«Europe – succeeding together» : Presidency Programme

Introduction

Germany will assume the EU Presidency as Europe is preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the EEC. A review of the past 50 years reveals an unprecedented success story. With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania on 1 January 2007, the European Economic Community, established on 25 March 1957, will become a Union of 27 Member States, which, following the painful experiences of two World Wars and the ensuing division, now unites the European continent in peace and guarantees a level of prosperity and stability previously unknown in the history of this continent. With the Internal Market, a common currency and a common area of freedom, security and justice, the Member States have created a unique integration area. In its external relations the Union has emerged as a global trading power and an influential factor in international politics. European integration is the foundation of our common future, and its dynamic development must continue.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, the EU Heads of State and Government, as well as the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Parliament, will gather for a ceremony in Berlin. They will issue a joint declaration calling to mind Europe’s values and ambitions, and confirm their shared commitment to resolving the tasks ahead. The advance of globalization, while offering a wealth of opportunities, nonetheless raises questions concerning the viability and competitiveness of the European economic and social model. In numerous fields, including global trade, environmental protection and internal and external security, the individual Member States will be unable to defend their own interests adequately in tomorrow’s world.

Europe therefore has to prove that it is capable of shaping both its internal and its external policy in accordance with its values in a globalized world. The European Union intends to incorporate its vision of a sustainable, efficient and just economic and social order into the process of shaping globalization and thus preserve the European way of life. Today more than ever before, Europe can only be strong enough to hold its own on the international stage if it presents a united front. Only together can Europe succeed.

During its Presidency Germany intends to do its part to ensure that the European Union can successfully rise to the internal and external challenges it faces. Its priorities will include continuation of the constitutional process, the viability of the European economic and social model, the area of freedom, security and justice and expansion of the European area of security and stability. The European Council meetings (summits) will focus on shaping Europe’s economic and social future (8 and 9 March) and on the future of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe (21 and 22 June).

The European Constitutional Treaty provides for the internal reforms needed to ensure the viability of the enlarged European Union. The German Presidency will hold in-depth consultations with all EU partners and institutions and make a concerted effort to drive forward the EU reform process in line with the decisions taken at European level.

Europe will only be able to make the most of its influence if it is economically strong and dynamic. Germany advocates an economic order which is competitive while also upholding social and environmental responsibility. The German Presidency will appeal for the adoption of a balanced package of measures to promote competitiveness, growth and employment as well as social cohesion and a clean environment.

The Presidency will work to establish a viable Internal Market whose integrating power will have a positive impact on development throughout Europe. It will give further momentum to the process of achieving better regulation with the aim of boosting the competitiveness of European enterprises. It will also highlight the social dimension of European policy and strengthen the role of research, innovation and knowledge as catalysts for growth and employment.

Climate protection must be intensified worldwide to prevent economic, social and environmental upheavals. The EU must play a pioneering role at global level in combating climate change. The German Presidency will therefore press for a common EU position on international climate protection after 2012. The development of a negotiation package with proposals for emission reduction goals and ways to involve further major greenhouse gas emitters is particularly important in this context. This will enable the Union to convince other states of the necessity of cutting climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions.

A secure, economically viable and environmentally friendly energy supply is a crucial factor for Europe’s future development. Completing the Internal Market for electricity and gas, boosting energy efficiency, expanding renewable energies, encouraging closer cooperation with producer, transit and consumer countries and formulating a development-oriented energy policy will be key priorities of the German Presidency. The Presidency hopes that an ambitious Energy Action Plan can be adopted at the European Council meeting in March 2007.

The German Presidency wants to make substantial progress in fighting international terrorism and cross-border crime, while preserving civil liberties.

In the field of external relations the primary goal is to extend the European area of security and stability. As well as stabilizing the Western Balkans and drawing the region closer to the EU, the Presidency will focus on strengthening and developing the European Neighbourhood Policy and extending relations with Russia and Central Asia. It will also intensify cooperation with the countries in the Middle East.

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«Europe – succeeding together» : Presidency Programme