European Parliament says "yes" to European Constitution

Meeting in Strasbourg on 12 January 2005, the European Parliament massively endorsed the "Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe" which, if unanimously ratified by the 25 Member States, will come into effect in 2007. A report unreservedly endorsing the Treaty - and presented by Richard Corbett (PSE, Socialist) and Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE, Conservative) - was adopted by 500 votes in favour to 137 votes against, with 40 abstentions.

However, the positions expressed in the European Parliament during the debate on the Méndez de Vigo-Corbett report were quite varied, ranging from enthusiastic approval to reluctant backing, from "yes, but much remains to be done" to virulent rejection by anti-Europeanists as well as rejection by some self-professed Europeanists.

Those who voted "no" were mainly representatives of the far Left and the extreme Right. The Group of the European People's Party and European Democrats voted "yes" but, within it, a strong minority of opponents (34 members, notably from the UK, Poland, the Czech Republic and Portugal) voted against. In the European Socialist Party Group - which also pronounced in favour of the Constitution - there was only one defection.

Following the parliamentary vote, EP President Josep Borell expressed satisfaction at this "round figure" of 500 votes, which means that one in four voters were in favour of the Constitution. The 732-strong assembly called upon the governments of the European Union to act quickly to "inform European citizens in a clear and objective manner on the contents of the Constitution", which is in fact coming up against staunch opposition in several member countries.

Up until now the debate on the Constitution has been leaning heavily towards endorsement: before the vote in the EP, the 25 Heads of State or Government had already backed the Constitution; and the Lithuanian and Hungarian parliaments approved the text in November and December 2004 respectively. But with 23 more ratifications required for entry into force, the game is definitely still open.

 

News from the institutions

Launch of a public debate on economic migration

Ever since the Tampere European Council meeting in October 1999 - and pursuant to the multiannual Hague Programme aimed at building an area of justice, freedom and security (November 2004) - the European Commission has sought to launch an in-depth debate on the issue of economic migration. Thus, on 11 January 2005, the Commission adopted a Green Paper on "An EU approach to managing economic migration", which it is hoped will serve as a basis for open, transparent and searching discussions on this issue. At present, an economic migrant from outside the EU faces 25 different sets of rules. It would be in the interests of both migrants and EU Member States to have a common set of basic procedures, definitions and criteria applied throughout the European Union. These would complement national admission systems and the Member States would remain fully in control of determining the numbers of economic migrants they admit. The debate will involve a number of European institutions (including the Economic and Social Committee) as well as civil society and the social partners, who are being asked to say whether they agree that an EU-wide initiative is a good idea and, if so, what form it should take. Their suggestions and remarks will help prepare the ground for a public hearing in July 2005, which will then feed into a "policy action plan" to be presented by the Commission by the end of the year. Participants in the consultation are invited to send their contributions to the following e-mail address by 15 April 2005: jls-economic-migration@cec.eu.int For further information, visit: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/news/2005/jan/economic_migration_greenpaper_en.html.

eTwinning for schools

On 14 January 2005, the European Commissioner responsible for Education, Ján Figel, launched the eTwinning initiative, which aims to encourage schools throughout Europe to engage in twinning projects via the Internet. Interested schools can now register on the eTwinning portal, where a "TwinFinder" will help them find partners and embark on eTwinning. A clickable map displays information on participating schools in each country of Europe. Users can also find examples of European collaborative projects in the website's "Practice" section. Furthermore, the eTwinning "Desktop" provides schools with an internal messaging system and a chat facility to communicate with potential partners. eTwinning also gives recognition to schools and teachers engaged in European collaboration. Participating schools will receive an eTwinning Label, and eTwinning Awards will reward the best partnership outcomes that "pave the way for pedagogical creativity". Discover the eTwinning programme on: http://www.etwinning.net.

Europe as seen from the U.S.A.

Seen from Washington, the European Union is not necessarily a "superpower in the making". True, the enlarged Union has some considerable advantages - including a large internal market, a single currency, a highly-qualified workforce, and stable democratic governments - which may enable Europe to play a more prominent role on the international scene. Europe's key asset would seem to be its ability to act as a model of global and regional governance for emerging powers. However, should Europe fail to adapt its employment markets, reform its social security systems and welcome immigrant workers, the ageing of its population could undermine its economic development. This is the rather disturbing conclusion of a study published in mid-January by the National Intelligence Council (NIC), a CIA think-tank. It should be noted, however, that, although NIC's intelligence-gathering methods appear to have changed, this is the same strategic monitoring organisation which in 2002 stated that "Iraq has chemical and biological weapons and continues to pursue development of nuclear weapons". The study has been published shortly ahead of the meeting - scheduled to take place on 22 February - between U.S. President George Bush, European Commission President José Manuel Durrão Barroso and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker. The full report is available on: http://www.cia.gov/nic/NIC_2020_project.html.

 

News from the networks

European Regions Touring Nature Network

With the support of the European Union (funding of innovative projects under Article 10 of the ERDF), the European Regions Touring Nature Network has created a sustainable development quality label called "Village +". This label is issued by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and, more specifically, Commission C (Regional Policy, Tourism and the Environment), which is the institutional project manager. The European Regions Touring Nature Network is inviting interested regions to join a network of rural territories - in Western, Central and Eastern Europe - which will eventually comprise about 400 areas to be visited by specific target groups. The latter, as well as the promotion principles and the kind of partnership envisaged with institutional bodies, are modelled on a network of 400 nature areas that has been functioning successfully in the United States and Canada for the past 30 years (http://www.nps.gov), but the "sustainable development approach" was specifically chosen for Europe. The selection of participating territories will start in 2005. This is why a single call for applications has been disseminated via all the European information networks of local and regional bodies, so that all areas, even though they might not be officially recognised as a nature reserve or park, can apply for membership of the network. For further information, contact: Assemblée des Régions d'Europe (Assembly of European Regions) (Commission C), Ms Agnés Ciccarone, Bureaux Europe, 20 Place des Halles, F-67000 Strasbourg, Tel. +33 3 88 22 07 07, Fax:+33 3 88 75 67 19, E-mail: a.ciccarone@a-e-r.org, Website web: http://www.are-regions-europe.org/COMMUN/A213b3bisHevesComC.html.

Funding opportunities

Support for civil society in the new Member States

The Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security has published a call for proposals concerning preparatory action to support civil society in the 10 new Member States. The areas concerned are the rule of law, democracy, fundamental rights, the non-partisan nature of information, and the fight against corruption. Closing date: 15 February 2005. http://europa.eu.int/comm/justice_home/funding/support_ngo/funding_support_en.htm.

Daphne

Two new calls for proposals have been published by the European Commission under the EU Daphne II programme to combat violence against children, young people and women. One of the calls is for specific projects (Deadline: 4 March 2005) and the other is for projects aimed at disseminating and using existing results (Deadline:1 April 2005). Comprehensive information is available on: http://europa.eu.int/comm/justice_home/funding/daphne/funding_daphne_en.htm.

Study on practices and policies in the social enterprise sector in Europe

The Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry has published a contract notice concerning practices and policies in the social enterprise sector in Europe. The aim is to collect information on relevant specific measures adopted by public authorities at national, regional or local level in European countries for the purpose of promoting social enterprises. The study will cover the 25 countries of the EU, the EFTA member countries (Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) and the applicant countries (Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey). Estimated contract value: €150,000. Closing date: 8 March 2005. Contact: DG "Enterprise and Industry", Directorate E, Unit E3 "Crafts, Small Businesses, Co-operatives and Mutuals", For the attention of Mr Albrecht Mulfinger, Re: Invitation to tender No. ENTR/04/49, European Commission, SC 27 4/38, B-1049 Brussels. Tel. +32 2 295 3942, Fax: +32 2 295 4590, E-mail: Entr-Craft-Small-Business@cec.eu.int, Website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/index_en.htm. Reference code: ENTR/04/49, OJ S 21 of 29.01.2005.

Equal opportunities

The DG "Employment" has published an open call for proposals relating to the Community framework strategy on gender equality. In 2005, the priority theme will be "the role of men in the promotion of gender equality, in particular the role of men and fathers in the reconciliation of work and private life". Deadline: 15 April 2005. Contact: European Commission, CAD, DG "Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities", Call for proposals VP/2004/018 - Unit G1, SPA 3 00/07, B-1049 Brussels. E-mail: empl-gender-call-018@cec.eu.int. For more information, see: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/calls/2005/vp_2004_018/tender_en.htm.

Coming events

15 February 2005, Brussels (BE)

With renewed emphasis on transatlantic relations and in light of the ongoing struggle to define and implement the Lisbon process, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group, has invited three distinguished Europeans (Maria João Rodrigues, Pascal Lamy and Martine Aubry) to discuss the advantages and the future of a European model with the author Jeremy Rifkin. The panel discussion will take place on 15 February 2005. Rifkin, president of the Foundation on Economic Trends and a personal advisor to Romano Prodi during the last Commission, argues in his new book "The European Dream" that Europe's vision of the future is eclipsing the American Dream and that, in terms of community relationships, cultural diversity, quality of life, sustainable development and universal human rights, Europe is surpassing America. The panel will examine a number of questions, such as: Should economic growth, individual wealth and free markets take priority over quality of life, sustainable development and cultural diversity? Is the "American Dream" still a valid concept? And is Europe able to meet the challenges of globalisation in the 21st century? Online registration is required (deadline: 9 February 2005) at: http://greens-efa.org/pdf/agenda/Paneldiscussion15Feb2005/index.php. A page containing confirmation of registration, a link to the draft programme and practical access information will be available on registration.

17 February 2005, Brussels (BE)

Act4europe is organising the conference "NGO Space for Debate: Ratifying the Constitutional Treaty and developing Participatory Democracy" in Brussels, in the presence of Commissioner Wallström. The aim of the conference is to enable members of NGOs based nationally to come to Brussels, meet together and with colleagues from from European NGOs, to share experiences and ideas on the key issues of ratifying the Constitutional Treaty, the role of NGOs in the process and the further development of participatory democracy at European and national level. It will also provide an opportunity for group discussion on practical issues for NGOs surrounding ratification - e.g. how to campaign in favour, or how to remain neutral but foster debate. For more information and registration: Elodie Fazi, e-mail: coordinator@act4europe.org, website: http://act4europe.horus.be/module/FileLib/NGO%20Space%20for%20Debate%2017%20February.doc.

22-25 February 2005, Vienna (AT)

CORP Symposia are held annually since 1996 and have become the major European conference dealing with impacts of information and communication technologies on urban and spatial planning. The 10th international symposion on information and communication (ICT) technologies in urban and spatial planning and impacts of ICT on physical space will take place from 22 to 25 February 2005. It will address issues such as: "Real models-Unreal world" The Professional Approach to the Unexpected (main topic); Open Source for the public sector - serious alternative or dangerous experiment?; Trademarks and cameras - the new face of our cities; "Ideal European regions" versus "Real European regions". CORP 2005 welcomes participants interested in "geo-spatial relations" from a wide variety of fields including spatial planning, geography, economy, transportation, computer science, architecture, human and social sciences and surveying. More information is available at: http://www.corp.at/html/corp2005__e_.html.

 

Publications

Objective 2009: A giant leap for Europe, one small step for the regions

2005 will be a crucial year for the regions and their role in Europe, given that the European Union will be defining its ambitions by adopting a set of policy guidelines and budgetary commitments for the 2007-2013 period. In this context, the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR), which groups together 150 regions, has just brought out a book which aims to provide food for thought on how the regional sphere can contribute towards European growth. Entitled "Objective 2009: A giant leap for Europe, one small step for the regions", the books is available in 5 languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian and German), and will soon be translated also into Greek. To order the book, contact: CRPM, 6, Rue Saint-Martin, F - 35700 Rennes, Tel. +33 (0)2 99 35 40 50, Fax: +33 (0)2 99 35 09 19, E-mail: secretariat@crpm.org.

Structural Funds to combat social exclusion

There are 68 million people living below the poverty line in the 25 Member States of the European Union. The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) assigns a high level of importance to the Structural Funds as significant instruments for combating social exclusion in Europe. In view of this, and drawing on NGOs' experience in the implementation of the Structural Funds, the European Anti Poverty Network has published an extensive report in which it identifies key issues affecting social inclusion and puts forward its position on the draft regulations issued for the Structural Funds proposed for the 2007-2013 period. Read the EAPN report on: http://www.eapn.org/module/module_page/images/pdf/pdf_publication/EAPN%20Publications/position/SFregulationsfinal_en.pdf.

Moses, the car's future?

The results of the Moses project were presented in January 2005 during the final conference of this research initiative on car-sharing. The principle is simple: the user rents, for the period of time required, a vehicle adapted to his needs (small vehicle for city travel or people carrier for a weekend away with the family).

Parked in dedicated car parks, the shared car can replace up to 10 privately-owned vehicles. The studies show that once users have joined a car-share scheme, they use urban public transport far more frequently. This new form of travel thus contributes to reducing air and noise pollution. Comprehensive information on the Moses project is available on line at: http://www.moses-europe.org.

Announcements

Policy Officer vacancies at the Council of European Municipalities and Regions

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is looking to appoint two proactive policy officers for its Brussels-based team. CEMR brings together 46 associations of local and regional government in 33 countries. Its aims include the promotion of local and regional self-government, influencing the EU legislative process, and local and regional exchange of experience. The first post holder will be responsible for working on issues related to the Lisbon Agenda, such as employment and social inclusion. The second post will focus on cohesion and territorial policies, taking on other areas as new priorities emerge. Applicants should possess a good knowledge of the European institutions and decision making process. Sensitive to political and cultural diversity, the post holders will have good policy development, diplomatic and communication skills. Fluency in English and French is a must; a third language would be a plus. The application pack is available at: http://www.ccre.org. Closing date: 7 February. Contact: Ref : Policy Officer, CEMR, Rue d'Arlon 22, B-1050 Brussels.