EPP Group Study Days in Bucharest

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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: [email protected]: EPP Group in the European Parliament

Political Strategy Unit

EPP Group Study Days in Bucharest

Documents

Transcript of EPP Group Study Days in Bucharest