In Focusarchived In Focus
Agenda
- 21/12/2007 – Participation in the ceremony of the widening of the Schengen area on the Czech-German border
- 22/12/2007 – Participation in the ceremony of the widening of the Schengen area on the Austrian-Slovak, Hungarian-Slovak & on the Italian-Slovenian borders
- 08/01/2008 – Join meeting of the Slovenian Presidency & the European Commission, Brdo
- 08/01/2008 – Participation in the official launch of the European year of intercultural dialogue, Ljubljana
- 10/01/2008 – Meeting with First Minister of Northern Ireland Ian Paisley
- 10/01/2008 – Meeting with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness
- 10/01/2008 – Meeting with Chairman of the Democratic Union of Catalonia Josep Antoni Duran i Lleida
- 11/01/2008 – Lectio magistralis at the European College of Parma Foundation, Italy
Latest news
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Twin-track approach in action
18/12/2007In a debate at the European parliament, president Barroso backed the "twin track" approach, considering it the best way to move Europe forward. He also underlined the effective cooperation between the three core institutions and expressed his satisfaction at the latest Eurobarometer figures showing that overall support for the EU is higher than at any other time over the past decade. He concluded: "We are winning the trust of European citizens – now we must show that we deserve it".
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EU-Gulf partnerships
18/12/2007In a speech given at the Kuwait global forum, in Brussels, president Barroso proposed to build a new, more strategic relationship between the EU and the the Gulf which would better exploit the major untapped potential for cooperation between the two regions.
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Start of the Lisbon treaty ratification process
18/12/2007President Barroso congratulated Hungary on being the first country to approve the treaty of Lisbon. He underlined the vote of the Hungarian parliament as an important first step which brings the concrete benefits of the new treaty into effect. He also found it particularly symbolic that the first country to approve the treaty is one that joined the European Union in 2004.
- Read the full statement [11 kb]
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Signing ceremony for the Lisbon treaty
13/12/2007"After six long years of negotiations, we can leave institutional matters aside and put all our political energy into serving the public" said president Barroso in Lisbon where the signing ceremony took place. He called on member countries to honour their commitments and do all in their power to ratify the treaty as soon as possible so it may enter into force by 1 January 2009.
- Read the full press release
- Read the full speech
- Statement by José Manuel Barroso [1’19"]
- Extracts from the speeches [4’52"]
- Treaty of Lisbon website
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Proclamation of fundamental rights charter reinforces European project
12/12/2007The presidents of the commission, European parliament, and the council have signed and solemnly proclaimed the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union in Strasbourg, thus opening the way for the signing of the treaty of Lisbon tomorrow. "Proclaiming the charter in Strasbourg has great significance because it shows that in the EU we have to fully respect fundamental rights" said commission president Barroso.
- Read the full press release
- Read the full speech
- Statement by José Manuel Barroso [1’09"]
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New commitment takes immediate effect
09/12/2007President Barroso welcomed the signing of an ambitious partnership with a budget of €8bn between the European commission and 31 Sub-Saharan African states under the 10th European development fund. "These cooperation programmes are the best illustration of our willingness to move from a policy for Africa to a policy with Africa." The documents drafted together with the 31 African partner countries define a supporting strategy and priority actions to be undertaken in the 2008-2013 period.
- Read the full speech
- Read the full press release
- More information
- Watch the video [5’24"]
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A Union of results through cultural diversity
06/12/2007President Barroso gave a keynote speech at the conference on creative rights and cultural diversity held in the musical instruments museum in Brussels. The conference focused on the ongoing review of the licensing of creators’ rights and the adaptation of European models for rights clearance in a digital future. UK singer-songwriter Robin Gibb from The Bee Gees band and Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, member of the European parliament until 1999, attended the meeting as well as top-representatives of the industries and current members of the European parliament.
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Charity is fine, cooperation and political dialogue are better
06/12/2007Before leaving for Lisbon for the EU-Africa summit, president Barroso commented on the summit as a new phase in relations between the two continents. "Africa must be a priority in our external relations. I hope that we all, political leaders, civil society, the media -from the two continents- will be ready and open enough to break stereotypes and acknowledge the importance of this shift in our relations."
- Read the speaking points [21 kb]
- Extracts from the press conference [4’06"]
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Sovereign wealth funds debate
05/12/2007President Barroso concluded that there are good reasons for a common approach from the EU regarding sovereign wealth funds, both inside the EU and internationally. The need to avoid all forms of protectionism was emphasised in the debate. "At this stage, the commission does not favour legislative action, but it considers that some ground rules or guidelines on governance and transparency could be useful" he said. The commission will set out a detailed position on this issue in the first half of 2008.
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Polish PM Donald Tusk vists Commission
04/12/2007President Barroso hosted Donald Tusk for the first time at the European commission on 4 December. He took the opportunity to congratulate Mr Tusk on his appointment and to welcome his clear commitment to stronger relations with the EU. He said also he wanted to maintain the trust, or zaufanie in Polish, with the Polish people. Mr Tusk appreciated the use of the word zaufanie to describe Euro-Polish relations and said he would defend the interests of Poland in the spirit of European solidarity.
- Read the speaking points [11 kb]
- Extracts from the press conference [4’02"]
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Christmas without borders
22/12/2007For the second day of festivities to celebrate the enlargement of the Schengen area to embrace Estonia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, the president visited the port of Talinn in Estonia at Berg, at the border between Slovakia and Austria. He concluded his voyage within the borders of the country which is to hold the next Council presidency, i.e. Slovenia, which borders Italy at Rabuiese and Skofije.
- Read the president’s article [98 kb]
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Free movement for 400 million European citizens
21/12/2007"From today, citizens will be able to travel unencumbered in the 24 Schengen area countries, from Portugal to Poland and Greece to Finland, without going through internal land and sea border checks", were the words of José Manuel Barroso before he went, along with several European dignitaries to the common border between Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, which was the first part of a whistlestop 2-day tour around the repealed borders.
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Visit to Estonia
20/12/2007"Estonia and the other Baltic states are true symbols of freedom and European commitment" said president Barroso during his first visit to Estonia where he met Estonian prime minister Andrus Ansip, Estonian president Toomas Ilves and some prominent members of the national parliament. Estonian membership is a European success story. The country is one of the most advanced digital economies in the EU and Estonians trust the EU more than the average European citizen.
- Watch the video [3’30"]
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Commission proposal to limit CO2 emissions from cars
19/12/2007The college of commissioners chaired by president Barroso has put forward legislation to reduce average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars to 120 grams per kilometre by 2012. The proposed legislation is the cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to improve the fuel economy of cars, which account for about 12% of the EU’s carbon emissions. "This proposal demonstrates that the EU is committed to being a world leader in cutting CO2 emissions and the development of a low carbon economy. At the same time, we are committed to promote the competitiveness of our industry and its global technological leadership," said Mr Barroso.
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A European consensus on humanitarian aid: working together to help people in need
18/12/2007The presidents of the European commission, European parliament and council of the European Union today signed a ‘European consensus on humanitarian aid’ on behalf of the 27 EU member states. "The EU is the world’s biggest aid donor but we can do it better by working increasingly closer together. Common objectives, shared principles and better coordination can strengthen our capacity to help people in need" said president Barroso.
- More information
- Watch the video [1’43"]
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There is only one Earth
15/12/2007The European Union welcomed the agreement reached at the UN climate change conference in Bali to start formal negotiations on a post-2012 climate regime and on a ‘Bali Roadmap’ that sets out an agenda for these negotiations. "We have worked hard to achieve this result" said president Barroso. "It is a very important step forward. Europe is determined to do all in its power to move forward in the future." President Barroso urged all partners to take these commitments seriously and to act swiftly.
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A new dawn breaks over the skies of Europe
14/12/2007"2007 will remain in hearts and minds as a year which was decisive for Europe", were the words of president Barroso at the final press conference of the European council. He warmly congratulated the work carried out under the Portuguese presidency, which dovetailed with the German presidency. He recalled the council’s conclusions, at one and the same time evoking the declaration on globalisation and the discussions on migration. He underlined the fact that "isolated action is not the way forward to any of these challenges". To conclude, he welcomed the enormous step forward represented in the enlargement of the Schengen area which will take place on 21 December, "which citizens will be able to benefit from in their daily lives".
- Statement by José Manuel Barroso [1’58"]
- Extracts from the press conference [4’01"]
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Signing ceremony for the Lisbon treaty
13/12/2007"After six long years of negotiations, we can leave institutional matters aside and put all our political energy into serving the public" said president Barroso in Lisbon where the signing ceremony took place. He called on member countries to honour their commitments and do all in their power to ratify the treaty as soon as possible so it may enter into force by 1 January 2009.
- Read the full press release
- Read the full speech
- Statement by José Manuel Barroso [1’19"]
- Extracts from the speeches [4’52"]
- Treaty of Lisbon website
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Proclamation of fundamental rights charter reinforces European project
12/12/2007The presidents of the commission, European parliament, and the council have signed and solemnly proclaimed the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union in Strasbourg, thus opening the way for the signing of the treaty of Lisbon tomorrow. "Proclaiming the charter in Strasbourg has great significance because it shows that in the EU we have to fully respect fundamental rights" said commission president Barroso.
- Read the full press release
- Read the full speech
- Statement by José Manuel Barroso [1’09"]
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Significant results for first Lisbon programme (2005-2008)
11/12/2007Three years after it was relaunched in 2005, the Lisbon growth and jobs strategy is working, but the EU must reform further to succeed in a globalised age says key commission report, presented today by President Barroso in Strasbourg. "The Lisbon Strategy is helping position Europe and European citizens to succeed in the age of globalisation. It has given Europe a common, pragmatic economic agenda, fully respecting national differences. But complacency would be fatal to Europe’s prospects of shaping globalisation."
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Interview on the Romanian edition of Radio France International
17/12/2007Speaking on Bulgaria and Romania, commission president Barroso reflects on their first year as members of the European Union during an interview on the Romanian edition of Radio France International. He declares the enlargement a success and explains why it has been positive for the new member states and the EU as a whole. In addition, he also answers questions on migration, Kosovo and the ratification of the treaty of Lisbon.
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Interview with EuroNews
11/12/2007Commission president Barroso speaks to EuroNews on the latest European developments – from the EU’s new treaty described by Barroso as "no great revolution but significant progress compared to today" to foreign affairs in connection with Africa in general and Kosovo in particular.
- Watch the interview [6’58"]
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Bali to target ‘absolute reduction of emissions’
23/11/2007In an interview granted to European media Brussels correspondents, president Barroso spoke about the upcoming conference on global warming in Bali on 3-14 December. Mr Barroso outlined the goals he would like to see reached at the Bali conference: a general agreement that global warming should be reduced by 2˚C compared to the pre-industrial era; a commitment from developed countries to an ‘absolute reduction of emissions’, and new and fair targets for developing countries.
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Euro strength reflects faith in economy
23/11/2007On the eve of the Asian summits, president Barroso granted an interview to the Spanish daily newspaper, Cinco Días. This interview gave him the opportunity to defend the commission’s stand on trade, energy, sovereign wealth funds, the euro and ECB independence, and on the increase in power of China and India.
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EU adapts market instruments
22/11/2007In an interview with an international group of journalists, president Barroso answered questions about the EU’s trade relations with India and China. He stressed that the EU wanted to maintain a level playing field for competition and that this should not be confused with protectionism. Questioned on the ratification procedure for the treaty of Lisbon, Mr Barroso said every member state had the right to decide if it wanted to hold a referendum or not.
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Interview with the Swedish broadcasting corporation
17/11/2007President Barroso gives his views on a number of issues – from the upcoming EU-Africa summit to Turkey and EU enlargement – in an interview with the Swedish broadcasting corporation on 17 November.
- Listen to the interview [28’12"]
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President Barroso interviewed on Catalan TV
16/11/2007Commission president Barroso comments on the most important European developments during a live interview on the "Els Matins" programme on the Catalan public channel, TV3. The Lisbon treaty, foreign affairs, trade and energy were among the topics addressed, as well as the "international Conde de Barcelona award" received by president Barroso in Barcelona from the Spanish King, Juan Carlos I.
- On the Count of Barcelona International Award [33"]
- On the competencies of European regions [4’23"]
- On the possibility of Catalan getting EU status [2’03"]
- On the Lisbon Treaty [2’46"]
- On the Euro-Mediterranean partnership [2’21"]
- On immigration [3’57"]
- On the situation in Iran and the proliferation of nuclear weapons [1’22"]
- On the situation in Venezuela [4’29"]
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Barroso responds to Italian-Romanian plea over migrants
11/11/2007In an interview for one of the most important Italian newspapers, La Repubblica, José Manuel Barroso commented on a joint letter sent by Italy’s PM Romano Prodi and Romania’s Calin Tariceanu which called for clearer EU rules on inclusion and on the deportation of EU nationals. Mr Barroso welcomed the easing of tensions between Italy and Romania, since an Italian woman was raped and murdered by a Romanian. Mr Barroso highlighted that the means to tackle the shortcomings of migration, both in terms of finance and legislation, are already in place in the EU. But, so far, Italy has not resorted to these means.
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Interview with Newsweek in Poland
08/11/2007During his visit to Warsaw on 8 November, president Barroso took time out to meet and chat to the Newsweek team. When questioned about EU-Polish relations and the new government, Mr Barroso replied: "We have had constructive cooperation with all the Polish governments […] I am not concerned about Poland’s position in the EU and to say that is not just courtesy on my part."
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Dimensions of an empire
17/10/2007In an interview with the German Newspaper Die Welt, president Barroso expressed his belief in a consensus over the reform treaty and reaffirmed the EU’s role as a global player. Quoting the German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, he said the EU had the dimensions, but not the structure of an empire. "The EU is the greatest construction in history" Mr Barroso said.
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Reform treaty adopted
19/10/2007Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his delight at the agreement concluded among the EU’s 27 member countries. "Through this reform treaty, Europe is better equipped to assume its role in the world and to resolve issues involving the economy and Europe’s citizens". Mr Barroso also made special mention of the progress achieved by the German and Portuguese presidencies, the quality of their work and the determination that went into reaching this historic agreement.
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The European interest: succeeding in the age of globalisation
03/10/2007The EU’s raison d’être for the 21st century is crystal clear: to equip Europe for a globalised world. "We need a confident, open, reforming Europe, actively promoting the European interest. European leaders now need to maintain the vision and redouble their ambition," said the commission president. The discussion paper adopted today by the college for the Lisbon informal summit (18-19/10) makes clear that the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs is at the heart of Europe’s response to globalisation.
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Commission welcomes IGC on Reform Treaty
10/07/2007"The challenge for Europe lies, and always should lie, in implementing effective policies that live up to the expectations of its citizens. The Reform Treaty is necessary and really has the power to change people’s lives," said the Commission President, after an opinion was formally adopted unanimously by the College.
- Read the full speech [24 kb]
- Extracts from the press conference [3’05"]
- Statements by President Barroso and Vice President Wallström [1’35"]
- More information
- Intergovernmental Conference – procedural aspects
- FAQ on the IGC mandate for a Reform Treaty
- IGC: Commision’s opinion [68 kb]
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Berlin Declaration
25/03/2007The special informal meeting in Berlin of EU heads of state and government has concluded in a declaration which takes stock of the EU’s main achievements. It highlights the values that have served European citizens so well, discusses current and future challenges, and sets out how much the EU has to offer in the years ahead.
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Rome Youth Declaration
25/03/2007Held in parallel with the summit of heads of state and government, the European Youth Summit in Rome was attended by President Barroso, Ján Figel’ and Margot Wallström. Following the example of the Berlin summit, this meeting also produced a declaration that reiterated young people’s commitment to the European ideal. It put forward concrete proposals and gave support to articles I, II and IV of the constitutional treaty undergoing ratification in the 27 Member States.
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Commission launches fundamental review of the Single Market
21/02/2007In its Communication of 10 May 2006 on “A citizen’s agenda: delivering results for Europe”, the Commission proposed to launch a fundamental review of the single market. The report adopted sets out a vision for the single market of the 21st century. It highlights the achievements of the single market to date and the need to adapt it in order to deliver further concrete results for the benefits of citizens and businesses, and to reinforce its contribution to economic growth and social cohesion in an era of globalisation. The report will be followed by a full review of the single market and proposals for further action in the autumn of 2007.
- Read the full document [62 kb]
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A Competitive Automotive Regulatory Framework for the 21st Century
07/02/2007This Communication outlines the future direction of Europe’s automotive policy. In keeping with the desire for better regulation, it aims to promote coherent interaction between the different policy areas, provide predictability and seek to protect public interests (e.g. environment and safety) while attempting to reduce the regulatory burden on industry.
- Read the full document [95 kb]
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A package of measures to establish a new Energy Policy for Europe
10/01/2007"The proposals put forward by the EC today demonstrate our commitment to leadership and a long-term vision for a new Energy Policy for Europe that responds to climate change" said President Barroso. "We must act now, to shape tomorrow’s world".
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"A year of delivery" – 2006 Progress Report on Growth and Jobs
12/12/2006The re-launched growth and jobs strategy is the flagship policy of the Barroso Commission – and it is working. The reform process is bearing fruit. The current economic upturn now provides a unique window of opportunity to quicken the pace of reform. It is an opportunity that must not be missed. Those are the main messages of the Commission’s key annual report on the progress of economic reform across Europe.
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Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy
04/12/2006The premise of the European Neighbourhood Policy is that the EU has a vital interest in seeing greater economic development and stability and better governance in its neighbourhood. The responsibility for this lies primarily with the countries themselves, but the EU can substantially encourage and support their reform efforts.
- Read the full document [161 kb]
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Visit by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, to the EC
05/07/2007Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, met José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, and Louis Michel, Member of the EC in charge of Development and Humanitarian Aid, Andris Piebalgs, Member of the EC in charge of Energy, Stavros Dimas, Member of the EC in charge of Environment, Mariann Fischer Boel, Member of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development and Peter Mandelson, Member of the EC in charge of Trade. Discussions focussed on global issues including climate change, energy and poverty.
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International Conference on Biofuels
05/07/2007Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, José Sócrates, Portuguese Prime Minister, José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, Andris Piebalgs, Member of the EC in charge of Energy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Member of the EC in charge of External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy and Peter Mandelson Member of the EC in charge of Trade participated in the International Conference on Biofuels.
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Visit by a delegation from the European Humanist Federation, to the EC
05/07/2007José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, received a delegation from the European Humanist Federation (EHF), represented by David Pollock, President of the European Humanist Federation, accompanied by Rob Buitenweg and Julian Houben, Vice-Presidents of the EHF, Georges Liénard, Secretary General of the EHF. Sonia Eggerickx, President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), and Pierre Galand, President of the Centre d’action laïque de Belgique (Belgian Secularist Action Centre).
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First EU-Brazil Summit
04/07/2007José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Member of the EC in charge of External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Peter Mandelson, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, participated in the first EU-Brazil Summit. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, José Sócrates, Portuguese Prime Minister and Janez Jansa, Prime Minister of Slovenia, were also present. José Manuel Barroso said: “This first Summit is a historic step in our relations with Brazil. The strategic partnership is about facing each other as global partners and to raise the level of our co-operation in a host of areas of common interests. By increasing our joint efforts with Brazil, we can make a difference in global debates on poverty or climate change.”
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Participation of José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, in the meeting of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council
04/07/2007José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, participated in a meeting of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council. Fotis Kafatos, President and Chairman of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council and Helga Nowotny, Vice-President of the of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council, were also present.
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Réunion inaugurale de la présidence portugaise du Conseil de l’UE avec la CE
02/07/2007On the occasion of the opening meeting of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the EU, the members of the EC met members of the Portuguese government for an exchange of views. The European Council gave the Portuguese Presidency a mandate to finalise the project of a new Reform Treaty by the end of October. The presidency will also focus on the Lisbon Strategy – especially the issues of energy and climate change, and flexicurity. Concerning the area of Justice and Home Affairs, the issue of migration will be high on the agenda. A High Level Conference on that issue is scheduled for September. Concerning external relations, action will focus on the EU-Brazil Summit on the 4th of July, as well as on the 2nd EU-Africa Summit, intending to respond to the need of having a comprehensive dialogue between the EU and Africa.
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Awarding of the Real Madrid Prize, to José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC
27/06/2007Ramón Calderón Ramos, President of the Real Madrid football club, awarded José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC the Real Madrid Prize and made him an honorary member of the club.
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Visit by José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, to Greenland
25/06/2007José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, accompanied by his wife Margarida Sousa Uva, visited Greenland, to observe the effects of climate change. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Danish Prime Minister, and his wife Anne-Mette Rasmussen were also present.
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European Council – Brussels 2007/06
21/06/2007The EU heads of state and government met for the European Council under the presidency of Angela Merkel, German Federal Chancellor. The central topic was the revision of the Treaty, and the need to establish a roadmap for this. Also on the agenda was the adoption of the euro by Malta and Cyprus, which had a positive outcome. After 36 heures of negociations, a reformed treaty was agreed on, which will be drawn up at the next Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and which will come into force in 2009. The European Treaties will be reformed by an amending treaty. Double majority voting will not come into effect until 2014; However, until 2017, member states may request that a decision be taken in accordance with the current treaty of Nice. The Charter on fundamental rights will no longer be an integral part of the treaties, but will be made legally binding by a reference in the treaties, which will not apply to the United Kingdom. The new post of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will merge the functions of the EU High Representative for the CSFP and the External Affairs Commissioner. The new treaty will contain no references to state-like symbols or an anthem. There will be a full-time Council President, who will chair the European Council for two and a half years. National competences will be strengthened. National parliaments will have eight weeks in which to raise objections against draft legislative acts, if these are felt to infringe national competences. The European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers will in future have equal powers in deciding the EU budget. The number of Commissioners is to be reduced: by 2014 from 27 to 15.
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Visit by John Monks, Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation, to the EC
20/06/2007John Monks, Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), accompanied by a delegation with Bernard Thibault, Secretary General of the Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT), met José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC. The discussions centred on the The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.