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EPP Group Study Days
Bucharest17-18 October 2012
Employment and Social Cohesion
Regional Development and
Social Cohesion
Internet
ENPolitical Strategy Unit
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EPP Group Study Days in Bucharest
Programme 4
Minutes 6
Conclusions 14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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THE ANSWER IS MORE EUROPE
JOINT SEMINAR OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLES PARTY AND THE EPP GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Welcome speeches
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament (EP), Ex-Ofcio Vice-President
of the European Peoples Party
Wilfried Martens, President of the European Peoples Party
Vasile Blaga, Chairman of the PDL Party (Partidul Democrat Liberal), Romania
Hunor Kelemen, Chairman of the RMDSZ Party (Romniai Magyar Demokrata Szvetsg), Romania
Theodor Dumitru Stolojan MEP, Head of the Romanian Delegation of the EPP Group in the EP
EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL COHESION: PROMOTING GROWTH AND JOBS IN A
EUROPE OF GREATER SOLIDARITY
Chairwoman
Corien Wortmann-Kool MEP, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group in the EP responsible for the Economy and
Environment Working Group, Vice-President of the European Peoples Party
Guest speakers
Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship,
Vice-President of the European Peoples Party
Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, Vice-President of the European
Peoples Party
Ralf Brauksiepe, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
Alexandra Gtej, CEO, Maldon and Wat
Discussion
Conclusions
Amalia Sartori MEP, Chairwoman of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee in the EP
PROGRAMME
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PROGRAMME
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL COHESION - INCREASING THE IMPACT OF
EU DEVELOPMENT POLICY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF CITIZENS
Chairman
Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the EP responsible for the Budget and
Structural Policies Working GroupOrateurs principaux
Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Regional Policy
Dacian Ciolo, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development
Ramn Luis Valcrcel Siso, President of the Committee of the Regions
Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions
Discussion
Conclusions
Lambert van Nistelrooij MEP, EPP Group Coordinator in the Regional Development Committee of the EP,
Rapporteur on the General Regulation on Structural Funds
Thursday, 18 October 2012
EPP GROUP STUDY DAYS
INTERNET: FREE AND FAIR
Chairman
Manfred Weber MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the EP responsible for the Legal and Home Affairs
Working Group
Introduction
Marielle Gallo, MEP, EPP Group Vice-Coordinator in the Legal Affairs Committee of the EP
Guest speakers
Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights
and Citizenship
Richard Bruton, Irish Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Piotr Waglowski, Polish Lawyer, writer, Webmaster
Corneliu Porumboiu, Romanian lm director and screenwriter
Discussion
Conclusions
Angelika Niebler MEP, Chairwoman of the EPP Group Internet Working Group
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MINUTES
WELCOME ADDRESS
Not long before the adoption of the EPPs new core
programme, Joseph Daul, Chair of the EPP Group
in the European Parliament, opened the meeting with
a reminder that the EPP catchphrase - the answer is
more Europe- was not just a campaign slogan but a
conviction shared by the entire EPP family.
Given the current crisis, Europe undoubtedly needed the
added value that common policies provided, whether
in the areas of agriculture, regional development,
transport, energy or research. During this time of crisis,
the EU budget which was almost exclusively an
investment budget provided real support to policies
aimed at restoring competitiveness and growth. The
European Institute of Innovation and Technology, the
digital single market and the Leonardo Programme for
vocational training were just a few practical examples
of those sorts of policies.
However, Europe had to go even further. The main
problems faced by all EU Member States alike
namely how to improve job opportunities for young
people and combat unemployment were no longermerely national issues, and it followed, therefore, that
European solutions needed be found.
The Nobel Peace Prize recently awarded to the EU
recognised the undeniable contribution Europe had
made and the validity of the Community method.
ForWilfried Martens, President of the EPP, against
a backdrop of economic and nancial crisis, the EU
was facing the most serious threat to its existence yet,namely an ever increasing number of populist and
nationalist attacks on the European project and ideal.
In that context, the award of the Nobel Peace Prize
was an incentive to support the European integration
process.
The EPP Congress in Bucharest would contribute to
efforts to build a stronger Europe, through the election
of a new Presidency, the adoption of a new Party
programme, and the participation of Heads of State
and Government, EPP leaders and associations.
Vasile Blaga, President of the PDL Party (Partidul
Democrat Liberal), Romania, spoke about the special
signicance of holding the EPP Congress in Bucharest
at the end of a difcult political year in Romania, during
which European solidarity had played a vital role.
The Bucharest Congress would go down in history as
the congress of the second European reunication: a
congress for a more open Europe which put its Member
States on an equal footing, a Europe which embraced
its eastern neighbours. In short, a Europe that was
stronger, more competitive and closer to its citizens.
Romanian socialists had been attacking European
integration and calling into question Romanias
membership of the EU. Their demagogic and populist
rhetoric portrayed Europe as a force undermining
national sovereignty. Mr Blaga, by contrast, wanted
more Europe in order to put an end to arbitrary decision-
making and strengthen good governance. More Europe
would safeguard freedom and democracy.
Hunor Keleman, President of the RMDSZ Party
(Romniai Magyar Demokrata Szvetsg), Romania,emphasised the expectations and challenges that would
have to be met when the next Romanian elections were
held.
The scale of the current economic problems,
compounded by the crisis of values, would make those
elections particularly difcult, and populist rhetoric
was on the rise.
Mr Keleman argued for constitutional reform in
Romania, and for more Europe, more cooperation and
more scrutiny.
He also emphasised the importance of safeguardingthe rights of national minorities in the EU.
Theodor Dumitru Stolojan MEP, Head of the
Romanian delegation in the EPP Group in the
European Parliament, endorsed the idea of a more
united Europe, but also a stronger Europe, capable
of restoring sustainable growth and competitiveness.
During this time of crisis, which called for a strong
response, he called on the European Council to build
a healthy Economic and Monetary Union and reach
a satisfactory compromise over the MultiannualFinancial Framework for 2014-2020.
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During the summer of 2012, Romanians had realised
that they had to ght to ensure that EU values were
upheld. He thanked Mr Martens and Mr Daul for the
support they had shown Romania.
By dint of the countrys own efforts and the support
of the EU, Romania would complete its economic
transition by the end of the decade.
Christine Detourbet
EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL COHESION:
PROMOTING GROWTH AND JOBS IN A
EUROPE OF GREATER SOLIDARITY
Corien Wortmann-Kool, MEP, President of the
Economy and Environment Working Group, opens
the panels discussions by recalling that in the
current context it is essential to promote growth and
employment in a united Europe. The EPP Group
wants to be the driving force behind this issue in
Europe and must present new ideas which lead tosustainable solutions, not only for this generation, but
also for the next. Mrs Wortmann-Kool introduces the
two Commissioners who will give their views on two
important matters:
- Commissioner Tajani, on businesses and SMEs,
two key factors for growth and employment
- Commissioner Barnier, on the creation of the
internal market.
The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the European Union
is a signicant achievement during this period of
crisis, and the Commissioners should be congratulatedon their work.
Ralf Bauksiepe and Alexandra Gtej will speak as
representatives of a Member State and the business
world, respectively, and share their opinions.
Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European
Commission, responsible for Industry and
Entrepreneurship, Vice-President of the European
Peoples Party, explains that in order to face up to the
crisis and achieve more growth, work must be done
to support the real economy: the internal market,SMEs, etc. and this will require the involvement of the
other Commissioners, including Mr Barnier, whose
cooperation is underlined by Commissioner Tajani.
SMEs and businesses are at the heart of the
Commissions activities, but social policy is also
critically important since the main political objective
is the welfare of the citizen.
The previous week, the Commission presented its
communication on industrial policy, the goal of which
was a strategy for Europe 2020. The Commissionerstresses that for too many years now industry has
been sidelined in European policy. In order to support
industry, it is necessary to promote areas of growth
in innovation and R&D, which are applicable to
consumers: electric cars, green energy, buildings that
are efcient in terms of energy consumption, etc. But
education is also a key aspect of this policy.
In order to reach these goals, it is essential to make
use of assistance from funds that are, at the same time,
regional, national and private. The issue of nancing
SMEs can only be resolved by implementing the latepayment Directive.
The Commissioner insists on seeking quality before
quantity.
The agreement between the European Union, the
Member States and businesses is essential for the
successful outcome of this industrial strategy. The
Member States and businesses are satised with this
proposal, which must now be applied in growth,
employment and innovation.
The Europe 2020 strategy proposes resources for
innovation. The industry generates almost 80% ofinnovation in Europe. That it represents a source of
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employment is beyond question. Access to nancing
remains a priority in this area.
Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal
Market and Services, Vice President of the European
Peoples Party, explains that two years prior to the
European elections, the EPP and its Group in the
European Parliament must go on the offensive about
the issues of employment, growth and competitiveness.
If employment is at the heart of the expectations
of European citizens, it is urgent to consolidate the
regulatory, tax and economic ecosystem for businesses,and especially SMEs, which make up 95% of Europes
industrial fabric. For SMEs, Europe must become a zone
of opportunity, not constraints, in areas such as investment,
intellectual property, export and social cohesion.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the regulations
are not only European, but also national and regional.
Europe must provide a response on three levels:
1. Financial stability: there can be no growth if it is
continuously interrupted by the instability of the
nancial markets. For ve years, Europe has beenexperiencing a nancial crisis which has interrupted
growth. We need to put the nancial markets in
order again. Twenty-nine European laws have
implemented the regulations that were adopted by
the G20 in this area. This work should be nished
in 2013 so that there will only be one regulatory
framework for all 27 Member States. We must be
prudent in our application of these regulations: this
is what the Commission is overseeing.
2. The single market, uniting 500 million consumersand 20 million businesses. Regulations are needed,
but they must also be applied. Too many regulations
are not applied within the Member States.
There are also administrative and tax obstacles: the
Commission has identied 60 points that do not
work well. We now need to remove the obstacles,
one by one. It is a question of patents, electronic
signatures, roaming, the digital single market,
public contracts, etc.
3. In addition to the acquis communautaire, a newEuropean will is required. There are challenges that
cannot be overcome at a purely national level. The
Commission has identied ten key technologies,
such as the electric car, for example, that cannot
be bought in the future from the Americans or the
Chinese. We must put in place a solid production
base, similar to what the CAP represented for
agriculture.
Ralf Bauksiepe, Parliamentary Secretary of State
within the German Federal Ministry for Labour and
Social Affairs, underlines the importance of nancial
services in the real economy and that the priorityfor the latter should be to serve European citizens,
workers and businesses, etc. It is the social market
economy which the EPP must defend. There are many
challenges to face: the weakest must be protected in
times of crisis and, in the event of growth, they must
also be able to share in the benets. Young persons are
especially vulnerable and require close attention.
Reprogramming structural funds and labour market
mobility are two major areas to work on: the German
Government is taking action: only 2% of its citizens in
another European country.Each Member State must do what is necessary to
develop the mobility of workers, taking into account
the contexts of reforming the labour market. A balance
must be found between exibility and security; the
former for companies and the latter for workers. This is a
major challenge. In Germany, the various governments
have pursued policies which lead to greater exibility,
since the labour market was paralysed by articial
security for the workers themselves.
Since the election of Chancellor Merkel,
unemployment in Germany has been cut in half. Thecrisis of 2008-2009 drove the government to adopt
measures concerning part-time employment, while
asking businesses to preserve the employment rate.
There are two elds in which action can be taken to
improve the environment of the labour market:
- vocational training. In Germany, this is what has
enabled a reduction in unemployment. The training
is dual, i.e. composed of theoretical training at
school and practical training in a company. This
makes it easier for young persons to nd work andprotects them from unemployment. The ongoing
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reform of vocational training could help other
European countries. In this eld, Germany has
already developed bilateral cooperation with Italy.
- social dialogue. Social partners are incorporated
into political decisions. Just like their sister parties
across Europe, the Christian Democrats are facing
a situation which requires solutions. The inclusion
of social partners in decision-making means that
efcient and useful solutions can be found together.
These two elements are essential in policies aimed at
fostering a return to growth.
Alexandra Gtej, CEO, Maldon and Wat, begins her
speech by stressing solidarity, which is a challenge
both male and female politicians and entrepreneurs
must face. The Commission has taken substantial
initiatives to promote employment. These initiatives
focus on people the human capital which is
critically important for the European labour market.
Supplemented by the commitments made by the
Council in June concerning growth and employment,
these initiatives are creating a sustainable frameworkfor growth and social cohesion. But there is still
work to be done, especially at Member State level, to
overcome the gap between rhetoric and practice.
The current wave of unemployment, particularly
among young persons, is particularly worrying. In
Romania, where the situation is dramatic, 20% of
young persons are unemployed (compared with
the European average of 13%). What is even more
worrying is that young persons represent 41.5% of
all the unemployed in Romania (compared with the
European average of 30%). Correlated with the lackof investment in education, this leaves little hope for a
bright future.
In view of this, it is essential to create a political and
legislative framework that is favourable to the creation
of wealth and well-being. For a country like Romania,
which is still developing, the implementation of
conditions that are favourable to prosperity and the
ght against poverty are matters of national security.
The emergence of a middle class should be at the heart
of political concerns, in order to create prosperity and
offer a better future to the next generation.The question of the social system should be one of
our main worries, since it still fails to take sufcient
account of young generations. President Barroso
recently announced the implementation of a package
for young persons. Education must lie at the heart of the
system: today there is too great a difference between
the knowledge available, the knowledge required and
employment opportunities.
Young persons wonder what solidarity actually
means. We must show them that it goes beyond social
protection systems. Trust in Europe and its future could
enable them to develop their talents and create value.
We run the risk of a lost generation when we are in aperiod of intense competition with emerging countries.
The quality of our competitiveness must be improved.
But containing unemployment is not the only
prerequisite for growth. We need to create the necessary
conditions for productivity through adjustments to
structural change. In order to meet the goals of the
Europe 2020 strategy, we must create new jobs in
growth areas: energy, R&D, healthcare, IT.
Political decision-makers must also show solidarity
towards entrepreneurs. They need to offer more
exibility, incentives and a regulatory framework thatis favourable to companies.
To generate more growth, we need good public
nances, intelligent investment and structural reform.
Whatever our geographic origins or history, we must
not be afraid of more Europe.
Debates
Following the speeches, the rest of the participants in
the room are invited to join the debate:
Jean-Pierre Audy speaks about requesting a clear
stance for the Party on these matters, because ourcitizens are waiting for a response. This concerns
our foreign trade policy and social convergence as
expressed in the Treaty.
Angelika Niebler wishes to make two observations:
the rst about the obstacles still persisting within the
internal market (particularly the issue of patents), the
second about access to nancing for SMEs.
Elena Oana Antonescu reminds the participants of the
demographic perspective of a Europe with an ageingpopulation, while youth unemployment is high.
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Manfred Seeber reminds the participants that we
need to abandon short-term views and develop more
united policies.
Herbert Reul speaks in favour of supporting key
technologies, and enhanced verication as regards the
efciency of the policies.
Andreas Schwab calls for the strengthening of the
internal market and the development of dual-training
throughout Europe.
Anna-Maria Corazza-Bildt reminds the participants
that the service directive has still not been implemented
in a large number of Member States.
The President of the meeting, before giving the
oor back to the panellists, suggests that thematic
hearings be organised for all the issues tackled by the
participants.
In response, Mrs Gtej expresses her delight at the rich
debate, which makes a change from the technocraticmeetings often held by the European institutions.
Mr Bauksiepe reminds the participants that a policy of
stability goes hand in hand with a policy of growth and
that one cannot be achieved without simultaneously
achieving the other. Solidarity does exist, but it can
only be implemented if the investments are clearly
dened.
Mr Barnier hopes that the rst patent will be drafted
before June 2014. As regards the economic strategy, acomparison must be made between what works and what
does not: in Germany, adherence to this comparison
ensures social policy dialogue is of superior quality.
Social aspects must not moreover be the exclusive
preserve of the left; it is essential the EPP must lead
in this area also. The Commissioner also calls for a
demographic strategy for Europe, the only continent
whose population will fall over the coming years.
Mr Tajani reminds the participants of the efforts made
by the Commission to make life easier for SMEs: latepayment Directive, access to credit and COSME.
Conclusions
In her conclusions, Amalia Sartori, MEP, President of
the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, recalls
the key elements of the debate:
- Focus on the single market.
- Financial stability at the heart of our policies.
- Supporting the European economy and SMEs.
- Development of international trade.
- Labour market reform.
- Jobs in areas of the future: research, energy, digital.
- Seeking support from governments who favour ourpolicies.
- Dissemination of best practices.
Baptiste Thollon
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL
COHESION - INCREASING THE IMPACT
OF EU DEVELOPMENT POLICY FOR THE
WELL-BEING OF CITIZENS
Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman
of the EPP Group in the European Parliament and
Chairman of the Budget and Structural Policies
working group, introduced the subject by pointing
out that the negotiations currently in progress on the
Multiannual Financial Framework represent a decisive
moment for the EU. He then said it was regrettable that
some people are calling for budget cuts, particularly
when the matters at stake are vital policies such as
investment policies. Indeed, in these times of crisis,
it must be remembered that 90% of the EUs budgetis devoted to investment and thus fosters employment
and growth.
Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for
Regional Policy, then took the oor to give a reminder
that while it is a major challenge for Europe, the crisis
also represents an opportunity for change. However,
Europe must give itself the resources for this change.
The Commissioner said he was concerned about
the budget allocated to regional policy, which in
itself is an investment policy indispensable tothe development of the poorest regions. He cited
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examples where European regional policy has proven
itself in demanding greater visibility for the results
of EU nancing. He also stressed innovation as an
essential growth factor.
Dacian Ciolos, European Commissioner for
Agriculture and Rural Development, spoke about
the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP).
He rst noted that the EU had enlarged without the
CAP budget being increased. This sector creates more
employment than any other in the EU. Above all,
reducing the CAP budget hampers the developmentof the agri-food industry, as well as the possibilities
for European exports. Also, the CAP focuses on the
development of more than half of the territory of
Europe (peri-urban and rural areas). The EPP must
therefore support the ambitions for a budget consistent
with the CAP and cohesion policy.
Following on from the Commissioners comments
on cohesion policy, Ramn Luis Valcrcel Siso,
President of the Committee of the Regions, cited
the three principles underlying cohesion policy:competence, coherence and solidarity. In compliance
with these principles, the structural funds must be
maintained. He described the Cohesion Policy as a
development policy with an evident impact on the well-
being of citizens. The gaps between rich and poor in
Europe are worrying, compared with other giants such
as the United States or China. We must ask ourselves
what consequences the crisis will have on these wealth
gaps. We must also ask ourselves what the alternatives
to cohesion policy are. The Committee of the Regions
believes that it is important to safeguard the EuropeanSocial Fund, since today it is the only resource that
meets the Europe 2020 strategy poverty reduction
targets. The emphasis must be placed on the territory
and on encouraging the nancing of regional projects
(particularly by attracting private investment). The
structural funds are therefore an indispensable aspect
in contributing to lifting Europe from the nancial
crisis. Mr Valcrcel Siso reminded the meeting that
they accounted for more than 66% of investment in
some Member States. Europe must not therefore make
the mistake of cutting them.
The last person to take the oor, Michael Schneider,
President of the EPP Group in the Committee of
the Regions, followed the same line as the previous
speakers. He also regarded cohesion policy as the
expression of solidarity in Europe. He stressed
the need to help the regions. We must ensure the
territorial and social cohesion of the EU if we wish
to strengthen it. Combating disparities reinforces ourcompetitiveness. Thus, future cohesion policy must
set itself targets while remaining exible in order to
encourage public and private investors. It must also
have the means to achieve its ambitions, and it would
therefore be contradictory to impose budget cuts upon
it. Cohesion policy must be targeted, straightforward
and intelligently crafted. Mr Schneider concluded by
calling for cohesion policy to reect the principles of
partnership. The Member States are the main players
in this policy. It must be subject to governance at
several levels.
The following MEPs intervened during the exchange
of views that followed:
- Elisabeth Jeggle stated that in the area of agriculture,
the only foreseeable response was more Europe.
- Lszl Tks demanded more structural reforms.
- Mairad McGuinness said there should be more
exibility in agricultural policy. She also questioned
the relevance of the strategy adopted with regard to
agriculture.
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- Jan Olbrycht said he regarded cohesion policy and
social policy as essential tools for increasing growth
and employment.
- Sean Kelly cited the case of Ireland to demonstrate
that the CAP was a vital policy. He applauded
the Commissions role in the negotiations on
agricultural policy and cohesion policy, and called
for the decisions taken in June to be implemented in
these areas.
- Lvia Jrka wanted to see stronger European
regions. She also highlighted certain points on which
the EU needed to do more: the strategy on Roma,and the necessity to ensure that the committed funds
reach the people and do not run up against national
bureaucracies.
Concluding the proceedings,Lambert van Nistelrooij,
MEP, Coordinator of the EPP Group within the
Regional Development Commission of the European
Parliament and Rapporteur on the Directive on
structural funds, applauded the commitment shown
by the EPP in favour of investment. He demanded a
return to basics - to the real economy - in order to setout suitable proposals and clear targets to be achieved.
A balance must be found between budgetary policy
and investment instruments. Decisions must also be
taken quickly to meet the expectations of our regions,
particularly in the areas of research, ecology and
climate change.
Faniry Solofoson
INTERNET: FREE AND FAIR
Manfred Weber MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group in
the EP and responsible for the Legal and Home Affairs
Working Group, chairing the discussion, introduced
the subject by emphasising that the development of
technologies was a major political challenge as it had
an inevitable impact on everyones daily lives, and that
this debate would undoubtedly be at the heart of the
forthcoming elections. It was therefore essential for
the EPP Group to establish a strategy to respond to this
challenge in the long term.
Marielle Gallo MEP, EPP Group Vice-Coordinator in
the EPs Committee on Legal Affairs, was concerned
about the risk of ideological struggles over this issue.
The Internet had indeed transformed our habits. We
now needed to strike a balance between the rights
of citizens and operators, and the competences of
the public authorities. Ms Gallo pointed to the role
played by the Internet in protests against totalitarian
regimes (in particular by social networks during the
Arab Spring). The Internet had effectively allowed
movements for emancipation and the free expression
of fundamental rights to emerge. The Internet couldrepresent a liberating force, and the Union had to
ensure that governance of the Internet did not stand in
the way of this force. Ensuring this is essential, while
forcefully defending the principles agreed in Geneva
in 2003: multilateral management, transparency,
democracy and full involvement of states, civil society
and international organisations.
Freedom on the Internet had to be guaranteed by law
and abuses had to be sanctioned. As regards personal
data protection in particular, legislation was needed to
protect against risks such as cybercrime and identitytheft (in all the creative industries). In this context, the
Commission proposal under discussion recognising,
amongst other things, new user rights by introducing
nancial sanctions was to be welcomed. Lastly,
Ms Gallo called for greater economic realism and for
people to be careful not to adopt demagogic positions.
Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European
Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental
Rights and Citizenship, pointed out that the EPP
manifesto voted on at this Seminar in Bucharestcontained very clear sections on the issue of the
balance to be struck between the protection of rights
and the protection of freedoms. She then concentrated
on the enormous potential offered by the Internet for
job creation and growth, at a time when the European
digital landscape was still extremely fragmented. This
had several adverse consequences: primarily legal
uncertainties and barriers to e-commerce. We needed
a coherent European strategy with a single competent
authority in the area. We needed to create condence
in this new industry. Furthermore, it was absolutelyessential to adapt intellectual property rights to the
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Internet, and particularly to the freedom of expression
on the Internet. The Commissioner ended by noting
that this topic was one of the priorities of the Irish
Presidency, which was due to succeed Cyprus in the
rst half of 2013.
Following on from what Ms Reding had to say,
Richard Bruton, Irish Minister for Jobs, Enterprise
and Innovation, emphasised the impact of the Internet
on business models today, and on the operation of
the worlds of business and services. He then talked
about the situation in Ireland, welcoming its new dataprotection system and encouraging good practice. This
system should in no way hamper growth relating to the
development of the Internet (20% per year). It was still
essential to have intellectual property but it was equally
essential to take account of technological realities.
We had to promote the exchange of ideas, stimulate
creativity and promote fair use of the Internet. This
represented a major challenge for the EU, which to date
had not managed to exploit the potential that existed in
this area. The Irish Presidency promised to boost the
digital industry, which was crucial to Europes growth.
Two representatives from the creative industries then
spoke to give their view of fair use of the Internet and
the role that should be played by the public authorities.
Piotr Waglowski, a Polish lawyer, writer and
webmaster, reproached the European right for being
too weak on this issue. He maintained a different
position from that of the Group, promoting simplied
copyright legislation at European level in order to avoid
monopolies on information. Conversely, Corneliu
Porumboiu, a Romanian lmmaker and screenwriter,spoke in favour of greater control in order to guarantee
better quality of information provided. In a digital
world where everyone was a player and no longer just
an observer, it was important to dene the rules.
The following MEPs spoke during the exchange of
views that followed:
- Sean Kelly, calling for a clear denition of the
term data and of the sanctions to be used.
- Herbert Dorfmann spoke in favour of theprotection of minority rights on the Internet, in
order to guarantee the spirit of the internal market.
- Anna Maria Corazza Bildt mentioned the use
of the Internet by minors, and how to strike a
balance between guaranteeing their rights and the
educational opportunities offered by this tool.
- Doris Packraised the question of the lack of will
on the part of certain authors to be protected, and
the desirability of optional legislation.
To conclude, Angelika Niebler MEP, Chair of the
EPP Groups Internet Working Group, summarised
the points on which the EPP Group should concentrate
and consider further: (a) the preservation of values
and fundamental rights on the Internet through the
introduction of regulations; (b) intellectual property
rights and fair use; and (c) the transparency of actions
taken in this eld (avoiding information monopolies
and favouring competitive positions).
Faniry Solofoson
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OF THE EPP GROUP STUDY DAYS IN BUCHAREST
CONCLUSIONS
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JOINT SEMINAR OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLES PARTY AND THE EPP GROUP IN THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL COHESION: PROMOTING GROWTH AND JOBS IN
A EUROPE OF GREATER SOLIDARITY
The current economic crisis and scal instability have jeopardized the European model of social market economy
based on the stability of public nances and growth. These two elements are, literally, the two sides of the same
coin. The EPP Group intends to vigorously defend this model and has for this reason adopted the Competitiveness
and Growth Pack in June 2012.
Indeed, the EPP is convinced that Europe must take these policies together and not oppose them against each other.
This complementarity is particularly illustrated on youth unemployment: the Union must have an effective policy
to combat the current trend without accumulating insurmountable debts that will nally be paid by these young
people. Responses should be based on what works in some Member States (apprenticeship, better matching the
needs of the market with labour supply, adequate legal framework for mobility).
Also, take the path of employment and strengthening social cohesion and solidarity in Europe require new engines
for economic growth. They will be possible if deep structural reforms for competitiveness of our businesses and
reduction of our decits are undertaken. In addition, the EU must implement the new industrial policy strategy
recently adopted so that Europe remains an area of production and make targeted investments with growth potential
(KETs through Horizon 2020).
The Single Market Act of which the second part has just been launched is the bearer of this will to reform. It
aims to unlock the single markets growth potential but also to ght against unemployment and further promote a
united Europe. Improving the recognition of professional qualications will provide better mobility for European
professionals. The revision of the Directive on the posting of workers will improve the existing legal framework
to ensure greater legal certainty for workers moving within the European Union.
Finally, small and medium enterprises representing 95% of our economy must feel that the Union is creating new
opportunities rather than new constraints. In this regard, the EPP calls for a full implementation of the directive on
late payments as well as the adoption of the proposal on European venture capital funds.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL COHESION - INCREASING THE IMPACT OF
EU DEVELOPMENT POLICY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF CITIZENS
As far as cohesion and agriculture policies are concerned, the EPP Group underlines that investment policies
facilitate the economic recovery, creating jobs, generating growth and competitiveness, reducing disparitiesbetween regions and enhancing the European integration.
THE ANSWER IS MORE EUROPE
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Therefore the EPP considers it necessary to ensure an adequate budget for these two policies, at least at the
level of the European Commissions Proposals, as through their renewed architecture, outcome oriented
mechanisms and leverage effect, they are capable to fully deliver the objectives of Europe 2020 Strategy. Cuts
in the respective budgets would not solve present nancial difculties, but moreover they would generate bigger
problems for the future, depriving the EU of vital investments for its future economic growth and competitiveness.
The upcoming presentation of gures for the next Multiannual Financial Framework by the Cyprus Presidency
must therefore include ambitious budgets for both cohesion and agriculture policies
The EPP Group emphasizes the main principles of these policies reforms, such as solidarity, multi-level
governance, partnership principle and stresses the need of increased complementarities and coordination
at the EU level between them, in order to increase their visibility and deliver a more competitive and integratedUnion.
The EPP Group is committed to defend the main European objectives delivered by these policies in all European
regions and to work together within the new framework proposed, with a view to maximize their European added
value. It underlines the importance of one strong EPP line defended in all EU institutions.
INTERNET: FREE AND FAIRThe Internet has profoundly transformed how we access and use information. As powerful, exciting and ground-
breaking as these developments are, they also require a permanent search for the appropriate balance betweenindividual freedom and other of our common values, such as the protection of minors, data protection, authors
rights etc. The EPP Group strives at preserving the extraordinary social and economic potential, guaranteeing
freedom of expression, free ow of information and the access for everyone as well as taking care of individual
rights and business needs to keep innovation and job creation in the EU.
On 5 September 2011 the EPP Group has adopted its position A Fair Internet for All, the three key demands for a
future EU Internet policy are our guidance: Coherently apply the principle of transparency, strengthen users online
rights, and guarantee fair competition in the Internet. The discussion at the EPP Group meeting in Bucharest on 17
October 2012 further elaborated on some of the ten demands which are part of this position.
Intellectual Property Rights
The protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is one of the pillars of the economic use of the Internet and a
prerequisite of the digital economy in the EU. Preserving IPRs as a source of revenues is pivotal for the creative
and innovative individuals, business and for preserving a free and independent press. More and more copyright
protected works (music, books, movies, TV shows, games, software, and newspapers) are illegally available on the
Internet without the authorisation of the right holders.
The debate showed that controversial positions are taken and innovative and interesting proposals are made:
considering the introduction of an optional copyright regime on EU level, simplifying copyrights in order to
modernize and adapt the existing mechanisms, e.g. by using the fair use concept. The alleged information
monopolies, restricting access to information, were debated. In concluding, members of the Group underline thatthe state of law governs the internet as well and that rules are needed and have to be accepted and respected.
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The EPP Group is striving to nd the right balance and ll the gap between the interests of the copyright rightful
holders and the users. In this sense, trust of users, consumers and businesses in the online environment is a key
challenge for the future successful growth of the digital arena.
Securing Competition
Contrary to its early days, the internet today faces a concentration of market power in the hands of a very small
number of enterprises. From an EPP Group perspective, the existing EU legal framework offers sufcient
possibilities to address possible distortions of competition, but needs to be used more actively. The abuse of market
dominance as well as uncompetitive behaviour has to face prompt and efcient sanctions. We call on the European
Commission to actively engage in this matter.
Data protection
Privacy is a key fundamental right for the EPP Group; this is why the proposed modernisation of the European
data protection laws is essential for stimulating the development of the digital economy across the EUs single
market. The current fragmentation of data protection laws needs to be replaced by a single legal framework,
creating legal certainty and transparency regarding where data is stored, how it is used and processed. For the EPP,
an important issue is nding the right balance between the need to have harmonised EU data protection rules in
the new regulation and important other fundamental rights and principles, which will continue to be dealt with at
national level.
Cloud computing has very rapidly become a reality and will change the sector signicantly in short time. The EUhas to tackle the problems resulting from the introduction of cloud computing immediately. European enterprises
need a legally sound basis for successful business models. Therefore clarifying these issues with regard to data
protection, jurisdiction, security and standards is high on the EPP Groups agenda.
The Internet has challenged the way people relate to information, the social interaction and the existing business
models. For this reason, there is a need for a debate on new possible business models necessary for assessing all
the challenges the internet brings along and the way forward towards a competitive digital Europe. The EPP Group
aims to play a leading role in this debate that will have important consequences on the economic growth much
needed in these times of crisis.
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Latest internal publications published in 2011 - 2012
Publication Team - Press and Communications ServiceEPP Group in the European Parliament
EPP Group Public
Hearing Internet
Today and
Tomorrow
February 2012
EN
EPP Group Hearing
- Building European
Energy Diplomacy
November 2011
EN
Meeting o the
EPP Group Bureau
-September 2011-
Wroclaw (Poland)
November 2011
FR EN DE PL
Meeting o the EPP
Group Bureau -
October 2011- Sofa
(Bulgarie)
December 2011
FR EN DE BG
EPP Group
Top Events
FR EN DE
EIN
Food for thought
EN
Series
Watching Brie
FR EN DE
EPP Group
Study Days in
Marseilles-
December 2011
March 2012
FR EN DE
EPP Group Bureau
meeting - Palma
de Mallorca -
March 2012
Mai 2012
FR ES EN DE
Meeting o the EPP
Group Bureau in
Zagreb - March 2011
April 2011
EN FR DE
EPP Group Study
Days in Madeira -
October 201
January 2011
FR EN DE
EPP Group Study
Days in Palermo -
May 2011
June 2011
FR EN DE
EPP Group
Bureau meeting
- Killarney -
May 2012
October 2012
FR EN DE
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Published by : Publications Team
Press and Communications Service
Group o the European Peoples Party (Christian Democrats)
in the European ParliamentEditor : Pedro Lpez de Pablo
Publication date : November 2012
Published in: EN, FR, DE
Responsible : Christine Detourbet
Responsible or the Political Strategy Unit
Address: European Parliament
47-53 rue Wiertz
B - 1047 Brussels
Belgium
Internet: http://www.eppgroup.euE-mail: epp-publications@europarl.europa.euCopyright: EPP Group in the European Parliament
Political Strategy Unit