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Europaudvalget 2008-09
EUU Alm.del Bilag 459
Offentligt

23 June 2009

Work programme for the

Swedish Presidency of

the EU

1 July -- 31 December 2009

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Table of contents

PART 1

Taking on the challenge............................................................................................................................ 2

1. Economy and employment - EU emerges stronger from the economic crisis............................... 3

2. Climate – a new climate agreement in place ...................................................................................... 5

3. Justice and Home Affairs – a Stockholm Programme that safeguards security and the rights of

individuals .................................................................................................................................................. 8

4. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea, a cleaner marine environment and a more competitive

region .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

5. The EU, its neighbourhood and the world....................................................................................... 10

6. New Parliament, Commission and Treaty of Lisbon ...................................................................... 11

PART 2

Priorities within each Council configuration ...................................................................................... 13

1. Horizontal issues for a better EU

GAERC – General affairs.................................................................................................................. 13

2. The EU as a global actor

GAERC - External relations............................................................................................................. 16

3. Reversing economic developments

ECOFIN – the Economic and Financial Affairs Council............................................................. 20

4. A more secure and open Europe

Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA)....................................................................................... 23

5. Full employment and good health

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO)................. 27

6. A competitive Europe

Competitiveness Council.................................................................................................................. 30

7. Towards an eco-efficient economy

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE) ..................................................... 33

8. Using resources without using them up

Agriculture and Fisheries Council................................................................................................... 37

9. A credible EU for the environment

Environment Council ...................................................................................................................... 38

10. High standards promote better growth

Education, Youth and Culture Council .......................................................................................... 42

Annex: Planned meetings of the Council during the Swedish Presidency of the EU .................... 44

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Taking on the challenge

“The European Union is facing a crucial period. Together we must deal with the

economic crisis and unemployment, but also unite the world to tackle climate change.

The Swedish Presidency is ready to take on the challenge.” Prime Minister Fredrik

Reinfeldt

European cooperation has seldom been more important than it is today. We live in a

time when the world around us is rapidly changing and where major

common

challenges

must be dealt with globally and regionally. The EU is removing barriers

and creating possibilities. We need to work together for a

Europe

that takes

responsibility

for

economy, welfare, environment, security

and

peace.

cooperation must be developed where it provides added value.

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the

second half of 2009. The Swedish Presidency’s vision is a

strong

and

effective

Europe

where focus is on the common responsibility to meet the challenges of

today and tomorrow, including preparedness to manage crises.

The coming six months will be characterised by both change and renewal. The

newly elected European Parliament will begin its work and a new Commission will

be appointed. The conditions for cooperation will change if the Treaty of Lisbon

enters into force.

The biggest and most important challenges are the

economy, employment

and

climate

– issues that affect each and every citizen of the EU. The following are the

primary objectives of the Presidency:

- The EU must emerge from the economic crisis in a stronger position.

The

world is experiencing one of the most serious financial and economic crises in

modern times. The

economic situation

remains very difficult. Public finances are

becoming more and more strained and

unemployment

is expected to increase

during the autumn. A common

capacity for action

in both the financial and

economic fields and in the labour market is necessary if the EU is to be able to meet

the crisis in an effective manner. The Presidency and the Member States will jointly

continue to work to counter the negative impact of the crisis on growth and jobs

with the aim of realising economic recovery as soon as possible.

- The EU must continue to take responsibility for the climate threat.

The great

challenge of our time is to avert the climate threat and combat global climate change.

Climate change

has a major impact on societies, individuals and coming generations.

The EU will continue to pursue

global climate efforts.

The task of the Presidency,

together with other parties, is to work for the adoption of a

new climate agreement

during the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December.

Taking on both of these tasks involves an ambitious agenda for the EU. But at the

same time it is also an opportunity for the EU to strengthen its competitiveness,

create new jobs and contribute to a better environment. The ambition of the

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Presidency is to develop cooperation between different policy areas so that positive

economic growth

can be

combined

with

reduced burden on the climate and

environment.

This requires advanced policy instruments, increased innovative

capacity and renewal of the European business sector.

Europe is facing a number of other challenges. The EU must continue to develop

towards a more

secure

and

open Europe.

The Presidency wants to develop

cooperation across borders to protect

democratic values

and the

rights of

individuals,

and to meet the challenges facing Europe. Joint efforts are necessary to

combat international

crime.

The EU needs to establish a more efficient

asylum and

migration policy.

The Presidency aims to develop cooperation in the field of justice

and home affairs via the

Stockholm Programme,

which will be adopted in the

autumn.

The countries around the

Baltic Sea

are currently facing common challenges. One

of these is how we are to manage the urgent, serious environmental problems of the

Baltic Sea. Another is how we can transform the Baltic Sea region into a stronger

engine for growth and development. The Presidency will develop regional

cooperation in the EU with the Baltic Sea states as a pilot area. By using common

EU regulations, the

environment

will be improved and the

competitiveness

of the

region strengthened. The Presidency’s objective is for the EU to adopt a

strategy

for the Baltic Sea region.

The Presidency will work to strengthen the

EU’s role

as a

global actor

with a clear

agenda for peace, development, democracy and human rights. The most successful

way to contribute to peace, democracy and prosperity in Europe is through

enlargement.

Work on enlargement is continuing.

The Swedish priorities are based on Presidency trio cooperation with France and the

Czech Republic, as well as the 18-month programme approved in June 2008. During

the autumn, intensive work focusing on all issues on the EU agenda will be carried

out. The prioritised issues of each Council configuration are listed in

part 2 of the

programme.

1. Economy and employment - EU emerges stronger from the economic

crisis

The global financial crisis has struck Europe with full force. In its wake it leaves

declining growth, bankruptcies and unemployment. The financial and economic

crisis has had a prominent place on the EU agenda ever since its effects first became

noticeable. The EU has helped to avoid a financial collapse thanks to joint action.

The EU has agreed on a recovery plan to offset the recession, reduce its impact on

employment and improve competitiveness. The Presidency will continue the work

begun under the leadership of France and the Czech Republic. The ambition is to

work to restore

confidence

in the

financial markets, combat the negative impact

of the crisis

on growth and employment and create

long-term solutions

for

sustainable growth, employment and open markets.

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Times of crisis entail major challenges for public finances. Good budgetary

discipline promotes sound economic development. A key issue is therefore to

discuss how Member States can regain

order

public finances.

The economic crisis is global and requires a global response. The

G20

(the world’s

19 largest economies plus the EU) is an important forum. During the autumn, the

G20 will address issues concerning resources to international financial institutions,

regulation and supervision of the financial markets, work against harmful tax

competition and increased resources to the world economy. The Presidency will

work for a

joint EU position

ahead of the

G20 meetings.

More jobs and more people in work

Further redundancy notices and job cuts are expected along with the slowdown in

the economy. This will have a major negative impact on individuals and society as a

whole. The economic crisis calls for effective action to limit and mitigate its effects.

We must avoid repeating the mistakes of previous decades, which lead to long-term

exclusion or to people leaving the labour market prematurely. The Presidency will

therefore give priority to action regarding

measures

on the

labour market

that

limit unemployment, reduce exclusion

and

return people to work

at the same

time as the foundation is laid for a

high level

of long-term,

sustainable

employment.

Responsibility for labour market policy lies with the Member States. The added

value of the EU is in the exchange of experience and commitments to take measures

at national level that increase employment for women and men throughout the EU.

There is a great need to deal with unemployment, both together and in each

Member State. In the short term a quick return to work must be facilitated, but also

in the long term the individual’s employability and position on the labour market

must be strengthened. An

active labour market policy

for better

adjustment

and

mobility

in the EU’s labour market, more

effective matching,

increased

skills

development

and more

entrepreneurs

are important factors in dealing with the job

crisis in the short and long term. With regard to the business sector, important

factors include work with

better regulation

and better conditions for smaller

enterprises, as well as

financial stability

and better access to

capital.

Efficient financial markets through better supervision and regulation

The current crisis would not have been as serious if the supervisory bodies had been

able to foresee the risks on the financial markets.

New rules

and

strengthened

supervisory

bodies are therefore necessary. The Presidency’s objective is to reach an

agreement on the form of a

new supervisory structure,

which includes the

establishment of a

European body

supervise stability

in the financial system as a

whole. The new structure also contains a proposal for a

European system

for

financial supervision

micro level

that will ensure more efficient supervision of

cross-border banks and reinforced cooperation among national supervisory

authorities.

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Long-term growth and employment in the coming decade

At the same time as the EU is dealing with the serious economic crisis, the long-

term challenges must not be forgotten. The only way that we can safeguard our

welfare systems in Europe is through high employment levels and sound public

finances. The economic crisis has shown the importance of

long-term reforms

facilitate adjustment,

the development of

new companies

and

employment

opportunities.

The crisis also provides an opportunity to create an economy that

combines growth with environmental sustainability. Recovery of the economy is

based on

open, inclusive

and

efficient markets,

within and outside the EU. It must

be easier for consumers and entrepreneurs to make use of the advantages of the

internal market. A good

business climate

with simple rules encourages new and

growing companies.

Research

and

innovation

create new development areas.

Efficient labour markets

in cooperation with

modern social insurance systems

will

make the adjustment easier for both companies and individuals.

The EU faces a number of major challenges ahead of the next decade: to meet

increased global competition, restore the balance of public finances and meet the

challenge posed by an ageing population. A new strategic and focused strategy for

long-term growth and welfare is necessary. The Presidency intends to lay the

foundation for the next strategy for sustainable growth and jobs, i.e. a successor to

the Lisbon Strategy. Work is continuing with the objective of reaching agreement

on overall challenges and areas during the Swedish Presidency. The decision on the

next strategy will be taken during the Spanish Presidency in spring 2010.

2. Climate – a new climate agreement in place

Emissions of greenhouse gases

are increasing and the

climate

is now

changing

faster

than previously was anticipated by research. The risk of change in the climate

system that cannot be altered is increasing day by day.

Global warming

is an

environmental threat

that

requires global solutions.

Emissions are equally harmful

regardless of where they occur. What they have in common is that they have a major

negative impact on life on earth. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases globally

requires action in all countries. This is a

challenge

that requires

consensus

long-

term measures

in all parts of society, locally, nationally and internationally.

The starting point for the EU is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(IPCC), which states that global emissions must be at least halved between 1990

and 2050 so as to

limit the increase

mean temperature

to two degrees celsius.

This means that the

industrialised world

must reduce its emissions by

25–40

per

cent by

2020

and by 80–95 per cent by 2050 compared with the level in 1990.

According to the IPCC it is also important to create the conditions for the

developing countries to reduce emissions by 15–30 per cent by 2020 compared to

what the situation would be if no measures were taken.

Climate change poses a challenge that requires cooperation and joint action in

Europe and the world as a whole. If we take global measures to convert to energy

that reduces dependence on fossil fuels, we can avoid major costs in the future for

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climatic disasters. The industrialised countries have a particular responsibility to

take the lead since our emissions of greenhouse gases are greater than in poor parts

of the world and since we are in a better economic situation.

A global agreement for reduced emissions

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is the core of international

climate efforts. Nearly all the countries of the world take part in work with the

Climate Convention. The Kyoto Protocol contains commitments on emission

reductions for the industrialised countries up to 2012. At the Conference of the

Parties to the Convention in

Copenhagen in December 2009,

a decision will be

taken on

new commitments

for the

period after 2012.

The Presidency’s most

important objective

is to lead the EU and, together with

other parties,

agree on

international climate agreement

at the meeting in Copenhagen.

The EU has been and remains proactive in climate efforts ahead of the meeting in

Copenhagen. During the French Presidency, an ambitious legislative package on

how the EU itself is to meet the climate threat was adopted. The EU has agreed that

it will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 compared with

1990 levels if other industrialised countries make similar commitments. Otherwise

the EU will unilaterally reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent by 2020

compared with 1990.

At the same time it is clear that the EU, which accounts for 14 per cent of worldwide

emissions, cannot counteract climate change

on its own.

It is therefore important that

new global agreement

is put in place.

Adjusting and financing to gain general approval

A number of critical problems remain in the international negotiations. The first is

how the industrialised countries are to achieve

emission reductions amounting to

25–40 per cent.

Adequate and binding commitments on future emission reductions

for industrialised countries are necessary. The second is that agreement must be

reached on

emission limitations

growing economies.

Measures in these countries

in the medium term are also crucial to the prospect of reversing the global trend of

increased emissions and to keeping the goal of two degrees within reach. The third

critical problem to be solved is

financing

for

adjustments, emission reduction

measures

in and

technology transfer

developing countries.

Adjustment measures

are necessary to deal with the damage that climate change has already caused and will

cause in the future. Development of emissions trading markets and market-based

instruments is necessary, as is increased public financing as a complement. There are

several proposals as to how funds are to be generated, managed and administered,

which will be further discussed during the autumn.

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The EU’s role

Continued agreement in the EU

is necessary in order to move the negotiations

forward. The adoption of the EU climate and energy package means that the EU has

agreed on an ambitious climate policy. Development of EU policy must continue

with regard to issues such as

financing,

not least to respond to the expectations that

the developing countries place on the EU. We need a

broad agreement

for the

period after 2012. The EU also needs to get other industrialised countries to commit

to ambitious emission reductions. New positions within the EU are necessary to

prepare in order to be able to act in the international negotiations. The basic premise

of the Presidency is, in consensus and with respect for national conditions, to

promote unity in the EU and to uphold the EU’s responsibility as a positive force in

the climate negotiations.

The EU has an important role to play in relation to the

developing countries,

which are often particularly at risk and vulnerable to climate change. A central issue,

both ahead of the Copenhagen Summit and in the longer term, is the need of

effective support to

facilitate adjustment

of countries and people to the effects of

climate change. The

Commission on Climate Change and Development

initiated by

the Swedish Government is an important contribution. The Presidency will move

the EU forward in these issues, which are also important to the design of

future

development cooperation from the Member States and the European Commission.

Further, the Presidency’s ambition is that strong political leadership by the EU will

promote the transition to an

eco-efficient economy

where opportunities for growth

are strengthened and environmental and climate considerations are utilised. The

Presidency will initiate a discussion so as to allow this development.

3. Justice and Home Affairs – a Stockholm Programme that safeguards

security and the rights of individuals

EU cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs has been developing

gradually. Common legislation and methods are used to ensure cross-border

cooperation that is legally certain. One challenge for the Presidency is to

further

develop cooperation

in areas where cooperation across national borders provides

added value. The Presidency’s ambition is to adopt a

new strategic work

programme

for the

entire policy area.

The programme, which will be the third in a

series, is to specify the framework and focus of EU cooperation in 2010–2014 in

areas such as police, border and customs issues, legal matters and asylum, migration

and visa policy. The vision for work with the

Stockholm Programme

is a more

secure and open Europe where the rights of individuals are safeguarded.

A citizens’ Europe

EU cooperation must offer solutions to people’s everyday problems in areas that

concern

free movement

of people. EU citizens move within Europe at an ever-

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increasing rate. More and more people work abroad and build families with citizens

of other countries. It is therefore important to

create greater clarity

in matters such

as which rules are to be applied to facilitate free movement.

Cooperation to combat crime

Law enforcement authorities must be able to

cooperate across national borders,

both

among EU Member States and between the EU and the rest of the world, so as to

fight crime

effectively. Measures to improve knowledge and

information exchanges,

which are necessary to be able to prevent, detect and investigate crime, are of great

importance. The Presidency’s ambition is to

balance

effective crime fighting with

measures that

guarantee the rights of individuals.

EU cooperation must have even

greater focus on measures for individuals, covering both the rights of a person who is

the victim of a crime and of a person who is suspected of a crime.

Asylum and migration issues for the future

The EU has made a great deal of progress in work with a

common asylum policy.

The Presidency will promote a common asylum system that is characterised by legal

certainty and transparency. It is important that the common regulations are applied

in the intended manner in the Member States with regard to reception, processing of

asylum applications and return. Another important objective is to create common

regulations concerning

resettlement

to help those who need protection but cannot

get to the EU.

As is the case with asylum issues,

migration issues

have high priority. The

population in the EU is growing older. Despite unemployment, the EU needs

labour immigration,

particularly in the long term. The Stockholm Programme

should therefore contain measures that allow increased labour immigration to the

EU. The

EU Global Approach

to Migration is an important tool to strengthen the

positive link between

migration

and

development,

to deepen dialogue and

cooperation with countries outside the EU and to counteract irregular immigration

without undermining the opportunity to seek asylum.

4. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea, a cleaner marine environment and a

more competitive region

The EU and its regions mutually strengthen one another. The Presidency’s ambition

is to

develop

the EU’s

macro-regional cooperation.

The objective is to adopt an

Strategy for the Baltic Sea

which will contribute to a cleaner sea and make the region

more economically dynamic. The background to the strategy is that the Baltic Sea

region is struggling with major challenges that are best met jointly. Since eight of the

nine Baltic Sea states are members of the EU,

EU regulations

can be used to meet

these challenges.

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Cross-border challenges require joint solutions

One of the major challenges is

environmental degradation

in and around the Baltic

Sea. Eutrophication, algal blooms, overfishing and pollution cannot be dealt with by

one single country. The Baltic Sea is a unique brackish inland sea and the balance of

the ecosystem is easily upset. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region aims at

working more jointly with these challenges by such means as phasing out

phosphates in laundry and dishwasher detergents, reducing harmful effects of

fertilisers and other nutrient leakage and more efficient fishing controls.

Other challenges include the fact that full use is not being made of the region’s

growth potential

and that the financial crisis has had a major impact on the area

surrounding the Baltic Sea region. As with other areas, better coordination would

benefit the Baltic Sea region. Larger joint initiatives in the areas of research,

innovation and entrepreneurship are needed. This can be done by such means as

making things easier for small companies, dismantling trade barriers and pooling

resources. Energy markets, infrastructure and transport systems must be jointly

developed. Investments in IT and electronic communications are also needed.

Another problem that must be handled together is

cross-border crime.

Better

cooperation to combat trafficking in human beings and other organised crime is

necessary so as to increase security in the region. Furthermore, safety in the Baltic

Sea region could be improved by such means as coordinated maritime surveillance.

New tool for closer cooperation

It is hoped that the EU Baltic Sea Strategy will be a

tool

with

concrete measures

that can have a real impact on people’s everyday lives. It is possible that the model

can serve as a source of inspiration for other EU regions. The intention is for the

strategy to link EU initiatives, policy instruments and resources so as to benefit the

Baltic Sea region, its environment and competitiveness. The EU Baltic Sea Strategy

will support

improved cooperation, better application

Community legislation

and more

efficient use

of existing

EU funds.

5. The EU, its neighbourhood and the world

The EU was established to ensure peace and economic development in Europe. The

Union is also increasingly shouldering its responsibility to promote

peace, stability

and

development

in our region and around the world. The EU is becoming an ever

stronger global voice through dialogue, negotiations and incentives.

The EU’s global role

The Presidency will continue to work to

strengthen the EU

as a

global actor

with a

clear agenda for peace, development, democracy and human rights. We want to

develop the EU’s capacity to act during

international crises

and strengthen

cooperation

with

important partners.

We want to help ensure

coherence

between

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common foreign and security policy initiatives and the trade and development

policy initiatives.

Relations with the EU’s neighbours are very important. Work is therefore

continuing on the development of the

European Neighbourhood Policy.

Particular

focus will be placed on the implementation of the

Eastern Partnership.

The

intention is also to work for closer cooperation with our neighbouring countries in

the Mediterranean region, for example within the framework of the

Union for the

Mediterranean.

On the global stage, the Presidency will make use of the new prospects for deeper

transatlantic dialogue.

It is important that the EU further strengthens its

commitment vis-à-vis

Afghanistan

and

Pakistan.

The EU’s role as an actor in the

Middle East

needs to be developed. We must be prepared to handle crises in

Africa.

Strengthening the ability of

developing countries

to deal with

climate change

and

strengthening the EU’s support for

democracy-building

in external relations are

important issues that must be moved forward.

In addition, the Presidency will give priority to trade negotiations, primarily a rapid

conclusion of the

Doha Round,

but also progress in

free trade negotiations.

Summits

are planned with a number of important partners during the Presidency:

Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine and the USA.

Continued enlargement

The continued

enlargement process

is of strategic importance to ensure peace and

progress in an open, united Europe. It is therefore of central importance that the

EU stands by

its

commitments

and the established principles in the area of

enlargement. The pace of the EU integration process will be determined by the

progress of reform in each country.

Croatia’s

negotiations with the EU could enter

a final stage during the autumn. The Presidency is aiming for continued progress in

Turkey’s

accession negotiations. A solution to the

Cyprus issue

would greatly spur

the Turkey’s EU integration process. The Presidency will also work to make further

progress in the EU integration process of the countries of the

Western Balkans,

accordance with the progress of reform in each country and established procedures.

6. New Parliament, Commission and Treaty of Lisbon

The work this autumn will be affected by special institutional conditions. A new

European Parliament

is taking shape following the elections in June and a new

Commission

will be appointed. If the

Treaty of Lisbon

is ratified by all Member

States, the foundation for EU work will change. The Treaty of Lisbon will make the

EU both more efficient and more democratic. The Presidency intends to act so that

the Treaty is launched in a positive spirit. Good conditions must be created so that

the practical application of the Treaty of Lisbon is smooth and effective from the

very beginning.

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During the autumn the Presidency will have

close cooperation

with all institutions

and Member States. The Presidency will also make itself readily available to the

European Parliament for dialogue and discussion on the Council’s work.

Concluding comments

“Now it is Sweden’s turn to wear the captain’s armband. Our ambition is to achieve

results on a range of issues with the whole of Europe’s best interests in mind. We will do

this via an open and efficient Presidency that focuses on the citizens.” Minister for EU

Affairs Cecilia Malmström

Europe is facing two overriding challenges: the global economic crisis and efforts to

halt climate change. During its Presidency, Sweden will work hard to make progress

on these and other important issues. The day-to-day EU work must be

open,

effective

and

results-oriented:

open through transparency and accessibility,

effective by moving these issues forward and results-oriented by taking action so

that objectives are fulfilled and unexpected events are dealt with.

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PART 2 – Priorities within each Council configuration

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1. Horizontal issues for a better EU

GAERC – General affairs

The General Affairs Council deals with cross-sectoral EU issues and prepares

European Council meetings. Several of the future challenges facing the EU will be in

focus during the autumn: how growth and employment are to be handled in the

long term, how continued EU enlargement is to advance according to set principles

and requirements, how the EU is to develop in a sustainable manner and how

macro-regional cooperation can be developed through a Baltic Sea Strategy. The

General Affairs Council is responsible for overall issues that will need to be dealt

with if the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force.

The EU Baltic Sea Strategy - a macro-region within the EU

One priority issue for the Presidency is to adopt a

Baltic Sea Strategy

for the EU.

The EU Baltic Sea Strategy is to link EU initiatives, policy instruments and existing

resources in a cross-sectoral manner so as to benefit the Baltic Sea region, its

environment and economic development. The Commission’s proposal will be

discussed at a ministerial conference in September at the same time as the Strategy is

considered by the Council. The intention is to agree on

Strategy

at the European

Council meeting in October.

Continued enlargement

Enlargement

is the EU’s primary instrument for creating stability, democracy and

prosperity in Europe. The continued enlargement process is of strategic importance

to ensure peace and progress in an open, united Europe. It is of central importance

that the EU stands by its commitments and the established principles in the area of

enlargement. The pace at which closer ties with the EU are made will be determined

by the progress of reform in each country and their adjustment to EU legislation.

Without lowering the requirements of EU membership, the Presidency foresees

that

Croatia’s

negotiations with the EU could enter a final stage during the autumn.

The Presidency is aiming for continued progress in

Turkey’s

accession negotiations.

A solution to the

Cyprus issue

would have a positive impact on Turkey’s EU

integration process.

The Commission’s assessment of the

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s

reform progress presented in the autumn progress report will form the basis of any

decisions on additional steps in the country’s EU integration process.

The Presidency will work for further concrete progress concerning the membership

perspective for the potential candidate countries of the

Western Balkans.

Membership applications from the region will be submitted to the Council for

decisions on tasking the Commission with beginning an evaluation (avis) according

to established procedures. The Presidency will act to support the reform process in

Kosovo.

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A strategy for growth and jobs for the coming decade

The Lisbon Strategy is the EU’s common framework for creating sustainable

growth and increased employment. The aim is to create macroeconomic stability,

strengthen competitiveness by investing in research and education, improve the

business climate, implement the internal market, improve the way the labour market

functions and strengthen social cohesion. Work will begin during the autumn to

determine how the strategy for growth and jobs is to be designed for the coming

decade. The Presidency’s ambition is for the future strategy to be focused and deal

with the largest challenges in the longer term: to convert the EU to an eco-efficient

economy so as to meet the environmental and climate objectives, to strengthen the

EU’s global competitiveness through open trade systems, to combat the effects of

an ageing population and to restore sustainable public finances. Based on

contributions from several Council configurations, the General Affairs Council will

prepare the European Council’s discussion and conclusions regarding the focus of

the future strategy.

A sustainable Europe

Sustainable development means that living standards are improved while ensuring

that future generations are given the same opportunities to a high quality of life and

well-being. The

EU Sustainable Development Strategy

emphasises the link

between environmental, social and economic issues. Based on a proposal from the

Commission and other considerations, the Presidency will follow up the EU

Sustainable Development Strategy so that in December, the European Council will

be able to adopt a

roadmap for the future.

Transparency in the EU

Transparency is a fundamental condition for confidence in public administration

and its legitimacy and efficiency. The

Regulation on access to documents

applies to

all documents held by the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament.

It means that, in principle, citizens have the right to examine documents, or parts of

documents, as long as the information is not covered by confidentiality. The

Presidency intends to promote transparency in the EU with the objective of

concluding negotiations

on a revision of the Regulation on access to documents.

More for the money

The

EU budget

should be adapted according to current needs and

future

challenges.

It requires reforms and reprioritisation of common expenditure. The

Presidency is prepared to initiate a debate on this as soon as the Commission’s

report on the budget review is presented. Discussions on matters such as the future

cohesion policy will continue within the framework of the budget review.

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Important meetings:

•

Ministerial Conference on the EU Baltic Sea Strategy and macro-regional

strategies, Stockholm, 17–18 September.

•

Local and regional support to the Lisbon Strategy, Göteborg, 10–11 November.

•

High-level conference on gender equality, economic growth and employment,

Stockholm, 15–16 October.

•

Conference on Cohesion Policy and Territorial Development, Kiruna, 10–11

December.

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2. The EU as a global actor

GAERC - External relations

The EU currently plays a very important role in promoting peace, democracy,

human rights and development in different parts of the world. Preparedness to deal

with the unexpected and coordinate EU actions in crisis situations will be crucial to

the success of the Presidency. It is important to use all of the EU’s instruments,

from civilian and military crisis management operations to dialogue and diplomacy

within the common foreign and security policy, and trade and development policy

initiatives. An aim for efforts during the presidency is to work for an effective and

coherent external policy aimed at strengthening the EU as a global actor.

Relations with neighbouring countries

Priority will be given to work to develop the

European Neighbourhood Policy.

Particular attention will be paid to the implementation of the

Eastern Partnership.

The Eastern Partnership aims to strengthen and deepen the EU’s relations with six

neighbours to the east, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and

Ukraine, and to promote these countries’ integration with the EU in important

areas such as trade, migration and legislation. The Presidency intends to work to

ensure that the implementation of the Eastern Partnership gathers momentum and

is consolidated via, among other things, the new multilateral cooperation,

negotiations on association agreements and free trade, and steps to facilitate the

mobility of people.

Negotiations between the

and

Ukraine

on an association agreement, including

free trade issues, will be a priority and an important part of the planned summit. The

Presidency will also work for deepened cooperation with the EU’s neighbours in the

Mediterranean region,

both via commitment to EU negotiations with these

countries and within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean.

The EU will also be strengthened as a global actor by progress in the enlargement

process and has a significant strategic interest in a solution to the

Cyprus issue.

The

Western Balkans

will be important, with the focus on the EU integration process of

those countries. It is crucial to strengthen forces for political reform in

Bosnia-

Herzegovina.

The Presidency will work to strengthen the reform process in

Kosovo

and the country’s relations with the EU.

The Presidency will also work for progress on issues concerning

visa liberalisation

for citizens of the Western Balkan region and visa facilitation ,with the long-term

goal of visa liberalisation, for citizens of the countries covered by the Eastern

Partnership.

Relations with

Russia

are strategically important. A summit between the EU and

Russia is scheduled to be held in Stockholm. The ambition is a comprehensive, open

dialogue and progress in the negotiations on a new, broad agreement. It is also

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important to continue the dialogue on human rights, the common neighbourhood

and frozen conflicts.

Strengthened cooperation and political role in the world

Strengthening

transatlantic cooperation

is an issue of great strategic importance,

not least for efforts to achieve sustainable globalisation. The new prospects for

deepened cooperation with a new administration in the USA should be utilised. The

Presidency will work for political and economic cooperation to be

developed

and

deepened,

not least in the areas of climate and energy and peace and security, and

for a transatlantic market without trade barriers. An EU-USA summit is scheduled

to be held during the Presidency.

Relations between the

and

Brazil

will be given special attention via the summit

scheduled to be held in Stockholm.

EU cooperation with countries in

Asia

will be strengthened and deepened. Summits

with China and India are scheduled. Negotiations on a new

framework agreement

with

China

and a

free trade and investment agreement

with

India

will be

important.

The EU has taken on growing responsibility as a global actor. This can be seen, for

example, in dialogue with and operations in

Afghanistan,

which will be high on the

EU agenda, as will relations with

Pakistan.

It is very important that the EU further

strengthens and consolidates its commitment vis-à-vis these countries, including

from a regional perspective. Priority will be given to the situation in the

Middle East

and an active EU role in the peace efforts. The work for a two-state solution – with

a Palestinian state and an Israeli state living in peace with each other – and respect

for obligations under international law are paramount.

Iran

will require particular

attention, not least with regard to the nuclear issue. There must also be a high level

of preparedness for crisis management in connection with conflicts in

Africa.

The

implementation of the Joint

EU-Africa Strategy

is also an important issue. An

EU-

South Africa

summit is scheduled.

The Presidency intends to work for progress in the negotiations on

economic

partnership agreements

with a large number of developing countries in Africa, the

Caribbean and the Pacific region.

International law, human rights, democracy

and

rule of law

should permeate

work under the EU common foreign and security policy, including the dialogues

with third countries and peace-building issues in EU cooperation with the UN, the

OSCE and the Council of Europe, and EU development policy. The Presidency will

also work for greater visibility for EU policy in the area of human rights.

EU cooperation and its role in

disarmament

and

non-proliferation

have grown in

recent years and will be strengthened through follow-up of the EU Strategy against

proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and active efforts worldwide in

cooperation with partners.

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Development of the EU’s crisis management capability

Development of the

EU’s crisis management capability

is an important part of the

objective of strengthening the EU as a global actor. The aim is to improve the EU’s

capacity to take action in crisis situations and thereby contribute more effectively to

international peace and security. The Presidency will work to strengthen the

usability of the EU’s civilian and military crisis management capabilities, for

continued

capability development

and for more effective coordination between

crisis management instruments. European armaments cooperation

must be

developed to strengthen the European crisis management capability. Priority will be

given to

cooperation

between the

and other

organisations,

including the UN,

the OSCE, NATO and the AU. Furthermore, work on

human rights, security

and

development

will be developed, along with EU work with mediation and

security

sector reform.

The Presidency will continue the work on the implementation of the

UN Security Council resolution on

women, peace

and

security.

Follow-up of

ongoing

crisis management operations

will be an important part of the work of the

Presidency. It will draw attention to the tenth anniversary of the European Security

and Defence Policy.

Development issues with focus on climate and democracy

Helping to ensure that

developing countries

can effectively fight poverty in all its

forms and meet the challenges that follow in the wake of the global

economic crisis

and

climate change

are decisive issues for the future. The conclusions of the

Swedish-initiated

Commission on Climate Change and Development

provide an

important contribution to the work to integrate climate adaptation into

development cooperation and with a view to the climate meeting in Copenhagen. It

is important to strengthen EU support for

democracy-building in external

relations

because democratisation contributes to reducing poverty in all its

dimensions. The Presidency’s ambition is to create a coherent and uniform

framework to make EU support for democracy-building throughout the world

more effective. The Presidency will also work on specific measures to make

development cooperation

effective

and to ensure that different policy areas

work together to contribute to sustainable global development, i.e.

policy

coherence for development.

The

economic downturn

is hitting the poorest

countries hardest, and is an example of an issue that must be tackled across several

policy areas.

Increased free trade

Free trade and openness promote growth, employment and development. A rapid

conclusion of the

trade negotiations

in the WTO (the

Doha Round)

is particularly

important in light of the current economic crisis and protectionist tendencies. The

Presidency will also work for progress in and, if possible, a conclusion to the

ongoing negotiations on

free trade agreements

with e.g. South Korea, India,

Ukraine, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Andean Community and Central

America. An important issue for the future is how growth and trade issues can

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better support each other. Work will focus on strengthening and

developing

the

external dimension

of the Lisbon Strategy. EU trade relations with third countries

should also be included as a clear component of the successor to the Lisbon

Strategy. Furthermore, the Presidency will work to ensure that

trade policy

underpins efforts ahead of the

climate meeting

in Copenhagen. The increased need

for public trade financing as a result of the financial crisis should be tackled while

ensuring compliance with international agreements in this area. Regulatory

frameworks should be adapted to promote the spread of climate-friendly

technology, particularly to developing countries.

Important meetings:

•

Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers (‘Gymnich’ meeting), Stockholm, 4–5

September 2009.

•

Informal dinner for trade ministers, Brussels, 13 September.

•

Informal meeting of defence ministers, Göteborg, 28–29 September.

•

European Development Days, Stockholm, 22–24 October. Ministers for

international development cooperation etc. to participate.

•

A large number of ‘third country meetings’ will be held in Brussels, New York,

Stockholm and a number of other locations as part of the EU’s extensive

cooperation with countries outside the EU and with multilateral organisations.

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3. Reversing economic developments

ECOFIN – the Economic and Financial Affairs Council

Activities will be shaped by the continued management of the economic and

financial crisis, including work to solve the problems on the financial market and

deal with the recession and rising unemployment. The aim is to restore confidence

in the financial markets and order in public finances, and to counter the negative

effects of the crisis on growth and employment.

The economic and financial crisis

Since autumn 2008, the European economy has been facing

challenges

the like of

which have not been seen in modern times. The global economy has deteriorated

markedly. Problems on the world’s financial markets have made it more difficult for

businesses and households to borrow money. In combination with reduced global

demand and a high level of uncertainty, this has resulted in the biggest economic

downturn since the 1930s.

The EU and its Member States have acted together to counter all aspects of the

crisis. A number of measures have been taken to get the

financial system

working.

Together with the measures implemented by the European Central Bank (ECB) and

other central banks, these have helped to partially restore confidence in the financial

markets. In December 2008, the European Council adopted a joint

recovery plan

aimed at mitigating the impact of the crisis on growth and employment in the EU.

A range of measures have been taken in the Member States which, in combination

with the fact that automatic stabilisers have been allowed to take effect, has

dampend the economic downturn.

The main task of the Presidency is to pursue the EU’s work to get the

financial

market working

and

counter

the

economic crisis.

This involves

following up

the

measures taken on the financial market, including the

guarantee programme

for

banks and managing impaired assets. It also involves following up and

assessing

the

stimulus measures

taken by the EU and its Member States and initiating a

discussion on how the

balance

can be restored in

public finances.

The priorities for activities in the ECOFIN Council reflect the need for a wide

range of measures in this policy area. The Presidency is

prepared

to take further

initiatives that are necessary to counter the economic and financial crisis.

The economic crisis is a global one. One important forum for discussion and

decision-making on global responses to the crisis is the

G20,

which is composed of

countries that account for 85 per cent of total global production. In the second half

of this year the G20 will among other issues handle the questions of increased

resources for international financial institutions. The Presidency will work in the

ECOFIN Council to establish a joint EU position ahead of the G20 meetings.

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Supervision and regulation of the financial markets

Experience of the financial crisis has shown that supervision and applicable

legislation need to be improved. It is important to strengthen the current regulatory

framework and create a robust system aimed at preventing crises from arising on the

financial market in the future. The proposed new

structure

for

supervision

of the

financial sector

in the EU aims to enhance the chances of discover risks that can

jeopardise financial stability. The changes aim,

inter alia,

at improving coordination,

cooperation and exchange of information between authorities at both macro and

micro level.

The Commission’s proposals involve strengthening supervision at both of these

levels. In this context, the establishment of a

joint EU body

for

macro-financial

supervision

is proposed. Another proposed component is three

EU authorities

for

micro-financial supervision.

These authorities will be given appropriate

competencies and they should in particular ensure the improved functioning of the

supervision of cross-border financial groups in Europe. The intention during the

Presidency is to reach political agreement on the proposals.

Public finances that are sustainable in the long term

In times of crisis it is particularly important to use resources correctly and keep

public finances in good order.

It is also important that the measures implemented

to offset short-term problems do not run counter to what is desirable in the longer

term.

Sustainability and quality in public finances

are a priority issue. Budgetary

discipline with a view to achieving good order in public finances promotes healthy

economic development. It is therefore important to apply the

Stability and Growth

Pact

correctly and responsibly. There is also a need to formulate a strategy for how

Member States can reverse their large public finance deficits and how we can prepare

ourselves to meet the challenges that await us in the future. Not least we must make

progress in efforts with regard to how we meet the long-term challenges to the

economy such as the

ageing population

and financing of our welfare systems.

The EU’s policies to promote growth and employment in the Member States in the

long term are gathered in the

Lisbon Strategy.

The Finance Ministers will evaluate

key aspects of the Strategy within their area of responsibility and discuss the design

of this policy beyond 2010.

The Presidency also plans to hold an exchange of experiences and knowledge

concerning

practical budgetary work.

This aims to strengthen the budget process

in the EU Member States, which is part of long-term efforts to improve quality and

sustainability in public finances.

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Climate

A high priority issue is helping to ensure that the international climate negotiations

are taken forward. A decisive issue in this is the

financing

of emissions reductions

and

climate adaptation.

Economic instruments such as carbon dioxide taxes and

emissions trading play a key role in efforts to resolve problems in the area of

climate. In order for the EU to be able to achieve its climate and energy policy

objectives and convert to an eco-efficient economy, economic instruments must be

designed appropriately. The Presidency will therefore initiate discussions on how we

can best use

economic instruments

such as those mentioned above

in climate

policy.

Other issues

One important task is to ensure that the Council and European Parliament agree on

the

annual budget for 2010.

Work to create an

internal market for payments

within the EU will also be pursued. Other important issues on the agenda include

harmonised rules for

invoicing

in the area of

VAT, Good Governance

Tax

matters

(particularly work on taxation of savings income) and

combating tax fraud.

Important meetings:

•

Informal ECOFIN meeting, Göteborg, 1–2 October. Governors of the EU

Member States’ Central Banks will also attend.

•

Informal meeting of the Financial Services Committee (FSC), Stockholm, 10

July.

•

An informal meeting of ministers responsible for eGovernment and an

eGovernment conference, Malmö, 18–20 November.

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4. A more secure and open Europe

Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA)

The globalisation of recent years has brought change and positive developments for

society as a whole. Increased mobility and new technologies provide great

opportunities, but also bring challenges. Smoothly functioning cross-border

cooperation is important in order to handle modern migration flows efficiently and

promote the positive effects of migration. Cooperation across borders, both

between Member States of the EU and between the EU and the rest of the world, is

also necessary to be able to effectively combat such issues as cross-border crime.

The Presidency comes at an important time. A new strategic working programme

(the Stockholm Programme) is to be produced for the entire policy area. An

important component in the future programme is striking a better balance between

measures to safeguard security and measures to preserve the rights of the individual.

Citizens’ rights

Creating greater legal certainty is of major importance to the everyday lives of many

citizens. If

civil law

problems arise when people move within the EU or have

property in another Member State, this can in practice interfere with free

movement. It is important to begin negotiations on a

regulation concerning

Succession and Wills.

The regulation will include rules on a European certificate of

succession and on the national law that is applicable. A review of the

Brussels I

Regulation

concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of

judgements in the area of civil law is also due to be undertaken. One important legal

project concerns

e-Justice,

with the ambition of opening a European Internet portal

by the end of the year. It will be possible to use the portal to search for information

on legislation and judicial processes in the Member States.

Cooperation within the EU in the

area of criminal law

is based on the Member

States’ trust in each another’s legal systems. The principle of mutual recognition and

enforcement of each other’s judgments and decisions is of fundamental importance.

Confidence-building measures are necessary for this system to become more

effective. For example, the rights of a person suspected of a crime must be

strengthened. Negotiations will take place in the second half of the year on

minimum rules

on the

right

of a

person suspected of a crime

interpretation

and

translation.

The Presidency will also work on issues concerning support and

information for victims of crime, regardless of the EU Member State in which the

crime was committed, and negotiate Council conclusions on a

coordinated strategy

for

support

for

victims of crime.

The fight against crime

European cooperation is crucial in combating cross-border organised crime.

Cooperation must be developed among law enforcement actors including national

police, customs and prosecutors on the one hand, and the European body for

prosecution cooperation,

Eurojust,

and the European Police Office,

Europol

on the

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other. The basis for this work is more effective exchange of information and the

Presidency will present a proposal on a

strategy for the exchange of information.

A proposal will also be presented on making

accreditation of forensic laboratories

for DNA and fingerprint processing obligatory throughout the EU. The Member

States’

border controls

are also an important tool in the fight against cross-border

crime. The new

Schengen Information System

will be essential in international

cooperation among law enforcement authorities and for border controls, and the

Presidency will give priority to this work.

An increased exchange of information among authorities in the EU Member States

is necessary to combat crime. The Presidency intends to work to ensure that this is

matched by mechanisms that handle information in a legally certain matter while

safeguarding the privacy of the individual.

Sweden, in cooperation with other Member States, will take the initiative for a

proposal on the

transfer of proceedings,

which means that a person suspected of a

crime in one country can be brought to trial in another country. The reason for

transferring proceedings is that they should be conducted where it is most

appropriate to do so, such as in the country where the suspect is domiciled or the

country where the suspect is already on trial for other crimes.

The Presidency will also work to develop the exchange of knowledge concerning

crime and methods to prevent it, particularly the kind of crime that affects the daily

lives of citizens. Initiatives will be taken to strengthen the

European Crime

Prevention Network

(EUCPN).

Other important issues for the second half of this year include tightening EU

regulation of

sexual exploitation of children and child pornography

(including

‘grooming’) and

combating human trafficking.

New framework decisions on these

issues will be negotiated. Furthermore, the EU is expected to adopt an action plan

on cooperation with countries of origin and transit concerning trafficking in human

beings. A ministerial conference on trafficking in human beings will be held in

Brussels with representatives from all EU Member States, Russia, Ukraine, the

Western Balkans and the USA.

The terrorist attacks in recent years both in Europe and around the world have led

to increased

EU cooperation against terrorism.

The Presidency will continue this

work on the basis of the action plans adopted in the EU. New experience,

knowledge and best practice must have an impact on this cooperation. Lessons can

be learnt from the successful national projects to develop preventive measures

against radicalisation and recruitment to violent extremist groups.

Enhanced capacity to prevent and manage crises and disasters

EU’s capacity to manage

crises

and

disasters

has improved in recent years, but there

is a need to develop this cooperation. The Presidency will pursue to create a safer

EU by reducing the risk of crises and disasters and adapting its capacity to manage

them. Measures are taken to develop the the Member States’ and the EU’s work to

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prevent

crises and disasters. Efforts to increase the EU’s capability and strengthen

cooperation to prevent and manage major CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological

and nuclear) incidents are part of the ambitions in the area of civil protection. The

Presidency will discuss the Commission communication on

measures to prevent

terrorism

in the area of CBRN. The objective is to agree on the way forward in this

field.

A common asylum and migration policy

The EU has decided to introduce a common

asylum system

that is transparent and

legally certain. The Presidency’s ambition is to contribute to further harmonisation

of the asylum legislation. In the second half of this year the draft directive aiming to

create a more

uniform reception of asylum-seekers

in the EU will be renegotiated.

The draft contains provisions on access to the labour market for asylum-seekers. In

order to maintain the credibility of the asylum system, there should be legally

certain provisions on returning those whose asylum applications are rejected to their

country of origin. At the same time support is required for the reception of refugees

in regions outside the EU. An important example of such support is the

joint EU

resettlement programme.

The EU should take steps to become more attractive for

labour migration.

The

work to formulate common rules will continue in the second half of the year. The

links between

migration and development

are crucial to a sustainable and long-

term policy. The positive effects of migration on development in the countries of

both destination and origin and on the migrants themselves will be promoted in

cooperation with third countries. This will take place within the framework of the

EU Global Approach to Migration,

under which partnership with third countries

is an important tool in the implementation of these efforts.

Cooperation at EU level is also of vital important to

visa policy.

Common rules are

needed to facilitate contacts between people. The Presidency wants to help ensure

the smooth introduction of the

Visa Information System

(VIS) in December 2009.

The VIS will facilitate the examination of visa applications by introducing a

fingerprint and photo requirement. A decision will be taken in 2009 on a common

code on visas.

Integration strengthened through exchange of knowledge and experience

Effective integration policy is needed to ensure the rights of the individual and

realise the potential of migration. The starting point for EU cooperation on

integration policy is the principle of the national competence of the Member States.

Member States’

integration policies

should be strengthened through an active

European exchange of knowledge and experience built on the common basic

principles for integration. EU cooperation is to contribute to an ambitious policy in

the Member States in line with the Council conclusions on integration of November

2008. The Presidency intends to work to identify comparable indicators at European

level to monitor the results of the integration policies.

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Important meetings:

•

Informal meeting of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs, Stockholm, 15–17

July. The meeting will be devoted to discussion of a new strategic working

programme for justice and home affairs cooperation for the period 2010–2014.

•

Conference: ‘Justice in the EU – from the Citizen’s Perspective’, Stockholm,

22–23 July. The conference will look at the individual’s access to justice in the

EU.

•

Conference: ‘Labour Migration and its Development Potential in the Age of

Mobility’, Malmö, 15–16 October.

•

Ministerial conference: ‘Towards EU Global Action against Trafficking in

Human Beings’, Brussels, 19–20 October. Participants will be present from the

EU, ENP countries, Russia, the USA, etc.

•

Conference: ‘Integration of New Arrivals – Incentives and Work in Focus’,

Malmö, 14–16 December.

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5. Full employment and good health

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO)

Full employment for both women and men and reduced exclusion via continued

structural reforms will be the focus of the work. Good health is crucial for both

economic and social reasons. These objectives are necessary for the EU to be able to

deal with short-term challenges in the form of rising unemployment and long-term

challenges such as globalisation and the ageing population of the EU. The

Presidency’s work in the areas of labour market, social, health care and gender

equality policy will be guided by this.

Towards full employment andmore inclusive labour markets

Work forms the most important basis of economic and social welfare for both the

individual and society as a whole. In the short term, measures to increase

employment are crucial. In the longer term it is necessary to utilise the labour force

potential of the entire EU and get more Europeans into work. The EU cannot

afford to have people remain outside the labour market. A stable foundation must

be built to consolidate the labour markets and social security systems in Europe. In

the current economic situation we cannot mitigate the effects of rising

unemployment in the short term by locking people into a system that involves

permanent exclusion. The Presidency will work to find solutions that alleviate the

negative effects of subdued growth in employment and that enable continued

reforms to create stronger and more inclusive labour markets. An active labour

market policy and an active social insurance policy are important elements in this. In

the second half of this year the Presidency will work to ensure that the EU acts

coherently and responsibly to safeguard Europe’s employment and welfare system

in the long term. The Presidency will pursue the objective of

full employment and

more inclusive labour markets

in work within the EPSCO area. The aim is to

adopt conclusions on the new EU strategy for growth and employment for the next

ten years (i.e. the next Lisbon Strategy) ahead of the European Council.

Promoting good health

The good health of EU citizens is extremely important. Preventive measures are

needed. The negotiations on the

patient mobility directive,

which aims to increase

patients’ possibilities to seek out and receive health care and dental care in another

EU country, is an important priority in the second half of this year. Other

important issues to be negotiated during the Presidency are the conditions for the

reimbursement of patients who receive cross-border care and the areas for future

cooperation between EU Member States in the field of health care. Another

important issue for patients is strengthening

eHealth cooperation

in the EU.

The EU must be ready to deal with current health challenges. One such challenge is

antibiotic resistance.

The problem of bacteria that can no longer be treated with

antibiotics is growing throughout the world. Without access to effective antibiotics,

common illnesses can become a deadly threat. The Presidency’s ambition is for a

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decision to be taken on seeking out innovative ways to ensure the development of

new antibiotics. The outbreak of

influenza

A (H1N1) will need to be dealt with

during the Presidency. An expert conference will be held, at which EU

communicable disease experts will discuss their experiences and the need for further

measures.

Another challenge is counterfeit drugs. The Presidency will seek progress on the

pharmaceuticals package,

which includes pharmacovigilance measures. Another

issue is the implementation of the

EU alcohol strategy.

The Commission is due to

present its first progress report on the implementation of the strategy at national

and European level. The ambition is to establish long-term prevention efforts for

alcohol-related harm.

More healthy and dignified ageing

The growing proportion of older people is a challenge and an opportunity for all EU

Member States. The Presidency’s aim is to increase the opportunities for

healthy

and dignified ageing

for older people in the EU. To achieve this it is important to

ensure that those working with health and social issues cooperate better and place

the focus on the older person. The Presidency wants to find coordination and

cooperation solutions and highlight good practices in different EU Member States.

With this initiative the Presidency wants to put elderly issues on the EU agenda.

Strengthened gender equality and improved protection against discrimination

To ensure growth and development, the EU must become better at utilising the

potential of both women and men. The focus of the gender equality ministers’ work

will be directed at the

importance of gender equality

for

economic growth

and

employment. Progress in the area of gender equality will contribute to a society

characterised by social cohesion, high employment and sustainable economic

growth. Other important issues include initiatives to counter men’s violence against

women and following up the UN action plan for gender equality, the

Beijing

Platform for Action.

The Presidency will report on developments in the EU

Member States over the last five years in the areas covered by the Beijing Platform

for Action. The Presidency will also work for a decision to be taken on two draft

directives that will create better opportunities to both

reconcile work and family

life

and provide increased health and safety protection:

equal treatment of self-

employed women and men

and measures to

improve health and safety in the

workplace for workers who are pregnant,

have recently given birth or are

breastfeeding.

Work to counter all forms of discrimination is a priority. The Presidency will work

to ensure that decisions can be taken on the

directive on the equal treatment of

persons

irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

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Important meetings:

•

Informal ministerial meeting, Jönköping, 6–9 June. The first part of the meeting,

on 6–7 June, will deal with alcohol and health, antibiotic resistance and eHealth.

The second part of the meeting, on 8–9 June, will focus on the theme of

reducing exclusion.

•

Conference: Healthy and Dignified Ageing, Solna/Stockholm, 15–16 September.

•

Expert conference on antibiotic resistance, Stockholm, 17 September.

•

Expert conference on alcohol, Stockholm, 21–22 September.

•

8th European Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion, 15–16 October in

Stockholm

•

High-level Conference on Labour Market Inclusion, Stockholm, 26–27 October.

•

High-level conference on the significance of gender equality for economic

growth and employment, Stockholm, 15–16 October.

•

Equality Summit, Stockholm, 16–17 November.

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6. A competitive Europe

Competitiveness Council

Europe has a unique opportunity to take the lead in developments towards long-

term sustainable growth through adjustment to an eco-efficient economy. The

prerequisites are an efficient Single Market characterised by openness, a sound

business climate, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, reduced

administrative burdens, common consumer protection and free trade. The resources

used for research and innovation must maintain a high quality and be used more

efficiently to contribute more widely to strengthening European competitiveness. A

future strategy for sustainable growth and employment should build on this and,

together with a global climate agreement in Copenhagen, form the basis of

sustainable economic development on equal terms.

Economic recovery and a transition to an eco-efficient economy

The implementation of the

economic recovery plan

will continue in the second half

of this year. The plan aims to create increased demand and facilitate long-term

investments with the focus on a long-term transition to an eco-efficient economy

and a strengthened Single Market. Facilitating for new and growing industries will

create new jobs and contribute to the EU achieving its climate objectives.

A future long-term growth strategy

The Competitiveness Council will provide a contribution to the discussion on the

Lisbon Strategy for the period 2010–2020.

The Presidency will particularly

highlight the transition to an eco-efficient economy, a strengthened internal market

and the external dimension as important factors in this discussion. The economy

needs the Lisbon Strategy’s stable long-term approach. The Competitiveness

Council has a key role to play in showing leadership in the economic transition to

an eco-efficient economy, in close cooperation with the Energy and Environment

Council and other Council configurations.

An efficient Single Market

The internal market is the foundation of EU cooperation. The common market

creates conditions for growth and employment and is a model around the world.

The Competitiveness Council will continue the work to strengthen the Single

Market. To realise the opportunities of EU citizens and entrepreneurs it is

important that cooperation between Member States, authorities and institutions

functions smoothly. The aim should be for all to know, understand, apply and

enforce the rules of the Single Market. One issue that will be given priority is the

recommendation

expected from the Commission on

partnerships with the

Member States to implement the Single Market.

The objective is to adopt Council

conclusions on the recommendation that cover how the Member States can better

realise the Single Market through cooperation, education and information. The

conclusions can help facilitate growth and employment and result in businesses and

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consumers becoming more aware of their rights. Sound conditions for competition

are important, and liberalising the state aid regulations should only be a temporary

measure.

The Presidency will work towards making as much progress as possible in the

negotiations on the Community patent and the European Patent Court. The

creation of a cost-effective

Community patent

and a

patent litigation system

important for the innovation climate in Europe and thus for EU competitiveness.

Effective protection of intellectual property rights

is also crucial to how well the

EU can make use of existing innovation capacity.

The

Services Directive

will be implemented by December at the latest. To facilitate

the free movement of services, the Member States must remove unnecessary red

tape, simplify administration and strengthen consumer rights. For consumers, the

Services Directive means greater opportunities to compare services across borders

and protection against discrimination on grounds of nationality or place of

residence. For the best possible impact on the growth of the services sector, all

Member States should exchange experiences of the potential offered by the Services

Directive.

The Presidency will work for an agreement on a

draft directive on consumer

rights.

Harmonised consumer protection will help improve consumers’ and

businesses confidence in cross-border trade, with greater competition, a wider

choice and lower prices as a result.

Improving the business climate

One major task is to make day-to-day running easier for companies, thereby

guaranteeing a long-term and competitive business sector.

Better regulation

and

reduced administrative burdens,

better access to

funding for small and medium-

sized enterprises

and encouraging their

participation in public procurement

processes,

making it easier for

women to set up and run businesses,

promoting

innovations

and making use of the potential inherent in the transition to an eco-

efficient economy will be crucial in enabling the EU to extract itself from the

current economic situation. This is also important in order to generate long-term

growth and ensure that a

level playing field

continues to apply to entrepreneurship

in the EU. Europe must facilitate the

extraction

of its own

raw materials.

improving

environmental criteria in public procurement,

we will contribute to

increased growth.

A competitive European research and innovation area

Focus will be on how the EU is to use its research resources more efficiently. The

objective is to agree on what research resources should be used for and how these

investments could be better coordinated and managed. One important issue is the

design of joint initiatives at European level, including the

EU Framework

Programme for Research.

The Presidency will give priority to a discussion of how

European research can best

meet future challenges

in areas such as health, energy

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and climate. The development of the internal market for research and innovation,

i.e.

the European Research Area

that involves both national and joint initiatives, is

also high on the agenda. The Presidency will continue the work that has begun and

aims to propose

governance mechanisms

for the effective use of these resources

and better cooperation between policy areas, e.g. in the context of the Knowledge

Triangle.

Innovations will be extremely important in transforming Europe’s business sector

so that it becomes more sustainable and makes use of sustainable production and

consumption requirements to strengthen competitiveness. The Presidency will

submit a contribution to a

European Innovation Plan,

with links to the European

Research Area.

Important meetings:

•

Informal ministerial meeting, Umeå, 14–16 October. The focus will be on issues

for the future such as the continued efficiency of the internal market with

external openness, the transition to an eco-efficient economy and ways of

meeting future research challenges.

•

Conference: ‘New Worlds, New Solutions – Research and Innovation as a Basis

for Developing Europe in a Global Context’, Lund, 6–8 July.

•

Conference: ‘The Knowledge Triangle Shaping the Future of Europe’,

Göteborg, 31 August–2 September.

•

Conference: ‘Safe Products – At the Core of the EU Single Market’,

Solna/Stockholm, 11 September.

•

Conference: ‘From the Charter for Small Enterprises to the Small Business Act’,

Upplands Väsby/Stockholm, 4–6 October. A special workshop will take up

women’s entrepreneurship. Other subjects covered in workshops include eco-

innovation, green public procurement and energy-efficiency measures in small

and medium-sized companies.

•

European Competition Day, Upplands Väsby/Stockholm, 7 October.

•

Conference: ‘An Eco-efficient Economy – Towards Innovative and Sustainable

Competitiveness’, Linköping, 2–3 November.

•

Conference: ‘Consumer Rights in the Internal Market’, 4 November.

•

International Regulatory Reform Conference, Stockholm, 11–13 November.

Focus on various aspects of regulatory reform and better regulation from a

business perspective.

•

Conference: ‘The Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights’, Stockholm, 15–

16 December.

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Towards an eco-efficient economy – Transport, telecommunications and

energy

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE)

The climate challenge will be met and the EU’s competitiveness strengthened by

converting to an

eco-efficient economy.

In the

area of transport,

the Presidency

will prioritise the formulation of EU transport policy beyond 2010, freight logistics

and the introduction of new technology. In the area of

IT/telecommunications,

the

focus will be on the contribution of IT to EU competitiveness. Through the use of

IT, Europe can become more economically sustainable, competitive and efficient. In

the

area of energy,

the implementation of the Second Strategic Energy Review will

continue, with particular focus on energy-efficiency.

Transport policy for the future

Globalisation requires more and new

sustainable transport solutions.

A sustainable

and eco-efficient transport system will be the focus during the Presidency.

Europe needs a coherent, efficient transport system in which the various types of

transport are coordinated. By getting the different parts of the transport system to

function better

together, climate impact can be reduced. The Presidency will give

priority to work on the

future EU transport policy,

which includes a discussion of

the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), green corridors and more

efficient use of air space.

Improved

logistics

and the introduction of

new technological solutions

are

important tools and the Presidency will therefore prioritise the implementation of

the

framework for developing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

Effective

logistics is based on shipping and railways being competitive. Railways and shipping

will be developed through proposals on railway networks for competitive freight

transport and on a European maritime transport area without borders. The transport

ministers will continue this work in the autumn.

Work is progressing on regulating

passenger rights

and the Presidency will aim for

agreements on regulations

on both bus and ship passengers.

Work on

Galileo,

the

European civilian system for satellite navigation services, also continues as planned.

In the field of aviation, a directive involving aviation security charges will be

discussed.

Telecommunications/IT for growth and an accessible knowledge society

IT and electronic communications are important components in increasing Europe’s

growth and competitiveness. IT is largely an integrated part of daily life, both for

individuals and for companies, but its potential is not fully exploited. New services,

such as those promoting a more ecologically sustainable society, can be developed.

IT creates new opportunities for innovation and increased European

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competitiveness. The Presidency intends to contribute to the focus of the future

common EU policy for the information society.

The EU needs a modern, forward-looking regulatory framework for electronic

communications. The Presidency will work to ensure that the revised regulatory

framework for electronic communications, the

Telecom Package

is approved during

the autumn.

The frequency bands that have been freed up for communications services other

than TV,

digital dividends,

are well suited to mobile broadband with good

coverage, which enables good communications, particularly in sparsely populated

areas. If more countries managed their digital dividends in a coordinated manner,

the benefits for consumers could be enormous.

Efficient energy policy

Energy issues will continue to be a high priority, particularly in view of the

international climate negotiations. The transition to a European eco-efficient

economy is necessary for competitiveness, energy security and the environment.

The

Second Strategic Energy Review

and the package of initiatives on the theme of

security of supply

presented by the Commission in November 2008 will govern this

work. The energy ministers will continue to work on the EU

Energy Security and

Solidarity Action Plan.

The focus during the autumn will lie on energy efficiency

measures. Energy efficiency is essential, both for the climate and for secure energy

supplies. The Presidency intends to work to ensure that a decision is taken on the

proposed revision of the Directive on

energy efficiency in buildings,

proposed

revision of the

Energy Labelling Directive

and draft Directive on

energy labelling

of tyres.

The energy ministers will also discuss and contribute to the Commission’s

forthcoming

revised action plan on energy efficiency.

Following this year’s gas crisis, the Commission has brought forward its proposal

on security of supply, including an amendment to the

Security of Gas Supply

Directive

currently in force. The Presidency intends to work towards an early

agreement between the Council and the European Parliament. The expected

communication on the

financing of low-carbon technologies

will also be looked at

during the period.

The EU’s

international relations

and dialogues in the

field of energy

are growing

in importance. Negotiations are expected on the

enlargement of the Energy

Community

to include Moldova, Ukraine and Turkey, and on

energy cooperation

between the EU and Nigeria. The development of the

energy market around the

Baltic Sea

is important. The work on the implementation of the Baltic Energy

Market Interconnection Plan will continue.

At the informal meeting of energy ministers, the transition to an eco-efficient

economy will be the main theme, with particular focus on efficient energy systems.

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Important meetings:

•

Informal meeting of energy ministers, Åre, 23–24 July, partly together with

energy ministers.

•

Informal working dinner of transport ministers, Stockholm, 21 September, ‘EU

Transport Policy after 2010 – The Future of Transport’.

•

High-level conference: ‘Effective Bioenergyʾ, Stockholm, 17–18 September.

•

High-level meeting: ‘Greater Use of Both New and Already Existing

Technologies’ on new technologies for safe, environmentally-friendly road

transport, Göteborg, 26–27 October.

•

High-level conference: ‘Creating impact for an eUnion 2015’ on the future

information society, Visby, 10–11 November.

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8. Using resources without using them up

Agriculture and Fisheries Council

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council deals with issues such as what we eat, animal

health and rural development, important issues that affect the everyday lives of all

EU citizens. The Presidency has three priorities: ‘sustainable fisheries’, ‘food and

climate – the global challenges’, and ‘sound animal husbandry and healthy animals’.

Long-term sustainable fisheries

The Presidency’s overall vision for

fisheries policy

is to create the conditions for

using resources without using them up. The use of fish resources must be

sustainable in the long term, in economic, environmental and social terms. The

present situation of both fish stocks and the fishing industry show that the

Common Fisheries Policy has not achieved its goals. Today’s situation is

characterised by overexploited fish stocks, a low level of ecological sustainability

and low profitability. Every autumn, the Council takes decisions on fishing

regulations for the following years, including

fishing quotas.

The ambition of the

Presidency is that this decision will pave the way for sustainable fisheries.

A crucial aspect in achieving sustainability is compliance with the regulatory

framework. This requires an effective control system. An effective system for

controlling fisheries increases confidence in the Common Fisheries Policy and

enables consumers to feel more confident that fish are caught legally. A new

proposal for regulations on

fisheries controls

is currently being negotiated. The

ambition is to conclude these negotiations during the autumn, focusing on

appropriateness and cost efficiency.

Apart from fisheries controls, a review will be initiated of the current basic

regulatory framework for the Common Fisheries Policy, and will continue until the

end of 2012. The fisheries ministers will continue the discussion on the

future

fisheries policy,

based on the green paper presented by the Commission.

Food and climate – the global challenges

Globalisation involves a higher degree of interdependence and therefore a greater

need for cross-border political cooperation. Two of the main global challenges

facing agriculture are managing the impact of agriculture and climate on each other,

and securing global food supplies. The agriculture ministers will discuss agriculture

and climate at their informal meeting.

The

agricultural sector

is an important actor in work to do with

climate change.

Agriculture must help to reduce climate impact and adapt to changes in the climate.

This is necessary in order to deal with future climate change and enable

environmental and resource efficiency. The production of sustainable energy and

energy efficiency measures are important aspects of these efforts. Climate change

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may also lead to a change in the conditions for agricultural production in that, for

example, new plant and animal diseases may emerge and water conditions will

change. These are important issues to be addressed in order to ensure sustainable

food security.

Securing global food security for future generations

will be a challenge,

particularly in view of the fact that the world’s population is expected to double by

2050. The

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

(FAO) will

play an important role in achieving this objective. During the autumn the FAO’s

highest decision-making body, the Conference, will meet. The Presidency will speak

on behalf of the EU and strive to advance the work of the FAO, with the aim of

securing global food supplies that are sustainably based.

Food safety

continues to be very important. Enabling consumers to make conscious

food choices for a healthy, sound lifestyle is also important. The Presidency will

therefore take action to enable the Council and the European Parliament to take

decisions on

novel foods.

The EU has long had regulations on

food labelling.

This is necessary for consumers

in all EU countries to be able to make conscious choices. The Presidency will take

action to achieve an agreement on a

new regulation on food information

for

consumers, which will improve information to consumers concerning the

nutritional content of food.

Sound animal husbandry and healthy animals

Sound animal husbandry

is essential for animals’ wellbeing. Sound animal

husbandry is also key to public health, consumer confidence and the economy of

producers. A

sound animal welfare

is also important. Several proposals for new

welfare legislation are in the pipeline, as regards food producing animals and animals

used for scientific purposes. These issues are a priority for the Presidency. The

Presidency will also continue to work on the

EU strategy for animal health,

‘Prevention is Better than Cure’ which will play an important role for future animal

welfare in the EU.

Important meetings:

•

Informal meeting of agriculture ministers, Växjö, 13–15 September.

•

Meeting of Directors-General for Fisheries, Ronneby, 2–3 July.

•

Conference: ‘Inland Water Brings Life into the Sea’, Lund, 21–23 September.

•

Meeting of the EFSA Advisory Forum and Meeting of Heads of European Food

Safety Authorities, Stockholm, 23–25 September.

•

Meeting of Directors-General for Forestry, Göteborg, 30 September–1 October.

•

Meeting of Directors-General for Paying Authorities, Visby, 7–9 October.

•

‘Delivering Animal Welfare Quality’, Uppsala, 8–9 October.

•

Meeting of Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs), Jönköping, 20–23 October.

•

Conference: ‘Rural Areas Shaping the Future’, Uppsala, 28–29 October

•

Conference: ‘Climate-smart Food’, Lund, 21–23 November.

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9. A credible EU for the environment

Environment Council

The EU plays a key role in solving cross-border environmental problems and

driving global environment efforts forward. An ambitious European environmental

policy is vital for global change. The EU must be a force that is active in favour of

sustainable development in the world. The Presidency will strengthen EU

environmental policy and show that an ambitious environmental policy is a

precondition for long-term sustainable growth.

Uniting the world’s countries behind an ambitious climate agreement

The

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

is the core of international

climate efforts. The associated Kyoto Protocol contains commitments for emission

reductions until the end of 2012. At the

Conference of the Parties

to the United

Nations’ Climate Change Convention in

Copenhagen in December 2009,

decisions

will be taken on new commitments for the period after 2012. The EU will assume

global leadership of the climate issue. The task of the Presidency, together with the

EU Member States and other parties, is to work for the adoption of a new climate

agreement during the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen in

December. The agreement should include all the countries of the world, reduce

emissions so that the ‘two degrees’ goal is within reach, and create the conditions

for sustainable economic development.

An eco-efficient economy gives competitive advantages

During the autumn, the ministers responsible for environment, energy and

competitiveness from the EU countries will discuss how Europe can be developed

into an

eco-efficient economy.

Committed and energetic environmental efforts

give competitive advantages. Converting to an eco-efficient economy means an

opportunity for the EU to lift itself out of the economic crisis and could contribute

to a long-term development strategy for Europe. The environment ministers will

also deal with the environment section of the follow-up of the

EU Sustainable

Development Strategy.

The role of cities in sustainable global development will be

particularly focused upon.

The key role of biodiversity

Biodiversity

is about is the wealth of nature in ecosystems, species and genetic

variation. Biodiversity is essential for nature to be able to adapt to changes in

habitat, particularly those changes that are caused by human beings. The threats to

biodiversity and thus to the ability of nature itself to survive are as complex as

ecosystems are ingenious.

The

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

is a global

agreement on the preservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The

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conference of the parties in October 2010 is to evaluate whether the world has

succeeded in preventing the loss of biodiversity and formulate a long-term vision for

this work. In spring 2010, the EU is to formulate its own vision. The Presidency will

take action to ensure that the EU begins discussions on the new global vision and to

highlight the key role of ecosystems in people’s wellbeing. The Presidency also

wishes to draw attention to the positive economic effects of preserving biodiversity,

such as the natural ability of lakes to clean waste water, and the costs of not taking

initiatives.

Strengthened policy for a neglected marine environment

The seas are by nature international areas requiring cross-border cooperation.

The

marine environment

is affected by EU policy in sectors such as agriculture, fishing,

transport and industry. Emissions from agriculture and wastewater systems lead to

eutrophication and emissions from industry and waste treatment plants pollute the

oceans with chemicals. The situation in the Baltic Sea is particularly serious.

Measures to deal with this will be discussed by the environment ministers and

others as part of the EU Baltic Sea Strategy. The Presidency is also proactive in

efforts to identify the Baltic Sea as a special

pilot project,

with more rapid and

stringent environmental protection in implementing the

EU marine directives.

Particular attention will also be given to the implementation of the EU common

maritime policy and the exchange of experience between the different coastal

regions of the EU.

Other important issues

Global chemical issues

have long been given priority. The Presidency will promote

an active role for the EU in negotiations on

a global convention on mercury.

The

Presidency will also be active in bringing about a decision on the further phasing out

of substances that are also strong greenhouse gases at a meeting of the parties to the

Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances.

A renegotiation of the

Gothenburg Protocol to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air

Pollution

may also be put on the agenda. The renegotiation would result in reduced

emissions of nitrogen oxides, which would benefit both people’s health and the

environment.

Important meetings:

•

Informal meeting of environment ministers, Åre, 24–25 July.

•

High-level conference: ‘Visions for Biodiversity Beyond 2010’, Strömstad, 7–9

September

•

High-level conference: ‘European Cities and the Global Climate Agenda’,

Stockholm, 14–15 September.

•

Conference: ‘Inland Water Brings Life into the Sea’, Lund, 21–23 September.

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10. High standards promote better growth

Education, Youth and Culture Council

High standards of education and research, good opportunities for creativity and

innovation and good living conditions for young people are vital for individual

development and for sustainable development and growth in the EU. For this

reason, the Presidency will focus on:

- further development of European cooperation in education,

- improving cooperation between education, research and innovation,

- drawing attention to the conditions for migrants to succeed in society through a

decent education,

- encouraging and supporting children’s and young people’s access to culture and

media and their opportunities to develop their own creativity,

- reaching an agreement on the direction of future European cooperation in the area

of youth.

Education – cooperation, modernisation and integration

European cooperation in the area of education

largely involves discussing

solutions to common challenges and problems and exchanging information and

good practices. The aim is to raise education standards and provide pupils, students

and teachers with good working conditions. Within the framework of the priorities

of ‘Education and Training 2020’, the Presidency will give priority to issues

concerning the professional development of

teachers

and the role and

responsibilities of school management in achieving this.

The

modernisation of universities and other higher education institutions

takes

place on a continuous basis. Modern, strong and independent higher education

institutions providing high standards of education contribute to strengthening

competitiveness, increasing employment and achieving long-term sustainable

growth. The importance of higher education institutions for research-based

innovation has increased and their role in an efficient knowledge triangle

(education–research–innovation) has been strengthened. The focus will be on the

issue of the role of higher education institutions in promoting cooperation within

the knowledge triangle.

Education

and

social integration

are important issues both for individual Member

States and for the EU as a whole. During the Presidency a discussion will be

initiated at European level on several important issues related to the role of

education in enabling migrants to become integrated into society.

Youth – improved cooperation to promote good living conditions for young people

in the EU

With present demographic developments, the proportion of young people is

expected to decline in the coming decades. Young people’s participation in

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education, the labour market and society is therefore the key not only to their

development as individuals, but also to sustainable development and growth in

Europe. Effective youth cooperation is even more important in the current

economic crisis, which threatens to have a particularly severe impact on young

people.

The most important issue during the Swedish Presidency is to determine a

framework with

new common goals and priorities for youth policy cooperation

in the EU from 2010.

The Presidency will emphasise the importance of promoting

good living conditions and increased participation among young women and men in

Europe via better cooperation.

Culture and media – for a creative generation

One of the major challenges in the area of culture and media is to make culture

accessible and encourage talent and creativity, particularly among children and

young people. New modes of media consumption and new cultural expression

create both opportunities and challenges. An important task is to strengthen

children and young people as media consumers. Initiatives to encourage creativity

among children and young people are fundamental for an open and dynamic

Europe.

For this reason the Presidency will take action to integrate a children’s and young

people’s perspective into work to

increase access to culture, the right to cultural and

innovative creativity of individuals

and the creative sector’s importance for the

development of society. The Presidency’s ambition is to help promote a creative

generation by focusing on the value of culture in schools and the potential and

challenges of the media.

Important meetings:

•

Promoting a Creative Generation – a conference on children’s and young

people’s creativity and their use of culture and media, Göteborg, 29–30 July.

•

Conference: ‘The Knowledge Triangle Shaping the Future of Europe’,

Göteborg, 31 August–2 September.

•

Conference: ’Future Youth Policy Cooperation in the EU’, Stockholm, 12–14

September.

•

Conference: ‘The Role of VET in Meeting the Challenges of Today and

Tomorrow’, Stockholm, 12–13 November.

•

Conference: ‘Gender Differences in Educational Achievement’, Uppsala, 17–18

November.

•

Closing conference for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009,

Stockholm, 16–17 December.

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Annex: Planned meetings of the Council during the Swedish Presidency of the

European Council

Brussels

29-30 October

10-11 December

Meetings of the Council of Ministers in Brussels and Luxembourg

Economic and Financial

Affairs Council

(ECOFIN)

ECOFIN Council-Budget

Agriculture and Fisheries

Council

General Affairs and

External Relations

Council (GAERC)

General Affairs and

External Relations

Council (GAERC)

Justice and Home Affairs

Council

Competitiveness Council

(Possibly: Agriculture and

Fisheries Council

(Possibly: The

Employment, Social

Policy, Health and

Consumer Affairs Council

(EPSCO)

Transport,

Telecommunications and

Energy Council (TTE)

Agriculture and Fisheries

Council

Economic and Financial

Affairs Council

(ECOFIN)

Justice and Home Affairs

Council

Environment Council

General Affairs and

External Relations

Council

Brussels

7 July

Brussels

10 July

13-14

27-28 July

Brussels

14-15 September

Brussels

Luxembourg

21-22 September

24-25 September

28-29 September

1 October

Luxembourg

8-9 October

Luxembourg

19-20 October

20 October

Luxembourg

23 October

26-27 October

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Economic and Financial

Affairs Council

(ECOFIN)

General Affairs and

External Relations

Council (incl. defence and

development assistance

ministers)

Agriculture and Fisheries

Council

Education, Youth and

Culture Council

Justice and Home Affairs

Council

The Employment, Social

Policy, Health and

Consumer Affairs Council

(EPSCO)

Economic and Financial

Affairs Council

Competitiveness Council

General Affairs and

External Relations

Council

Transport,

Telecommunications and

Energy Council (TTE) –

energy issues

Agriculture and Fisheries

Council

Transport,

Telecommunications and

Energy Council (TTE) –

transport and

telecommunications issues

Environment Council

Brussels

10 November

Brussels

16-17 November

Brussels

19-20 November

26-27 November

30 November – 1

December

30 November – 1

December

Brussels

2 December

3-4 December

7-8 December

Brussels

7 December

Brussels

14-15 December

17-18 December

Brussels

22 December

Informal ministerial meetings in Sweden

Informal meeting of the

EPSCO Council (health

ministers)

Informal meeting of the

EPSCO Council

(employment and social

insurance ministers)

Informal meeting of

Jönköping

6-7 July

Jönköping

8-9 July

Stockholm

15-17 July

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justice and home affairs

ministers

Informal meeting of

energy ministers

Informal meeting of

environment ministers

Informal meeting of

foreign ministers

Informal meeting of

agriculture and fisheries

ministers

Informal meeting of

finance ministers

Informal meeting of

defence ministers

Informal meeting of

education ministers

Informal meeting of

competitiveness ministers

Informal meeting of

ministers responsible for

eGovernment and

eGovernment conference

Åre

Stockholm

Växjö

23-24 July

24-25 July

4-5 September

13-15 September

Göteborg

Umeå

Malmö

1-2 October

28-29 September

23-24 September

14-16 October

18-20 November

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