COE National Report on Armenia, published in the summer of 2010, has proved as a handbook in the planning of regional development, including where problem regions are concerned; |
| --- | --- |

40.

points out how useful the CEMAT/COE National Report on Armenia, published in the summer of 2010, has proved as a handbook in the planning of regional development, including where problem regions are concerned;

| 41. | points out that one of the most needed of the forthcoming reforms (to cut costs and curb red tape), as well as one of the most difficult to implement, is the consolidation of local authorities and clarification of how they are funded. Equally, the reconfiguration of the relationship between the capital and other local authorities – once the law on Yerevan has come into force – will very quickly change the behaviour of neighbouring local authorities and governments, at least if experience in other countries is anything to go by; |
| --- | --- |

41.

points out that one of the most needed of the forthcoming reforms (to cut costs and curb red tape), as well as one of the most difficult to implement, is the consolidation of local authorities and clarification of how they are funded. Equally, the reconfiguration of the relationship between the capital and other local authorities – once the law on Yerevan has come into force – will very quickly change the behaviour of neighbouring local authorities and governments, at least if experience in other countries is anything to go by;

| 42. | believes that it would be easier to achieve success – given the stage of development of the political system – were Armenia better informed about how local authorities had been consolidated in countries (such as Latvia) with a similar fate in the past. It would be likewise helpful if reformers who have been demonstrably successful in transforming the relationship between the capital and other local authorities in other countries were able to pass on their experience (via seminars or conferences on particular topics). Pooling experience on certain issues, especially between people with hands-on experience and Armenia's representatives, must be an integral part of the EU's support programmes. This should cover not only administrative problems, but also the expenditure planning, implementation and reporting of particular programmes and projects, such as IFAD and OMP. All in all, there is no better way to promote people-to-people contacts than targeted work of this kind that produces practical benefits; |
| --- | --- |

42.

believes that it would be easier to achieve success – given the stage of development of the political system – were Armenia better informed about how local authorities had been consolidated in countries (such as Latvia) with a similar fate in the past. It would be likewise helpful if reformers who have been demonstrably successful in transforming the relationship between the capital and other local authorities in other countries were able to pass on their experience (via seminars or conferences on particular topics). Pooling experience on certain issues, especially between people with hands-on experience and Armenia's representatives, must be an integral part of the EU's support programmes. This should cover not only administrative problems, but also the expenditure planning, implementation and reporting of particular programmes and projects, such as IFAD and OMP. All in all, there is no better way to promote people-to-people contacts than targeted work of this kind that produces practical benefits;

| 43. | welcomes the fact that environmental protection issues have been given a higher priority and beefed up at local level thanks to the national action plan (2008-2012) and will follow the impact of the practical measures with interest. The climate protection issue always serves to fuel local initiatives and help a democratic way of thinking to take root. It is also worth pointing out that the 2006 Regional Environmental Charter is one of the few documents to have been signed by both Armenian and Azerbaijani ministers; |
| --- | --- |

43.

welcomes the fact that environmental protection issues have been given a higher priority and beefed up at local level thanks to the national action plan (2008-2012) and will follow the impact of the practical measures with interest. The climate protection issue always serves to fuel local initiatives and help a democratic way of thinking to take root. It is also worth pointing out that the 2006 Regional Environmental Charter is one of the few documents to have been signed by both Armenian and Azerbaijani ministers;

| 44. | welcomes the fact that authorities and the public in Armenia recognise what a serious problem corruption is and appreciates that a decision has been taken to put education about corruption and how to combat it on school curricula. The best way to address this problem is through transparency, the creation of the necessary legal provisions and a gradual change of those elements of culture and mentality which allow corruption to flourish, something which can only be achieved over time through education at different levels of society; |
| --- | --- |

44.

welcomes the fact that authorities and the public in Armenia recognise what a serious problem corruption is and appreciates that a decision has been taken to put education about corruption and how to combat it on school curricula. The best way to address this problem is through transparency, the creation of the necessary legal provisions and a gradual change of those elements of culture and mentality which allow corruption to flourish, something which can only be achieved over time through education at different levels of society;

| 45. | takes the view that when EU representatives are visiting former communist countries and gathering their own impressions, they must also remember that flouting laws became a way of life for those living under Soviet totalitarianism. This is why new and democratic laws are needed. However, attention must be paid to how these new laws are applied and enforced in order to build on those that contribute to better legislation and in order to demonstrate the meaning of respect for legality and the rule of law. |
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45.

takes the view that when EU representatives are visiting former communist countries and gathering their own impressions, they must also remember that flouting laws became a way of life for those living under Soviet totalitarianism. This is why new and democratic laws are needed. However, attention must be paid to how these new laws are applied and enforced in order to build on those that contribute to better legislation and in order to demonstrate the meaning of respect for legality and the rule of law.

Brussels, 2 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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| 10.2.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 42/64 |
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10.2.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 42/64

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Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on ‘Local and regional government in Ukraine and the development of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU’

2011/C 42/13

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| — | states that the opinion on Local and Regional government in Ukraine and Development of Cooperation between the EU and Ukraine (CdR 34/2007) is still topical: all of the policy recommendations are valid. However, given the developments which have taken place over the last few years, the section on EU-Ukraine relations needs to reflect the current state of affairs; |
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states that the opinion on Local and Regional government in Ukraine and Development of Cooperation between the EU and Ukraine (CdR 34/2007) is still topical: all of the policy recommendations are valid. However, given the developments which have taken place over the last few years, the section on EU-Ukraine relations needs to reflect the current state of affairs;

| — | reiterates the importance of cross-border cooperation programmes and emphasises the bottom-up approach required to identify and develop partnerships and ensure the dissemination of results to other local government authorities in Ukraine, as stressed in the opinion A strong European Neighbourhood Policy (CdR 134/2008); |
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reiterates the importance of cross-border cooperation programmes and emphasises the bottom-up approach required to identify and develop partnerships and ensure the dissemination of results to other local government authorities in Ukraine, as stressed in the opinion A strong European Neighbourhood Policy (CdR 134/2008);

| — | notes that Ukraine could be the first EaP country to conclude negotiations on the Association Agreement and that the Eastern Partnership provides an opportunity to deepen relations between the EU and Ukraine; |
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notes that Ukraine could be the first EaP country to conclude negotiations on the Association Agreement and that the Eastern Partnership provides an opportunity to deepen relations between the EU and Ukraine;

| — | welcomes the fact that the finals of Euro 2012, the UEFA European Football Championship, will be hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine, and highlights the opportunities for regional cooperation provided by the event. |
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welcomes the fact that the finals of Euro 2012, the UEFA European Football Championship, will be hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine, and highlights the opportunities for regional cooperation provided by the event.

| Rapporteur | : | Mr István Sértő-Radics (HU/ALDE), Mayor of Uszka |
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Rapporteur

:

Mr István Sértő-Radics (HU/ALDE), Mayor of Uszka

I.   POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

| 1. | states that the opinion on Local and Regional government in Ukraine and Development of Cooperation between the EU and Ukraine (CdR 34/2007) is still topical: all of the policy recommendations are valid. However, given the developments which have taken place over the last few years, the section on EU-Ukraine relations needs to reflect the current state of affairs; |
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1.

states that the opinion on Local and Regional government in Ukraine and Development of Cooperation between the EU and Ukraine (CdR 34/2007) is still topical: all of the policy recommendations are valid. However, given the developments which have taken place over the last few years, the section on EU-Ukraine relations needs to reflect the current state of affairs;

| 2. | notes that following the events which led to the Orange Revolution at the end of 2004, Ukraine has pursued an agenda of ambitious reforms to ensure that democracy and the market economy are rooted firmly in the country and that Ukraine is brought closer to the EU; takes note nonetheless that these reforms are still in a fragile state of development; |
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2.

notes that following the events which led to the Orange Revolution at the end of 2004, Ukraine has pursued an agenda of ambitious reforms to ensure that democracy and the market economy are rooted firmly in the country and that Ukraine is brought closer to the EU; takes note nonetheless that these reforms are still in a fragile state of development;

| 3. | welcomes the EU-Ukraine Association Agenda to prepare and facilitate the implementation of the Association Agreement. Welcomes the proposal to set up an institutional platform to facilitate the consultation of senior officials at the EU and in Ukraine, as part of the ongoing negotiations on the Association Agreement, but regrets that currently no provision has been made to ensure the same level of consultation among cross-border and regional stakeholders involved in cooperation, and therefore invites the European Commission to establish a similar institutional platform committee for EU and Ukrainian local and regional authority representatives; |
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3.

welcomes the EU-Ukraine Association Agenda to prepare and facilitate the implementation of the Association Agreement. Welcomes the proposal to set up an institutional platform to facilitate the consultation of senior officials at the EU and in Ukraine, as part of the ongoing negotiations on the Association Agreement, but regrets that currently no provision has been made to ensure the same level of consultation among cross-border and regional stakeholders involved in cooperation, and therefore invites the European Commission to establish a similar institutional platform committee for EU and Ukrainian local and regional authority representatives;

| 4. | recommends that, with practical help from the European Commission, and in compliance with the Association Agenda signed by the EU and Ukraine, the Committee of the Regions could draft a framework agreement on cooperation with local and regional authorities in Ukraine and EU Member States; this agreement could provide a basis for cooperation between local and regional authorities in EU Member States and their counterparts in Ukraine; |
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4.

recommends that, with practical help from the European Commission, and in compliance with the Association Agenda signed by the EU and Ukraine, the Committee of the Regions could draft a framework agreement on cooperation with local and regional authorities in Ukraine and EU Member States; this agreement could provide a basis for cooperation between local and regional authorities in EU Member States and their counterparts in Ukraine;

| 5. | welcomes all appropriate EU measures to support the development of Ukraine and the establishment of effective administrative structures and also welcomes any appropriate initiatives to support the autonomous development of political and economic cooperation in the country. Recalls in this respect the opinion on Black Sea Synergy – a New Regional Cooperation Initiative (CdR 155/2007) and sees the involvement of Ukraine in the creation of the Black Sea Euro-region as a good example of cross-border cooperation; |
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5.

welcomes all appropriate EU measures to support the development of Ukraine and the establishment of effective administrative structures and also welcomes any appropriate initiatives to support the autonomous development of political and economic cooperation in the country. Recalls in this respect the opinion on Black Sea Synergy – a New Regional Cooperation Initiative (CdR 155/2007) and sees the involvement of Ukraine in the creation of the Black Sea Euro-region as a good example of cross-border cooperation;

| 6. | welcomes the fact that the ENPI envelope for the Ukraine under the NIP included EUR 494 million in the period 2007-2010 to support the key policy objectives of the Association Agenda, and an indicative financial envelope of EUR 470,1 million to support cooperation activities in Ukraine in the period 2011-2013, based on a European Commission decision of March 2010. In addition to the bilateral allocation, Ukraine also participates in four ENPI CBC programmes, with the overall allocation of EUR 401,163 million for programmes in the period 2007-2013. However the Committee of the Regions stresses the importance of coordinating the different initiatives and programmes and linking up existing Community programmes, projects and instruments in order to avoid duplication of activities and ensure efficiency and progress of cross-border cooperation programmes between the EU and Ukraine; |
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6.

welcomes the fact that the ENPI envelope for the Ukraine under the NIP included EUR 494 million in the period 2007-2010 to support the key policy objectives of the Association Agenda, and an indicative financial envelope of EUR 470,1 million to support cooperation activities in Ukraine in the period 2011-2013, based on a European Commission decision of March 2010. In addition to the bilateral allocation, Ukraine also participates in four ENPI CBC programmes, with the overall allocation of EUR 401,163 million for programmes in the period 2007-2013. However the Committee of the Regions stresses the importance of coordinating the different initiatives and programmes and linking up existing Community programmes, projects and instruments in order to avoid duplication of activities and ensure efficiency and progress of cross-border cooperation programmes between the EU and Ukraine;

| 7. | reiterates the importance of cross-border cooperation programmes and emphasises the bottom-up approach required to identify and develop partnerships and ensure the dissemination of results to other local government authorities in Ukraine, as stressed in the opinion A strong European Neighbourhood Policy (CdR 134/2008); |
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7.

reiterates the importance of cross-border cooperation programmes and emphasises the bottom-up approach required to identify and develop partnerships and ensure the dissemination of results to other local government authorities in Ukraine, as stressed in the opinion A strong European Neighbourhood Policy (CdR 134/2008);

| 8. | welcomes the ongoing dialogue on visa issues and calls on Ukraine and neighbouring Member States to consider the options for facilitating trans-border traffic (joint border controls, waiver of visa obligations for people who live in border regions). In so doing, care should be taken not to encourage illegal immigration into the EU; |
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8.

welcomes the ongoing dialogue on visa issues and calls on Ukraine and neighbouring Member States to consider the options for facilitating trans-border traffic (joint border controls, waiver of visa obligations for people who live in border regions). In so doing, care should be taken not to encourage illegal immigration into the EU;

| 9. | underlines the importance of the new development of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) under the European Neighbourhood Policy and recalls the need to develop forms of closer cooperation with countries involved in the Eastern Partnership as explained in the opinion on The Role of Local and Regional Authorities within the Eastern Partnership (CdR 78/2009). Recalls the need to add a ‘territorial’ approach to the Eastern Partnership, and therefore urges the potential partners to reach a multilateral agreement which would enable the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) to function in Ukraine as it does in the EU, and enable the Council’ s of Europe Euroregional Cooperation Groupings (ECG) to function in Ukraine; |
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9.

underlines the importance of the new development of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) under the European Neighbourhood Policy and recalls the need to develop forms of closer cooperation with countries involved in the Eastern Partnership as explained in the opinion on The Role of Local and Regional Authorities within the Eastern Partnership (CdR 78/2009). Recalls the need to add a ‘territorial’ approach to the Eastern Partnership, and therefore urges the potential partners to reach a multilateral agreement which would enable the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) to function in Ukraine as it does in the EU, and enable the Council’ s of Europe Euroregional Cooperation Groupings (ECG) to function in Ukraine;

| 10. | notes that Ukraine could be the first EaP country to conclude negotiations on the Association Agreement and that the Eastern Partnership provides an opportunity to deepen relations between the EU and Ukraine. For the implementation of the EaP Initiative at the sub-national level, the following issues need to be addressed in the work of the thematic platforms:






  — | Decentralisation and administrative reforms; |
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10.

notes that Ukraine could be the first EaP country to conclude negotiations on the Association Agreement and that the Eastern Partnership provides an opportunity to deepen relations between the EU and Ukraine. For the implementation of the EaP Initiative at the sub-national level, the following issues need to be addressed in the work of the thematic platforms:

—

Decentralisation and administrative reforms;

| — | Capacity building of local and regional authorities and their administrations; |
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Capacity building of local and regional authorities and their administrations;

| — | Developing forms of sustainable cooperation with partner country local and regional authorities as well as their national associations of local authorities; |
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Developing forms of sustainable cooperation with partner country local and regional authorities as well as their national associations of local authorities;

| — | Supporting local and/or regional cross-border projects; |
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Supporting local and/or regional cross-border projects;

| — | Promoting confidence-building programmes, encouraging cultural, educational and research exchanges and twinning cooperation on a broad range of justice, liberty, security and migration issues; |
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Promoting confidence-building programmes, encouraging cultural, educational and research exchanges and twinning cooperation on a broad range of justice, liberty, security and migration issues;

| — | Giving a mandate to sub-national governments to engage in international/European projects and contacts; |
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Giving a mandate to sub-national governments to engage in international/European projects and contacts;

| 11. | awaits with interest the implementation of the next stage of the Ukrainian Administrative Reform Plan, with particular emphasis on the competences of local and regional authorities, fiscal decentralisation, and territorial reform. Understands that decentralisation in Ukraine remains patchy, and therefore supports the strengthening of administrative capacities and good governance in the country, focusing on the following issues:






  — | Fully harmonising Ukrainian legislation in line with the European Charter of Local Self Government; |
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11.

awaits with interest the implementation of the next stage of the Ukrainian Administrative Reform Plan, with particular emphasis on the competences of local and regional authorities, fiscal decentralisation, and territorial reform. Understands that decentralisation in Ukraine remains patchy, and therefore supports the strengthening of administrative capacities and good governance in the country, focusing on the following issues:

—

Fully harmonising Ukrainian legislation in line with the European Charter of Local Self Government;

| — | Giving more responsibilities to sub-national governments; |
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Giving more responsibilities to sub-national governments;

| — | Ensuring regional administration is a semi-independent level of Government; |
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Ensuring regional administration is a semi-independent level of Government;

| — | Promoting financially independent regional and local self government; |
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Promoting financially independent regional and local self government;

| 12. | underlines the importance of developing democracy, good governance and stability, and cooperation between partners at local and regional level. The local democracy development should be focusing on the improving pluralism, expression and media freedom, furthermore the ensuring of minorities’ rights. Additional funding is required for pilot regional development programmes to address local needs for infrastructure, human capital, and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in line with the model of EU cohesion policy; |
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12.

underlines the importance of developing democracy, good governance and stability, and cooperation between partners at local and regional level. The local democracy development should be focusing on the improving pluralism, expression and media freedom, furthermore the ensuring of minorities’ rights. Additional funding is required for pilot regional development programmes to address local needs for infrastructure, human capital, and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in line with the model of EU cohesion policy;

| 13. | highlights the fact that the Committee of the Regions has an important role to play in disseminating experience and best practice (including TAIEX and SIGMA and other bilateral projects) to the local and regional authorities in Ukraine with the aim of supporting properly funded, better managed and more accountable regional and local public administration which will operate in a spirit of transparency, inclusiveness and efficiency; |
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13.

highlights the fact that the Committee of the Regions has an important role to play in disseminating experience and best practice (including TAIEX and SIGMA and other bilateral projects) to the local and regional authorities in Ukraine with the aim of supporting properly funded, better managed and more accountable regional and local public administration which will operate in a spirit of transparency, inclusiveness and efficiency;

| 14. | welcomes the fact that the finals of Euro 2012, the UEFA European Football Championship, will be hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine, and highlights the opportunities for regional cooperation provided by the event. |
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14.

welcomes the fact that the finals of Euro 2012, the UEFA European Football Championship, will be hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine, and highlights the opportunities for regional cooperation provided by the event.

Brussels, 2 December 2010.

The President of the Committee of the Regions

Mercedes BRESSO

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