Transcript Dossier
#12 -
Dossier
ELECTIONS EUROPEENNES
Une échéance cruciale
EUROPE & BEYOND
I Protecting our oceans and seas
OUR STORIES
I Citizens’ Dialogues
AU QUOTIDIEN
I
CONTRIBUTEURS
Stefano Sotgia
Offi ce for 12 years. In joined the Commission in 2001 and worked in DG SANCO as an inspector at the Food and Veterinary February, he joined the EU delegation in Sierra Leone, acting as head of the ‘Rural Development and Environment’ section since then.
Alexis Bigonville et Sven Carnel
sont historiens et archivistes. Ils collaborent au sein du Centre d’administration des documents de la DG COMM où ils organisent et valorisent les trésors d’archives qui y sont conservés.
Dina Baslan
is an Information and Communication Assistant in ECHO’s Middle East and North Africa regional offi ce. She has been working on the Syria crisis since its start.
Ana Yturriaga Saldanha
works in DG HR’s Learning and Development Unit as Head of Sector for Consultancy and Communication. After years dealing with external relations, she heads the team of internal consultants and coaches in the Commission.
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is Information and Communication Offi cer in DG DIGIT after being a Training Manager there. She came to Brussels just for fi ve months in 2007 as a trainee in DG SCIC and never left the Commission. Previously, she worked for a London newspaper as marketing and events manager. Her background is in social communication and linguistics.
David Voidies
corporate et de est chef de secteur au sein de l’unité de la DG COMM en charge de la stratégie, des actions de communication l’Eurobaromètre. Avec son équipe, il assure le suivi de l’opinion publique dans l’UE.
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joined the Commission in 1995. He has worked ever since at DG COMM’s Audiovisual Library, taking care of acquisitions and documentation of the audiovisual production. In 2009, he took over the management of the Library, implementing appropriate policies for the preservation, digitisation and distribution of the Library’s holdings. Prior to joining the Commission, Bert worked in a regional TV station in Germany.
est responsable des relations avec les anciens fonctionnaires au sein de l’unité «Politique sociale» de la DG HR. Elle travaille notamment sur l’assistance aux pensionnés en diffi culté, les relations avec les associations d’anciens, la préparation à la retraite et la valorisation de l’expertise.
Rédacteur en chef:
Zach Hester
Tél. :02 296 9617
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Secrétaire de rédaction:
Dominique Labourdette
Rédaction:
Matteo Manzonetto, Michael Scheerer -
Stagiaire:
Sabrina Fredj, Alice Siniscalchi
Mise en page & Cend en ligne:
Marcelo Contreras -
Courrier des lecteurs:
Eimear O’Kelly
Commission en direct
est édité par l’unité de Communication, DG HR D.3 Chef d’unité:
Norman Jardine
Adresse :
CE-SC11, 01/18
Télécopieur: 02 299 92 85 Courrier des lecteurs:
Envoi de la publication aux pensionnés:
ISSN : 1830-5598 - Cette publication n’engage pas juridiquement la Commission.
ACCÈS À COMMISSION EN DIRECT EN LIGNE Personnel actif:
http://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu
OP et retraités:
https://myintracomm-ext.ec.europa.eu
Autres institutions et agences (également EEAS):
http://myintracomm.ec.testa.eu
Autres institutions et agences (également EEAS):
http://myintracomm.ec.testa.eu
ANNONCES
EUROPEAN COMMISSION – FACING THE FUTURE
On-line survey, until Wednesday 16, April A team of independent researchers has created a survey – with DG HR’s logistical help – to produce empirical information based on the views and experience of Com mission staff.
All the researchers participated in an earlier project, ‘The European Commission in Question’ (see link below) which formed the basis of a book, ‘The European Com mission of the Twenty-First Century’ (see link below).
This new survey asks you about what attracted you to work for the Commission, your career, current and pre vious roles, your views and beliefs, your experience of the Commission as a workplace, your thoughts on the recent review of the Staff Regulations, and your reflections on the Commission past and future.
Take a few minutes of your time and have your say! A high response rate is crucial for the success of the project.
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http://www.uea.ac.uk/political-social-international studies/european-commission-in-question
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http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199599523.
do#.Ucf8Ub_J5UQ
HEARTS AND MINDS FOR EUROPE
With the European elections approaching, a new on line initiative has been launched to help raise aware ness of what the EU means to people who work in and around the Institutions. Supported by the Bertels mannstiftung, the ‘Hearts and Minds for Europe’ initia tive gives a voice to 35 people in a wide variety of jobs. “Hearts and Minds for Europe gives a real flavour of what it really means to work at the heart of EU democracy,” states Vice-President Maroš Šef čovič, a participant.
“The EU often seems out of touch with the citizens’ lives, but the interviews show that people working with and for Europe are citizens themselves, with their own hopes and fears. I hope that the project encourages people to speak up for Europe and vote in May.”
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http://heartsandmindsforeu.eu
FETE DE L’EUROPE
Dimanche 11 mai, 12:00-18:00, Village européen, Bruxelles Dans le cadre du 20e anniversaire de la Fête de l’Iris, l’Europe s’associe pour la deuxième année consécutive à la fête de la Région Bruxelles-Capitale afin de valoriser Bruxelles en tant que capitale de l’Europe.
Le dimanche 11 mai, le Village européen accueillera les visiteurs au Carrefour de l’Europe (place piétonnière devant la Gare centrale), autour de la citoyenneté et des élections européennes.
Jeudi 17 mai, Journée Portes ouvertes de la Commission européenne, Bruxelles Le jeudi 17 mai, placé sous le thème du «citoyen euro péen et la démocratie», se déroulera une nouvelle édi tion de la Journée Portes ouvertes des institutions euro péennes. Les visiteurs pourront découvrir les coulisses du Berlaymont, centre névralgique de la Commission, mais aussi les réalisations concrètes dont bénéficient chaque jour plus de 500 millions de citoyens grâce à l’Union Européenne, autour de nombreuses activités ludiques.
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http://ec.europa.eu/belgium/events/euopendoors/ index_fr.htm
Contact: Nathalie Malivoir, tél. 02 29 92770
ALL TOGETHER – NIGHT MARATHON LUXEMBOURG
+"./"%&/345" On Saturday, 31 May, the Inter-Institutional Team will again run the ING Night Marathon to support young vulnerable people threatened by social exclusion, espe cially drug addicted and homeless people. This year’s objective is to reach 400 runners.
You can enrol (see link below) either for a team-run – in teams of 4 runners, covering a distance from 8 to 13 km – or to run the half-marathon or marathon. You will also be offered running-shirts.
Please confirm your registration to Marco Artico (marco.
[email protected]) or Mario Galetto (mario.galetto@ europarl.europa.eu) by indicating both the discipline chosen and your running-shirt size (ladies’ or men’s).
In case of problems while registering, please contact Ms Schaller: [email protected]
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https://portal.mikatiming.de/event/ing-night marathon/2014/group/en/
Login: Maisondeleurope Password: V@d@ph01 If you register for the team-run please always start the name of your team by «All together» (eg. “All together – We’re the best”)
EDITORIAL SPEAKING UP FOR EUROPE
by Zach Hester
I t has been clear for some time that 2014 would be a crucial year for Europe. As the EU starts to see an emerging recovery, the work is not over. Given the so cial, economic and political climate, the European elec tions on 22-25 May will be crucial for Europe’s future. This edition’s dossier, therefore, focuses on the European elections, with an exclusive interview with President Barroso (pages 36-38), who shares with us his perspectives on these elections and what’s at stake. In addition to some key information on the European Parliament and the elections, we also examine the state of European public opinion – both from what is known from the latest Eurobarometer (page 43) and from the perspective of external expert Dominique Reynié (page 44). Political scientist and President of the European University Institute, J.H.H. Weiler, also shares his views on the so-called ‘democratic deficit’ and what’s at stake this time (page 45).
We also look at the New Narrative for Europe (page 14), an initiative President Barroso called for back in 2012, and give an overview of the numerous Citizens’ Dialogues (pages 22-23) the Commission has organised across the EU over the last 18 months, feeding into the on-going debate on the future of Europe. With the Syrian conflict entering its fourth year, its repercussions are presented from a woman’s perspec tive (pages 20-21). And on a more upbeat note, the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone reports on sustainable fishing (pages 18-19) and BEPA presents ORBIS – the new strategic studies portal (page 30). We celebrate the 60th and 50th anniversaries respectively of the Com mission Representations (pages 26-27) and DG EAC’s vocational training policy (pages 28-29) and take a look at DG HR’s ‘Active Senior’ initiative (pages 53-55) and Umeå, the other European Capital of Culture in 2014 (pages 56-58).
And by the way, remember to vote! J
SOMMAIRE ELECTIONS EUROPEENNES
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POST
07
REGARDS
EUROPE & BEYOND
08 Brèves
10 Endangered seas
12 New accounting standards
14 New Narrative for Europe
18 Protecting fishery resources
20 The voice of Syrian women
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PHOTOS
Alexandre Makaronidis Graham Lock
22 Citizens debating Europe
23 Ce que nous disent les Belges
24 Involving citizens in policy-making
26 Les Représentations fêtent leurs 60 ans
28 Formation professionnelle
30 Le monde au bout des doigts
31 Promoting Europe on two wheels
46 Le cercle vicieux de l’endettement
48 The workplace of the future
50 EU integration’s living repository
52 In memoriam 52 Nominations
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GENERATIONS
53 Comment valoriser les anciens
54 Un ancien retourne à l’école
55 Une retraitée bénévole
FREIZEIT
56 Umeå 2014 – Capitale culturelle
59 Brèves
60 Jeux
62 Histoire en images
63 Annonces
Dossier
34 The road to 2014
36 President Barroso on the European elections
39 European Parliament powers
40 Dates, seats and national rules
41 Composition du Parlement européen
42 Six candidates for the top job
43 Que dit l’Eurobaromètre?
44 Dominique Reynié analyse l’opinion publique
45 J.H.H. Weiler on the ‘democratic deficit’
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POST QUESTIONS OF LANGUAGE
I do understand French and German-speaking colleagues who are annoyed when they see that the majority of documents and articles is written in English.
However, I wonder why they cannot be a little less ‘selfish’ and think that most people read documents that are NOT in their mother tongue – we don’t expect everything to be translated into Italian, Slovenian, Bulgarian...
It’s just a matter of being practical and realistic – how many officials know English? And how many speak/read French? (A little less, I assume). How many can understand German? (A lot less, I am sure).
Aren’t we all supposed to be a ‘big family’ where we help each other and we let go of our individualism?
Milena Sardella, DG TRADE
SPEEDY REIMBURSEMENT
A reimbursement claim which I sent via JSIS on line on 12th March was reimbursed on 18th March – 4 working days. This system is absolutely excellent and could (should) set an example for many other procedures/processes in the house.
Sarah Ironside, DG EMPL, posted on the Forum https://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/net/forum/
REGARDS
Before Europe moved to an open single aviation market, travellers
Siim Kallas, on aviation in Europe
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH 14-185_en.htm
regards to the Scottish referendum on independence:
“The plain fact is we matter more in the world together.”
Well, the same is true in the case of the EU.
Viviane Reding, in her Mackenzie Stuart Lecture at Cambridge’s Faculty of Law
http://ec.europa.eu/debate-future-europe/ongoing debate/articles/20140217_en.htm
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Commission‘s Digital Competence Day
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José Manuel Barroso, on Europe’s cultural dimension
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-170_en.htm
EUROPE & BEYOND
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Strengthening the rule of law
T he Commission is eager to strengthen the EU’s rule book with regard to serious breach es of the rule of law. On 11 March, the College adopted a new framework for addressing systemic threats to the rule of law in any of the EU’s 28 Member States. The frame work comprises a mechanism, allowing the EU to intervene at an early stage in case of «serious and systematic threats» to the rule of law. The new rule of law framework will be complementary to infringe ment procedures – when EU law has been breached – and to the so-called ‘Article 7 procedure’ of the Lisbon Treaty which, at its most severe, allows for the suspension of voting rights in case of a
“seri ous and persistent breach”
of EU values by a Member State. Article 7 has only ever been used once. It was invoked in 2000 against Austria when the centre right party went into government with the far-right Freedom Party.
The new framework establishes an early warning tool allowing the Commission to enter into a dialogue with the Member State concerned to prevent the escalation of systemic threats to the rule of law. If no solution is found within the new EU rule of law framework, Article 7 will always remain the last re sort to resolve a crisis and ensure compliance with EU values. Commission President José Manuel Barroso said:
“The rule of law is one of the founding pillars of the EU. This is what our Union is built upon. The Commis sion is now delivering on this commitment, making sure that, in future, and based on our recent past experience, we can prevent and effectively resolve rule of law crises in our Member States.”
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http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/reding/ multimedia/news/2014/03/20140311_en.htm
Winter 2014 forecast – Recovery gaining ground
The Commission’s winter forecast foresees a contin uation of the economic recovery in most Member States and in the EU as a whole. After exiting reces sion in spring 2013 and three consecutive quarters of subdued recovery, the outlook is for a moderate increase in economic growth. Following real GDP growth of 1.5% in the EU and 1.2% in the euro area in 2014, activity is seen accelerating in 2015 to 2.0% in the EU and 1.8% in the euro area. The forecast remains based on the assumption that the implementation of agreed policy measures at EU and Member State level sustains improvements in confidence and financial conditions, along with the necessary economic adjustments in Member States, thereby increasing their growth potential.
Olli Rehn, Commission Vice-President for Econom ic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro said:
“Recovery is gaining ground in Europe, following the return to growth in the middle of last year. The strengthening of domestic demand this year should help us to achieve more balanced and sustainable growth. The worst of the crisis may now be behind us, but this is not an invitation to be complacent, as the recovery is still modest. We need to stay the course of economic reform.”
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forecasts/2014_winter_forecast_en.htm
Clean-Up Europe Day to raise awareness
M illions of tonnes of litter end up in the oceans, beaches, forests and other natural areas each year in Europe and the rest of the world. To raise awareness of the problem and to encourage a change in behaviour, the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is coordinat ing a Europe-wide annual clean-up day on 10 May 2014. The main causes of litter are unsustainable production and consumption, poor waste manage ment strategies, and a lack of awareness among the population. ‘Let’s Clean Up Europe!’ aims to encour age and mobilise the public to take part in cleaning up their environment so they can see how much waste is being generated and dumped in their neigh bourhood. The actions implemented in the EWWR address the ‘3Rs’ – to reduce waste, reuse products, and recycle materials. Events are being coordinated by national authorities responsible for waste man agement and are being organised by local authorities, non-governmental organisations, business and in dustry, educational establishments and individuals. To get involved, check out the links below. J
www.letscleanupeurope.eu/ www.ewwr.eu/lets-clean-up-europe/list-of coordinators
Révision de la directive européenne sur le tabac
Le 14 mars 2014, le Conseil a approuvé la révision de la directive sur le tabac et ses produits dérivés afin de les rendre moins attrayants, surtout auprès des jeunes, en renforçant les règles concernant leur fabrication, présentation et vente.
La nouvelle directive interdit la mise sur le marché de cigarettes et de tabac à rouler contenant des saveurs caractérisées comme des arômes de fruits, menthe… Elle exige l’apposition d’informations relatives à la santé sur au total 65% de la surface d’emballage des produits contenant du tabac. De plus, chaque paquet devra porter un avertissement général, tel que «Fumer tue». Aucun élément publicitaire ou trompeur, tel que les termes comme «organique» ou «cultivé biologiquement», ne devra apparaître sur les emballages.
Par ailleurs, la révision introduit un système de sur veillance et de traçabilité dans toute l’UE pour com battre le commerce illégal du tabac ou de produits dérivés falsifiés.
La directive devrait entrer en vigueur en mai. Les Etats membres auront ensuite deux ans pour la trans poser dans leur législation nationale. J
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EUROPE & BEYOND
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HOPE CONFERENCE
ENDANGERED SEAS REQUIRE URGENT ACTION
by Michael Scheerer
, CEND
Our oceans and seas are a valuable resource still lacking sufficient protection.
urgent action.
A recent Commission report paints a worrying picture. But at the ‘Healthy Oceans – Productive Ecosystems’ (HOPE) conference, held in Brussels on 3-4 March, participants called for
T he marine environment as a precious heritage is at the heart of the Commission’s environ mental strategy. With the ultimate aim of maintain ing biodiversity and ensuring diverse, dynamic and healthy oceans and seas, as laid down in the 2008 EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Commission strongly supports the sustainable use of the marine environment. The Directive, a EU flagship instrument for marine protection, is intended to ensure good en vironmental status for the EU’s marine waters by 2020 and to protect the resource base upon which marine related economic and social activities depend. It takes an ‘ecosystem approach’ to manage all human activi ties that have an impact on the marine environment.
Worrying report
Six years after the Directive was adopted, Environment Commissioner Janez Poto č nik presented a report on the Directive’s implementation thus far (see link below) which paints a worrying picture of Europe’s seas. At the ‘Healthy Oceans – Productive Ecosystems’ (HOPE) conference in Brussels on 3-4 March, Janez Poto č nik said: “
The message is clear – Europe’s seas and oceans are not in good shape. But we depend on these seas, and we need to find a balance. That means finding ways to reap their economic potential without increasing the pressure on an already fragile environment, creating growth and jobs that are secure in the long term.”
The Commissioner warned:
“There are just six years between now and 2020, the target
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date we have set ourselves to reach ‘Good Environmental Status’ for all of our marine waters. What we see is troubling. It is clear that Europe’s seas are not in a ‘Good Environ mental Status’.”
According to the Commissioner, in the Mediterra nean and the Black Sea nearly 9 out of every 10 species are still being overfished.
“The longer we wait to develop truly sustainable fisheries, the greater the cost will be to our industry in the long run, as well as putting at risk the livelihoods of the people who depend on fishing to put food on their table,”
the Commissioner said.
As Janez Poto čn ik also stated, Europe lacks common policy goals.
“So far, EU Member States have set fragmented, and at times contradictory, ambitions for the marine environ ment. We need to align our aims if we are to achieve coordi nated and adequate actions to address the key marine issues we are facing today – whether overfishing, eutrophication or marine litter."
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The report – ‘The first phase of implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) - The European Commission’s assessment and guid ance’ – presented by the Commission, together with the European Environment Agency’s “Marine messages” also published, offers the first comprehensive overview of the state of EU seas (see link below). Member States have reported on the state of their marine waters, on what they consider to be “good environmental status”, and on the targets they have put in place to reach good status. The findings in the report are accompanied by recommendations for the four marine regions and for individual Member States. The report shows that thanks to extensive reports from Member States, we now know a lot more about our seas and oceans, what the problems are, and what can be done to improve the situation.
Most indicators are in the red zone, with 88% of fish stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, for instance, threatened. But the sustainability of catches is improv ing, albeit slowly. According to the report, greater efforts are needed to reach the 2020 EU goal for healthy and productive European seas. Efforts to improve the situ ation are hampered by a lack of coordination between Member States. Good status could be achieved more easily – and more cheaply – if Member States reinforced their cooperation.
/22 urgent action
The conference brought together more than 400 stake holders from government, NGOs, academia and other groups working with or in relation to the European marine environment. In a ‘Declaration of HOPE’, the conference called for urgent action to better protect the European marine environment. In particular, the participants ask political leaders and stakeholders to re store fish stocks to healthy levels through the coherent implementation of the new Common Fisheries Policy and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and to halt marine biodiversity loss and meet the targets set by the EU Biodiversity Strategy.
The Declaration stresses the need to work closer to gether to protect the marine environment, to achieve greater coordination and cost-effectiveness within and between marine regions and to improve the governance of the seas, in particular through the Regional Sea Con ventions and effective implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and other relevant EU environmental legislation. It urges political leaders to turn words into action and encourage all stakeholders, including the private sector, to take the measures neces sary to deliver ‘Good Environmental Status’ for Europe’s seas and oceans by 2020. J
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/hope conference/
Report on implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.
do?uri=SWD:2014:0049:FIN:EN:PDF
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EUROPE & BEYOND
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PROMOTING EPSAS
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO HELP AVOID ANOTHER CRISIS
by Michael Scheerer
, CEND
One lesson learned during Europe’s financial crisis is to ensure better accounting systems in the public sector. EPSAS (European Public Sector Accounting Standards) is aimed at developing and harmonising Member States’ public accounting regimes. Alexandre Makaronidis (AM) and Graham Lock (GL) from EUROSTAT explain.
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A.M.:
The public sector lags behind the private sector with accounting reforms. The main objective of the proposed initiative is to implement harmonised public sector accounting and general-purpose financial-report ing standards on an accruals basis for all government entities. Accruals accounting provides a more complete picture than cash accounting of financial and economic position and performance, by capturing in full the as sets and liabilities as well as the revenue and expenses. In contrast to cash accounting, accruals accounts record entries, not when cash payments are made, but when economic value is created, transformed or extinguished, or when claims and obligations arise, are transformed or extinguished.
With EPSAS, we would get a full picture of the finan cial position and performance of public sector entities and national governments in a harmonised way. This would increase fiscal transparency, which is necessary for macroeconomic stability and for coordination, surveillance, and policy advice. As well as producing reliable and timely financial and fiscal data, it should facilitate the securing of liquidity in global financial markets and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public auditing.
+ 7 accounting standards in terms of 4
G.L.:
Fiscal discipline and stability play an essential role in safeguarding Economic and Monetary Union. The accurate, reliable and comparable reporting of fiscal data is essential for monitoring and communicating this stability. However, accounting practices across the European public sector are extremely diverse. Differ ences exist not just between countries, but also within them. Some entities still operate on a cash-only basis, with no inventory of their assets and liabilities. Others are already on an accruals basis, and have a full picture of their financial position and performance. And still others have hybrid part-accruals/part-cash systems.
The sovereign debt crisis underlined the need for governments to clearly demonstrate their financial sta bility. Incidences of inappropriate financial reporting
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by some Member States have demonstrated that the system for fiscal reporting needs to be enhanced to mitigate the risk of substandard-quality data being no tified to the Commission. The Budgetary Frameworks Directive, adopted in 2011, recognises the crucial role of complete and reliable fiscal data in EU budgetary sur veillance. It sets out the rules on Member State budget ary frameworks that are necessary to ensure compliance with the Treaty obligation to avoid excessive govern ment deficits. Harmonised public-sector accruals-based accounting standards are one of the tools for building trust and for better measuring, reporting and forecast ing the fiscal situation. The Commission, therefore, promotes such a system for all types of entities in the public sector.
Can EPSAS help make the EU immune to a 4
A.M.:
EPSAS cannot be seen as a panacea for all the flaws in public-sector management. But EPSAS can provide the high-quality information that is needed for better public sector management. In so doing, it may pro vide the trigger for wider reflections on modernising government administrations. The EPSAS project is not limited to the development and adoption of harmo nised standards. In due course, it would also be about their enforcement. Public sector accounting systems should be subject to internal control and independent audit. This should already be the case today in order to comply with the Budgetary Frameworks Directive. And this should also apply to the future EPSAS stand ards. Therefore, and once again, internal control and independent audit remain strategic partners – also in the context of EPSAS.
Some administrations in the EU have already ' 4
The UK is a good example of a country which has modernised in recent years, having applied accruals to government accounting and budgeting, by adapting the standards used by the EU private sector (IFRS – In ternational Financial Reporting Standards). The UK’s ‘Whole of Government Accounts’ consolidate the au dited accounts of around 3,000 organisations across the public sector and are published annually, opening them to public scrutiny. The modernisation programme in France completed a few years ago is another good example.
At the sub-national level, the German Federal State of Hesse, like the UK, adopted commercial accounting standards to convert from cash to accruals, but used the German Code of Commercial Law (HGB) rather than international standards. Their main conclusion is that the new system provides a much fuller picture of the economic situation than the previous cash-based system.
One could also mention the city of Essen in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Essen recently implemented accruals budgeting and account ing, using a detailed common accounting structure ap plying to local level entities in Essen and elsewhere in North Rhine-Westphalia.
One should also not overlook the reform of the EU’s own accounting practices under the control of DG BUDG.
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A.M.:
The EPSAS project is foreseen to be executed in three stages.
Over the course of this year, we are working on a Communication on EPSAS, explaining the background, costs and benefits, as well as the way forward.
In a second stage, we intend to propose legislation es tablishing EPSAS, its governance structures, procedures and a medium-term work programme. The third stage would be adoption of the legislation and stepwise im plementation of EPSAS in the medium term. J
www.epsas.eu/en/
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EUROPE & BEYOND
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NEW NARRATIVE FOR EUROPE ARTISTS, INTELLECTUALS AND SCIENTISTS STAND UP FOR EUROPE
by Zach Hester
, CEND
On 1 March in Berlin, in the presence of President Barroso and Chancellor Angela Merkel, European artists, scientists and intellectuals unveiled the ‘New Narrative for Europe’. The idea is to mobilise the cultural world and citizens for Europe and to outline why Europe still matters and the European idea is worth defending.
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Today the «raison d’être» of our Union is also the same that was there sixty years ago – peace, democracy, to be freed from fears, mistrust and divisions, to share security, stability and prosperity,”
President Barroso stated in Berlin. But a new narrative is needed.
“Europe is indispensable for us as countries and citizens to be able to defend our interests and promote our values in this globalising world. […] The important thing is how can we react to it and how can we try shape it with our values.”
Europe is an identity, an idea, an ideal
‘The Mind and Body of Europe’ – as the declaration is called – defines Europe as a state of mind, as a moral and political responsibility shared by citizens across the continent. Rooted in Europe’s shared values of peace, freedom, democracy and rule of law, the project brought together European artists, scientists and intellectuals – as the President put it,
“the creative ‘story tellers’ and critical spirits of our time”
– to shape a New Narrative for Europe, an optimistic forward-looking vision in full cognisance of current realities and challenges.
The Declaration also addresses Europe’s evolving nar rative over the century spanning from 1914 until today, focusing on three fundamental trials and transforma tions – ‘an end to war’ as Europe rose from the ashes of two World Wars, ‘the fall of the Iron Curtain’ and then most recently ‘the burst of the bubble’ with the financial and economic crisis.
Finally, it calls for a societal paradigm shift – a ‘New Renaissance’. Europe as a political body needs the sci ences and arts and its rich intellectual heritage to develop a new cosmopolitanism. To achieve this, Europe needs brave political leaders, a committed civil society and citizens raising their voices to take part in the European debate and share their stories and concerns.
A rallying call for pro-European forces in the current political climate, the Declaration clearly states:
“Populist and nationalist narratives must not prevail.” “Together we are stronger to embrace the challenges of an ever-changing world while holding back some demons,”
the President reminded the audience, such as pop ulism, xenophobia and extreme nationalism.
The New Narrative for Europe is a project proposed by the European Parliament and implemented by the European Commission, following the call issued by Pres ident Barroso in his 2012 State of the Union Address. It is not intended as a point of arrival, but rather as a catalyst to trigger more contributions to the debate. J New Narrative for Europe
http://ec.europa.eu/debate-future-europe/new narrative/index_en.htm
Declaration
http://ec.europa.eu/debate-future-europe/new narrative/pdf/declaration_en.pdf
President Barroso’s speech
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ SPEECH-14-168_en.htm
President Barroso’s call in 2012 State of the Union Address
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ SPEECH-12-596_en.htm
Angela Merkel’s speech
http://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/DE/ Rede/2014/03/2014-03-01-merkel-narrative leitmotiv-europa.html
PHOTOS La Commission dit «oui» à la première initiative citoyenne européenne
Le 19 mars 2014, la Commission a décidé de donner une suite positive à la toute première initiative citoyenne européenne (ICE) réussie. Les organisateurs de l’initiative «Right2Water» avaient demandé en mai 2012 que tous les citoyens de l’UE jouissent du droit à l’eau et à l’assainissement.
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«Les citoyens européens se sont exprimés et […] la Commission a donné une réponse positive. Ce tout premier exercice paneuropéen de démocratie citoyenne aura pour conséquence directe d’améliorer la qualité de l’eau […] – tant en Europe que dans les pays en développement. Je félicite les organisateurs pour le résultat qu’ils ont obtenu.»
L’UE a par ailleurs déjà accompli un travail considérable dans le domaine de l’eau et de l’assainissement. Des normes %*"&&$+&$"$/&"&!7!!8&$$%!"!"&"&/!!%!" !&!$""%%*!"""*$:;&!&%!$$/<7!!=%%&&!%!"!" de près de 1,5 milliard d’euros par an, ce qui en fait le principal donateur au monde. Le rôle de la Commission est à !"=>?$//!"7$@!G%$"!"!"?: J
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-277_fr.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/citizens-initiative/public/welcome?lg=fr
16 X
President Barroso with Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s acting Prime Minister, Herman Van Rompuy and Catherine Ashton
EU support for Ukraine’s new government
Commission President José Manuel Barroso and High Representative Catherine Ashton participated in an extraordinary meeting of EU Heads of State or Government in Brussels on 6 March, which focused on the situation in Ukraine.
President Barroso presented a €11 billion support package proposed by the Commission with a number of concrete !%!7!!$%&"" !VXQ""Q&"O="Q%%!%7!!$"!!"Q% %&%"%$!" view of the critical challenges the country is facing, notably a very weak and rapidly worsening balance-of-payments !7$"&"!YQQQ*!Y!*T"Q: J http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/president/news/archives/2014/03/20140306_2_en.htm During her visit to northern Iraq in mid-March, Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva met with the Kurdish Iraqi Authorities, =!&$T"O!=!%$$!"%!]"YQQQ""Q!!T"QYO: ^\!"Q"""Q"*$!]"%"Q!_:`%$$!%!Y%!!Q$!Q]\TYQ% 230,000 are being sheltered right now by Iraq. The country has its own problems, but despite this, its door has been !"&$!*$\T!]!=%"QY!$${|"$!}="":!Y"Q=Y!=]Y of refugees from Syria, she added: “I take advantage of my visit here to call for an end to the violence in the region, unlimited access to those in need, respect for International Humanitarian Law, and most important of all, a sustainable $"$$&"!""Q:{ About 30% of the refugees are hosted in camps, the largest of which is Domiz. The remaining 70% are living in urban "Q"Q|&Q}!"!&!T&$"&%"!: J %$" j "jjjj jj " 18 by Stefano Sotgia , EU DELEGATION IN SIERRA LEONE N ot only does fishing make an important con tribution to food security for the local popu lations but these marine resources also constitute an which resulted from a long civil war and affects all sec tors. In the marine resources sector, the country aims to take steps to control and enforce laws on illegal, un important asset for these countries’ economic and social regulated and unreported fishing or other illegal or non development. Sierra Leone is particularly blessed in this respect, with an estimated yearly production of some 450,000 metric tonnes of fishery products – according to government data. At present, the country’s marine resources are underutilised. According to the government, over 500,000 people – or about 10% of the total population – depend for their livelihood on this sector, with an important propor tion of them being women. Local fishermen in their traditional dugouts or fishing boats and the women who process the fish and bring it to market for sale find their potential catches being taken by illegal trawlers, with knock-on effects on coastal communities. In the broader context, Sierra Leone’s government is endeavouring to leave behind the legacy of fragility appropriate fishing practices. This is being done with the support of various donors, including the EU. The EU is also supporting Sierra Leone in activities aimed at improving the situation in the delicate tasks of preserv ing fishery resources and increasing their value. The EU Delegation in Freetown, in collaboration with both local and European non-governmental part ners, is engaged in a trans-boundary project spanning the border between Sierra Leone and Liberia. One of the objectives of the project is to create Marine Pro tected Areas, in order for threatened marine species to have a safe heaven for reproduction. The project is now in its fourth year of life and the good collabora tion among government, local and European non governmental partners, the EU Delegation, and – most importantly – the local communities concerned are now bearing fruit. Another of the project’s objectives is to reduce illegal fishing through the use of community-based surveil lance. With a boat based in Bonthe, the Environmen tal Justice Foundation (EFJ) conducts community sur veillance of illegal fishing, enabling the EJF and local partner staff to engage communities in the sustainable management of their resources. Starting in 2011, the government began to act on evidence generated by community surveillance to arrest and fine pirate fishing vessels. In 2012, the EJF extended its work under the project to neighbouring Liberia. When it comes to control and enforcement activities, after some three years of work, there is now strong evidence of the effective impact the project is having in involving the local communities and promoting their responsibility for actively surveilling the protected areas. This, in turn, helps the enforcing bodies to act and intervene against perpetrators of illegal fishing activities. With the decline in illegal trawler activity, the local fisherman report visibly increased catches of fish. This, in turn, means an increased supply of fish is getting to local markets, improving both the livelihoods of women and the food security of the broader community. The project’s other objective is to boost the abil ity of the government, communities and civil society organisations to manage effectively marine resources. As Amara Kalone, EJF Community Organiser, explains: “We have built trust in the local communities by helping the Government stop illegal trawlers. Now fisher folk want to work with us when we talk about co-management and local fishing practices.” These are all very encouraging results, particularly given the small scale of the project. This is also an ex ample that small can be very effective. However, the task ahead to preserve and safeguard fisheries as a source of work, income and food security for the fisher folk and for the country is still immense. After a positive start, the very present danger of Sierra Leone’s rich fishing grounds being depleted under the eyes of the national and international communities by pirate fish ing or non-appropriate and obsolete fishing operations cannot be overlooked. Only the sincere commitment from all partners, with a determined government lead, can offer a more optimistic future to the local people working in – and dependent on – this sector. J " <# In February, Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs visited the coastal town of Mbour in Senegal (pictured on "=
&!"T!YQQ7Q!" 7Q$TT=!7!"!%$:\!=$Q !"$T*!%!=7QT+&T!$*" "Q"""&"!Q$"Q"7"!:"Q< &"7+&T&Q"Q!!*&
Q*! renovated and laboratory premises rehabilitated. <&!!=$Q$\!=$"!&"Q""Q7Q sector better contributes to the country’s sustainable economic growth through improved knowledge on certain species (shrimp and octopus) and through regulating their 7Q!=:&!""!$&Q*OT"% of managing shrimp and octopus resources, which aims at establishing good governance and protecting biodiversity. 19 X Khairat Ghaziyah, a 22-year-old who was an English literature student at the University of Damascus, dreams of becoming a writer one day. 20 by Dina Baslan , DG ECHO I t was only three years ago that Syrians watched in wonder, from the comfort of their homes, at the promise of freedom sweeping across neighbouring I have spoken with women who come from widely di verse backgrounds, with different levels of education, of different ages, invested in different hopes and expecta countries. In an ironic reversal of events, today, many are grappling with the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century – with 9.3 million people affected, dodging death inside the country, and over 2.5 million in transit, learning to survive in foreign systems that categorise them as refugees. In her book ‘A Woman in the Crossfire: Diaries of the Syrian Revolution’, Syrian writer and journalist, Samar Yazbek, skilfully puts into words the existential state in which she finds herself as war wreaks havoc in her home country. “I wake up and touch my skin. I am just an idea, a character in a novel. I drink my coffee and believe that I am only thinking about a woman I’ll write about one day. I am a novel. I am living through a more realistic novel than I could ever write,” she writes. Over the past two years, I have spoken with many Syrian women, now living in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. tions, and walking different paths in life. These women move in a world that is collapsing and transforming, shifting and adapting their roles simultaneously within a greater social fabric in striking ways. Khairat Ghaziyah, a 22-year-old who was an English literature student at the University of Damascus, dreams of becoming a writer one day. Her education was inter rupted when her father ordered her to return to Dera’a, her hometown in the south of Syria, given the dete rioration of the security situation. With her anguish showing on her quivering lips, she recalls how she hur riedly packed her certificates and her English-Arabic dictionary on the night her family took flight. She did not realise then that these items, which symbolised her dream of becoming a writer, would be stolen only a couple of days later, as she registered her family with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Zaatari camp, on the other side of the border. Now, less than a year af ter the incident, her parents live in an apartment in a nearby Jordanian city, while Khairat and her 18-year old brother insisted on remaining in the camp, along with around 100,000 other Syrians. Here, she has found a job as a social outreach volunteer, allowing her to share with young women in the camp the challenges life in the camp involves and ways of overcoming them. Every morning, before opening her eyes, Khairat still hopes to see her bedroom ceiling. But every morning it is still the tent canvas instead. Ghada Al Awad is a Syrian mother who discovered that every time a guest brought a stuffed animal to her six-year-old daughter, Ibtihal, the girl would grab the scissors and cut off its left leg. It has been one year since a tank fired a bullet into little Ibtihal’s leg as she played in the garden, depriving her of her limb for the rest of her life. “ I don’t allow anybody to treat Ibtihal any better or worse than the rest of her siblings,” Ghada told me sternly, “because she is their equal.” When I met Ibtihal, she was wearing the prosthetic limb, made available by Handicap International. With a dazzlingly bright smile, she ran up the stairs with her sister into the family’s third-floor apartment in the north of Jordan. A warm smile never leaves Hiyam Al Na’as’s kind face, not least when her four daughters are huddled around her. When I met Hiyam for the first time in mid-January this year, she was sipping on ‘mate’ (like in Argentina and Uruguay), under the stubborn Mediterranean sun in a small informal tented settlement in Zahle, Leba non. Sitting in a women’s circle, gathered on the rocky terrain, she jokes to tone down the dramatic sense of their reality. But when back in the solitude of her tent, she tells me of the uncertainties that dominate her quiet nights. Hiyam’s husband was killed in an exchange of fire on the Syrian-Lebanese border, where she had to hold onto her four daughters and flee for safety. With no income or family members to support her and her daughters, Hiyam grabs any work opportunities offered in the vegetable fields near the settlement. On such days, Amal, aged 10 and whose name means hope in Arabic, takes on the role of the family heroine, look ing after her younger sisters until their mother returns home later in the evening. Since the crisis began, DG ECHO has been fund ing emergency projects focusing on Syrian women like Khairat, Ghada and Hiyam both inside and outside Syria. Through specialised partner organisations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), services like re productive health monitoring, gender-based violence counselling, and cash assistance are offered. Families headed by women are considered highly vulnerable, which means that they come top of the list when aid is distributed. Through media outlets, we have seen the ubiquitous images of Syrian women on our television sets and in our newspapers. But as we enter the fourth year of the war, with no end in sight, images are not enough. We sit far from the horrific stories these women live every day, and run the risk of not being able to grasp the bleak reality facing these women and their families. It is at such times that we must remind ourselves that the photo we see of a Syrian woman carrying her child in front of a tent is not just a photo, but is a story and a real, lived life. It is at such times that we should try to remember that that woman is like a character set in a novel. She is in a time and place in history where she, in her own way, is attempting to overcome the reper cussions of this crippling crisis. It is a novel more vivid than anyone could ever write – it is reality. J http://ec.europa.eu/echo/aid/north_africa_mid_east/ syria_en.htm 21 22 by Zach Hester , CEND So many decisions directly impacting citizens’ lives are taken at the EU level, but ‘Europe’ is often seen as an anonymous bureaucracy. We wanted to change this and give Europe a face – to show that Europe is run by committed politicians with a vision. In the European elections, citizens will have the opportunity to make important choices about what Europe they want. We launched the Citizens’ Dialogues to stimulate face to-face debate with the general public about their concerns and expectations for Europe. So far, 16,000 citizens met up with Commissioners, MEPs and national and local politi cians at these town-hall-style public debates. Over 100,000 met up via the web and social media. Several million Euro peans saw the Dialogues on TV or read about them in the media. The Dialogues give the public a welcome chance to talk openly about Europe and the competing ideas for its future. At a special pan-European Citizens’ Dialogue held on 27 March in Brussels, 150 participants from earlier Dialogues’ host towns also shared their thoughts, impressions, concerns and ideas with President Barroso, ten Commissioners and one MEP in a real European public space. A broad variety of themes were covered, depending on the location and the participating Commissioner’s portfolio. Such key themes as the economic situation, its social impact and the threat of a ‘lost generation’ came up everywhere. Many citizens felt strongly that economic integra tion must be accompanied by more democracy. They also sent a clear signal that solidarity and responsibility have to go hand in hand. Whether from Member States that weathered the crisis well or programme countries, they all stressed that, for them, the EU is about solidar ity. Citizens’ EU rights also featured prominently – in particular, the right to free movement. In its report on the insights and citizens’ views gleaned from the Citizens’ Dialogues, the Commission con cludes that it is in the interest of both citizens and politicians at all levels – EU, national, regional and lo cal – to continue with such debates. Not just in view of the European Parliament elections, but indeed before any important institutional and political decisions are taken in the coming years. 9 out of 10 participants wanted more face-to-face dia logues with European and national politicians. Politicians in many Member States have also taken up the idea. So there is an open invitation for citizens to con tinue contributing to the debate. J http://ec.europa.eu/debate-future-europe/index_en.htm par Dominique Labourdette , CEND Nous avons eu plutôt de bonnes surprises. Nous avons surtout constaté que, contrairement aux idées reçues – l’Europe n’intéresse pas les citoyens, c’est trop loin ou trop compliqué… –, lorsqu’on donne aux citoyens l’occasion de s’exprimer, ils viennent débattre. Ils ont beaucoup d’idées, mais ont souvent l’impression qu’on ne fait pas attention à eux. Il y a une vraie demande d’échange de la part de nos concitoyens et il nous appar tient de maintenir grande ouverte la porte du débat. Essentiellent, trois messages forts. Tout d’abord, plus personne ne considère l’Europe comme quelque chose d’acquis, et dire que l’Europe est un phénomène positif pour les citoyens ne suffit plus. Les citoyens ne se sentent plus protégés par l’Europe et, par conséquent, comme lors du débat à Gand, 53% des participants ont même l’impression que l’Europe est en train de se détricoter! Ensuite, contrairement à ce que l’on entend souvent, les citoyens ne sont pas contre l’Europe. Ils sont même en grande majorité pour plus d’Europe, avec des scores parfois très élevés, comme à Liège où 82% des partici pants se sont déclarés pour une Union politique! Enfin, si les citoyens sont pour plus d’Europe, ils veulent également une autre Europe, une Europe plus solidaire, plus respectueuse des droits sociaux et économiques. La solidarité demeure une valeur phare de l’Union pour plus de 70% des Belges, dans toutes les régions du pays. La principale leçon est qu’il faut continuer à dialoguer avec les gens. Ils veulent plus de débats où des Com missaires européens, qu’ils découvrent souvent pour la première fois, ont l’occasion d’échanger avec des personnalités politiques belges. Il faut créer un cadre permanent de dialogue, un véritable espace public euro péen. C’est ce que nous tentons de faire à la Représen tation. D’une part, nous poursuivons le débat avec les Commissaires. D’autre part, nous lançons un cycle de douze débats citoyens avec des jeunes Belges qui vont voter pour la première fois, afin de les sensibiliser aux enjeux du scrutin européen. Ces débats, menés en par tenariat avec le Parlement européen et le Mouvement européen, et le soutien de la Chancellerie du Premier Ministre et du ministère des Affaires étrangères, auront lieu chaque semaine jusqu’à la fin du mois d’avril (voir lien ci-dessous). J Europe: ce que nous disent les Belges. Leçons des Dialogues citoyens , Union européenne, 2014. Disponible en français, néerlandais et allemand sur le site de la Représentation en Belgique. http://ec.europa.eu/ belgium/news/140130_ citizens_book_fr.htm http://ec.europa.eu/belgium/index_fr.htm http://www.tavoixcompte.eu/index.php?option=com_k2& view=item&layout=item&id=178&Itemid=75&lang=fr 23 N/ by Ana Yturriaga Saldanha , DG HR W ith the current crisis, many European feel disempowered, but there are many exam ples of inspiring initiatives at community level involv- “We need to bridge the perceived gap between policymakers and the people who are affected by those policies, to bring Europe to the people. Collaborative working practices can help us do that,” Commissioner Barnier stated. ing child care, housing or health. As the EU seeks to provide regulatory and financial support to help people get back on their feet, it is high time to catalyse social economy in Europe. On 16-17 January 2014, some 2,000 social entrepre neurs, policy-makers, NGOs, researchers, students and concerned citizens gathered in Strasbourg to take a closer look at social business. Invited by Commissioners Michel Barnier (Internal Market and Services), Antonio Tajani (Industry and Entrepreneurship), László Andor (Employ ment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the purpose of the event was to look at what was achieved by the Social Business Initiative (SBI), which has been running now for two years, and to identify new actions and strengthen the stakeholders network. This was done in an inno vative participatory way, through parallel discussions among 2,000 people present and another 1,800 on line. The results have been taken up in the Strasbourg Declara tion unveiled at the end of the event, which will serve for future action on social entrepreneurship and innovation. Afterwards, participants admitted that these two days in Strasbourg were indeed something special. “It was quite un like other Commission events I have attended,” said Jonathan Bland, Managing Director of Social Business International Ltd, and part of the Strasbourg Declaration drafting team. “It involved strong collaboration between the Commission, consultants and wider stakeholders.” To prepare and organise the event, it took fourteen months of work, involving 12 DGs (with DGs MARKT, EMPL and ENTR in the lead), civil society and the EESC. To ensure true interaction, the number of speeches were reduced and participants were invited to set the agenda. Marie Laurence Drillon from the EESC and member of the organising team said “the project was like an octopus with hundreds of tentacles and with all that energy mobilised in service of our common objective, all the different tentacles were finally connected, partly thanks to the help of the consultants” . A special contribution to the event’s success was also made by seven in-house consultants, working for the DG HR’s Learning and Development Unit who are trained in participatory leadership techniques. These colleagues help services to understand their needs and design a process that will help participants create to gether orientations and actions for the future. They may help staff in other DGs, Services, Units and man agement teams prepare similar events with external stakeholders (see contact below). How can participation work in practice? In Stras bourg, it was achieved through: workshops for exchang ing views, sessions in which participants could call discussions on their own topics and create the output together with other participants, a network hub to meet other people and get to know them and their projects, a system to match skills among social entrepreneurs, ses sions to share stories of successes and failures, speakers’ panels, field trips to social enterprises and coaching ses sions to help social entrepreneurs launch their projects. Participants could also make contributions to a giant ‘mind map’ and a visual mural to record the discussions during the event. In addition to all this, there was a con stant exchange through social media, tweets and partici pation in an on-line forum. All these activities allowed participants to make this event truly theirs. The Strasbourg ‘Have Your Say!’ event was the first large-scale attempt of the Institutions to bring real-time participative processes into policy-making. One par ticipant said that the Commission, by breaking with traditional patterns, had shown “that it can listen to what people outside are saying” . Summing up, Commissioner Barnier stated: “This event in Strasbourg proved that it is possible to truly co-create public policy, to bring different parties and different views together in an interactive way and create something that has real buy-in from all sides. I would like to see this way of working used right across the Commission.” J http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/social_business/ index_en.htm Functional mailbox: HR LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT For some participants, this meant going from ‘eurospeak’ to ‘euroaction’. “At the start there was a lot of waiting and seeing,” said Lieven Callewaert, consultant and social entrepreneur, “but the energy shifted from day one to day two, as people really started to believe in the sincere call for participation from Commissioner Barnier.” “There are many overlapping portfolios,” says Andrea Erdei from DG RTD and part of the team that collected results, “and the DGs should team up to co-organise such big events.” Even if it means a demanding process of a year with weekly 2-hour meetings, it can generate a genuine team spirit that, as Andrea observes, makes “mandates and delays easier to handle ,as long as purpose and roles are clearly defined and there is a strong political backing from senior management” . The Strasbourg Declaration recognises the contribution of social enterprises to Europe and proposes action points for the coming years. The EU will help to deepen the partnership between public authorities (at a national, regional and local level) and social entrepreneurs to co-create new policies. It will also help foster an eco-system for social enterprise and mainstream it to other policies, establishing suitable legal frameworks, facilitating access to finance, giving support to business start-ups, training and education, boosting cooperation between social enterprises across borders, and using social indicators and social impact when reporting on economic progress. http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/ conferences/2014/0116-social-entrepreneurs/ index_en.htm 25 X José Manuel Barroso, Gregory Paulger, directeur général de la DG COMM. 26 par Alexis Bigonville et Sven Carnel, DG COMM C’est au printemps 1954 que la Haute Autorité de la CECA inaugure ses premiers bureaux dans trois capi tales – Bonn, Paris et Rome – afin de relayer le travail qui est effectué par les fonctionnaires du Service de presse et d’information à Luxembourg. La mission est double. D’une part, ils doivent s’assurer que le message communautaire est diffusé dans toutes les couches de la population. D’autre part, ils doivent éclairer le Service de presse et d’information sur l’opinion publique dans leurs pays respectifs. Une poignée de fonctionnaires détachés s’attellent dès lors à tisser un réseau de contacts dans le monde de la presse et des différentes sources d’infor mations nationales. Les bureaux ont pour consignes de se porter au-devant des citoyens et des journalistes, non seulement pour répondre aux demandes mais aussi pour les susciter. Publications, courts métrages, émissions radio et dans une moindre mesure télévisuelles, confé rences, foires et expositions internationales ou régionales constituent les vecteurs d’information privilégiés. Très vite, l’engouement populaire pour l’information com munautaire a pleinement justifié le choix d’une politique d’information décentralisée. Entre la fin des années 1960 et le milieu des années 1980, le réseau de Bureaux s’étoffe au sein des Etats membres ainsi que dans de nombreux pays tiers. Dès 1968, des antennes régionales vont également venir ap puyer les Bureaux de presse et d’information, là où une proximité avec le citoyen ne peut être assurée à partir de la capitale. L’année 1986 marque toutefois un recentrage dans la stratégie d’information de la Commission qui se traduit par la fermeture de la plupart des Bureaux dans les pays tiers. Les ressources dégagées sont redéployées au sein de ceux présents dans les Etats membres. Si le but a toujours été de toucher la majeure partie de la population, les moyens pour y parvenir ont beaucoup évolué. Jusque dans les années 1970, outre le travail classique d’information à la presse, les bureaux ont œuvré de concert avec les multiplicateurs d’opinion des domaines considérés comme prioritaires. Des for mations, des conférenciers et du matériel didactique sont à disposition de différents organismes, associations et autres mouvements afin qu’ils puissent à leur tour diffuser l’information communautaire dans des secteurs particuliers de la population. Puis, les changements de mentalité et l’évolution des technologies incitent la Commission à changer de stratégie afin que son message reste audible. Le travail dans les Représentations évolue et les campagnes d’in formation se veulent désormais orientées vers le grand public et dotées d’un discours accessible à tous. Le type d’information va également évoluer au fil des ans. A l’origine, il est surtout question de mettre en valeur les actions de la Haute Autorité, de présenter une information ponctuelle et circonstanciée. Par la suite, les dossiers et l’information thématique vont s’imposer comme plus pertinents. A partir des années 1980, la communication s’axe sur les grands thèmes – l’énergie, les nouvelles techno logies, les relations avec les pays tiers ou la politique sociale – à développer sur le long terme. L’accent est également mis sur les grands évènements et les achève ments politiques des institutions. Ces dernières années, une plus grande place est laissée à l’aspect participatif, aux débats et au dialogue avec le citoyen. Mais de tout temps, les Représentations ont su adapter le message aux audiences nationales et régionales. Les Bureaux de presse et d’information vont connaître leur plus importante réforme en 1989. Ils reçoivent la nouvelle dénomination de Représentations et un man dat nettement plus politique. La Commission souhaite, entre autres, renforcer le rôle de représentation auprès du public prioritaire, que ce soient les milieux politiques ou les partenaires sociaux et économiques. Les Représen tations sont invitées à fournir, de manière plus soutenue qu’auparavant, des rapports politiques aux membres de la Commission. Elles doivent désormais également se concentrer sur ce nouveau mandat, sur l’information spécialisée et les grandes campagnes d’information de l’UE ainsi que le support logistique des visites. Elles ont donc un double rôle de relations publiques et de liaison politique. Depuis la fin des années 1990, la Commis sion et le Parlement européen intensifient également leur collaboration. Cela se traduit notamment par la création des Maisons de l’Europe, structures abritant les Représentations et Bureaux d’information des deux institutions. Ce rapprochement a permis de renforcer la cohérence et l’impact des messages communautaires. Depuis 2009, les Représentations sont également ou vertes aux citoyens car elles mettent à leur disposition des espaces de dialogues et de débat. Enfin, dans le cadre des nouvelles compétences attribuées à la Com mission, ces structures ont récemment été renforcées avec l’arrivée d’experts dans le domaine économique. Depuis soixante ans, les Représentations ont donc pour mandat de rapprocher le citoyen et les institutions euro péennes. Que ce soit par la pénétration de l’information dans les différentes couches de la société, par la mise en place de réseaux ou par l’analyse et la compréhension de l’opinion publique et des tendances politiques, les Représentations demeurent l’interface privilégiée entre la Commission et les citoyens. La communication dans les Etats membres est garantie aujourd’hui par l’activité d’un réseau dense constitué de 28 Représentations et de 9 Bureaux ré gionaux, dépendant de la DG COMM. Ensemble ils exercent une fonction cruciale dans la mise en œuvre de la stratégie de communication de la Commission en la transposant et en l’adaptant aux réalités nationales et régionales. J http://ec.europa.eu/represent_en.htm 27 28 X " # $ # $#<# $ DG EAC, en compagnie des intervenants du cocktail de célébration des 50 ans du comité consultatif pour la formation professionnelle. par Jessica Bosseaux, CEND L a mise en place d’une politique commune de formation professionnelle s’est imposée dès la création de la Communauté économique européenne délégations des Etats membres comprend trois membres représentant un groupe d’intérêt. Sont ainsi représentés pour chaque Etat les intérêts du gouvernement central, pour se préparer et s’adapter aux évolutions à venir de ce nouveau marché. Il convenait de pouvoir évaluer et anticiper les besoins futurs en compétences, favoriser la mobilité des travailleurs mais aussi des futurs tra vailleurs ainsi que de leurs enseignants et formateurs. Les Etats membres, conscients de la nécessité et des avantages de partager les bonnes pratiques, ont établi les principes de la politique de l’enseignement et de la formation professionnelle en 1963. ceux des employés et ceux des employeurs. Très vite le CCFP a été systématiquement consulté avant l’adoption des grandes décisions communautaires dans le domaine de la formation professionnelle, ainsi que concernant la création du Centre européen pour la formation pro fessionnelle en 1975 et de la Fondation européenne pour la formation de Turin en 1995. Le comité a aussi accompagné la Commission dans l’élaboration des premiers programmes d’échange de jeunes et de tra vailleurs, qui ont été les prédécesseurs du programme actuel Erasmus+. Les Etats membres ont souhaité que la Commission soit assistée dans son travail d’élaboration d’une politique de formation professionnelle par un comité consultatif de la formation professionnelle (CCFP). Chacune des Avec la crise qui s’est abattue sur l’Europe en 2008 et la hausse du chômage des jeunes, une réflexion plus intense s’est poursuivie au sein des instances euro péennes et du CCFP en particulier. L’adoption de la stra tégie Europe 2020 a clairement réaffirmé l’importance d’offrir une formation professionnelle de qualité afin de réduire le déficit en compétences et atteindre une meilleure adéquation entre les formations offertes et les besoins en compétence du marché du travail. Le CCFP a eu un rôle consultatif dans les décisions concernant la garantie pour les jeunes à leur sortie d’études, la mise en avant du modèle d’apprentissage en alternance et le développement des instruments européens de transpa rence des certifications. Il donne non seulement l’input des gouvernements des Etats membres mais aussi des partenaires sociaux. cours du dernier demi-siècle et tous les succès engrangés au niveau européen. De profondes mutations de la situa tion économique, et en particulier le développement des nouvelles technologies de communication et des moyens de transport, permettent une meilleure infor mation et une plus grande mobilité des travailleurs. Il a toutefois rappelé que les derniers résultats de l’étude sur les compétences des adultes PIAAC – un programme commun de la Commission et de l’OCDE pour l’éva luation internationale des adultes (voir lien ci-dessous) – démontrent des niveaux de compétences très différents à qualification égale entre les adultes des différents Etats membres de l’UE. Pour lui, beaucoup de travail reste à faire mais il sait que la volonté est là. La mobilité des travailleurs, en particulier des jeunes, a augmenté ces dernières années mais beau coup reste encore à faire. Le principal obstacle reste la reconnaissance mutuelle des formations et quali fications acquises dans un Etat membre mais dont l’Etat membre d’accueil du travailleur ne reconnaît pas toujours la qualité. L’élaboration d’un cadre européen de référence pour assurer la qualité dans l’enseigne ment et la formation professionnelle, l’adoption d’une recommandation établissant un cadre européen pour identifier communément les niveaux de certifications et la réflexion sur un système européen de crédits pour la formation professionnelle ne représentent qu’un début (voir liens ci-dessous). Une consultation pu blique est en cours pour proposer une approche plus intégrée des différents domaines de l’éducation et une optimisation des outils européens mis en place pour accroître la qualité de l’éducation et de la formation et la lisibilité des qualifications, et arriver à une meilleure perméabilité entre les différents secteurs de l’éducation tout en préservant leurs caractéristiques. Lors de la célébration de décembre 2013, Xavier Prats Monné, directeur général adjoint de la DG EAC, n’a pas manqué de souligner tous les changements survenus au Le programme Erasmus+ (voir CEND #11, pages 12-13) récemment adopté offre des possibilités de mobilité accrue, non seulement pour les étudiants de l’ensei gnement supérieur mais aussi pour les apprentis et autres jeunes en formation professionnelle, et devrait permettre une intégration européenne plus forte et un accroissement de l’employabilité des jeunes Européens. Les objectifs à court terme pour 2011-2014 fixés dans le Communiqué de Bruges, partie du processus de Co penhague, à l’élaboration desquels a participé le CCFP, devraient être atteints en cours d’année. La DG EAC évalue actuellement les progrès effectués jusque-là et réfléchit, avec le CCFP, aux futurs objectifs à court terme pour la période 2015-2017. Ces objectifs seront adoptés en 2015, sous le mandat du nouveau Collège. J http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/vocational-policy/ index_en.htm www.eqavet.eu http://www.ecvet-team.eu/ http://ec.europa.eu/eqf/home_fr.htm https://ec.europa.eu/esco/home PIAAC http://www.oecd.org/fr/sites/piaac-fr/ 29 30 par Dominique Labourdette , CEND ORBIS est le fruit d’une coopération interinstitutionnelle exemplaire. L’Union européenne affiche désormais son ambition de se doter d’un outil prospectif performant en vue d’élaborer des stratégies gagnantes pour le futur. C’est dans le cadre du projet ESPAS (European Strategy and Policy Analysis System) que la Commission euro péenne a été mandatée pour créer la plus importante bibliothèque d’études prospectives au monde. Dès l’origine du projet, nous avons souhaité que cette base de données soit complétement décloison née. Décloisonnement thématique: tous les sujets peuvent y être abordés pour peu qu’ils soient traités de manière prospective. Décloisonnement planétaire: dans un monde interconnecté, nos regards d’Européens ne suffisent pas; il faut nous intéresser à la vision des autres, aux quatre coins de la planète. ORBIS est donc un outil à géométrie globale ali menté par les chercheurs et penseurs du monde entier. Le «contrôle qualité» est assuré par un comité édito rial interinstitutionnel composé des membres d’ESPAS. C’est ce qui nous permet de garantir la mise en ligne de publications de très haut niveau. ORBIS est accessible à tous afin de favoriser l’émergence d’une véritable communauté stratégique mondiale. Bien que la plupart de nos visiteurs soient des acteurs publics, académiques et des «think tanks», chaque citoyen peut accéder à nos publications et se faire une opinion sur l’avenir du monde. Mieux, l’interface utilisateur (voir lien ci-dessous) permet de passer du statut de visiteur à celui de contributeur. Au moment où le citoyen est plus que jamais un acteur central des changements du monde, il faut promouvoir une prospective participative permettant l’expression de différentes visions du futur. Dans un monde complexe, il est essentiel pour les déci deurs publics et les citoyens d’avoir un œil sur le «futur du futur». ORBIS nous offre ce regard inédit sur l’avenir du monde et ses multiples scénarios parmi lesquels il nous faudra choisir le bon. C’est bien la raison d’être de la prospective que d’explorer le futur champ des possibles afin de prendre, au présent, les décisions pertinentes. J www.espas.europa.eu/orbis www.espas.europa.eu/orbis/user by Matteo Manzonetto , CEND The first European Cycling Tour (ECT) took place six weeks before the 2009 European Parliament elections to promote participation. It was organised by Ernst Piehl, a retired official of the European Institutions, and myself. We gathered a group of more than 20 people sharing our pro-European convictions, and cycled from Brussels, to Braniewo, on the Polish Eastern border – over 1,700 km in total. We engaged along the way with municipal rep resentatives, civil society organisations, and media at regional and local level. Voters’ turnout did indeed im prove (around 7% more in Poland, for instance) – we like to think that maybe we played a small part in this! This year we will cycle along the Rhine, departing from Bregenz on 30 April and arriving in Rotterdam 14 days after, covering some 1,200 kilometres. We choose this itinerary since the Rhine has been for centuries a major dividing line of the European continent. Also, Eurosceptic feelings are growing in the countries it crosses. right from the start, we have had the support of the four pro-European political groups represented in the Euro pean Parliament. Prominent MEPs will join us along the way. I want to stress that we are all volunteers. We do not get any subsidy and pay for all our costs, including the rental of the van for the logistics. You often notice that information about the function ing of Europe and its institutions does not percolate all the way down to the average citizen and (potential) voter. Many times we are able to inform and educate by providing objective facts, and correct common mis conceptions. Everyone is welcome! Our tour co-leader Dolf Plijter (see contact below) will accept participants for the whole tour starting in Bregenz on 1 May, or for one or several legs, including the final stage on 15-17 May from Rotterdam to Brussels. I invite interested people to contact him. People we come across are first intrigued by seeing a group of average citizens making the European cause their per sonal concern. Our initiative attracts mostly sympathy – even from people who don’t share our opinions. Also, We will be travelling as a group at a gentle pace along rivers or lakes, except for an uphill segment in the Black Forest. The only training prerequisite is to be used to your equipment and to be able to spend several hours on the seat of your bicycle. The daily distances seldom reach over 100 km. J Contact #$$< $ 31 32 32 33 The term ‘European Parliament’ is 7"&!%$$T!VX_: are still appointed members of the national parliaments of the six founding Member States, and it has no legislative powers. First direct elections by universal &=""Q&! Parliament, involving citizens from nine Member States (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and the UK). Simone Veil is elected as the Parliament’s President. The Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community \
"Q7"%*T"Q actual European Parliament. Its President is Paul-Henri Spaak. It has only 78 members. 1952 The ECSC Common Assembly is renamed European Parliamentary Assembly. The Treaty of Brussels gives Parliament the right to scrutinise the EU accounts at the end of each year, and assess whether the Commission has correctly spent the EU budget. Altiero Spinelli, a renowned &!$"!!]&!"$ MEP, writes a letter to his colleagues inviting those “convinced that the reform of the communitarian institutions is too serious to be diplomats” to come together. The $$&**!!% a restaurant in Strasbourg where Spinelli and his colleagues meet. "7"&"Q"! of a permanent parliamentary %%""!!""&"!$;: `/ The Committee on Institutional ;!""Q&Y"Q a motion for a resolution on a $%!T"T"*$Q!= "Q&!
The Treaty of Amsterdam (signed in 1997) extends the co-decision procedure and makes it more ":Q"T$!Q! "Q"Y"!7=&"!"Q European Parliament. The Treaty of Maastricht introduces the co-decision procedure. The Parliament becomes co-legislator with Council on a whole range of areas subject to EU law (consumer protection, ability to work legally in another country and environmental issues, etc.) The Treaty of Lisbon gives Parliament increased powers, transforming the co-decision procedure into the ordinary legislative procedure and extending its scope (see page 39). It also links the appointment of the Commission President to the result of the &!$"!!7"Q number of MEPs at 750, plus the President. 2014 The Parliament welcomes the twelve Croatian MEPs. The European Parliament’s name %$*T"Q\!=$ European Act, which increases the chamber’s legislative powers and introduces the cooperation and assent procedures (notably for any enlargement of the Community). The Parliament enlarges, as it welcomes 159 MEPs coming from the EU-10. In 2007, it welcomes another 53 MEPs from Bulgaria and Romania. The EP then counts 785 members. The number of seats is reduced to 736 with the 2009 elections. A new European Parliament is due to be elected on 22-25 May, gathering members from all 28 Member States. 35 36 by Zach Hester , CEND To nobody’s surprise, the financial and economic crisis has – at least in parts of our European Union – also af fected the way the people look at Europe. Whilst the root causes of this crisis are either national or have their origin in the lack of European competences at the beginning of this crisis, the EU was called in to help when the house was already on fire and the fire was steadily spreading. Many commentators and analysts, whom I would call the ‘doomsayers’, were predicting the implosion of the euro, the exit of Greece and others from the euro area, and the disintegration of the EU as a whole. We, the pro-Europeans, managed to avoid such meltdown scenarios and to give the European Union a new direction, based on responsible fiscal consolida tion, growth-oriented structural reforms and solidarity shown by the stronger with the more vulnerable of our Member States. Since recovery from the crisis takes time – often too much time for those who are most affected – it is not surprising that populist, and in some cases nationalist, forces now try to exploit the painful side of our efforts, to stir up understandable unease and sometimes despair and to project them onto Europe, with the EU being blamed for things it is not responsible for. We, the pro-Europeans, must, therefore, explain to our citizens that the alternatives to our response to the crisis would have been worse, much worse than anything that we have seen during this crisis. We have to make it clear that Europe is part of the solution to our problems. This is, in a nutshell, the context in which these European elections are taking place. These elections will, therefore, have a very important impact on the direction the EU will take in the years to come. At stake is what kind of Europe we want to live in. Will Europe’s citizens elect a Parliament that stands for a united, strong and open European Union? Because this is what Europe should be – united, strong and open. For this, we need an EU that is built on the two prin ciples of responsibility and solidarity. For this, we need strong European institutions capable of representing and defending European values and interests in today’s globalised world. I am confident that, despite its many downsides, this crisis has shown two things to our citizens – name- ly, the degree of our interdependence across Europe and the need for responsible leadership at national and Eu ropean levels. I, therefore, also believe that in 2014 we will see the reversing of the decrease in turnout – which had fallen from 62% in 1979 to 43% in 2009. Now is the moment for the pro-Europeans from the different political camps to engage, to explain and to confront – with clear arguments, results and ideas – those who present Europe as the cause of the prob lems and their easy black-and-white answers to the complex challenges of our times. Only by standing together can Europe confront the challenges it faces, focusing on those issues it can solve better than Mem ber States alone. Like any human endeavour, the EU is not perfect. It does not always function efficiently and cannot solve all our daily problems. But don’t turn away from Eu rope. Engage! If you don’t like Europe as it is, improve it! Find ways to make it stronger – internally and inter nationally. These elections are an opportunity for all citizens to have their say on Europe. in my State of the Union speech in the European Parlia ment in September 2012 to present their candidates for the post of Commission President ahead of European Parliament elections. The Commission in 2013 issued a recommendation addressed to Member States calling on European political parties and national political par ties to announce the candidate they support for Com mission President and inform citizens of the links be tween national and European political parties. Today we see the result. While in 2009 my own political family was the only one to present a candi date before the elections, this time all major political party families have nominated their candidates for the Commission Presidency. On 14 May, European media will for the first time broadcast a live debate between the contenders – a welcome step towards creating a European public space. European elections this year will for the first time take place according to the Lisbon Treaty, and therefore the Parliament will have a much stronger and formal role in the selection of the next Commission President. The Lisbon Treaty obliges the European Council, when proposing a candidate for Commission President, to “take into account” the result of the European elec tions, thereby reinforcing the ties between citizens’ democratic vote and Europe’s leadership. We know from recent research that 8 out of 10 citizens would be more motivated to take part in the elections if they had more information about the can didates’ and parties’ programmes, the EU’s impact on their daily lives, and the elections themselves. I, there fore, already called upon the European political parties Clearly, we need to rebuild trust in the European proj ect and the Commission continues to work very hard to do this by placing EU citizens at the centre of our communication efforts. The EU is undergoing far-reaching changes to over come the crisis. We have come a very long way since its beginning and, contrary to what many people often say or feel, the EU is more integrated and more ‘Commu nity’-based than before the crisis. That being said, we still have a long way to go and must keep on focusing on the right priorities – by being big on big things and smaller on small things – and by doing everything we can to create sustainable jobs and growth. I strongly welcome formats like the Citizens’ Dia logues of the last 18 months which took place at the right moment, allowing citizens to voice their concerns directly to leading EU politicians. The Dialogues gave Europe a face and helped people understand and realise 37 38 that in 2014 it is them, in the first place, who will make political choices that will affect all our lives. An enriching experience, the Dialogues were a really important step for the Commission in terms of politi cal communication. Our citizens want an EU based on solidarity between Member States, support the idea of a closer Political Union, and strongly believe in European representative democracy. This prepares the ground for an on-going public debate on Europe, with more dis cussions at national and local level involving as many citizens as possible. The New Narrative for Europe (see article, page 14) – a project I personally called for in 2012 – contributes to this. ‘The Mind and Body of Europe’ – a text by artists, scientists and intellectuals – is a call to stand up for a strong, open and democratic Europe in the globalised world and to fight populism and nationalism. I hope it will be heard and widely supported. Two things – sustainable, smart and inclusive growth within our Union, as well as peace, stability and coop eration internationally. This means that, as economic recovery in Europe is underway but remains fragile, efforts to prevent future crises must continue, not least through the further deepening of the euro area and through exploiting all levers for growth. At the same time, we must preserve the integrity of the EU and the internal market. This is a very important challenge for the years to come. Internationally, the crisis in Ukraine is showing how important a united European position is. There is no time for a break. The EU is going from one test to the next. My experience of ten years as President of the European Commission tells me that every new chal lenge has taken Europe forward, not backward. And non progredi est regredi – not to go forward is to go backward – will remain my leitmotiv for Europe. J Europe Direct promeut les élections européennes Le service Europe Direct, géré par la Commission, entretient une excellente coopération avec le Parlement européen, de puis de longues années. Il est donc naturel qu’Europe Direct s’implique activement dans la promotion des élections euro péennes. Les 500 centres d’information Europe Direct (EDIC), présents dans tous les Etats membres de l’UE, sont des partenaires idéaux grâce à leur implantation et à leur connaissance des 7"$$: Soutenu par un budget supplémentaire de 1 million d’euros, $&=!""*$7!" muler le débat entre les citoyens et les parties prenantes sur leur droit de vote aux élections européennes et d’encoura ger leur participation. Dans cette optique, les EDIC créent des événements grand public – d’octobre 2013 à avril 2014, 1 400 évènements – associant notamment les autorités locales, les milieux universitaires, les journalistes et les dépu tés européens. En outre, ils sensibilisent les médias locaux et s’activent sur les médias sociaux. Ces derniers représentent un outil de travail clé pour les centres d’information et, en mars dernier à Bruxelles, 100 EDIC ont reçu une formation ? $& &"$"! : $$& $ & nions organisées pour le réseau, la DG COMM a choisi les élections européennes pour thème prioritaire. Avant la tenue des élections, les EDIC et les Centres de docu mentation européenne (faisant également partie du réseau Europe Direct) auront distribué environ 2 millions de bro chures et de posters promotionnels, édités par le Parlement dans les 28 langues de l’UE et téléchargeables sur un site web (voir lien ci-dessous). Le Parlement a retenu le centre de contact Europe Direct comme point de contact unique – par téléphone ou par %$ " ! "&" $ $!=& $$ & "&" question des citoyens sur les élections européennes. Les questions reçues concernent essentiellement les aspects pratiques des procédures de vote, des demandes d’informa tions complémentaires sur les députés européens et sur les candidats, ou encore les conditions à remplir pour être éli gible au Parlement européen. Après les élections, Europe Direct préparera un rapport dé taillé sur toutes ses activités. Europe Direct http://europa.eu/europedirect/index_fr.htm Matériel promotionnel du Parlement européen http://ddc.europarltv.twofourdigital.net/fr by Zach Hester , CEND T he real game changer came with the introduc tion, albeit relatively modestly, of the co-deci sion procedure under the Treaty of Maastricht, which entered into force on 1 November 1993. Successive Treaties since – Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon – have extended the scope of legislation falling under the co decision procedure and given Parliament other powers. The Lisbon Treaty further marked an important step forward and contributed to further boosting Par liament’s powers. Today the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that we, as EU citizens, vote for to represent our views can have a very significant impact on EU legislation affecting our daily lives – from passenger rights to environmental protection and cleaning up our banking systems. In terms of legislative powers, the Treaty of Lisbon further extended the use of co-decision procedure, most notably to agriculture, fisheries, international trade, and justice and home affairs – renaming it the ‘ordinary legislative procedure’. Some 95% of EU legislation is now adopted under the ‘ordinary legislative procedure’, giving Parliament equal weight with Council in shap ing EU laws affecting our lives and the EU’s future. With the distinction between compulsory and non compulsory expenditure abolished and co-decision applying to the entire EU budget, Parliament decides jointly with Council how taxpayers’ money is spent in the EU. Under the Lisbon Treaty, Parliament also gained more political powers, one of which will come into play following the European elections. This time Parliament will “elect” by a majority of MEPs the next President of the European Commission, with the European Council taking into account the European elections in selecting their candidate for the post. As usual, Parliament will then hold hearings with the Commissioners-designate before a vote of consent on appointment of the Com mission as a whole. Parliament also elects the European Ombudsman and along with other actors, it also gained the right of initiative in both the ordinary and simplified procedure for revising the Treaty. Furthermore, some decisions cannot happen without its approval – Parliament has to give its consent to the launching of ‘enhanced co operation’ among a core of willing Member States, to the use of the so-called ‘flexibility clause’ (Article 352) – a general fall-back clause – and to withdrawal of a Member State from the EU. In addition to its legislative, budgetary and nomina tory powers, Parliament also has powers of scrutiny or oversight over the other EU Institutions, monitoring how they work and spend EU funds. And as the voice for citizens’ concerns, Parliament can continue to use its legislative initiative resolutions to put new and impor tant issues onto the European political agenda. So make your voice heard and vote! J http://europa.eu/lisbon_treaty/glance/democracy/ http://www.europarl.europa.eu/aboutparliament/ en/0042423726/Parliament-and-the-Lisbon-Treaty. html 39 /2 May May May May Nether lands UK Czech Rep. Italy Latvia Malta Slovakia Ireland has yet to set the day. days for several other Member States is still awaited. Austria ! Belgium Bulgaria Croatia ! Cyprus Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany ! Greece Hungary Poland Portugal Romania Slovenia Spain Lithuania ! Sweden Luxembourg ! Compulsory voting Closed lists Preferential voting Single transferable vote Multiple constituencies 96 Number of MEPs Cyprus Malta Slovenia Luxembourg 6 6 8 6 20 21 54 11 3 + 70 21 26 13 74 96 51 21 18 11 21 73 21 13 6 11 8 13 32 17 195 S&D 84 ADLE 58 Verts/ ALE 274 PPE 766 57 CRE 31 EFD 35 GUE/ NGL 32 NI NI Chaque pays décide de la forme que revêt l’élection sur son territoire et doit garantir l’égalité entre les sexes et le secret du scrutin. Les élections au Parlement européen sont organisées selon le système de la représentation proportionnelle. L’âge électoral est fixé à 18 ans, sauf en Autriche, où il est de 16 ans. Les sièges sont attribués selon le critère de la population de l’État membre. Un peu plus d’un tiers des députés sont des femmes. Les députés au Parlement européen sont regroupés non par nationalité mais par affinité politique. Actuellement, il existe sept groupes politiques, plus les députés non inscrits (NI). www.elections2014.eu/fr Source: Parlement européen /= /N by Michael Scheerer , CEND European People’s PartyQJean-Claude Juncker, 59 is a Luxembourgish politician and was Prime Minister of his country from 20 January 1995 to 4 December 2013. By the time he left offi ce, he was the longest-serving head of government of any EU Member State. He was also President of the Eurogroup from the creation of the semi-permanent position in 2005 until 2013, and was elected frontrunner candidate of the European People’s Party at its party congress in Dublin in March 2014. 3 Q 3(w{ is a German politician and currently President of the Parliament (since January 2012). A member of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), Schulz was a bookseller and mayor of the German town Würselen (1987-1998). Elected to the European Parliament in 1994, Schulz has served on a number of committees and has been leader of the S&D group (2004-2012). In 2003, he made the headlines when in a heated exchange with Silvio Berlusconi in Parliament the then Italian Prime Minister lik ened him to a concentration camp supervisor. % @ H Q&| }2 is a Belgian politician, who served as Belgium’s Prime Minister from 1999 to 2008, the fi rst liberal to hold that offi ce since 1938. His name also circulated as a possible candidate for Commission President in 2004. Since 2009, he has served as a Member of Parliament, where he is the leader of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). &QG ( !3 " ~`N is a German politician and Member of the Parliament for the Alliance ‘90/The Greens. She studied Islamic studies, Turkish and Jewish Studies at Free University of Berlin. In January 2014, she won the Greens’ on-line pan-European open primary, together with José Bové, making them the party’s two ‘leading candidates’ for Commission President. &QK-K}2 is a French farmer, politician, trade unionist, and member of the alter-globalisation movement. One of the 12 offi cial candidates in the 2007 French presidential election, on 7 June 2009, he was elected to the European Parliament as a member of Europe Écologie, a coalition of French environmentalist political parties. @Q%7* ` is a Greek politician who is currently the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA). He was fi rst elected to the Hellenic Parliament in 2009, and is also the Party of the European Left’s candidate for Commission President. The Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists and the Movement for a Europe of Liberties and Democracy have not nominated any candidate for Commission President. par David Voidies , DG COMM Alors que 23% des Européens en moyenne ont confiance dans leur gouvernement national et 25% ont confiance dans leur parlement, 31% des Européens font confiance à l’Union européenne. La confiance exprimée dans l’UE est majoritaire dans sept pays: Bulgarie, Estonie, Litua nie, Malte, Roumanie, Hongrie et Pologne. Confiance et défiance s’équilibrent en Belgique. Le relatif avantage obtenu par l’UE ne doit pas faire oublier la faiblesse de ce niveau de confiance qui attei gnait 57% au printemps 2007 et 47% au printemps 2009. 45% des étudiants et 41% des 15-24 ans font confiance à l’UE mais c’est le cas de seulement 26% des personnes âgées de 55 ans et plus. Les taux de confiance atteignent respectivement 39% et 35% pour le Parlement européen et la Commission. En moyenne, 31% des personnes interrogées dans l’UE pensent que la situation de l’économie de leur pays est bonne et 68% pensent que la situation est mauvaise. Ces chiffres intègrent des situations nationales très différentes: alors que 85% des Suédois estiment que la situation de leur économie est bonne, seulement 2% des Grecs pensent de même. 50% des Européens, contre 47%, disent comprendre le fonctionnement de l’UE et 54% savent correctement que les membres du Parlement européen sont élus direc tement par les citoyens de chaque Etat membre. En revanche, 46% des Européens, contre 43%, ne sont pas satisfaits de la façon dont la démocratie fonctionne dans l’UE et seulement 29%, contre 66%, ont le sentiment que «leur voix compte» dans l’UE. Notons la stabilité de cet indicateur: à l’automne 2008, 30% des Européens pen saient que leur voix comptait dans l’UE. Le trait d’image prédominant pour l’UE dans l’opinion pu blique est la neutralité. 39% des Européens en ont une image «neutre», 31% une image positive et 28% une image négative. 59% des Européens se sentent citoyens de l’Union euro péenne. Toutefois, 40% ne partagent pas ce sentiment. Les constats optimistes pour la sortie de crise enre gistrent une nette hausse. 40% des Européens esti maient en novembre 2013 (contre 23% seulement deux ans plus tôt) que l’impact de la crise sur l’emploi avait atteint son apogée. Enfin, 51% des Européens se disent optimistes pour le fu tur de l’UE alors que 43% se montrent pessimistes. J http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_fr.htm /` // par Zach Hester et Dominique Labourdette , CEND La défiance touche tous les niveaux de responsabili tés: national, européen, voire local qui jusqu’à présent était encore parfois épargné. Il y a en Europe une situa tion de scepticisme généralisé à l’égard de l’efficacité et parfois aussi de la légitimité des institutions chargées de faire vivre nos sociétés. Il faut se placer dans ce cadre pour comprendre la relation des Européens avec l’UE ou ses institutions, et notamment avec le Parlement européen, à l’approche des élections de mai 2014. L’euro a été la première création qui a fait entrer l’Eu rope dans la vie matérielle quotidienne des citoyens. Mais la crise budgétaire et financière a traumatisé les Européens et a donné l’image d’une puissance pu blique fragile et peu sûre d’elle-même. Une partie de l’euroscepticisme est liée au fait que les Européens sont «statosceptiques» et doutent vraiment de la capacité des systèmes de gouvernement à tous les niveaux. Absolument. Il y a une saturation cognitive largement provoquée par la globalisation économique, politique et culturelle. Les Européens se trouvent dans une pé riode historique marquée par des changements dans trop d’aspects de leurs vies. Les outils technologiques mettent inévitablement nos concitoyens en relation avec les affaires publiques planétaires et cela peut être vécu comme une crise permanente. Leur champ de connaissance est devenu universel et cela oblige les Européens à tout repenser pour eux-mêmes, à replanifier leurs vies et celles de leurs enfants. Ce puissant et rapide mouvement his torique peut excéder les capacités des citoyens qui se veulent actifs et responsables de leurs vies. Le vieillissement de la population joue un rôle majeur dans la perception de la situation et la vision que les Européens ont de leurs problèmes. La crise des relations intergénérationnelles explique une large part du pes simisme des Européens face au futur de leurs enfants et de leur pays. L’autre phénomène démographique est l’immigra tion, seul moyen pour l’Europe de maintenir son niveau de population. Cette recomposition ethno-culturelle produit des interactions complexes qui se renforcent. Un multiculturalisme s’est installé en Europe et même si certains dirigeants le qualifient d’échec, la population vit avec. L’amélioration des indicateurs économiques ne répondra pas à la question du multiculturalisme car la croissance des populismes se fonde à la fois sur la fin de la «Heimat» – univers familier perdu que l’on recherche – et la déstabilisation d’un style de vie. Il faut faire une relation entre la charge d’innovations et de changements qui conduit à la saturation cognitive pour tous et le vieillissement. Une population plus âgée est probablement moins équipée pour faire face à de nombreux changements. Cette saturation cognitive est de nature à compliquer considérablement toutes les relations de communication, d’explication, d’interac tion que nous cherchons à avoir avec nos concitoyens. J by Zach Hester , CEND They have helped significantly. But the democratic deficit is not simply a matter of Parliament’s weak or strong powers. At the heart of democracy is choice. The ability of the people to choose those who govern them – the principle of accountability – and shape how they are governed – the principle of representation. In the EU there is no government in the normal sense. It is governance without government. Thus, there is no moment in the civic life of the Union where the peoples of Europe can ‘throw the scoundrels out’, and change the government. And voter preference in elections to the European Parliament translates weakly into a comprehensive policy direction for the EU. Democracy without politics is a very flawed democracy. It is not surprising that despite Parliament’s in creased powers, making it a veritable co-legislator with Council, the turnout at European Parliament elections has decreased to almost half of that in 1979, the first direct elections. The people are not stupid! Most com monly, European Parliament elections have been about domestic politics. The initiative – shepherded by the President of Parlia ment, himself now a candidate of the Centre Left family for Commission President – is bold, and historic. It’s important that it does not become just a beauty contest between the candidates, but that they are pressed to articulate their programmes and why voting for them will result in a different Europe. If the campaign takes that hue, the electorates will be offered for the first time a meaningful choice as to who governs them and how they will be governed. The experiment could fail. Will the electorate pay atten tion? Will the European Council follow the electoral preference? Will the winner be able to deliver on pro mises made, given the EU’s structure of governance? Even if it succeeds, as I hope it will, there will be a price to politicising the process. To date, the ethos of the Commission rested on ‘being above’ party politics and on seeking its legitimacy in large measure through its professional competence and results achieved. Having a Commission President with a direct or indirect poli tical ideological mandate and, if that mandate is not to remain an empty promise, a College with a political programme leaning on a majority or plurality in Par liament represent a fundamentally different Europe to the one we have known. Are we ready for this first step to veritable democracy? J <$$^ j$ j $ "j 2014-europes-fateful-choices/ /w /} par Jessica Bosseaux, CEND L e Conseil de l’Europe définit le surendettement comme une «situation où l’obligation débitrice d’une personne ou d’une famille excède manifestement et/ou sur une longue période ses capacités de remboursement ». Outre cette vision factuelle, le surendettement est un mécanisme qui est en accord avec l’évolution de notre société. Selon Jean Van Hemelrijck, la notion du temps a beau coup changé ces dernières décennies. L’attente est devenue problématique, à la défaveur des mécanismes d’épargne. En revanche, l’utilisation du crédit s’en trouve favorisée. Les messages publicitaires mettent en évidence davantage de biens et services à l’utilité parfois douteuse, et diffusent un message d’instantanéité de l’argent. Les consommateurs ne voient pas toujours le danger du surendettement qui peut en résulter. Par ailleurs, le niveau de vie constitue une partie de l’identité d’un individu. Il l’assimile à un groupe social en lui permettant de s’approprier divers objets à un certain prix. Ne plus avoir accès à ce type de biens lui paraît im portant puisqu’il empêche son intégration. Dans certains cas, la rationalité qui doit guider une décision d’achat est altérée. L’individu préfère nier sa situation financière difficile pour conserver son statut. «L’argent a un effet addictif qui met en place un système de dépendance et qui requiert des injections quotidiennes» , conclut le psychologue Jean Van Hemelrijck. Pour Didier Noël (voir contact ci-dessous), un change ment dans les revenus du ménage n’est pas toujours prévisible, notamment en raison d’un conflit familial, d’une santé dégradée ou de la perte d’un emploi. Le ménage doit adapter son train de vie par rapport au nouveau niveau de revenus mais peut être tenté de recourir au crédit. Le danger d’accumulation des dettes est alors réel. Il existe deux types de crédit à la consommation, à savoir le crédit à tempérament et l’ouverture de crédit. Lors d’un crédit à tempérament, le montant emprunté, le coût du crédit, la durée et les modalités de rembour sement sont fixés dès le départ. L’ouverture de crédit, elle, permet de mettre une somme d’argent à la dis position de l’emprunteur pour une durée déterminée ou indéterminée sans que l’on connaisse à l’avance ce que sera le montant réellement emprunté et le coût du crédit. Ce dernier type de crédit octroie donc au bénéficiaire une grande liberté d’utilisation mais peut lui faire perdre le contrôle de la gestion de son budget s’il n’a pas de plan de remboursement établi. Charges courantes =%!"Q='&$"" Q&=
!!$%!" %%&!"! !" "!"*&"! ;&! \&"$ ;$%!""!"!""!&%!= Avant de dépenser ou d’emprunter, il est important d’avoir une vision détaillée de ses capacités financières. Pour cela, il faut identifier ses revenus et ses charges courantes mensuelles moyennes; la différence corres pondra au «disponible» (voir le tableau ci-dessous). Les autres dépenses ou la charge des crédits, rapportés sur un mois, ne pourront l’excéder. Si le crédit est inévitable, il existe trois éléments à prendre en considération avant de contracter. La concurrence du marché crée des opportunités de négociation à ne pas négliger. Les termes du contrat doivent être analysés minutieusement, et pas seulement les mensualités. Et enfin, la forme, le coût total et la durée de remboursement du crédit doivent répondre à vos exigences et vos possibilités. Garder un œil attentif sur son budget permet de garder le contrôle et, dès lors, de prévenir le surendet tement ou de se préparer à en sortir. J https://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/hr_admin/fr/ medical/Pages/psi_sector_info.aspx !!" %& *$$%!""!$ ;!%& &$"&"&"
;%"%!"%&*$"+&%!" ménagers) ;&" Crédit !+& ! H Revenus – (total des charges courantes – total des crédits) Contact Didier Noël, conseiller budgétaire-juriste, reçoit le vendredi de 13 h 00 à 17 h 00 au secteur psychosocial du service médical à Bruxelles. &!!@&&$$@!""$___X / /{ %}#>j$^" , DG DIGIT I n the coming years, the Commission will welcome staff born in the 1990s. These ‘digital natives’ will bring great expectations with them in the way our work naged by an IT system known as ‘Mobile Device Ma nagement’ (MDM). During 2014, all corporate mobile devices (tablets and smartphones) will be gradually is done. This is why the first of the five core themes registered in MDM. DG DIGIT will start then to inte of DG DIGIT’s Management Plan 2014 focuses on the upcoming workplace solutions. The idea is to design and introduce IT solutions that make our daily work in the Commission easier, more efficient, and more satisfying for staff. grate the volunteers’ private devices (project known as BYOD – ‘Bring Your Own Device’) into the system. To this end, a strategy and an action plan aiming to promote BYOD and improve the services offered has been adopted in collaboration with DG HR’s Security Directorate. It is said that nowadays in the world there are more mobile phones in the world than toothbrushes. And it is also true at the Commission – more and more colleagues use mobile devices to access corporate data. In 2013, the increase was 80%, and there are now over 3,700 corporate and 3,200 private devices accessing corporate e-mail. This often saves time and promotes a better balance between professional and personal life. Wi Fi coverage in Commission buildings will be increased to use the full potential of mobile devices. For devices registered in the MDM system, there are apps recommended for professional usage – for example, to access corporate data and applications. Some of these apps are licensed by the Commission and so they will be available at no cost for the users. The app store will be continuously enriched with new mobile apps covering the specific needs of staff. The main challenge of mobile computing is striking the balance between user experience and security. DG DIGIT is gradually increasing the level of services provided to staff while security measures are maintained and fine-tuned. For example, there has been a growing demand to access secure e-mail (SECEM) on mobile. The solution allowing this is already available on corporate tablets. Another functionality in high demand is for mobile file synchronisation, sharing and collaboration. Studies and pilot projects showed it is essential to control certain aspects of the configuration of devices to protect corporate data. Technically this will be ma A range of tools facilitating collaborative working among Commission staff, stakeholders and European citizens are already in place through the ‘Flexible Platform for Internet Services’. For instance, there are already 413 wikis, 37 forums and 65 blogs (including blogs for Commissioners, Representations, Directors, etc.). The challenge is more cultural than technological – the potential is huge but we all need to learn how to fully benefit from improved collaboration, better knowledge sharing, and new ways of working together. Special focus is put on My IntraComm as a tool also offering knowledge management aspects. Besides being a publishing portal for corporate and local intra nets, it gives staff a possibility to work together through collaborative sites, by creating and sharing documents (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) as well as calen dars, custom lists, and editable pages. In January 2014, these sites had 12,743 users, with on average almost 2,500 colleagues working there daily. Collaborative sites are web-based and accessible everywhere. Their use helps reduce the number of e-mails and enhances teamwork. They are also a great tool for facilitating the co-authoring of documents. In fact, it is the only solution that allows the editing of documents or pre sentations ‘live’ together with other colleagues. To get the most out of collaborative sites, check My Intra Comm’s Collaboration Practices (InfoCollab) site (see link below). b il it y o lu ti on ISA Wo rkpl Product Management ace olution Innovation Better delivery of EU policy Service Catalogue WHY B u in e HOW o lu tio n WHAT Agility & Flexibility In fra tru cture Working better together productivity Security olution Governance Communication CRM E ec tiv e o lu ti o n Skype-like corporate tools can provide a good and cheap alternative for communication. DG DIGIT is testing internally a solution allowing usage of audio and video communication with real-time collaborative software capabilities. Once this pilot project is completed, the adoption of the roadmap for unified communica tion solutions for the whole Commission will start. Meanwhile, the quick-win solutions such as desktop videoconferencing (MOVI) or web-based conferencing are available and becoming increasingly popular (see link below). In January 2014, there were 891 MOVI calls, lasting 387 hours overall. As for web-conferences, in 2013, there were more than 500 per month (in total 6,200) costing around €10 for a 60-minute conference with twelve participants. DG DIGIT must develop and lead the digital transfor mation of the Institution, so that it can deliver policies better, more efficiently and more productively, fully seizing the opportunities offered by new technologies. Through innovation, DG DIGIT can drive change throughout the Commission – not just change in the IT environment, but change in the way people work and collaborate across organisational boundaries. J Desktop video- and web-based conferencing If you wish to use MOVI, please contact your IRM for more information. If you would like to use web-conferencing, please create an account: My IntraComm > DIGIT > Video & Audioconferencing https://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/corp/digit/EN/ teleconf/Pages/webconf.aspx Last but not least, the IT central helpdesk, or ITIC (IT Infrastructure Consolidation) Service Desk now covers the vast majority of the Commission’s DGs and services. DG DIGIT is committed to improving this service’s already high quality. DIGIT Management Plan 2014 https://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/digit/operations/ plan_rep/Pages/AnnualMngtPlan.aspx DG DIGIT’s vision is to take on and drive forward the digital leadership role within the Commission. InfoCollab site https://myintracomm-collab.ec.europa.eu/networks/ InfoCollab/default.aspx / 50 by Bert Musial , DG COMM T he Audiovisual (AV) Library is the central Com mission service in charge of long-term distribu tion and preservation of audiovisual materials produced by the European Commission. It forms part of the Au diovisual Services Unit created in 1962 under the first Commission President Walter Hallstein. It represents the largest audiovisual collection in the world on the European integration process, covering all major steps of EU history – from Churchill’s Zurich speech in 1946 calling for a “United States of Europe” to the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 (1) , from the Schuman Declaration in 1950 (2) to the accession of Croatia in 2013, from the production of the first European steel ingot in 1953 (3) to the euro’s intro duction in Latvia in 2014 (4) . The collections illustrate the Commission’s and EU Institutions’ political activi ties – Commission and Council meetings, European Councils, summits, press conferences, visits from and to the Commission, negotiations, agreements, and so on. Institutional activities are also well documented – like the presentation of credentials, inauguration ceremo nies, prize awards, exhibitions or even a touching visit of Walter Hallstein to the Commission crèche. The AV Library’s holdings comprise over 87,000 videos, 250,000 analogue photos, 116,000 digital photos and 35,000 audio recordings, growing annually by some 4,000 videos, 25,000 photos and 7,000 audio recordings. We care for the long-term preservation, documen tation and distribution of the audiovisual documents produced by the Audiovisual Services Unit and other Commission services. Preservation includes the storage and supervision of analogue formats under controlled conditions, sys tematic digitisation and mass storage of digital formats with secured backup and format migration. The productions are described in detail using a dedi cated set of administrative, legal and semantic meta data – including photo captions, video-shot lists, and tagging of personalities, locations and subjects. Using the Audiovisual Portal, we distribute materials in digital form to the audiovisual, print and social media, the general public, academia, and the scien tific world. The library offers video news – notably from ‘Eu rope by Satellite’, the European Union’s TV information service – as well as documentaries and clips addressing the general public and stock footage used by the media for their EU coverage. Users can also obtain historical and current news photos, as well as thematic and symbolic pho tos about EU policies. Audio recordings are limited mainly to press conferences and speeches. The con tent can be accessed via the Audiovisual Portal with its extensive retrieval facilities, direct viewing and downloading of media at professional quality. They can also use the services of professional research ers who can also provide materials by such classical means as courier service, mail or ftp. On-line access is given to an important part of the collections. Older archive holdings are constantly being added thanks to massive digitisation over the last few years. 1 2 3 X The Audiovisual Library team Most content is available free of charge for EU-re lated information and educational purposes. Its reuse ranges from institutional book publications like ‘The European Commission, 1958-72 – History and memo ries’ to award-winning TV documentaries like ‘A History of European Economic and Monetary Union’. The library also provides specific services to other DGs. Most important is the Central Deposit, an initiative launched with the aim of preventing the loss of DGs’ costly video and photo productions. The service includes long-term preservation and distribution, as well as the technical and legal checking of productions. Beluga – the library’s media management system already in use by some pilot DGs – can be placed at the disposal of other interested DGs. Beluga enables them to manage their audiovisual collections, share their materials with the central audiovisual repository – thereby contributing to the Audiovisual Portal as the central access point – as well as to publish their content at the same time on their websites. Copyright and image rights are a complex domain and play an ever-growing role in the production and distribution of audiovisual works. So the AV Library also offers copyright training and advice related to au diovisual productions, in close cooperation with the JRC’s Intellectual Property Unit. In 2005, some Member States sent a letter to José Ma nuel Barroso, recommending the creation of a virtual European library to make Europe’s cultural heritage accessible for all. This was the catalyst for the launch of Europeana – the European digital portal acting as an interface to currently over 30 million digitised books, paintings, films, photos, museum objects and archival records from 36 European countries. At the request of Vice-President Viviane Reding, the AV Library initiated contacts with the Europeana foun dation and signed a cooperation agreement in 2013. The first dataset was published in December 2013, which includes the Commission’s audiovisual produc tion for 2012 and 2013, with around 6,800 videos and 40,500 photos. This dataset will be regularly updated, and will systematically include newly produced materials and an increasing part of the archive holdings. This cooperation is beneficial to both parties. Euro peana gets new audiovisual content currently under represented on its portal, while the AV Library reaches new audiences, with the aim of increasing its visibility and promoting reuse of its content – notably on the Internet and in social media. J http://ec.europa.eu/avservices www.cc.cec/dgintranet/comm/tools_services/central_ deposit_en.htm www.europeana.eu/portal/search. html?query=europeana_collectionName%3A2031901* 51 / 52 La Commission a décidé de nommer On 13 February 2014, the father of broadband, Roland Hüber, died in Munich. Although he left the Commis sion in 1996, his legacy lives on amongst those staff proud to have been part of the very closely knit team that worked under his leadership, as demonstrated by the impassioned exchange of memories via e-mails and on DG CONNECT’s ‘Connected’ platform. For Roland was an inspiring leader, who achieved unheard of lev els of motivation and commitment and regularly met impossible objectives and deadlines. Deeply saddened, Michel Carpentier, the first Director General of DG-XIII (today’s DG CONNECT), wrote: “Les autorités compétentes de Bruxelles devraient au moins rendre hommage à des hommes comme Roland qui avec l’ex-DGXIII a beaucoup fait pour l’Europe” . Roland joined the Commission in 1978 to help Michel Carpentier set up the IT Task Force which grew out of the then DG-XII (Research), eventually to become the new DG-XIII dedicated to information and com munication technologies and related industry policy. Roland was instrumental in launching the first ESPRIT in 1984 (under the very first Framework Programme for EU Research) – before focussing all his efforts on the advanced communications needed to interconnect a new generation of smaller personal computers. In 1986, Roland launched the definition phase of RACE (Research in Advanced Communications and Services) to address key communication architectures, followed by a series of closely related research initiatives given a single unifying objective – to introduce Integrated Broadband Commu nications by 1995. Together, these programmes led to the domestic technologies and standards necessary for European industry to compete effectively in the face of exploding global demand. J La Commission a décidé de muter par Monique Théâtre , DG HR L es avantages mutuels semblent évidents. D’un côté, l’institution bénéficie d’un véritable poten tiel d’expertise acquis au fil du temps dont elle peut tirer en cas de recours aux anciens. Un nouveau modèle de «convention» remplace l’ancien modèle de «contrat», les règles de déontologie eu égard à un éventuel conflit profit. De l’autre, l’ancien fonctionnaire, en apportant d’intérêt avec une activité extérieure sont renforcées sa contribution à la Commission, s’en trouve valorisé, doublement motivé et fier de donner ainsi quelque chose «en retour». Il s’agit là d’un concept «win-win». L’intérêt pour la valorisation de l’expertise des an ciens n’a cessé de se développer, tant du côté des anciens eux-mêmes – dont le nombre de candidats potentiels va croissant – que du côté des services de la Commission qui prennent conscience du bénéfice de ce concept. C’est pourquoi, la DG HR vient d’adopter des orientations en la matière, initiative dénommée «Active Senior». La définition est claire: recourir à l’assistance béné vole d’anciens fonctionnaires pour des activités non ré munérées exercées au sein de la Commission. L’initiative «Active Senior» vise à favoriser le recours à l’expertise du personnel retraité, quel que soit le niveau de hiérarchie occupé au moment du départ à la retraite et sur une base volontaire, tant du côté des services de la Commission que du côté de l’ancien fonctionnaire. et une couverture accident est désormais acquise aux volontaires. Au-delà de ces aspects administratifs, ces orienta tions visent à sensibiliser les services de la Commission à l’intérêt de s’approprier le concept. Il leur incombe alors de prendre les mesures nécessaires à sa mise en œuvre: identification des activités susceptibles d’être concernées, gestion d’une base de données de volontaires, prévision budgétaire des remboursements de frais, organisation éventuelle de sessions de formation, etc. L’initiative «Active Senior» ne constitue en aucun cas un moyen de remplacement des fonctionnaires en activité. Ceux-ci conserveront toujours la maîtrise et la responsabilité des activités entreprises au sein des services de la Commission. Mais il s’agit là d’une plus value hautement appréciable. Une large campagne d’information et de sensibi lisation sera organisée par la DG HR tout au long de 2014 en coopération avec les associations d’anciens fonctionnaires des institutions. J Les nouvelles orientations ont pour objectifs de clarifier, d’harmoniser et de consolider les procédures existantes w/ par Monique Théâtre , DG HR Il suffit de manifester son intérêt en prenant contact avec la Représentation nationale de la Commission. En Espagne, la Représentation de la Commission est très active dans ce domaine et encourage, dès le début du programme, la participation d’anciens fonctionnaires par l’intermédiaire de l’AIACE (Association internatio nale des anciens de l’Union européenne). C’est par ce biais que je me suis inscrit. De 2011 à 2013, je me suis rendu au Colegio Salesiano San Juan Bosco de La Corogne où j’avais fait mes études secondaires et passé mon baccalauréat. En 2013, je suis allé à l’Institut Méditerranée (El Masnou) près de Barce lone où je réside actuellement. Les élèves étaient âgés de 14 à 16 ans, divisés en deux groupes de 45 jeunes. L’exposé se déroule sous la forme d’un dialogue avec les élèves, souvent appuyé par une présentation Power Point. Il s’agit de leur expliquer l’Union européenne et son fonctionnement en se basant sur son expérience pro fessionnelle. L’important est de privilégier les anecdotes personnelles et de rendre le discours vivant et interactif. Ils ont énormément apprécié de pouvoir discuter avec un ancien élève de leur école venu leur raconter la construction européenne. Cette dimension de solida rité intergénérationnelle mérite d’être soulignée. Ils ont surtout réalisé l’impact de l’Europe sur la vie de tous les jours, notamment à travers l’euro ou la libre circulation qui sont la conséquence de décisions prises au niveau communautaire. Les sujets qui ont suscité leur intérêt? L’apprentissage des langues, la symbolique des drapeaux, la multiculturalité et les programmes d’échanges comme Erasmus. Ils ont pris conscience de la fantastique possibilité qui leur serait ouverte à l’avenir, celle de pouvoir vivre dans un pays différent de leur pays d’origine. En participant à «Back to school», vous vous sentirez utile et vous devrez faire un effort intellectuel pour mettre à jour vos connaissances, ce qui est excellent pour la santé mentale! De plus, le contact avec les jeunes est toujours vivifiant et apporte une véritable bouffée d’oxygène. Les étudiants apprécient la visite de «vieux routiers» de l’inté gration européenne qui viennent vers eux pour les aider à répondre à leurs questions et à lever les doutes quant à leur avenir. Tout le monde est gagnant! J http://www.cc.cec/dgintranet/comm/communication_ services/back_to_school/index_en.htm www.aiace-europa.eu/fr/ par Monique Théâtre , DG HR Cela représentait pour moi un petit clin d’œil à mes précédentes activités à la DG EAC. En tant que COFO (conseiller en formation), j’avais notamment en charge l’organisation des séminaires pour les nouveaux arrivés. Superviser et animer le séminaire de préparation à la retraite une fois pensionnée, quoi de plus logique? C’est également une façon de revenir à une forme d’activité professionnelle que j’ai toujours aimée. Je me sens vraiment utile. Le bénévole est, durant deux jours, la personne de référence pour les participants et il est très conscient de son rôle de «relais». Il doit pouvoir aller vers les autres et être à l’écoute. C’est aussi l’occasion de retrouver d’anciens collègues avec qui l’on a travaillé directement ou simplement eu des contacts. Sur un plan plus pratique, les interventions des orateurs sont toujours intéressantes et permettent de rester informé, notamment dans le domaine des pensions ou de l’assurance-maladie. Le bénévole accueille les participants en leur remettant un badge, veille à leur inscription dans le registre de présences et les invite à prendre place. Il introduit ensuite le séminaire en présentant le programme de la session et en donnant des informations pratiques pour le bon déroulement de celle-ci. S’ensuit un tour de table que le bénévole anime en invitant chaque participant à prendre la parole. Tout au long de la journée, il s’assure du respect de l’horaire des interventions, présente les orateurs, fait passer les micros pour les questions, comble les moments creux si nécessaire, résout les questions de logistique, bref veille à ce que tout se déroule parfaitement. Les réactions sont très positives. Les participants se sentent encadrés et écoutés. Je suis également d’avis que, pour ce sé minaire qui prépare à la retraite, la présence d’un pensionné est importante car il peut ainsi faire part de ses expériences et donner des conseils, notamment durant les pauses café ou lors du buffet commun offert par la Commission le deu xième jour. C’est un moment de convivialité très apprécié. En conclusion, je dirais que, même si la participation à ce séminaire demande pas mal d’investissement en temps, les remerciements que l’on reçoit à la fin de la session prouvent que le rôle du bénévole est apprécié à sa juste valeur. J 55 par Mathilde Maughan , CEND U meå, capitale du Norrland, située dans la pro vince de Västerbotten à 600 kilomètres au nord de Stockholm, est l’incarnation de l’expression «renaître hypnotiques d’un blues band du désert malien, Tinariwen; «Jeux d’enfants», un spectacle mêlant danse et marion nettes, ou encore une reprise par le NorrlandsOperans de ses cendres». La ville fut détruite par un incendie en Symfoniorkester des morceaux de Refused, groupe punk 1888 laissant la majorité de la population sans domicile. La reconstruction a été une opportunité de renouveau et l’instauration d’une dynamique d’innovation encore présente aujourd’hui. Après l’incident, des bouleaux ont été plantés le long des allées pour empêcher la propaga tion du feu; ce qui vaut à la ville son surnom de «ville des bouleaux» et un visage particulier. Umeå est également une ville universitaire – dont la population a une moyenne d’âge de 38 ans – et sa vie culturelle extrêmement riche propose chaque année des festivals de jazz, blues, rock… Umeå souhaite à la fois inscrire ses activités dans le cadre d’un échange avec le reste de l’Europe et impli quer la population locale, grâce à une dynamique iné dite de cocréation. Dans cette logique, les autochtones et les visiteurs peuvent devenir des forces créatrices de projets: les habitants d’Umeå sont invités à accrocher des œuvres d’art ou des dessins à leurs fenêtres. De juin à septembre, chaque artiste de la province pourra exposer à la «Regional Art Exhibition». Par ailleurs, un bus transeuropéen reliera la Slo vaquie à Umeå. Objectif: fonder à l’arrivée un groupe multiculturel de musiciens folks, juste à temps pour la semaine folk du 4 au 10 août. Parmi les rassemblements musicaux inhérents à l’image d’Umeå, Made, le festival des arts de la scène, propose en mai une programmation éclectique: rythmes et chants actif à Umeå à la fin des années 1990. Quant au festival folk international Urkult, il célébrera ses 20 ans en plein air, le premier week-end d’août. La légende raconte que l’histoire d’Umeå a commencé bien avant la Suède, grâce à la présence sur ces terres, aussi appelées Laponie, d’une partie du peuple sami. La culture de la ville baigne dans l’héritage de ce peuple nomade et une grande partie des manifestations cultu relles sont dédiées à leurs coutumes. Le programme culturel est divisé en huit saisons, d’après calendrier sami. Chaque saison, un artiste sami différent est exposé au musée d’art contemporain Bild museet. Parallèlement, le projet «8 x Art» présente huit installations ou performances samies, temporaires ou permanentes, à découvrir dans différents lieux de la ville. Le projet collaboratif «Rock Art in Sápmi» réunit les musées de la région autour de l’art rupestre et des symboles samis. L’exposition sur la médecine tradi tionnelle «Sámi traditional medicinal use» se déroulera de juin à juillet au Musée de l’histoire de la médecine de Västerbotten. Une visite estivale permet de profiter pleinement de la faune et de la flore alentour, une des activités préférées des habitants d’Umeå. Située au sud du cercle polaire, la ville ne connaît pas le soleil de minuit, mais en juin, 57 58 les jours sont longs. La nature n’est pas oubliée dans le programme culturel: il y aura une balade en terre lapone par saison. Le week-end de la mi-juin, «Walk on the wild side – The day of the wild flowers», organisée par la Svenska Botaniska Föreningen (Société botanique suédoise), apprendra aux promeneurs à reconnaître les fleurs sauvages près de Tväråbäck, au nord d’Umeå. Les moins sportifs qui souhaitent apprécier la nature peuvent assister à une projection en plein air de courts métrages dans un des parcs d’Umeå. En août, la star des performances sera l’opéra Elektra , de Richard Strauss, – impliquant plus de 250 participants –, interprété pour la première fois en plein air. Pour réaliser ce chef-d’œuvre, le NorrlandsOperan d’Umeå collabore avec le groupe artistique catalan La Fura dels Baus. A partir de la fin du mois d’août, un festival de cirque contemporain proposera des spectacles de rue. Plus tradi tionnellement, sur scène, se produiront le collectif acro batique slapstick La Meute, la compagnie britannique La Soirée qui mêle cabaret, comédie et acrobaties et les Français de Non Nova qui jouent avec des sacs de plas tique colorés dans «L’après-midi d’un foehn». Côté arts visuels, l’exposition «Transformation» pré sentera tout au long du mois d’août les œuvres des artistes peintres Ingrid Karlsson-Kemp et Petra Lundström et de l’illustratrice Jenny Fahlgren, dans deux lieux originaux: une ancienne prison et un pavillon de verre. Le musée de Västerbotten propose l’exposition pho tographique «Meeting With People», à la fois artistique et documentaire, qui relie Riga, l’autre Capitale de la culture 2014 (CEND #11, pages 56-58), et Umeå. La photographe lettone Inta Ruka met en regard des por traits de Lettons de régions rurales et de grandes villes; les enregistrements sonores et visuels du photographe et écrivain suédois Sune Jonsson rappellent le mode de vie rural des années 1960. Umeå propose aussi des activités plus alternatives comme un festival culinaire et une foire au tissage en septembre. L’ambiance culturelle 2014 d’Umeå prodiguera à cha cun de la nourriture pour le corps et pour l’esprit. La ville aux bouleaux est, à l’image d’un tissage sami, pleine de couleurs, de surprises mais aussi le résultat d’un travail de cocréation et d’échanges entre plusieurs peuples. La Capitale européenne de la culture nordique n’at tend plus que votre participation. J http://umea2014.se/en/ 50 ans d’immigration en Belgique (1964-2014) )" N @- )-7 L’expression Nass Belgica signifie littéralement «les gens de Belgique» en dialecte marocain et désigne les familles qui reviennent passer leurs vacances au Maroc. L’exposition, présentée par l’ULB en coproduction avec le Botanique, bat en brèche, avec nuance et humour, nombre de préjugés que la réalité de l’immigration génère. Seront notamment exposées des oeuvres d’art de Younes Baba Ali qui joue sur le visuel et le son, des témoignages, des archives publiques ou fami liales, des photographies d’Alina et Jeff Bliumis, et Malik Nejmi, des images d’hier et d’aujourd’hui de Thomas Mailaender, des projections de films de Hamza Halloubi... J www.botanique.be/fr/expo/nass-belgica limmigration-marocaine-en-belgique )" ={ -) Dans l’esprit aventureux des premiers Marocains et Turcs arrivés en Belgique il y a 50 ans, cette cara vane parcourra la Belgique pour mettre en lumière les apports culturels des immigrations à travers de nombreux spectacles, concerts, débats et animations. Vous pourrez également découvrir Sibel, un groupe de musique créé par un artiste turc, retourner à la source avec le spectacle de danse contemporaine «Roots and Road», voyager au Maroc avec la comédie «La Ma roxelloise, agence de voyages» et écouter l’histoire de Pie Tshibanda; lors des arrêts à Court-Saint-Etienne, Charleroi, Colfontaine ou Saint-Josse. J www.lesnouveauxdisparus.com )" F_H%@7 Réunissant les sept artistes qui à ce jour se sont vu décerner le Edward Steichen Award, l’exposition «NY LUX» révèle une quarantaine d’oeuvres récentes au fil de présentations monographiques de Bertille Bak, Étienne Boulanger, Jeff Desom, Sophie Jung, Maria Loboda, Claudia Passeri et Su-Mei Tse. Créé en 2004 à la mémoire du célèbre photographe et conservateur américain Edward Steichen, le Edward Steichen Award Luxembourg a pour ambition de contribuer au dialogue entre les scènes artistiques d’Europe et des Etats-Unis. Décerné tous les deux ans à un artiste du Luxembourg ou de la Grande Région par un jury international, le prix offre au lauréat une résidence de six mois à New York. J www.mudam.lu/fr/expositions/details/exposition/ edward-steichen-award/ 59 60 1 14 12 5 7 2 18 11 8 9 13 10 15 17 19 3 4 16 6 20 21 01 Jerzy, former Polish President of the European Parliament 05 Saint and brother of Saint Methodius 07 Malta’s second largest island 08 Largest port in Cyprus 09 The easternmost 2014 European Capital of Culture 12 Slovenian sea resort with Venetian architecture 14 Surname of Pope John Paul II 17 Capital city crossed by the river Vlatava 18 Current President of Latvia 19 Capital of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 20 The first ex-Yugoslav republic to enter the EU 21 The northernmost country to join the EU in 2004 01 Famous Hungarian lake 02 Czech location in the 2006 James Bond film ‘Casino Royale’ 03 Highest Bulgarian peak 04 Romanian coastal city 06 Second-largest city in Bulgaria 10 Dalia, former Commissioner and Lithuanian President 11 Two cities divided by the Danube that became one capital 13 River running through Zagreb 15 Sea between Italy and the Balkans 16 Jan, first Slovak Commissioner %#3+\3*[H-\%#_%\"3\[33+[\H ACROSS : 03 TEIDE - 07 KARELIA - 09 AUGSBURG - 11 CHOPIN - 13 PAVLOV - 14 CABRAL - 18 GUANGDONG - 19 DAMANAKI - 20 FRA - 21 MAYER DOWN: 01 RICHTER - 02 BERN - 04 TOKEN - 05 TOLKIEN - 06 RONALDO - 08 ISTRIA - 10 KODALINE - 12 MAZZINI - 15 TURING - 16 COFFEE - 17 ERDF %7"'3 ' (' '!"F' 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 =' QN'Q`'Q/'Qw'Q}'Q'Q{' Q'Q=2'Q==' ANSWERS: 61 by Matteo Manzonetto , Cend At the end of World War II, in the words of Winston Churchill, “from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adria tic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent” fronts is along this frontier. . It will soon become a physical barrier dividing people, families, and countries (like Germany). Split often along the lines of their country’s membership of the Warsaw Pact or NATO, one of the Cold War’s hottest Known as the ‘Copenhagen criteria’, they establish that candidate countries shall be governed by “institutions guar anteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, respect for and protection of minorities, the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competi tive pressure and market forces within the Union” of countries wishing to join the EU. . In the meantime, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia are progressing socially and economically at varying speeds. Cyprus and Malta also join the group A wave of popular protest movements and uprisings in Central and Eastern Europe, toppling ‘Socialist’ regimes and establishing democratic systems, is followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union itself. On 2 May 1989, Hun gary removes its 240 km-long border fence with Austria. In November, the Berlin Wall falls and Germany begins its reunification process, which is achieved in 1990. East Germans are the first populace to join the EU after living under a pro-Soviet regime. The Accession Treaties with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia are signed on 16 April at the Stoa of Attalus in Athens, and enter into force on 1 May 2004. 62 The Copenhagen European Council in June establishes criteria defining a country’s eligibility to join the EU. On 1 May, the European Union grows to 25 Members, soon to become 27 with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. Croatia will join in 2013. Offi ce for 12 years. In joined the Commission in 2001 and worked in DG SANCO as an inspector at the Food and Veterinary February, he joined the EU delegation in Sierra Leone, acting as head of the ‘Rural Development and Environment’ section since then. sont historiens et archivistes. Ils collaborent au sein du Centre d’administration des documents de la DG COMM où ils organisent et valorisent les trésors d’archives qui y sont conservés. is an Information and Communication Assistant in ECHO’s Middle East and North Africa regional offi ce. She has been working on the Syria crisis since its start. works in DG HR’s Learning and Development Unit as Head of Sector for Consultancy and Communication. After years dealing with external relations, she heads the team of internal consultants and coaches in the Commission. is Information and Communication Offi cer in DG DIGIT after being a Training Manager there. She came to Brussels just for fi ve months in 2007 as a trainee in DG SCIC and never left the Commission. Previously, she worked for a London newspaper as marketing and events manager. Her background is in social communication and linguistics. corporate et de est chef de secteur au sein de l’unité de la DG COMM en charge de la stratégie, des actions de communication l’Eurobaromètre. Avec son équipe, il assure le suivi de l’opinion publique dans l’UE. joined the Commission in 1995. He has worked ever since at DG COMM’s Audiovisual Library, taking care of acquisitions and documentation of the audiovisual production. In 2009, he took over the management of the Library, implementing appropriate policies for the preservation, digitisation and distribution of the Library’s holdings. Prior to joining the Commission, Bert worked in a regional TV station in Germany. est responsable des relations avec les anciens fonctionnaires au sein de l’unité «Politique sociale» de la DG HR. Elle travaille notamment sur l’assistance aux pensionnés en diffi culté, les relations avec les associations d’anciens, la préparation à la retraite et la valorisation de l’expertise. Rédacteur en chef: Zach Hester Tél. :02 296 9617 - Secrétaire de rédaction: Dominique Labourdette Rédaction: Matteo Manzonetto, Michael Scheerer - Stagiaire: Sabrina Fredj, Alice Siniscalchi Mise en page & Cend en ligne: Marcelo Contreras - Courrier des lecteurs: Eimear O’Kelly Commission en direct est édité par l’unité de Communication, DG HR D.3 Chef d’unité: Norman Jardine Adresse : CE-SC11, 01/18 Télécopieur: 02 299 92 85 Courrier des lecteurs: Envoi de la publication aux pensionnés: ISSN : 1830-5598 - Cette publication n’engage pas juridiquement la Commission. ACCÈS À COMMISSION EN DIRECT EN LIGNE Personnel actif: http://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu OP et retraités: https://myintracomm-ext.ec.europa.eu Autres institutions et agences (également EEAS): http://myintracomm.ec.testa.eu Autres institutions et agences (également EEAS): http://myintracomm.ec.testa.eu On-line survey, until Wednesday 16, April A team of independent researchers has created a survey – with DG HR’s logistical help – to produce empirical information based on the views and experience of Com mission staff. All the researchers participated in an earlier project, ‘The European Commission in Question’ (see link below) which formed the basis of a book, ‘The European Com mission of the Twenty-First Century’ (see link below). This new survey asks you about what attracted you to work for the Commission, your career, current and pre vious roles, your views and beliefs, your experience of the Commission as a workplace, your thoughts on the recent review of the Staff Regulations, and your reflections on the Commission past and future. Take a few minutes of your time and have your say! A high response rate is crucial for the success of the project. ̶ http://www.uea.ac.uk/political-social-international studies/european-commission-in-question ̶ http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199599523. do#.Ucf8Ub_J5UQ With the European elections approaching, a new on line initiative has been launched to help raise aware ness of what the EU means to people who work in and around the Institutions. Supported by the Bertels mannstiftung, the ‘Hearts and Minds for Europe’ initia tive gives a voice to 35 people in a wide variety of jobs. “Hearts and Minds for Europe gives a real flavour of what it really means to work at the heart of EU democracy,” states Vice-President Maroš Šef čovič, a participant. “The EU often seems out of touch with the citizens’ lives, but the interviews show that people working with and for Europe are citizens themselves, with their own hopes and fears. I hope that the project encourages people to speak up for Europe and vote in May.” ̶ http://heartsandmindsforeu.eu Dimanche 11 mai, 12:00-18:00, Village européen, Bruxelles Dans le cadre du 20e anniversaire de la Fête de l’Iris, l’Europe s’associe pour la deuxième année consécutive à la fête de la Région Bruxelles-Capitale afin de valoriser Bruxelles en tant que capitale de l’Europe. Le dimanche 11 mai, le Village européen accueillera les visiteurs au Carrefour de l’Europe (place piétonnière devant la Gare centrale), autour de la citoyenneté et des élections européennes. Jeudi 17 mai, Journée Portes ouvertes de la Commission européenne, Bruxelles Le jeudi 17 mai, placé sous le thème du «citoyen euro péen et la démocratie», se déroulera une nouvelle édi tion de la Journée Portes ouvertes des institutions euro péennes. Les visiteurs pourront découvrir les coulisses du Berlaymont, centre névralgique de la Commission, mais aussi les réalisations concrètes dont bénéficient chaque jour plus de 500 millions de citoyens grâce à l’Union Européenne, autour de nombreuses activités ludiques. ̶ http://ec.europa.eu/belgium/events/euopendoors/ index_fr.htm Contact: Nathalie Malivoir, tél. 02 29 92770 +"./"%&/345" On Saturday, 31 May, the Inter-Institutional Team will again run the ING Night Marathon to support young vulnerable people threatened by social exclusion, espe cially drug addicted and homeless people. This year’s objective is to reach 400 runners. You can enrol (see link below) either for a team-run – in teams of 4 runners, covering a distance from 8 to 13 km – or to run the half-marathon or marathon. You will also be offered running-shirts. Please confirm your registration to Marco Artico (marco. [email protected]) or Mario Galetto (mario.galetto@ europarl.europa.eu) by indicating both the discipline chosen and your running-shirt size (ladies’ or men’s). In case of problems while registering, please contact Ms Schaller: [email protected] ̶ https://portal.mikatiming.de/event/ing-night marathon/2014/group/en/ Login: Maisondeleurope Password: V@d@ph01 If you register for the team-run please always start the name of your team by «All together» (eg. “All together – We’re the best”) I Protecting our oceans and seas I Citizens’ Dialogues IPHOTOS Kristalina Georgieva visiting Syrian refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan
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EUROPE & BEYOND
SIERRA LEONE
PROTECTING FISHERY RESOURCES FOR LOCAL BENEFIT
For West African countries, marine fishery resources are vital for many coastal communities. With EU support, the government of Sierra Leone is getting to grips with the threat posed to local livelihoods by pirate – or illegal, unregulated and unreported – fishing.
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SYRIAN CRISIS
FROM A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
With the Syrian crisis now having entered its fourth year, DG ECHO’s Dina Baslan shares the stories of some of the Syrian women affected by the conflict .
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CITIZENS’ DIALOGUES A CONTINUING INVITATION TO DEBATE
With now over 50 Citizens’ Dialogues organised across the EU Directorate, talks about this initiative Commission’s efforts to debate the future of Europe.
since the first event in Cadiz, Spain, in September 2012, Ylva Tivéus, Director of DG COMM’s ‘Citizens’ to reach out and listen to citizens as part of the
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En 2013, la Représentation de la Commission en Belgique a organisé neuf Dialogues citoyens à travers le pays.
Pour rendre compte de cette expérience unique, la Représentation publie
Europe: ce que nous disent les Belges
.
Leçons des Dialogues citoyens
. Jimmy Jamar, chef de la Représentation, et Caroline Alibert-Deprez, rédactrice du livre, racontent leurs expériences.
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SOCIAL BUSINESS INITIATIVE
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Every day the EU passes measures that impact citizens. But it is often perceived that officials, sitting in their ‘ivory tower’, are not aware of the real needs of people. Is this a fair perception? The Social Business Initiative event ‘Have Your Say!’ on the social economy shows that the Commission can listen to citizens and involve them in shaping policies . It may be time ^$# <# "
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REPRESENTATIONS
60 ANS D’INFORMATION COMMUNAUTAIRE DECENTRALISEE
Il y a soixante ans s’ouvraient à Bonn, Paris et Rome, les premiers Bureaux de presse et d’information, précurseurs des actuelles Représentations de la Commission européenne. Bien que modestes à l’origine, ces pionniers de l’information communautaire décentralisée < $# ""$ ##"$" # # $ Commission et assurer une plus grande proximité avec les citoyens.
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FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE
UNE POLITIQUE UE FONDAMENTALE
En décembre 2013, le comité consultatif pour la formation professionnelle, une des instances clés de la politique européenne communautaire de formation professionnelle, fêtait ses 50 ans d’existence. L’occasion de revenir sur les évolutions et défis qu’a rencontrés cette politique européenne depuis ses débuts.
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ANALYSE POLITIQUE ET STRATEGIE
LE MONDE AU BOUT DES DOIGTS
Découvrir les tendances à long terme qui façonneront les sociétés futures, dans le monde entier... C’est ce que propose ORBIS – Open Repository Base on International Strategic Studies –, une base de données mondiale d’études prospectives, lancée en février 2014. François Renuit, du BEPA, nous en parle.
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OUR STORIES EUROPEAN CYCLING TOUR PROMOTING EUROPE ON TWO WHEELS
The European Cycling Tour is a private initiative launched by a group of friends , many of them officials of the European institutions, concerned by the low participation rates in the European elections.
The tour will start on 1st May. this pro-European endeavour.
Commission en direct
met one of the organisers, Peter Robinson from DG RTD, to know more about this initiative, and possibly recruit new cyclist for
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ELECTIONS EUROPEENNES
Du 22 au 25 mai, les citoyens et les citoyennes de l’Union K " KK) K K)K par la suite le nouveau président de la Commission européenne.
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DOSSIER THE ROAD TO 2014 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS 1952 1962
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DOSSIER
EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
“AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A SAY ON EUROPE”
President José Manuel Barroso talks to
Commission en direct
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DOSSIER EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MORE POWERS, MORE RESPONSABILITIES
From its modest beginnings as the Parliamentary Assembly to its role now as co-legislator with the Council of Ministers, the European Parliament has gradually seen a huge extension of its powers.
Shaping policies that affect our lives
DOSSIER
EUROPEAN ELECTIONS 2014 DATES, SEATS AND NATIONAL RULES Between 22 and 25 May 2014, EU citizens will have the opportunity to cast their votes represent them for the next five years.
in these important elections for the European Parliament, together electing the 751 MEPs to Election day
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Voting system and number of MEPs
COMPOSITION DU PARLEMENT EUROPEEN Depuis 1979, les députés sont élus au suffrage universel direct pour une durée de 5 ans. Le Parlement européen sortant est composé de 766 députés élus dans les 28 Etats membres de l’Union européenne " $#"# $ $ <$$ l’arrivée de 12 députés croates. Selon les dispositions du Traité de Lisbonne, le nouveau Parlement élu les 22-25 mai comptera 751 membres – 750 députés plus le président (voir page de gauche pour le nombre de députés par Etat membre).
Répartition actuelle des sièges selon le groupe politique, plus les non inscrits
DOSSIER
PARTY FRONTRUNNERS SIX CANDIDATES FOR THE TOP JOB
With one of the new powers provided under the Lisbon Treaty (see page 39), the European Parliament elects the President of the Commission. Most of the European political parties represented in the Parliament have nominated frontrunners that are also their nominees <% $ .
Commission en direct
introduces the six candidates.
DOSSIER OPINION PUBLIQUE QUE DIT L’EUROBAROMETRE?
Menées deux fois par an, les enquêtes Eurobaromètre Standard permettent de dégager les grandes tendances de l’opinion publique dans les 28 pays de l’UE.
La dernière enquête a eu lieu du 2 au 17 novembre 2013.
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DOSSIER OPINION PUBLIQUE UNE GRILLE DE LECTURE
Dominique Reynié , professeur à Sciences Po (Paris) et expert en opinion publique européenne, nous livre quelques clés pour comprendre l’état actuel de l’opinion publique en Europe.
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DOSSIER
EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
A WATERSHED DECISION FOR EUROPE
J.H.H. Weiler , President of the European University Institute in Florence, discusses with
Commission en direct
the issue of the so-called ‘democratic deficit’.
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AU QUOTIDIEN
GERER SES FINANCES LE CERCLE VICIEUX DE L’ENDETTEMENT
Quels que soient ses revenus ou sa catégorie socioprofessionnelle, tout ménage peut être confronté à une situation de surendettement . Afin de mieux appréhender et combattre ce phénomène,
Commission en direct
fait le point sur la conférence organisée par le service ""$# $""{[@ $# ;@ $<^ "$ {# X$" $$ %# j<"
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Grille d’analyse des revenus du ménage
Il existe des solutions préventives et curatives
IT SOLUTIONS PROMOTING THE WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE
DG DIGIT is working to anticipate tomorrow’s working habits, offering efficient and safe solutions for a better integration of IT in our working environment.
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User experience versus security
Unified communications
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AUDIOVISUAL LIBRARY A LIVING REPOSITORY OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
The Commission’s Audiovisual Library is a living repository of our history – open to all. This includes DGs and staff, who can contribute videos, photos and sound recordings to this central depository and use materials for their own publications or videos.
Preserving materials for current and future use
3 and academia
Audiovisual Portal
Central Deposit
Europeana
AU QUOTIDIEN
IN MEMORIAM NOMINATIONS
Pierre Bascou
directeur direction «Soutien direct» DG AGRI
Roland Hüber (1942-2014)
Monique Pariat
directeur général adjoint en charge des directions A et B DG AGRI
Matthias Ruete
directeur général DG HOME
João Aguiar Machado
directeur général DG MOVE
GENERATIONS +X++\+;}£\+;}|}X+¤
COMMENT VALORISER L’EXPERTISE DES ANCIENS
Recourir à l’expertise des anciens pour des activités spécifiques au sein d’une organisation n’est pas un concept nouveau en soi. Bon nombre de sociétés font appel à $ " "# ¢ " $$ $¢ '"" $$ ""#< adopté cette pratique et entend la renforcer grâce à l’initiative «Active Senior».
Clarifier, harmoniser et consolider
£\+;}|}X+¤ RETOURNER A L’ECOLE
L’initiative «Back to school» permet aux fonctionnaires actifs ou pensionnés de retourner dans leur ancienne école pour parler de l’Europe , et ainsi stimuler la curiosité et améliorer $ "# "< "$## $" "'"% Garcia, ancien fonctionnaire, y participe depuis trois ans.
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ANIMER UN SEMINAIRE
Chaque année, la DG HR organise quelque 15 séminaires de préparation à la retraite. Avec, pour chaque session, une quarantaine de participants et les interventions d’une bonne dizaine d’orateurs, l’organisation doit être sans faille. Une petite équipe de bénévoles, tous anciens fonctionnaires, y veille. Brigitte Veriter en fait partie.
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FREIZEIT
UMEA 2014 CAPITALE EUROPEENNE DE LA CULTURE EN PAYS SAMI
Cette année, de l’inédit. Umeå vibre aux rythmes d’une variété d’activités organisées dans le cadre du titre de Capitale européenne de la culture 2014
Commission en direct
. La ville se prépare depuis longtemps à "" "$ ¥ #¦ # $ $$ $$$$ vous emmène en Laponie suédoise.
Cocréation et participation
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Activités en plein air
COMMEMORATION
Nass Belgica
La Caravane de la diversité
EXPOSITION NY-LUX – Edward Steichen Award 2004-2014
FREIZEIT CROSSWORD
ACROSS
DOWN
QUIZ
European Elections
Y%!T%%*"Q7"$" European Parliament have? a. 410 b. 650 c. 751
QY"Q7"!"!$" European Parliament? a. Altiero Spinelli b. Simone Veil c. Pat Cox
Which Member State elects the highest number of MEPs? a. France b. Germany c. Germany, France, Italy and the UK elect the same number of MEPs
How many MEPs did Malta elect in 2009? a. 6 b. 4 c. 5
How many standing committees does the European Parliament currently count? a. 28 b. 20 c. 17
Who among these three has been President of the European Parliament? a. Carlo Ripa di Meana b. Enrique Barón Crespo c. Lord Mandelson
Who is the Parliament’s current Secretary General? a. Gianni Pittella b. Klaus Welle c. Harald Rømer
Who is part of the European Parliament’s Bureau? a. The EP President, the 14 Vice-Presidents !"Q7$"¡&" General, and the 14 Vice-Presidents :Q\"T}!$"!" representatives, and ten MEPs
;"Q$"!"Q!$!"¢ :¢"Q$" *:¢"Q&"=!=!"$"!
of the outgoing Vice-Presidents in order of precedence or, failing all of them, the MEP Q!=Q$"Q$!=" :¢"QT&!="
Will there be more MEPs in the next term? a. Yes b. No c. They will stay the same
When did the work for Parliament’s Brussels seat start? a. 1983 b. 1993 c. 1989
FREIZEIT HISTOIRE EN IMAGES THE FIFTH ENLARGEMENT 10 YEARS OF A REUNIFIED EUROPE
1945
1989-1991
2003
1993
2004
CONTRIBUTEURS
Stefano Sotgia
Alexis Bigonville et Sven Carnel
Dina Baslan
Ana Yturriaga Saldanha
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David Voidies
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ANNONCES
EUROPEAN COMMISSION – FACING THE FUTURE
HEARTS AND MINDS FOR EUROPE
FETE DE L’EUROPE
ALL TOGETHER – NIGHT MARATHON LUXEMBOURG
#12 -
Dossier
ELECTIONS EUROPEENNES
Une échéance cruciale
EUROPE & BEYOND
OUR STORIES
AU QUOTIDIEN