BELARUS - ACTUALITES DE LA DELEGATION DE LA CE
EU launches campaign to tackle gender pay gap
On the 3rd of March the European Commission launched an EU-wide campaign to help tackle the gender pay gap. This simple concept of «equal pay for work of equal value» is at the heart of the campaign being launched in the context of International Women’s Day on 8 March to raise awareness of the pay gap, its causes, and how to tackle it.
(4 March, 2009)
EU NAVFOR Atalanta prevents hijacking
On Tuesday 3 March the German warship Rheinland Pfalz successfully fended off a pirate attack on the German owned MV Courier as it transited through the Gulf of Aden.
(4 March, 2009)
EU reports on its activities in 2008
On the 4th of March the EC published the General Report on the activities of the EU in 2008. The year 2008 threw up many major challenges, to which the Member States and the institutions responded as a group. The Union took a leading role in working towards a genuine complete overhaul of the international financial system.
(5 March, 2009)
A joint meeting of European Union Information Centres’ representatives took place in Moscow
On the 26th and 27th of February 2009, a joint meeting of representatives of the European Union Information Centres in Ukraine and Belarus took place in Moscow. Staff of 8 EU is from Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Ternopil, Chernovtsy, Lutsk and Minsk participated in the event.
(6 March, 2009)
The EU calls on children in Belarus to participate in drawing competition on gender equality
For the third year in a row, the EC launches an international drawing competition on gender equality on the International Women’s Day the 8th of March 2009, under the patronage of the Belgian Princess Mathilde. The competition calls on children all over the world to express their vision of gender equality. Two drawings per region will be selected by a jury of European children, and a prize equivalent to €1.000 for each region will be awarded to the winners.
(6 March, 2009)
Europe keeps women’s empowerment high on its global agenda
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, which this year carries the theme ‘Women and men united to end violence against women and girls’, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner reaffirms the Commission’s continuing political and financial commitment to fight for women rights.
(6 March, 2009)
Member States reduce the energy use of industrial motors
On 11 March EU Member States showed their support for new rules to reduce the electricity consumption of industrial motors - which will save the equivalent of Sweden’s electricity consumption each year - during Ecodesign Regulatory Committee meeting.
(13 March, 2009)
Council Conclusions on Belarus
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
The EU remains ready to deepen its relations with Belarus subject to progress made by Belarus on the path towards democracy, human rights and rule of law and to assist Belarus in attaining these objectives. The European Union underlines the importance of all the principles and commitments made by Belarus in the framework of the OSCE. The European Union will intensify its cooperation with Belarusian civil society in order to support the development of a democratic and pluralist environment.
(16 March, 2009)
Employment and Inflation Decline in the EU
On the 16th of March Eurostat presented the most recent data on employment and inflation rates in Euroarea and EU-27.
(17 March, 2009)
EU will get new rules for civil aviation
On the 17th of March the Czech Presidency managed to reach agreement among the Member State delegates on compromise wordings of two legal acts. Thanks to which aviation in Europe will be governed by new and more efficient rules, leading to shorter flights and reducing fuel consumption as well as emissions.
(18 March, 2009)
European Council approves Eastern Partnership
Economic crisis, energy security, Eastern Partnership and climate change were the main topics of the European Council to be held on the 19th and 20th March in Brussels. Therefore, the European Council welcomes the establishment of an ambitious Eastern Partnership. It calls for all necessary preparations to be made for the Eastern Partnership launching summit with the partner countries on 7 May 2009.
(20 March, 2009)
Invitation to contribute an opinion on the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum
In its Communication on 3rd of December 2008 on the Eastern Partnership (EaP) - a new multilateral framework of cooperation, addressed to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine - the European Commission underlined that “ongoing reforms [in these countries] require stronger participation of civil society to enhance oversight of public services and strengthen public confidence in them.” The Commission services have begun to develop the concept leading to the establishment of the EaP Civil Society Forum.
(25 March, 2009)
Over 1 billion euros to agriculture in crisis
On the 25th of March the impacts of the economic crisis on agriculture, evaluation of the efficiency of measures adopted so far and new proposals to help European farmers through a difficult spell were discussed by the EU Agriculture Ministers lead by Czech Presidency. So far the package adopted by the European Council on the 19-20th March gives 1.020 billion euros to agriculture.
(26 March, 2009)
A special web portal to make cross border business easier
On the 26th of March the new ‘Your Europe - Business’ was established and it will help SMEs to take advantage of opportunities to trade and offer their services in the Single Market. ‘Your Europe - Business’ answers questions such as how to register a company in the Netherlands, what permits are needed to sell products now also in Italy or what does an entrepreneur need to know about taxes in Poland or labour law in Germany?
(27 March, 2009)
EU €1 billion “Food Facility” for developing countries
On 30 March, the European Commission adopted a € 314 million package of projects to support agriculture and improve the food security situation in 23 developing countries across the globe. This is the first financing decision in the framework of the € 1 billion Food Facility which was adopted on 18 December 2008 as a response to the growing food security problems faced by many developing countries.
(31 March, 2009)
European Elections: MTV joins in to help raise youth’s voice
On 8 April, the European Commission and MTV Networks International announced an EU-wide initiative called «Can you hear me Europe», which is aimed at prompting young people to make their voices heard by voting in the European Parliament elections next June.
(9 April, 2009)
Regional project to support integration of refugees in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine
The regional project aimed at facilitating integration of refugees in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine is launched officially in Kyiv today. During the next two years the EU-funded project will be implemented by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in close cooperation with the authorities, civil society as well as refugee communities in the three countries.
(23 April, 2009)
European Commission plans to boost security in Somalia
On the 23rd of April the European Commission pledged at least 60 million euros to support Somalia’s security institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) at the International Donor Conference on Somalia in Brussels.
(25 April, 2009)
EU’s reaction to the Swine flu outbreak in Mexico
On the 27th of April Commission President José Manuel Barroso made a statement on the Swine flu outbreak in Mexico. Meanwhile, the Czech EU Presidency announced that it will convene an extraordinary Council of EU health ministers.
(27 April, 2009)
EU budget 2010 targets recovery
On the 29th of April the Commission adopted a 139 bln. euro preliminary draft budget for 2010. Economic recovery is at the heart of next year’s spending and the proposal channels the biggest share of funds (45%) into growth and employment measures – a 3.2% rise on 2009 – to help restore competitiveness across the Union. All headings in the budget will see an increase.
(30 April, 2009)
Commission launches 2009 Lorenzo Natali Prize for journalists
On World Press Freedom Day on the 3rd of May the Commission has officially launched the Lorenzo Natali Prize for 2009. The prize is awarded in partnership with Reporters Without Borders and the World Association of Newspapers to journalists who have demonstrated a commitment to human rights, democracy and development.
(8 May, 2009)
EU-funded project to help Ukraine and Belarus integrate with European Transport Network
The implementation of the EU-funded project for Ukraine and Belarus"Integration of Trans European Transport network and border crossing points, Belarus and Ukraine”, started in mid January 2009; it will operate until December 2010. The first joint meeting in Minsk on the 24th of March 2009 was attended by representatives of the respective Belarus and Ukrainian Ministry of Transport, Road and Rail agencies, as well as Customs services, together with the European Commission Delegations representatives and the implementing team.
(15 May, 2009)
Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit
The Heads of State or Government and representatives of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the representatives of the European Union and the Heads of State or Government and representatives of its Member States have met in Prague to bring their relationship to a new level by establishing the Eastern Partnership and have adopted the following Joint Declaration:
(21 May, 2009)
EU-Russia Summit on 21-22 May
On the 21st and 22nd of May in the next EU-Russia Summit took place in Khabarovsk, in the Russian Far East. International issues which were tackled at the Summit range from efforts to promote greater stability in the common neighbourhood and in Europe more generally, through to the situation in the Middle East, Afghanistan/Pakistan, Iran and Sri Lanka among others.
(22 May, 2009)
Euro area GDP down by 2.5% and EU27 – by 2.4%
On the 3rd on June Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, released first estimates of GDP in the first quarter of 2009, according to which it fell by 2.5% in the euro area (EA16) and by 2.4% in the EU27 compared with the previous quarter.
(4 June, 2009)
The Eastern Partnership: getting down to work
Four weeks after the launch of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) the EU and its eastern neighbours are getting down to work. One of the innovations of the EaP is a new multilateral dimension to relations with these countries alongside the bilateral path of cooperation. The first EaP multilateral platform will be held on 5 June, in Brussels and will focus on democracy, good governance and stability. The other platforms, devoted to economic integration, energy and people to people contacts, will also be launched during the month of June.
(5 June, 2009)
EU boosts development of Baltic Sea Region
On the 10th of June the European Commission presented its proposal for an EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. Five years on from enlargement, the region is facing pressing challenges including the deteriorating state of the Baltic Sea, poor transport links, barriers to trade and energy supply concerns. The four pillars of the strategy are to make this part of Europe: Environmentally sustainable, Prosperous, Accessible and attractive, Safe and secure.
(11 June, 2009)
European universities awarded for supporting mobile students
On the 11th of June 65 higher education institutions from 16 countries were awarded with special European quality labels in recognition of their efforts to make it easier for students to study abroad. These labels are given to universities which have shown excellence in applying the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the Diploma Supplement (DS), two European instruments that make teaching and learning more transparent and facilitate the recognition of studies and qualifications.
(12 June, 2009)
Tourism in the Vitebsk region to develop in accordance with European standards
Experts of the Belarusian-Latvian project “Bella Dvina” visited the German-French Rheinpark PAMINA where they learned about peculiarities and methods of cross-border tourism development. The study was conducted within the framework of the EU-funded project “Bella Dvina”, which is currently being implemented by the city of Polotsk. The delegation included representatives of the project partners from the Polotsk City Executive Committee, Latgale Region Development Agency, Vitebsk Centre of Regional Research and Development, Institution “Interaction” and seven district executive committees of the Vitebsk region.
(15 June, 2009)
EU Presidency statement concerning the Iranian Presidential elections
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union closely followed the course of the Presidential elections held on 12 June 2009 and notices Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected for the second term as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Presidency is concerned about alleged irregularities during the election process and post-electional violence that broke out immediately after the release of the official election results on 13 June 2009.
(15 June, 2009)
EU Council extends Atalanta operations
On the 15th of June the Council of the European Union agreed that Operation EU Naval Force Atalanta should be extended for one year from its current end date of 13 December 2009. The Council noted that Operation EU Naval Force Atalanta had demonstrated its ability to act effectively against piracy, that piracy off the coast of Somalia was likely to remain a serious threat beyond the date of 13 December 2009, and that early agreement on extending the operation would facilitate the necessary force generation.
(16 June, 2009)
EU Council offers new tool for TV journalists
On 17 June a new tool for TV journalists was presented by the Press-service of the EU Council. The audiovisual service provides assistance to TV journalists wishing to cover the activities of the Council of the EU. The web page offers free of charge video material for television journalists looking for supporting footage and soundbites on the Council’s activities, mainly in the following fields: foreign policy, security and defence, activities of EU High Representative Javier Solana, fight against terrorism, and other topics.
(17 June, 2009)
Teacher effectiveness hampered by lack of incentives and bad behavior in the classroom
Three out of four teachers feel that they lack incentives to improve the quality of their teaching, while bad behavior by students in the classroom disrupts lessons in three schools out of five, according to a new Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report prepared with the support of the European Commission.
(17 June, 2009)
Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner visits Belarus to encourage further steps towards democratisation
On 22 June Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner will pay an official visit to Belarus. During her stay she will have meetings with President Alexander Lukashenko, Foreign Minister Sergeij Martynov as well as with representatives of the opposition and civil society. During her visit to Minsk, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will also announce the allocation of an assistance package of €10mio for the improvement of food safety and quality in Belarus.
(19 June, 2009)
EU and Belarus discuss Human Rights
On 16-17 June 2009 the European Union and Belarus held the first round of human rights dialogue in Prague. The dialogue was held in a constructive and open atmosphere. The meeting allowed an exchange of views on the human rights situation both in Belarus and in the EU.
(19 June, 2009)
European Council Agenda, 18-19th June
On the 18-19t June EU heads of state and government are meeting in Brussels to deal with financial and economic issues, including financial supervision in Europe and employment, and seek political agreement to have José Manuel Barroso reappointed as President of the European Commission. With respect to climate issues, European Council will address the problem of financing adaptation and mitigation measures in developing countries resulting from climate change.
(19 June, 2009)
Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner during official visit to Belarus
We want to welcome Belarus into our web of close partnerships; and we hope Belarus will take the decisions that will now allow that to happen. But the European Union will not tell Belarus what to do. The choice for democracy is for the Belarusian people alone. You must make your own decisions about which direction to take and when.
(22 June, 2009)
EU examines impact of climate change on jobs
On 22 and 23 June the European Commission held a forum in Brussels to examine the impact of climate change on employment. Bringing together around 300 policy makers and experts, the Restructuring Forum addressed issues such as how many jobs will be lost and how many created due to climate change, how skills and qualifications will have to evolve and what role the social partners can play to help.
(24 June, 2009)
Fighting Cancer: A European partnership is born
On 24 June the European Commission reinforced its long-term commitment to the fight against cancer by creating a European Partnership for Action against Cancer. The partnership will focus on actions that can be taken at EU level to more effectively prevent and control cancer across Europe.
(25 June, 2009)
10,000 Erasmus Mundus scholarships for 2009-2010
The European Commission has just awarded almost 10,000 new grants to be funded by the Erasmus Mundus programme in the academic year 2009-2010. 8,385 students and academics will come to study or teach in Europe, and 1,561 Europeans will spend periods at partner institutions in countries outside Europe.
(1 July, 2009)
Commission calls for Smoke Free Europe by 2012
On 30 June the European Commission adopted a proposal calling on all Member States to bring in laws to protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke by 2012. Tobacco remains the largest single cause of premature death and disease in the European Union. Currently, ten EU countries have comprehensive smoke-free laws in place. UK and Ireland have the strictest smoke-free provisions with a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places, on public transport and in workplaces. Bulgaria is due to follow suit in 2010.
(2 July, 2009)
Jury identified the winners of the International Drawing Competition on Gender Equality 2009
The selection of the 14 winning drawings of the International Drawing Competition on Gender Equality 2009, carried out by the European Union took place on 23 June in Brussels in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium and Mr. Koos Richelle, Director General for EuropeAid Cooperation Office of the European Commission. The jury was made of 49 primary school pupils of the European School in Brussels.
(2 July, 2009)
€100 million to help start small businesses
On 2 July the European Commission proposed to set up a new microfinance facility providing microcredit to small businesses and to people who have lost their jobs and want to start their own small businesses. It will have an initial budget of €100 million, which could leverage more than €500 million in a joint initiative with international financial institutions, in particular the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group.
(3 July, 2009)
European Commission and industry to invest € 3.2 billion in economic recovery
On 13 July the European Commission and industry announced the first round of research calls for proposals injecting €268million in three key market areas in order to trigger economic recovery and make it more sustainable and knowledge-based. A total of €3.2 billion has been earmarked for European public-private partnerships (PPPs) dedicated to develop new technologies in manufacturing, construction and the automotive sectors.
(14 July, 2009)
Commission proposes visa free travel for citizens from the Western Balkans
The European Commission’s long standing commitment to visa free travel for the people of the Western Balkans was confirmed on the 15th of July with the adoption of a proposal for granting visa free travel to the citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. This proposal enables the citizens of these three countries to travel to the Schengen countries with the new biometric passports.
(16 July, 2009)
The Commission improves gas supply crises management
On the 16th of July the European Commission has adopted a new regulation to improve security of gas supplies in the framework of the internal gas market. The proposed Regulation would strengthen the existing EU system for gas supply security by ensuring that all Member States and their gas market players take effective action well in advance to prevent and mitigate the consequences of potential disruptions to gas supplies. It also would create mechanisms for Member States to work together to deal effectively with any major gas disruptions which might arise.
(17 July, 2009)
Preventing, Fighting and Addressing the Social Consequences of Trafficking in Human Beings
The project “Preventing, Fighting and Addressing the Social Consequences of Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Belarus”, funded by the European Commission, UNDP and UNICEF, is aimed at supporting national initiatives and enhancing capacities in fighting trafficking in human beings.
(17 July, 2009)
Icelandic Parliament voted in favour of applying for EU Membership
On the 17th of July the Parliament of Iceland voted in favour of presenting an application for membership in the EU. Commenting the news Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: «The decision of the Icelandic Parliament is a sign of the vitality of the European project and indicative of the hope that the European Union represents. Iceland is a European country with long and deep democratic roots. Iceland has very close relations with the EU after some 40 years of EFTA membership and 15 years in the European Economic Area (EEA). It is now up to the Icelandic government to follow-up this decision by officially applying to the Presidency of the EU».
(17 July, 2009)
EU endorses Belarus to further democratization
On the 16th of July Swedish Presidency issued EU statement in response to the report by the Head of the OSCE office in Minsk, Ambassador Hans-Jochen Schmidt. The EU values and supports the work of the OSCE Office in Minsk aimed at assisting Belarus to meet its OSCE commitments. The EU calls upon the Belarusian authorities to further simplify and accelerate this process.
(17 July, 2009)
EU allocates €70 million for its neighbours
On the 20th of July European Commission announced that the Neighborhood Investment Facility (NIF), a key instrument of the intensified European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), will benefit from a €70 million in 2009. These resources will allow neighboring partner countries to leverage increased funding for major investment projects in areas such as energy, transport and environment, and also SME development and the social sector.
(20 July, 2009)
EU-IOM migration project in Belarus to present results
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office in the Republic of Belarus in cooperation with the European Commission’s Delegation to Belarus and the Ministry of the Interior of Belarus are convening the Final meeting of the Steering Committee of the EC/IOM international technical assistance project “Strengthening migration management in the Republic of Belarus (MIGRABEL)”. The project, funded by the EU and developed by IOM in response to the official initiative of the Government of the Republic of Belarus back in 2005, was implemented by IOM Minsk in course of the last two years (2007-2009) being primarily aimed at the exploration of technical and legal aspects of introducing in Belarus e-passports, containing holders’ biometric features.
(21 July, 2009)
New Joint EU-UNDP-UNICEF Project on preventing human trafficking launched
The project will enhance the national capacities in fighting human trafficking through preventive measures and better protection and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking. The funding for the project of 1,334,550 Euro has been provided by the European Union, UNDP and UNICEF. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Belarus in partnership with other state governance bodies, NGOs and international organizations.
(22 July, 2009)
EU simplifies the management of the European Funds
On July 22 the European Commission adopted new measures aimed at simplifying management rules for the Cohesion Policy. In the context of the current crisis, the aim is to boost the European economy by improving the conditions for launching more projects in the regions.
(23 July, 2009)
Conference on the rights of citizens in the EU
Lawyers, researchers and politicians from all over the EU are meeting in Stockholm during 22-23th of July to discuss the rights of the individual in connection with crime.
(23 July, 2009)
Bulgaria and Romania: Political consensus needed to push forward the progress on judicial reform
Cross-party political support is now needed to be done to deliver convincing results in judicial reform and tackling corruption in both Member States, and in the case of Bulgaria in the fight against organised crime. This is the main conclusion to be drawn from the two reports adopted on the 22nd of July by the Commission.
(24 July, 2009)
EU extends its mission to Georgia
On the 27th of July the Council has decided to extend the mandate of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) for another 12 months until 14 September 2010. The Council welcomed the achievements of EUMM Georgia, in particular in the areas of stabilisation, normalisation, and confidence building.
(28 July, 2009)
EU support to Belarus hinges on reforms
On the 29th of July Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, has said the EU stands «ready to support and reengage with Belarus if it shows to be very serious in pursuing the moves towards democracy and fundamental freedoms».
(30 July, 2009)
Europeans consider the environmental impact of products they buy
Four out of five Europeans say that they consider the environmental impact of the products they buy, reveals a Eurobarometer survey published on the 29th of July. An overwhelming majority of Europeans (83%) said the impact of a product on the environment plays an important aspect in their purchasing decisions. With 92% in favour, Greeks were more likely to consider the environmental impact of the products they buy while the Czechs were the least likely (62%).
(30 July, 2009)
Solana welcomes the outcome of parliamentary elections in Moldova
On the 30th of July Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following comments after the repeated parliamentary elections in Moldova on the 29th of July. Solana said: «I welcome the conduct of the repeated parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, which met many of the international standards, albeit some negative aspects persisted”.
(30 July, 2009)
EU economic mood indicators recover
In July the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) for the EU and the euro area improved further, registering the fourth consecutive increase in both series since the trough in March.
(31 July, 2009)
European Commission announces EIDHR calls for proposals for Ukraine and Belarus
The European Commission is seeking proposals for two EIDHR Country-based Support Schemes with financial assistance from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights 2009 Annual Action Programme.
(11 August, 2009)
EU gives green light to renew Belarus textile trade
European Union ministers have authorised the European Commission to open negotiations on renewing the agreement on trade in textile products between the EU and Belarus. The Trade Policy decision was among the ‘other items’ approved at a meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 7 September, according to the Council conclusions.
(14 September, 2009)
European mobility week: Improving city climates
From 16 to 22 September 2009, hundreds of European towns and cities will participate in the eighth edition of European Mobility Week and invite their citizens to a wide range of activities promoting sustainable mobility. The 2009 campaign theme – Improving City Climates – underlines the importance of local level efforts to tackle climate change and improve quality of life through the promotion of alternative transport modes to the car such as cycling, walking, and public transport as well as schemes such as car-sharing and car-pooling.
(16 September, 2009)
José Manuel Barroso re-elected as President of the European Commission
The European Parliament has approved the appointment of José Manuel Barroso as President of the European Commission for a second term. Mr Barroso was elected by 382 votes in favour, 219 against and 117 abstentions in a vote held by secret ballot on Wednesday.
(16 September, 2009)
Foreign ministers discussed Southern Caucasus
On the 15th of September the EU foreign ministers discussed issues including Afghanistan, Iran and the Southern Caucasus. The discussions on the Southern Caucasus aimed to move the process forward and take concrete initiatives, for example free trade agreements within the framework of the Eastern Partnership. The Commission will shortly present proposals for the negotiations with Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
(17 September, 2009)
How well do you know the EU’s neighbours? – Take the EU quiz!
If you want to test your knowledge of the European Union’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhood countries, take the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Interactive Quiz on the European Commission’s website.
(17 September, 2009)
Presidency Statement on demonstrations in Minsk
The Presidency of the European Union notes with concern the crackdown by Belarusian authorities on peaceful demonstrations in Minsk on 16 September, commemorating the 10 anniversary of the disappearance of Viktar Hanchar and Anatol Krasousk. The Presidency urges the Belarusian authorities to refrain from the use of force in dealing with peaceful demonstrations and to ensure that representatives of independent media are able to perform their tasks without interference.
(18 September, 2009)
EU agrees its position for Pittsburg summit
On the 17th of September in Brussels EU heads of state and governments met on the informal council to discuss common EU position for G20 summit in Pittsburg that is about to take place on the 24–25 September. EU leaders concluded that the G-20 should reaffirm its determination to continue implementing coordinated policy measures in order to develop the basis for sustainable growth and to avoid a repetition of the financial crisis. Efforts must be maintained until recovery is secured. Overall support to the EU economy in 2009 and 2010 is projected to amount to around 5 percent of GDP.
(21 September, 2009)
Barroso: Edge back from the abyss - It’s time to deliver on climate change
The article of President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso:
Climate change is happening faster than we believed only two years ago. Continuing with business as usual almost certainly means dangerous, perhaps catastrophic, climate change during the course of this century. This is the most important challenge for this generation of politicians.
(22 September, 2009)
European Commission overhauls its website for third countries’ exporters
The Export Helpdesk has recently launched its revamped website to facilitate market access from third countries to the EU. Besides information on import tariffs, import requirements and trade statistics, the site now offers detailed information on the preferential arrangements in place between the EU and developing countries. It also offers a series of help tools to further assist exporters in third countries to take advantages of the export opportunities offered by these agreements. This is particularly interesting for SMEs who wish to export to the EU but are still unfamiliar with the EU rules for imports.
(23 September, 2009)
EU Budget 2008 – Stable funding in unstable times
In a year marked by exceptional economic turbulence, the 2008 EU budget continued to provide stable funding without increasing the financial burden on Member States. The 2008 financial report presented by the Commission on the 22nd of September shows how a record 40% of the 2008 budget’s €116.5 billion was invested in measures linked directly to jobs, growth and competitiveness.
(23 September, 2009)
In the EU 60% of students and 28% of the adult population speak at least two foreign languages
In the EU in 2007, 60% of students in upper secondary education studied two or more foreign languages and one third studied one foreign language, while 6% did not study any foreign language. Ваsed on their own assessment of their linguistic skills, 28% of the EU population aged 25 to 64 in 2007 said they spoke two or more foreign languages and 36% one foreign language, while 36% said they could not speak any foreign language.
(25 September, 2009)
New Eurydice Publications
On September 22 the Eurydice EU network that provides information and analysis of European education systems and policies published several reports.
(25 September, 2009)
EU-UNDP Post-Chernobyl project to open rebuilt children’s playground in Vetka, Gomel Oblast
The rehabilitation of the Vetka playground is the first in series of initiatives that are going to be carried out in the framework of the action “Combat the Negative Effects of the Chernobyl Disaster in Belarus” financed by the European Union and implemented jointly by the United Nations Development Program and the Belarusian authorities. The reconstruction of the children playground in Vetka cost about 18,000 USD and included the restoration of the football pitch and the playground, the installation of recreational equipment such as monkey bars, a slide and climbing frame, the fencing of perimeter of the whole facility and the reconstruction of the car park. This is now the only functioning playground in the town of Vetka which counts about 8,000 inhabitants, of whom 1,500 are children.
(2 October, 2009)
EU platform aims to improve Roma access to education
Experts from around Europe are today examining how to improve access to quality education for Roma communities – the first step to better including the minority in mainstream society. The EU Platform for Roma Inclusion is meeting in Brussels under the chairmanship of State Secretary Christer Hallerby for the Swedish EU Presidency. Vladimír Špidla (Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities) and Ján Figel´ (Education, Training, Culture and Youth) are participating on behalf of the European Commission.
(2 October, 2009)
Barroso: thank you, Ireland
Statement of President Barroso on the outcome of the Irish Referendum:
My message today is very simple: Thank you Ireland. It’s a great day, for Ireland and for Europe. The Irish people have spoken. They have said a resounding yes to Europe.
(5 October, 2009)
Sakharov Prize 2009: MEPs decide on shortlist of three
The three finalists for this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which the European Parliament awards each year to democracy and human rights campaigners, are Palestinian gynaecologist Izzeldin Abuelaish, Eritrean writer and political prisoner Dawit Isaak and Lyudmila Alexeyeva, Oleg Orlov and Sergei Kovalev on behalf of MEMORIAL and all other human rights defenders in Russia. Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Development Committees chose the three-person shortlist on Tuesday from a list of ten nominations. The winner will be selected by Parliament’s political group leaders on 22 October. This year’s award coincides with the 20th commemoration of Andrei Sakharov’s death.
(7 October, 2009)
220 Civil Society Organisations invited to Eastern Partnership Forum
The Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) Civil Society Forum (CSF), has recommended to the European Commission to invite representatives of 220 organisations to participate in the first gathering of the EaP Civil Society Forum in Brussels on 16-17 November.
(14 October, 2009)
The human rights project funded by the European Union rolls out its results
The project, funded by the European Union, was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Justice of Belarus between April 2007 and September 2009. The Ministry of Foreign of Latvia and Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation provided additional co-financing of the project component related to the promotion of juvenile justice. Total project expenditures comprised US$ 850,000. The aim of the project was to contribute to the improvement of the administration of justice in Belarus through better access for justice sector professionals to information about international human rights standards and relevant case-law, familiarization with best international practices, and development of recommendations to further improve the national legislation and law enforcement in the area of administration of justice.
(19 October, 2009)
Specialists discussed current issues of prevention of trafficking in children
On November 18, the round-table “Prevention of Trafficking in Children and Child Abuse: Important Issues and Contemporary Approaches” was held in Minsk in the framework of the joint project of the EU, the UNDP and the UNICEF “Preventing, Fighting and Addressing the Social Consequences of Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Belarus”. During the round-table the participants discussed important issues of prevention of trafficking in children and related crimes, cooperation of the state agencies, education institutions and non-governmental organizations in this area, professional training of specialist of the system of education, and social assistance and rehabilitation of the victims. After the discussions the participants elaborated a list of recommendations for further enhancing the work of all the involved parties.
(19 November, 2009)
Top EU posts filled
At a press conference on Thursday evening the names of the individuals, appointed to the three top posts discussed at the informal summit between the EU’s heads of state and government, were presented. Herman Van Rompuy was appointed permanent President of the European Council, Catherine Ashton was appointed High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Pierre de Boissieu Secretary-General of the Council Secretariat.
(23 November, 2009)
A milestone in the work on climate change: Environment Council ahead of Copenhagen
EU environment ministers undertook a final review of positions and strategies ahead of the climate change conference in Copenhagen in December at an extra Environment Council meeting on 23 November in Brussels. The Environment Council held a policy debate on the climate change conference in Copenhagen on 7–18 December.
(24 November, 2009)
EU marks 20 years of Child Rights Protection and looks ahead
Today the world celebrates the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – the most universally ratified human rights treaty. The Convention is the first international legally binding instrument establishing minimum standards for the protection and safeguarding of a full range of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of all children around the world. The internal policies of the EU and its external relations are based on the full respect and promotion of the Convention’s principles. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the progress achieved in the promotion and protection of children’s rights, but also to reflect on remaining challenges to enable children all over the world to fully enjoy their rights. To highlight the joint commitment to the principles of the UNCRC, the European Commission, UNICEF and UNRIC will jointly mark the 20 anniversary of the adoption of the Convention.
(20 November, 2009)
EU-Eastern Europe: Towards a Partnership in Energy Efficiency
The Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership will be launched during a donor conference, jointly organised by the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the EU, on 26 November in Stockholm. The Partnership will promote investment in energy efficiency in the Eastern Partnership region, starting in Ukraine with a particular emphasis on the district heating sector. Donors will make pledges for a Fund to support the Partnership in its objectives, which will serve to leverage much larger sums lent by the International Financial Institutions. The EC is ready to support the initiative by: contributing €10 million to complement Ukraine’s own contribution to the Fund; finance projects under the Initiative, from the Neighbourhood Investment Facility; help mobilise actions under the initiative through the Covenant of Mayors; and contribute to creating the conditions for investment by assisting the necessary legislative and policy reforms under the INOGATE energy programme.
(25 November, 2009)
Commissioners designate for the next Commission
Following the election of the President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, in September, and the naming of the High Representative / Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, last week, all Member States have now nominated Commissioners designate. President Barroso will now proceed with the allocation of portfolios. Hearings at the European Parliament will then take place in January before the College of Commissioners as a whole will be subject to a vote of approval by the European Parliament.
(26 November, 2009)
President Barroso unveils his new team
José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, today announced the portfolios responsibilities for the next Commission. The President has held detailed consultations with all the Commissioners-designate in order to assign the right jobs to the right people. The President believes that this team can deliver the agenda for change he set out in the political guidelines he presented in September, following his nomination by all 27 Member States and before his approval as President of the next Commission by the European Parliament.
(27 November, 2009)
The Delegation of the European Commission will become the Delegation of the European Union
As of 1st December, 2009, when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force, the EU’s external relations are managed by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who will also be Vice-President of the Commission (hence “HR-VP”). The first holder of this new post is, Baroness Ashton of Upholland. The HR-VP will be assisted by a new, tailor-made European External Action Service, which will draw staff from the European Commission, the Council, and diplomatic services of the Member States. A formal decision on the shape and structure of the European External Action Service should be taken by the end of April 2010.
(1 December, 2009)
Explaining the Treaty of Lisbon
The following memo gives an overview of the main innovations in the Treaty of Lisbon that enters into force on 1 December 2009. It is not exhaustive, and should not be seen as a legal analysis. It is meant only as a guide for journalists.
(3 December, 2009)
Public awareness event for youth “Stop Human Trafficking!” took place in Minsk
On December 2, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, in “Centralny” cinema hall in Minsk a public awareness event for youth titled “Stop Human Trafficking!” was organized in the framework of the EU-UNDP-UNICEF project “Preventing, Fighting and Addressing the Social Consequences of Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Belarus” jointly with the Administration of Moskovsky district of Minsk. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of young people about issues of trafficking in human beings and basic rules of safety when traveling abroad. The event was attended by about 250 students of universities and vocational training colleges of Minsk.
(4 December, 2009)
Jean Monnet Action - Call for proposals 2010
The Jean Monnet Action is designed to increase knowledge and awareness about European integration by promoting teaching, research and debate on European Union matters (including the EU’s relations with other regions in the world and the dialogue between peoples and cultures). The Jean Monnet Action is aimed exclusively at higher education institutions (university-level institutions). Such establishments must be formally recognised in their country of origin (have a proper legal status) before they can participate. Since 2001, the Jean Monnet Action operates on a world-wide basis. The network is currently active in 62 countries on the five continents. Universities from all countries in the world are eligible and encouraged to apply for Jean Monnet projects. The selection of Jean Monnet projects works via an annual call for proposals. The call is managed, on behalf of the European Commission by the “Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency”. The 2010 call was published in October 2009 with a deadline of 12 February 2010 (for projects that can start at the earliest in September 2010).
(8 December, 2009)
10 December 2009 – Human Rights Day
The Human Rights Day focuses on non-discrimination with the motto “Embrace diversity, end discrimination”. While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, millions around the globe face discrimination in their daily lives. Discrimination on grounds such as sex, racial and ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation is incompatible with the basic principles on which the European Union is founded. The prohibition of discrimination is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU is committed to fight against all forms of discrimination both in the EU and worldwide.
(10 December, 2009)
1st Call for Proposals of the ENPI CBC Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Programme has been launched
The Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania acting as the Joint Managing Authority of the Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus Cross-border Cooperation Programme within the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 2007-2013 (further of – ENPI CBC Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Programme) announces the 1st Call for Proposals for cross-border actions to be funded by the European Union as of the 15th of December 2009. Actions: The action proposals should overall aim at enhancing the territorial cohesion of the Latvian, Lithuanian and Belarusian border region, securing high level of environmental protection, providing for economic and social welfare, as well as promoting intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity. They should in particular focus on one of the Priorities and Measures of the ENPI CBC Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Programme.
(15 December, 2009)
New EU-funded regional project aimed at improving waste governance within ENPI East
On Thursday, 17 December 2009, a new EU-funded regional project aimed at improving waste governance within the countries of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Region (ENPI East) will be launched in Brussels by the European Commission. The project called “Waste Governance – ENPI East” aims at through technical co-operation and support assist the partner countries in their efforts to reduce the risks arising from inappropriate management of wastes, that thereby create environmental pollution hazards to the community and to natural resources, through co-operation with, and amongst, partner states in the region. It will be implemented in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. It is a four year project with a budget of EUR 5.9 million.
(17 December, 2009)
“Climate is changing. And You?”
On 15 December a PR action «Climate is changing. And You?» has been conducted in Minsk Environmental School № 19. The event was organized within the framework of EC/UNDP project “Building capacity for Strategic environmental assessment and implementation of environmental conventions in Belarus”. This action is confined to Copenhagen UN summit on climate change and publication of the project’s “dynamic” brochure on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in atmosphere. This environmental action was intended to draw public attention to the agenda of the Copenhagen Summit, and to demonstrate real contribution of the European Union and UNDP in addressing the issue of greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
(17 December, 2009)
Government of Belarus has signed financing agreements for two cross-border cooperation programmes
Government of Belarus has signed financing agreements for two cross-border cooperation programmes: Latvia/Lithuania/Belarus and Poland/Ukraine/Belarus. Signature of these financing agreements will allow participants from Belarus to take part in these initiatives. Calls for proposals both programs are already published.
(18 December, 2009)
In numbers: Commission leadership face grilling from MEPs
European Union legislators today began their grilling of the 26 nominees for the European Commission. In a series of hearings the candidates will face tough questions about their experience and suitability for office. Promoting economic growth and expanding the EU’s global influence are just two priorities of the incoming Commission, the first under the new Lisbon Treaty.
(12 January, 2010)
Gas Coordination Group discusses security of gas supply in the light of the current winter situation
In its first meeting in 2010, the Gas Coordination Group, under the chairmanship of the Commission, has focused on 11 January on the assessment of the situation on security of gas supply in the EU-27 and countries of the Energy Community and discussed priorities for the work of the Group in 2010. Considering the severe winter conditions prevailing in some Member States, the Gas Coordination Group assessed the situation in the EU-27 and Energy Community contracting parties regarding gas demand and supply, storage levels and gas imports from third countries.
(13 January, 2010)
Herman Van Rompuy: European Union will develop a new economic strategy
Herman Van ROMPUY, President of the European Council, visited Berlin yesterday to attend a meeting with Ms Angela MERKEL, Chancellor of Germany. Speaking to journalists prior to the meeting, ROMPUY stressed “two big challenges facing us which will require the full engagement of the EU at the highest level”: tackling the economic crisis and responding to the climate change. The President said he “took the initiative to convene an informal meeting of the Heads of State and Government on 11 February, to examine these two issues”.
(14 January, 2010)
2010 - European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
The European Commission and the Spanish Presidency of the EU launched the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion initiative on 21 January. Under the slogan “Stop Poverty Now!”, the campaign aims to put the fight against poverty – which directly affects one in six Europeans – centre stage across the EU during 2010. “It is too often the vulnerable in society who end up being hardest hit by the impacts of a recession. That is why the European Year 2010 should act as a catalyst to raise awareness and build momentum for a more inclusive society which is part and parcel of the EU’s future 2020 strategy that I have proposed” said Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso.
(22 January, 2010)
EU and Belarus discussed effects of the new Customs Union
On 25-26 January, Deputy Director General for External Trade Peter Balas of the European Commission paid a visit to Minsk. He met Belarusian authorities, including deputy Prime Minister Kobyakov, deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevdochenko and deputy Minister of Economy Tur, to discuss the state of economic-trade relations after the introduction of the Customs Union between Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. The EU side particularly emphasised its concerns about the negative effects caused by the new import regime in force since 1 January 2010. The EU side urged Belarus, as a member of the new Customs Union, to support the removal of the adverse measures introduced by the Customs Union that brought about the increased tariffs for numerous important EU export products as well as encouraged Belarus to resist the protectionist pressure by refraining from imposing new de-liberalisation measures.
(27 January, 2010)
Delegation website: http://www.delblr.ec.europa.eu/home.html