European Union

General : The negotiations on a free-trade deal with the US continue to attract attention, especially a clause detailing how to resolve disputes between foreign investors and countries. The international trade committee organised a meeting on 6 May to discuss the issue with Cecilia Malmström, the commissioner responsible for foreign trade. To find out what they discussed, read our summary on Storify.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/5dae2cd2-f4b0-11e4-8352-bc764e08d9b2_1.38_thumb_169_1431000334_1431000020_129_97shar_c1.jpg

Point de presse de Michel SAPIN, Ministre français des Finances et des Comptes publics, le 7 mai 2015.

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A draft law empowering shareholders to vote on directors’ remuneration, so as to ensure proper transparency and tie their pay more closely to their performance, was backed by Legal Affairs Committee MEPs on Thursday. Some large companies should also be required to disclose, country by country, information on tax rulings, taxes paid and public subsidies received, adds the committee.
Committee on Legal Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

A draft law empowering shareholders to vote on directors’ remuneration, so as to ensure proper transparency and tie their pay more closely to their performance, was backed by Legal Affairs Committee MEPs on Thursday. Some large companies should also be required to disclose, country by country, information on tax rulings, taxes paid and public subsidies received, adds the committee.
Committee on Legal Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

● Labour leader, Ed Miliband: if you are pro-EU what other choice is there?

If you are pro-EU, what other choice is there, really? Opinion piece by Jon Danzig Today, Britain votes on its next government in the most tightly-contested election in living memory.

Tomorrow, all citizens from the rest of Europe now living in the UK, and all citizens from Britain now living in the rest of Europe, can only hope for one outcome if they want to continue enjoying where they currently reside. 

Why?  Because unless Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour Party, is handed the keys to number 10 Downing Street, the traditional home of all UK Prime Ministers, the future of Britain in Europe; of Britons in Europe, and of Europeans in Britain, will be in doubt for at least a year or two, and maybe forever. 

Only the Labour Party has promised no referendum in the next five years (unless there are plans for a transfer of more powers to the EU – which is extremely unlikely in the course of the next Parliament).

Rightly in my opinion, Labour’s policy is that Britain should now be concentrating on re-building our economy, reducing our deficit, and strengthening our ties with Europe and our European allies. 

A referendum on whether the UK should stay in the EU will be an unnecessary distraction at a time when the country needs to keep its eyes on a more important prize: the well-being of ordinary, every-day citizens living in the UK.

The Conservative Party has promised an in-out EU referendum within the next two years if the party is elected to be the next government.   Although the party’s leader, David Cameron, says he wants the UK to stay a member, some Eurosceptics in the party state that most Conservative prospective MPs want the UK to leave the EU.  Furthermore, David Cameron’s proposals for EU reform would entail an EU treaty change requiring the agreement of all 28 EU members.  That would likely be impossible to achieve within two years, even if all the other 27 EU members agreed with Mr Cameron’s reform proposals (which they don’t).

If UKIP do well in the General Election and agree an alliance or coalition with the Conservatives to form a government, they have said they will demand as the price of co-operation a referendum before Christmas.  Such a hasty and premature referendum date would plunge the country and its economic progress into turmoil. 

The Lib-Dems, who like UKIP don’t have a chance to become the next government, swing both ways.  The party has said they are staunchly pro-EU, and they’d be happy to form a coalition with Labour (with a few red-lined caveats) and would willingly accept Labour’s stance of no referendum.  But the Lib-Dems are also happy to go to bed with the Tories – and although they’ve lipped their opposition to an EU referendum by 2017, this isn’t one of their red-lined pre-nuptial clauses.  As The Guardian commented yesterday, the Lib-Dem leader, Nick Clegg, may see an EU referendum “as the price he must pay to form a government.”

The SNP are also staunchly pro-Union – European, that is, rather than the Union of the United Kingdom.  Wanting to retain one union but undo another is not in the best interests of the UK or Europe.  Labour has ruled out a coalition or deal with the SNP, meaning that the more seats SNP gains, the less chance Labour has of forming a majority government and thereby preventing a possible fast-track exit from the EU.  In addition, the more seats won by the SNP, the more chance that the Eurosceptic Conservative party will win power.  The SNP cannot form a government for the entire UK.   The Labour party is the only pro-EU party that could form a government for all of Great Britain.

Only Labour offers Britain the chance to retain our membership of the European Union for the duration of the next Parliament, with a mission to concentrate our earnest efforts on building our economy as a member of the world’s biggest, richest economy (the EU), rather than throwing the country into two years of confusion and bickering on whether we should leave it, and with the greatest risk that we actually will. 

Furthermore, only Labour is likely to win concessions and reforms across the EU by working together with our EU allies, rather than threatening to turn our backs on them.

• If you are pro-EU and traditionally vote Labour, then your only choice is to vote Labour again.
  
• If you are pro-EU and traditionally a Conservative, then please, grit your teeth, vote Labour this time, in the interests of the country and our membership of the EU.
  
• If you are pro-EU and a Lib-Dem, unfortunately, your party hasn’t red-lined its opposition to an EU referendum; only a vote for Labour will ensure a safe distance from an EU exit.
  
• If you are pro-EU and an SNP supporter, please vote this time for a horizon wider than the highlands or lowlands: vote Labour to ensure our continued place in Europe.   

Only @UKLabour offers certainty on Europe. If you’re pro-EU, what other choice is there? Opinion piece: http://t.co/NLQyg2JZQG #GE2015

— Jon Danzig (@Jon_Danzig) May 7, 2015

Other articles by Jon Danzig:

• Russell Brand changes his mind on voting
  
• What Nigel Farage told British expats in Spain
• Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Farage?

The post Only Labour offers certainty on Europe appeared first on Ideas on Europe.

"Even though there is some truth in them, France is the victim of clichés", French Finance Minister Michel Sapin told Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee MEPs in an “economic dialogue” meeting at the European Parliament on Thursday morning. Despite what is often said and written, “France is reforming, but reforms require careful negotiation and have to be phased in gently so as to last and avoid social conflict", he added.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

"Even though there is some truth in them, France is the victim of clichés", French Finance Minister Michel Sapin told Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee MEPs in an “economic dialogue” meeting at the European Parliament on Thursday morning. Despite what is often said and written, “France is reforming, but reforms require careful negotiation and have to be phased in gently so as to last and avoid social conflict", he added.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

REPORT on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (based on the Annual Report from the Council to the European Parliament on the Common Foreign and Security Policy)
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Arnaud Danjean

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

REPORT on financing the Common Security and Defence Policy
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on Budgets
Eduard Kukan, Indrek Tarand

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

EU countries would have to enforce sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emission limits upon medium-sized combustion plants, such as electricity generators or heating systems for domestic, residential or industrial use, under draft plans approved by the Environment Committee on Wednesday. MEPs voted to adapt the scheme to match the plants’ thermal input, so as to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses.
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

EU countries would have to enforce sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emission limits upon medium-sized combustion plants, such as electricity generators or heating systems for domestic, residential or industrial use, under draft plans approved by the Environment Committee on Wednesday. MEPs voted to adapt the scheme to match the plants’ thermal input, so as to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses.
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

General : On 9 May 2015, the European Union celebrates Europe Day in its Member States and around the world. To mark the occasion, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission (HRVP) will open the EU Pavilion of EXPO Milan and exchange views with over 1 000 citizens to hear their ideas and views about the EU.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

General : On 9 May 2015, the European Union celebrates Europe Day in its Member States and around the world. To mark the occasion, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission (HRVP) will open the EU Pavilion of EXPO Milan and exchange views with over 1 000 citizens to hear their ideas and views about the EU.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

Last summer, at the height of the onslaught against Gaza, I recall a charged meeting with a group of young Muslim constituents whose sense of frustration and powerlessness led them to threaten arson and other forms of civil unrest if we, the elected representatives, did not act.

That experience clearly shows how problems in other parts of the world affect us all, making it essential that we take a pro-active global view on radicalisation.  The goal should be to build a more secure future for everyone, sharing resources, ideas and learning; meeting the threat of violence with dialogue; being brave enough to engage with the issues.

The terrorist attacks in Paris and Copenhagen this year have raised profound questions. Although most terrorist incidents in Europe are not jihadist and the majority of jihadist terrorists have criminal records or suffered from mental illness, there remains a central concern: why do violent extremist ideas hold any appeal for European youths and how do we respond?

“The answer to radicalisation is to encourage social inclusion and tolerance”

The dilemmas of how to deal with terrorism and jihadist radicalisation in Europe test our fundamental values. The answers that we, as European citizens and decision-makers, provide will come to define us.

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001, policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic compromised human rights and made rash, sometimes grotesque, declarations about who was “with us” or “against us”. We now understand, or at least should understand, that in order to defend our values we must stick by them. The answer to radicalisation is to encourage social inclusion and tolerance, greater civic engagement and democratic participation, and increased investment in education and jobs, particularly in marginalised communities. This robust and self-assured multiculturalism offers a vision of hope and opportunity able to tackle the root causes of radicalisation. Progressives in Europe must shape this debate to stem the rise of xenophobia, Islamophobia, and knee-jerk policy reactions that undermine human rights.

Three key areas need special attention. First, we must be sensitive in defining jihadism and radicalisation, to avoid painting identities and communities as monolithic. Second, education policies should emphasise inclusion and platforms must be provided for voices in Muslim communities that offer progressive and humanist narratives. Third, there must be engagement with the authorities, civil society and human rights activists from Muslim-majority countries where jihadist organisations operate.

Fortunately, these elements were all present to varying degrees in statements made by European institutions following the Paris attacks. Conclusions from the European Council and the Council of Ministers focused on promoting community dialogue and educational initiatives – the European Parliament’s Resolution on Anti-Terrorism Measures elaborates on these points at some length. Yet although there seems to be a conviction that inclusivity, democratic participation and dialogue must be promoted, more work is needed to ensure these ideas are implemented.

The European Union has always excelled at creating networks for exchanging best practice. The Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) was launched by the Commission in 2011 as a European platform to facilitate the work of “first line local practitioners”, combating radicalisation in communities. However, RAN is part of the EU’s counter-terrorism programme PREVENT, which has been criticised by some on the left for providing vague definitions of extremism, and inaccurate interpretations of Sharia law and jihad that tarnish peaceful devout Muslims. This has contributed to the lack of trust between authorities and certain Muslim communities.

“[...] extremism is not a Muslim problem, but can afflict any religious group.”

RAN must encourage civil society organisations to focus on empowering activists, scholars and community leaders who provide humanist visions of Islam, and engage in inter-faith dialogue and gender empowerment. In my region, that includes the Manchester Muslim Jewish Forum and the Christian Muslim Encounters research project at Lancaster University.

Community engagement must lead to meaningful democratic participation with local and national institutions, from getting citizens out to vote to encouraging greater public debate by young people. There should be more citizenship and political education programmes, such as those developed by Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) in the UK during the run up to last year’s European elections. At the same time, cases of people turning to violent jihadism after a history of mental illness show differentiated care and rehabilitation services should be made available.

It is also important to remember that extremism is not a Muslim problem, but can afflict any religious group. The continuation of the Ku Klux Klan is just one example, with its message of “hope and deliverance to white Christian America”.  The fundamentalism practised by the Iranian regime, Al Qaeda and Islamic State abhors the modern age, with its freedom for women and young people. In doing so, it creates fear and oppression, restricting civil society and the media, introducing cruel Medieval punishments.

Education is key to countering extremism. Although the EU’s competences in this field are limited, the Commission should issue Country Specific Recommendations on inclusion of marginalised communities, citizenship education and inter-faith dialogue. Higher education must be more accessible, particularly for marginalised groups. Vocational training and apprenticeship programmes may provide social and economic opportunities in marginalised communities.

“It is up to decision-makers and citizens to promote a progressive and inclusive Europe”

Cooperation and exchange with countries in the Middle East and North Africa region   are key EU policy goals. They should not only provide support for those countries’ fight against extremism, but also introduce more voices into the European debate. As the Commission reviews its European Neighbourhood Policy programmes, it must provide for civil society and academic exchanges between the EU and MENA countries to emphasise support for human rights, democracy, gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. This will bring about the gradual overhaul of patriarchal power structures that make fighting extremism all the more difficult. Exchanges between European and MENA academics and activists can greatly enrich the debate.

Faced with both jihadist extremism and rising Islamophobic nationalism, it is up to decision-makers and citizens to promote a progressive and inclusive Europe, strong in its diversity, tolerance and multiculturalism. By stimulating citizen participation, investing in inclusive education and promoting open exchange with our neighbours, we can challenge the politics of fear and offer instead a politics of compassion and understanding. We would all be wiser and safer for it.

 

IMAGE CREDITS: CC / FLICKR – Asim Bharwani

The post Promoting a social response to radicalisation appeared first on Europe’s World.

General : Undeclared work lead to countries missing out on taxes and social security contributions as well as to distortions in the labour market as it gives people who don't declare their services and goods an unfair advantage. Far from being a minor issue, undeclared work amounted to 18.4% of the EU's GDP in 2012. On 7 May the employment committee votes on a proposal to launch a new European organisation to help member states work together on it.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

General : Undeclared work lead to countries missing out on taxes and social security contributions as well as to distortions in the labour market as it gives people who don't declare their services and goods an unfair advantage. Far from being a minor issue, undeclared work amounted to 18.4% of the EU's GDP in 2012. On 7 May the employment committee votes on a proposal to launch a new European organisation to help member states work together on it.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP