2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Think_Global_–_Act_European_306页_3mb

Summary of the Document: The Contribution of 14 European Think Tanks to the Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Trio Presidency of the European Union

Core Content

This document presents the collective contributions of 14 European think tanks to the Spanish, Belgian, and Hungarian (SBH) Trio Presidency of the European Union (EU), which took place from January 2010 to June 2011. It outlines the main challenges and opportunities facing the EU during this period, with a focus on institutional reform, economic governance, energy and climate change, justice and home affairs, and the EU's role in global governance.

Main Views and Key Information

1. The Context of the SBH Trio Presidency

• The SBH Trio Presidency marks a significant transition in European governance.
• It comes at a time of economic and climate crises, requiring a shift from institutional reform to policy implementation.
• The Trio must work alongside the newly established permanent President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) to shape the EU’s agenda.

2. The Need for a Global and Integrated Approach

• The EU must move beyond "business as usual" and address the challenges of a globalized world.
• The new EU-2020 Strategy should align with the Lisbon Treaty’s goals, emphasizing sustainable and competitive growth.
• A transversal approach to EU policy-making is essential, especially in response to issues like the economic crisis, climate change, and energy security.

3. Economic Governance and Institutional Reform

• The current economic situation, characterized by budget deficits and public debt, calls for a thorough revision of the EU’s economic governance.
• The SBH Trio should prioritize coordinated decision-making to avoid fragmentation and promote EU cohesion.
• A unified European representation in international bodies like the G20, IMF, and World Bank is recommended to increase the EU's influence.

4. Energy and Climate Change

• Ensuring energy access for all citizens must be linked to the EU's climate goals and the competitiveness of European industry.
• The creation of an internal energy market with interconnected infrastructure is crucial.
• The Trio should support the development of a coherent European energy policy, particularly in relation to Russia, the Caspian Sea, and the Middle East.

5. Sustainable Growth and Climate Policy

• The EU must rethink its growth model to achieve a low-carbon economy.
• Climate change should be central to the post-Lisbon growth strategy, with a focus on creating synergies between social, economic, and environmental policies.
• Social policy should be viewed as a productivity factor, not just a compensation tool.
• The EU must avoid separating climate change from international trade and coordinate the multiannual financial framework with the new growth strategy.

6. Strategic Thinking in External Relations

• The Trio should actively shape the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
• A clear strategy is needed for EU relations with Russia and the Eastern Neighbourhood.
• The Trio should integrate peace, security, and environmental priorities into development cooperation policies.
• The role of the Trio in setting the EU’s external agenda remains relevant, especially through coordination with the HR and the Council of Ministers.

7. The Role of the Rotating Presidency

• Despite the introduction of a stable European Council President, the rotating presidency still holds value.
• It fosters national engagement with European issues, encourages better coordination between member states, and enhances the visibility of the EU.
• The Trio system allows for a more structured and strategic approach to EU governance, potentially serving as a model for future cooperation.

8. The EU-2020 Strategy and Its Implementation

• The EU-2020 Strategy should be a critical and coherent roadmap for the next decade.
• It must be based on a clear diagnosis of the economic crisis and its social consequences.
• A long-term political consensus is needed to ensure the strategy’s success.
• The strategy must be supported by consistent funding and a robust monitoring system.

Key Recommendations

• Enhance coordination between member states to avoid fragmentation.
• Create a unified European voice in international institutions.
• Integrate climate, energy, and economic policies to promote sustainable growth.
• Develop a coherent energy strategy that ensures security and competitiveness.
• Reform the EU's budget and financial framework to support the new strategy.
• Strengthen the role of the Trio in shaping the EU’s external and internal policies.
• Ensure better communication and ownership of the EU-2020 Strategy across all levels of governance.

Conclusion

The document underscores the importance of the SBH Trio Presidency in steering the EU through a period of transformation. It highlights the need for a more integrated, strategic, and globally-oriented approach to EU policy-making, emphasizing the value of cooperation between think tanks, institutions, and member states. The recommendations provided aim to ensure the EU remains a cohesive and influential actor in both domestic and international affairs.