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For candidate European commissioners, a few guiding principles can help them survive confirmation hearings at the European Parliament: know something about your policy area, don’t have a dodgy past, and say lots of nice things about MEPs.

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Selon ancien Secrétaire général exécutif du SEAE (Service européen pour l'action extérieure), Pierre Vimont, "construire des murs face aux flux de migrants va se révéler inefficace". En tout cas il ne propose aucune alternative...

Tag: Pierre VimontSEAEmigration

Plenary sessions : President Schulz opened the session by calling a minute’s silence for the victims of the severe earthquake in central Italy on 24 August, which killed almost 300 people, left over 3,000 homeless, damaged more than 70 villages, and in some cases destroyed whole communities.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Civil Liberties Committee MEPs will quiz UK candidate Commissioner for the Security Union Sir Julian King in Strasbourg on Monday evening to assess his candidature. Based on the committee’s recommendation, Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (EP President and political group leaders) will then decide whether to close the hearing procedure after which the full House can take a vote on Thursday.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Two friends have recently re-assured me that Britain will, in due course, end up remaining a full member of the European Union. Wishful thinking or prophecy?

After all, the referendum was not legally binding. Britain’s Parliament could ‘take back control’ and vote to Remain (a major plank of the Brexiteers’ argument was the restoration of parliamentary sovereignty). There could be a second referendum.

None of these proposals is politically feasible. And yet in politics – as in conflict resolution – ‘winner takes all’ is a bad approach. More than 48% of the electorate will effectively be disenfranchised.

This may explain why newly-appointed British Prime Minister Theresa May, keen to steer a middle course, summed up a 1 September meeting of the government with a sibylline statement that the UK would seek “controls on the numbers of people who come to Britain from Europe” but also “a positive outcome for those who wish to trade goods and services”.

These careful words may provoke confusion among the substantial number of British people who believe that their country has actually already left the European Union. They may also prompt anger among hardliners who want out now – even questioning the need for further negotiations with the ‘Europeans’.

“The French and German electoral timetables will not promote generosity towards Britain”

But disentanglement needs talks. The leaders of the ‘27’ will meet in Bratislava on Friday, and will start to sketch out their position in the absence of the UK. Institutional negotiating teams are in place. Europe is almost ready to hit the stage.

Britain, meanwhile, is still in the dressing room. May’s words – along with her enigmatic phrase ‘Brexit means Brexit’ – underscore the absence of any real idea about whether Britain adopts a Norwegian, Swiss or other model for relations with the EU.

Little clarity came in the first major speech by the ‘Brexit Secretary’, David Davis, on 5 September. He abused Parliament’s patience with a statement that was devoid of substance. Brexit, said Davis, “is about seizing the huge and exiting opportunities that will flow from a new place for Britain in the world. There will be new freedoms, new opportunities, new horizons for this great country”. But rhetoric is a poor substitute for policy.

Others are less vague. A group of analysts at economics think-tank Bruegel have come up with a paper entitled Europe after Brexit: a proposal for a new Continental Partnership. They seek to define what a two-speed or ‘concentric circles’ Europe could look like. The paper outlines the hypothesis of a “deeply integrated market” – in other words, you can’t have the benefits of the single market without its obligations and rules. The hard core of the EU will determine those rules, and the others will have to fall in line.

The paper suggests a likely policy for the 27. British policy – if there is one – appears to be to clarify, through informal talks, the negotiation issues before formally launching the Article 50 process. But this will not work, for several reasons.

“For those countries that may become part of an EU ‘hard-core’, the road towards a two-speed Europe will become increasingly attractive”

First, the French and German electoral timetables (and the political risks in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands) will not promote generosity towards Britain. The two major “continental” players face gruelling electoral contests over the coming year, leaving little spare time or energy to devote to Brexit. Only now does the inward-looking British establishment seem to be waking up to this rather obvious reality.

Second, continental leaders will be forgiven for doubting, on present performance, whether the present regime in London has much staying power.

Third, for those countries that may become part of an EU ‘hard-core’, the road towards a two-speed Europe will become increasingly attractive, despite the difficulties of implementation (especially when it comes to the eurozone). What time and energy France and Germany have for European affairs is likely to be devoted to the broader issue of where the EU goes next – a debate that will begin in Bratislava. Britain’s narrow Brexit bid will find itself cast to the margins of a wider European debate and receive appropriate attention.

Fourth, if the British wish to remain in the single market they will still face its obligations – the free movement of people; competition and state aid policy, regarded elsewhere as essential for the proper functioning of the single market; contributions to the EU budget. And they will not be allowed simply to walk away from obligations in foreign policy, security and even defence.

Divorce is always a messy business with unforeseen consequences. This one could be very messy – making some still wonder whether it will happen at all.

IMAGE CREDIT: melis/Bigstock.com

The post Britain leaves the stage – and it can no longer expect the limelight appeared first on Europe’s World.

On 12 September 2016, the Council adopted its position on the draft EU budget for 2017. The Council's main objective is to ensure that the limited  financial resources available are directed towards the EU's top priorities. These are measures to address the migration crisis and its root causes, and actions to boost Europe's economy and create jobs. Overall the Council's aim is to secure a sustainable and effective budget at a time of continuing budgetary constraint.

"I believe that the Council's position reflects a balanced approach that makes the most effective use of the EU budget under the current circumstances and constraints. It targets the available financial resources on our current priorities, provides  enough financial leeway to react to unforeseen needs and avoids unnecessary burdens on member states' national budgets by striving to match the budget  to actual needs. I am confident that together with the European Parliament we can work towards securing a sustainable budget", said Vazil Hudák, chief negotiator for the EU budget of the Slovak Presidency of the Council.

Top priorities

The Council accepted all the figures put forward by the Commission for tackling the migration crisis. Heading 3 (security and citizenship) therefore benefits from an increase of 4.9% in commitments and 24.4% in payments compared to 2016. The Council also approved the figures proposed by the Commission within heading 4 (global Europe) for migration-related measures, such as the fight against the root causes of migration. The Council also agreed to the figures for humanitarian aid.

To help boost economic growth  and create new jobs the Council approved an increase in the  resources available under sub-heading 1a (competitiveness for growth and jobs) by almost 9% in both commitments and payments compared to 2016. This covers  instruments such as the European fund for strategic investments, the EU programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and Erasmus +.

Cautious reductions

Aside from these top priorities the Council identified a number of areas where it reduced the increases proposed by the Commission. This is particularly the case for budget lines where, on the basis of a technical analysis, the Council concluded that the Commission has over-estimated the actual needs. However those programmes which are performing well or starting to deliver are generally protected.

The Council also  scrutinized very carefully all administrative expenditure. It called on the other EU institutions to make every effort to reduce their staff by 5% by 2017 as  agreed in 2013.

A summary of the Council's position is set out in the table below:

 Description122/1Budget 2016
(AB No 1 to 2/2016 incl.)Council position on DB 2017Difference
(%)c/ap/ac/ap/ac/ap/a1Smart and inclusive growth69.866.374.356.1+6,36%-15,31%1.aCompetitiveness for growth and jobs19.017.420.719.0+8,95%+8,89%1.bEconomic, social and territorial cohesion50.848.853.637.1+5,39%-23,94%2Sustainable growth: natural resources62.555.158.755.0-6,02%-0,15%3Security and citizenship4.13.04.23.8+4,84%+24,42%4Global Europe9.210.29.39.2+1,74%-9,22%5Administration8.98.99.39.3+3,67%+3,70%MFF headings154.5143.5155.8133.4+0,88%-7,04%Emergency aid reserve0.30.30.30.3+1,94%+1,94%European globalisation adjustment fund0.20.030.20.03+2,00%-16,67%European Union solidarity fund0.050.050.050.05+0,00%+0,00%Special instruments0.50.40.50.4+1,78%+0,26%Total appropriations155.0143.9156.4133.8+0,89%-7,02%

in billion €; c/a: commitments, p/a: payments, AB: amending budget, DB: draft budget

Next steps

If the European Parliament adopts amendments to the Council's position by 27 October, a three-week conciliation period will start on 28 October 2016. The aim of this conciliation process is to reach a joint position of both institutions on the budget. This should happen by 17 November 2016 at the latest.

OPINION on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2017
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Neena Gill

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

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On 12 September 2016, an informal Foreign Affairs Council (Development) takes place in Brussels. The Council discusses security and development cooperation, migration and the EU global strategy. 

Download this video here.

European Council meeting will take place on 20-21 October 2016 in Justus Lipsius building in Brussels. 

 Application deadline: 5 October, 12.00 (noon)
Procedure

• If this is your first registration, please make sure you have a recent ID-size photograph in JPEG format (.jpg) and the number of your passport or identity card ready before starting the online process.
• You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt by email. Please read it carefully as it includes the list of original documents you will be asked to provide when collecting your badge. Depending on your profile, the requested document will include: Passport or ID card, press card and/or a letter from your editor-in chief as well as the signed original of your authorisation for security screening (only for media representatives of Belgian nationality or resident in Belgium). The press centre may contact you to request additional information if necessary. No accreditation badge will be issued if you cannot provide all required documents.
• Under certain conditions it is possible to organise a group registration/collection of badges for journalists working for the same media. Select group registration at the beginning of the accreditation process and follow the instructions.
• Trainees with media organisations who do not possess a press card are not entitled to request accreditation

Journalists holding a 6-month badge (30.06.2016 - 31.12.2016) do not need to register

6-month badges can be collected at the accreditation centre of the LEX building during summits. Please ensure that you have all the required documents when collecting your badge.

Collection of badges

Accreditation badges must be collected in person from the LEX building (145 rue de la Loi, Brussels)  

• Wednesday 19 October - 9.30 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 18.00
• Thursday 20 October - 8.30 - 20.00 
• Friday 21 October , from 08.00 to the end of the final press conference (latest 22.00) 

Practical information on the press centre and the media programme will follow.

For more details on the European Council meeting, see the meeting page.

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In October 2012, the European Commission published a Feasibility Study  for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between the European Union and Kosovo. Soon after, the two parties started negotiating the agreement.

Download this video here.

The HK416 assault rifle of the German company Heckler & Koch was chosen by the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) to replace the FAMAS, as part of the call for tenders for the individual weapon of the future (AIF). The five manufacturers who submitted bids (Heckler & Koch, FN Herstal, Beretta, Sig Sauer and HS Produkt) were recently informed of this choice by François Cojan, head of the purchasing department at DGA says indeed the newspaper, which specifies that the decision was taken after a final series of tests conducted this summer. Normally, the market, which is the delivery of 90,000 assault rifles, will be officially notified by the end of this year. The value of the 10-year contract is estimated to be around €300 million.

The choice of the HK416 is not very surprising since this assault rifle is already used by the French military, especially by the Special Forces and Air Force, the latter having already selected in 2009 to replace the FAMAS. However, and while many politicians from right and left, have recently discovered that the arms factory of Saint-Etienne did not exist, we could think that the contract of AIF would benefit a company installed France, which would have been charged to maintain.

However, this was only possible with at least two bidders: Beretta, which has entrusted this task to the company Humbert, located in the Loire, and FN Herstal, who had accepted a partnership in this direction with Nexter Mechanics, whose workshops from Tulle are understaffed activity.

The FAMAS (French: Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne) designated in the French army as an "assault rifle 5.56mm model F1 MAS" is a French assault rifle 5.56 × 45mm NATO caliber bullpup type originally manufactured the arms factory of Saint Etienne. Ordered and commissioned in the 1970s by the French army, the FAMAS responded to the desire of a powerful tactical weapon, small footprint and that is also easy to use and maintain. Replacing the MAS 1949-1956 FSA rifle caliber 7.5 mm and the submachine gun MAT 49 caliber 9 × 19mm Parabellum, the FAMAS suppressed and the old organization pair.

Le fusil d’assaut HK416 de la firme allemande Heckler & Koch aurait été choisi par la Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) pour remplacer le FAMAS, dans le cadre de l’appel d’offres portant sur l’arme individuelle du future (AIF). Les cinq industriels ayant remis des offres (Heckler&Koch, FN Herstal, Beretta, Sig Sauer et HS Produkt) ont été récemment avertis de ce choix par François Cojan, le chef du service des achats à la DGA, affirme en effet le journal, qui précise que la décision a été prise à l’issue d’une ultime campagne d’essais réalisée cet été. Normalement, le marché, qui porte sur la livraison de 90.000 fusils d’assaut, sera officiellement notifié à la fin de cette année.

Le choix du HK416 n’est pas très surprenant dans la mesure où ce fusil d’assaut est déjà utilisé par les militaires français, en particulier ceux des forces spéciales et de l’armée de l’Air, cette dernière l’ayant déjà sélectionné en 2009 pour remplacer le FAMAS. En revanche, et alors que plusieurs responsables politiques, de droite comme de gauche, ont découvert récemment que la Manufacture d’armes de Saint-Étienne n’existait plus, l’on pouvait penser que le contrat des AIF allait profiter à une entreprise installée en France, laquelle aurait été chargée d’en assurer la maintenance.

Or, cela n’était possible qu’avec au moins deux soumissionnaires : Beretta, qui aurait confié ce soin à l’entreprise Humbert, implantée dans la Loire, et FN Herstal, qui avait accepté un partenariat allant dans ce sens avec Nexter Mechanics, dont les ateliers de Tulle sont en sous-activité.

Le FAMAS (Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne) désigné au sein de l’armée française en tant que « fusil d'assaut de 5,56 mm modèle F1 MAS », est un fusil d'assaut français de calibre 5,56 × 45 mm Otan de type bullpup, initialement fabriqué par la Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne. Commandé et mis en service dans les années 1970 par l'armée française, le FAMAS répondait au désir d'une arme tactique puissante, d'encombrement réduit et qui soit également facile à utiliser et à entretenir. Remplaçant le fusil FSA MAS 1949-56 en calibre 7,5 mm et le pistolet mitrailleur MAT 49 en calibre 9 × 19 mm Parabellum, le FAMAS supprimait ainsi l'ancienne organisation binôme.

Tag: Heckler & KochFAMAS

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The Informal Meeting of Economic and Financial Affairs Ministers takes place on 9 and 10 September 2016 in Bratislava.

Download this video here.

Monday 12 September 2016
Valletta
11.45 Meeting with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat
Madrid
16.30 Meeting with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy

Tuesday 13 September
Warsaw
09.00 Meeting with Prime Minister Beata Szydło
Budapest
15.35 Meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán

Wednesday 14 September 2016
Phone calls with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka

Thursday 15 September 2016
Bratislava
19.00 Dinner with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Parliament President Martin Schulz

Friday 16 September 2016
Bratislava
Informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government
09.30 Joint welcome with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of the heads of state or government
10.00 First working session
12.45 Family photo
13.00 Informal lunch
16.00 Second working session
18.30 Press conference

Good afternoon. I am happy to be back again in Stockholm. And thank you Stefan for your warm hospitality.

My visit to Stockholm this time is prompted by the result of the UK referendum. Our meeting in Bratislava next week will mark the beginning of the reflection process and I am currently consulting the 27 on their ideas and expectations.

In short, to me the aim of the Bratislava summit is to bring back the political control of our common future. We need to come up with a diagnosis of the Union's current shortcomings. And more importantly, the Union and its Member States must demonstrate our strong determination and ability to address the major concerns and worries of its citizens. Based on my consultations so far, I have no doubt that the three main challenges are uncontrolled irregular migration, terrorism, and the fears of globalisation. These three challenges are not unique for Europe but they are essential for understanding the increasing lack of trust in the European Union. My ambition is that in Bratislava we can agree on the main priorities and what we need to do about them in the next few months.

For me it is clear that our first priority must be to secure our external borders. This is also a necessary precondition for a common European asylum policy. In Bratislava I would like to see a critical number of Member States sending border guards and equipment to help Bulgaria protect its border with Turkey. This would be a concrete example of support to an EU country that is seeing more migrants trying to cross illegally into the EU. And it would be an important signal that we are serious and will not hesitate to act if and when needed. Never again can we allow our borders to be overrun by waves of irregular migrants as in 2015.

Fighting the threat of terrorism in Europe and elsewhere is another priority, and where there is no alternative to greater European cooperation and coordination. In Bratislava I want us to pledge that all persons, including EU citizens, that cross the Union's external borders are checked against the relevant databases. It is a question of our security.

In a wider sense we also need to bring back control of globalisation to make sure that it is an opportunity and not a threat. We need to find a way to safeguard the interests of our citizens while remaining open to the world.

This is how I see the situation and how I suggest solving some of our collective problems. I look forward to discussing this with you, Stefan. Thank you.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

I would like to thank Prime Minister Rõivas for his warm welcome and for taking time during what I know is an intense political season in Estonia.

I have travelled to Tallinn today to consult with the Prime Minister ahead of our summit of 27 leaders in Bratislava next week. We will be meeting to talk about what the European Union could and should look like after Brexit.

I know, that here, in Estonia the prospect of the UK leaving the Union is a shock, as the UK has been a great ally in questions you care about, such as free trade and the digital agenda, not to mention security policy. I am aware of questions that have arisen here because the UK will take the lead in deploying troops in Estonia as part of NATO's  reassurance measures. I talked yesterday with Prime Minister Theresa May and I can assure you that she shares our determination to keep the best and closest possible relations between the EU and the U.K.

The meeting in Bratislava, however, is not about Brexit per se but about how we organise the EU in the future. And this is exactly what I discussed today with Prime Minister Rõivas: It was important for me to hear your thoughts, Taavi, on how the EU could best respond to the concerns that so many Europeans have today: about irregular migration, the effects of globalisation, the slow recovery from the economic crisis, and the fear of terrorism, which has touched Estonia recently in a very direct way in Nice.

We need to show that we are aware, determined and capable of handling the biggest concerns. This is also why I will appeal to all 27 leaders next week in Bratislava to send concrete, operational support to Bulgaria to protect its border with Turkey, in the form of border guards and equipment.

To conclude, I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the Estonian government for having agreed to take on the task of the EU Presidency 6 months earlier than you had planned for. I am absolutely convinced that you will not only manage but will excel at it. The second half of 2017, when you will lead the work of the Council of the European Union, promises to be an intense and critical time for the EU. I can think of no one else I would rather have in my corner at that time. Thank you.

The European Central Bank has decided to leave the benchmark interest rate at zero percent, but contrary to expectations it is not extending its bond-buying programme for the time being. Some commentators criticise the bank's quantitative easing programme, pointing to the negative impact on savers. Others praise the ECB for curbing the banks' greed and pushing states to introduce reforms.