2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Priorities_for_the_Finnish_Presidency_July_27页_127kb

Summary of the Finnish Presidency of the EU (July-December 2006)

Core Content

This document outlines the key policy priorities for the Finnish Presidency of the EU during the period July-December 2006. It is structured around five broad areas: economic policy, environmental policy, justice and home affairs, strategic issues in the wider Europe, and the future of Europe and institutional reform. The goal is to provide concrete policy recommendations to guide the Finnish Presidency in shaping the EU's agenda.

Main Points

1. Economic Policy

• Economic Patriotism and National Champions

  • The concept of "economic patriotism" involves protecting domestic firms from foreign takeovers, which is ironic given the EU's efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • The perceived "nationality" of firms is often misleading, as many large European firms are largely foreign-owned, especially in terms of shareholding.
  • The document argues that political interference in mergers and acquisitions is often counterproductive and that the market for corporate control should be allowed to function freely across Europe.

• Growth and Competitiveness through Education

  • The EU's goal of becoming the "most competitive economy" by 2010 is unlikely to be met due to insufficient investment in education.
  • Education is critical for increasing productivity and competitiveness, as the skill levels of the EU population are significantly lower than those of the US.
  • The employment rate in the EU has improved slightly, but this is mainly due to an increase in the proportion of highly skilled workers rather than labor market reforms.
  • The document emphasizes the need for long-term investment in education and human capital, rather than short-term labor market policies.

• Pan-European Communications Services

  • The EU's ICT sector is vital for the Lisbon strategy, but many member states still lag behind the US and Asia in terms of investment, competition, and innovation.
  • The Finnish Presidency is urged to take a proactive role in advancing the EU's spectrum policy, which is crucial for the development of new communication technologies.
  • Spectrum trading and liberalization are seen as important steps, but they must be accompanied by harmonization of spectrum bands for pan-European services.
  • The document stresses the urgency of reforming the regulatory framework for electronic communications before the 2010 deadline.

2. Environmental Policy

• EU-style Emissions Trading Post-2012
  • The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a central pillar of EU climate policy and must be reviewed and updated to remain effective after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
  • The review process, expected to be completed in 2007, should address implementation, design features, and future relevance.
  • The Finnish Presidency is encouraged to take a leading role in ensuring that the ETS remains a pioneering and effective tool in the post-2012 era.
  • The scheme needs to be adjusted to account for a world where the EU may not be part of a global agreement or where other countries may not adopt similar measures.

3. Justice and Home Affairs

• Freedom, Security and Justice Agenda
  • The EU's agenda on freedom, security, and justice is questioned in terms of its effectiveness for citizens.
  • The document calls for a more integrated and efficient approach to security and justice policies across the EU, emphasizing the need for better coordination and implementation.

4. Strategic Issues in the Wider Europe

• Turkey and Cyprus

  • The EU must continue to engage with Turkey and Cyprus, particularly in light of their strategic importance in the region.
  • The document highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to relations with these countries.

• EU-Russia and EU-Ukraine Agreements

  • New agreements with Russia and Ukraine are necessary to strengthen political and economic ties and to ensure stability in the region.
  • These agreements should be based on mutual interests and long-term cooperation.

• Energy Security

  • The EU faces challenges in securing its energy supply, and the Finnish Presidency is encouraged to take a leadership role in addressing this issue.
  • Energy security is a key strategic concern, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and the need for diversification.

• Black Sea Dimension and European Neighbourhood

  • The EU should expand its engagement with the Black Sea region and the European Neighbourhood.
  • The concept of a "stake in the internal market" for neighboring countries is proposed as a way to deepen integration and cooperation.

• Political Islam

  • The EU must develop a coherent and consistent approach to political Islam, particularly in the context of migration, integration, and security.
  • The document suggests that the EU should engage with Muslim communities and address the challenges they face in a more inclusive manner.

5. Future of Europe and Institutional Reform

• Transparency and Citizen Involvement

  • The EU needs to increase transparency and involve citizens more in the decision-making process.
  • This is essential for building trust and legitimacy in EU policies.
  • The Finnish Presidency is encouraged to lead the way in promoting more open and participatory EU governance.

• Institutional Reforms

  • The document calls for institutional reforms that would make the EU more efficient and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
  • These reforms should focus on simplifying decision-making processes and enhancing the role of citizens in shaping EU policy.

Key Information

• The Finnish Presidency is expected to play a significant role in shaping the EU's future, particularly in areas such as education, communications, and environmental policy.
• There is a need for a shift in focus from labor market reforms to long-term investments in education and human capital.
• The EU's spectrum policy is critical for the development of new communication technologies and should be reformed urgently.
• The ETS must be reviewed and adapted to remain relevant in the post-Kyoto era.
• The EU needs to develop a more integrated and effective approach to justice, security, and foreign relations in the wider Europe.

Conclusion

The Finnish Presidency is positioned to make a meaningful impact on the EU's future by addressing the key strategic issues outlined in the document. It is encouraged to take a leadership role in promoting market-based approaches to corporate control, advancing education and skills, reforming spectrum policy, and ensuring the ETS remains a global leader in climate action. Additionally, the Presidency should work to enhance the EU's engagement with its neighbors and improve transparency and citizen involvement in EU decision-making.