2nd Strategic Energy Review
Discussions will continue about the Commission's proposal on energy supply security, solidarity and efficiency (2nd Strategic Energy Review and related proposals published in November 2008). The priorities defined in the review are aimed at achieving the goals of European energy and climate policy of 20-20-20 as set by the European Council, and to increase the European energy supply security as well as to promote investments in the energy network infrastructure.
The priority of Latvia in this context is the development of the Baltic energy market interconnection plan as foreseen in the EU energy security and solidarity action plan. The action plan is planned to be approved in the March European Council.
The EU Economic Recovery Plan
In accordance with the European economic recovery plan agreed by the December 2008 European Council, the Czech Presidency will build on the work of the preceding French Presidency and the work together with the future Swedish Presidency, and will focus on the following priorities:
- EU member states will be actively involved in implementing the action plan approved by the G20 summit in November 2008;
- The Council has been invited to organize the preparation of this work in close cooperation with the Commission that sustains economic activity and employment, and will report on the progress of work to the European Council;
- Economic policy instruments will provide a coherent framework for action to be taken at the level of the Union as well as for measures adopted by each Member State, taking into account their individual circumstances;
- To provide for simplification of procedures and faster implementation of programmes by the EU Structural Funds.
Latvia welcomes that that the European economic recovery plan will provide both a coherent framework for action to be taken at the level of the Union, as well as for measures to be adopted by each Member State, taking into account their individual circumstances.
It is important for Latvia that the plan provides for the simplification of procedures and faster implementation of programmes financed by the EU Structural Funds, an increase in intervention by the European Investment Bank of EUR 30 billion in 2009/2010, especially targeted to small and medium-sized enterprises, for renewable energy and for environment-friendly transport, in particular for the benefit of the automotive industry. For a period of two years simplification of procedures state aid and accelerated procedures in the public procurement directives.
The next summit of the Group of 20 countries on the global economic crisis will be held in London on April 2, 2009.
Climate Change Mitigation
During the Czech Presidency the final approval of the Climate-Energy Package is planned, as agreed by the European Council on December 11-12, 2008, following agreement with the European Parliament. Further steps will be taken with a view to achieve an international agreement on global post-2012 climate policy, which will be consistent with the goals as set out by the EU.
Latvia considers that the measures for climate change mitigation will be effective only when implemented globally, involving not only the economically developed countries, but also the developing countries, according to their capabilities.
EU Budget Review
In accordance with the conclusions of the European Council, the Commission has been invited to undertake a full, wide-ranging review covering all aspects of EU spending and resources, and to report by end 2009 at the latest. Debates on the EU budget review could start during the Czech presidency.
Latvia regards that it important to start a structured discussion on the EU budget review as soon as possible, in order to review long-term reforms instead of short-term financial measures that EC could initiate in 2009, and which could have an impact on the EU multiannual budget for the years 2007 – 2013.
Lisbon Strategy after 2010
The French presidency began discussions concerning the future of the Lisbon Strategy after 2010, thus encouraging the member states to agree on the common goals of the strategy and to define the priority areas.
Latvia would like to emphasise the importance of continuing discussions on the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy after 2010. It is well known that between 2005 to 2009 considerable resources and effort are beeing invested for the purpose of building a reliable and future Lisbon Strategy framework (e.g. a multilateral monitoring mechanism, open method of coordination and the governance of the Lisbon Strategy, EU member states' reporting mechanism, etc.).
It is extremely important that the discussions on the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy after 2010 should focus on achieving results, rather than allowing the strategy to become a bureaucratic reporting mechanism of the Commission.
Cohesion Policy
The Czech Presidency is planning to publish a report on Territorial Cohesion - a new element of Cohesion Policy. Answers of the member states to the questions raised in the Green Paper need to be handed in to the Commission by March 2009.
Latvia believes that the discussions remain crucial to the future of Cohesion Policy, as it will have a direct effect on the amount of financial assistance that Latvia will receive after 2013. Discussions on the future of Cohesion Policy will be closely related to the discussions on the Lisbon Strategy after 2010 and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. Latvia believes that the reduction of disparities between the levels of development of the various regions must remain the main objective of the EU Cohesion Policy. We are of the opinion that higher efficiency can be achieved by implementing a focused policy, which primarily concentrates on solving socio-economic problems in the least developed EU regions.
Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy
Regardless of the agreement reached during the French presidency on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) "health check", it is important to continue discussions on the CAP long term future during the Czech presidency (e.g. including discussions on CAP future goals, instruments and criteria for financial allocation.
Latvia considers that the issue on how to solve inequality of direct payments and revision of criteria for the financial distribution of direct payments should be maintained and resolved in further debates.
Long-term programme in Justice and Home Affairs
European Commission is going to publish a communication in May 2009 that will serve as the basis for a long-term programme in the sphere of justice and home affairs after the year 2010. The Swedish Presidency is planning to adopt the programme during its presidency in December 2009, at the European Council meeting.
Latvia considers that the next long-term programme in Justice and Home Affairs has to strengthen aspects of practical cooperation to implement all the political agreements concluded previously. The development of new legislation must be done gradually, and only if based on measures undertaken to date.