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Europaudvalget 2002-03
EUU Alm.del Bilag 451
Offentligt

OUR EUROPE

Sharing the Future in a Community of Values

The Priorities of the Greek Presidency 2003

►

Introduction

The Greek Presidency’s message

The five major priorities

The situation in Europe and worldwide

►

Priorities

Enlargement: the Accession Treaty and the day after

The Lisbon Process: competitiveness, cohesion and sustainability

Immigration/Asylum: joint responsibility, comprehensive immigration

policy

The Future of Europe; The Outcome of the Convention

External relations: the new Europe as an international motor for peace and

cooperation

►

The main issues in the context of Community Policies

Economy/Budget

Employment, social policy, health and consumers

Competitiveness (internal market, entrepreneurship, industry, research and

tourism)

Transport, communications, energy

Agriculture, fisheries and food safety

Environment

Education, Youth and Culture

Single area of justice, security, freedom

External relations – ESDP

General Affairs

►

Epilogue

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MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

December 2002

1. Introduction

1. The Presidency Message: “Our

Europe. Sharing the future in a Community of

Values”.

Our message reflects our objective of promoting a community of values: which

recognises the citizen’s right to security, democracy and a better quality of life; which

will create institutions able to guarantee participation and equality; and which will

make the European citizen sense that his or her voice is heard, that he or she belongs

to a new single family, to Our Europe.

Our Europe

belongs to all European peoples without exceptions or exclusions.

Everybody has a stake in such a

future.

Enlargement brings this vision much closer.

Our Europe

welcomes the new member states, confident of achieving a new synthesis

and a new dynamism; the sort of dynamism that these states have shown during their

rapid social, political and economic transition. It is up to us all to make enlargement a

catalyst for accelerating European integration; a force which will ensure that Europe

is able to face the challenges of a new era in world affairs.

2. The Five Major Priorities

The greatest enlargement in the history of the EU, an enlargement that will erase the

artificial division of Europe and unify societies and economies that operated for

decades under completely different systems, represents a challenge that will not

disappear once negotiations have been completed and the decision on accession has

been made. The Greek Presidency will do its utmost to keep to the timetable and

facilitate the gradual integration of the new member states into the Community

process.

The further implementation of the Lisbon Strategy and the Spring Summit in 2003

will take place within a new political and economic context, bringing major

challenges as well as opportunities. The political and economic uncertainties, with

regard to growth and stability in Europe and the world, will be offset by a European

currency, which has proved to be one of the world’s strongest, and by the prospect of

the EU’s enlargement. Within such a context, it should be clear that we remain

determined to achieve the goal of making the European economy the most

competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy, capable of promoting

sustainable growth with more and better jobs and stronger social cohesion. This will

require, however, significant reforms to enable faster growth, employment, prosperity

and improved quality of living.

The Union’s policy on immigration, asylum and the management of external borders,

is one of the most important priorities of the Greek Presidency. Community policies

in this area have so far not matched the magnitude of the immigration phenomenon

that we are facing. The operation of the single market, including the free movement of

workers, means that we have common responsibilities. At Seville we adopted

decisions that will have to be implemented before the European Council in

Thessaloniki. Over and above questions related to illegal immigration, joint border

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management and asylum, our approach should be more global, covering aspects of the

economic and social integration of immigrants. The Presidency will take specific

initiatives in order to arrive at common goals and a single set of uniform practices,

thus ensuring a balanced and long-term management of the immigration phenomenon.

At the European Council in Thessaloniki, we plan to have the first in-depth debate

about the Future of Europe, based on the proposals of the Convention. The questions

that were raised in Laeken concern both the future of the institutions and the future of

the enlarged Union’s policies. On that basis, the discussion should reflect the degree

of consensus achieved and the points on which the Intergovernmental Conference

should focus when it is convened during the Italian Presidency.

In the field of external relations, the Presidency will concentrate its efforts on regions

of immediate proximity, without of course disregarding the Union’s commitments

towards other areas of the world. The Balkans, the Mediterranean area and the Middle

East, Russia and the countries of the Black Sea demand our constant attention in the

interests of safeguarding peace and democracy. They offer, at the same time, major

opportunities for mutual benefits in the economic sector. The handling of the Iraq

crisis constitutes a particular challenge in terms of maintaining the cohesion of the

CFSP and enhancing the role of the Union in the international arena. Cooperation

with the United States, in the context of the transatlantic dialogue, will benefit both

sides by focusing on major issues that require a common approach.

3. The situation in Europe and worldwide

2003 will be a milestone year in the history of the EU. Ten new member states will be

joining forces with the present fifteen, in one of the most courageous steps towards

realising the goals set by the Union’s founders, namely peace and prosperity through

extensive European integration. A new era is dawning, which finds Europe stronger

and ready to meet new challenges. In this context, we shall be implementing a new

Treaty for the first time, the Treaty of Nice, while the discussion on the future of

Europe is reaching its climax and we are about to draft a fundamental text, of

constitutional character, that will enshrine the principles on which we have relied and

the new objectives we are setting for Europe.

At the same time, the Greek Presidency is expected to unfold in a particularly volatile

and unpredictable global environment. The emergence of new factors in shaping the

international balance, the existence of international terrorism, organized crime and,

more generally, the development of forces that are not subject to any institutional

control or discipline, create a climate of marked uncertainty on the world scene. The

Presidency needs to remain extremely vigilant in order to handle crises that may arise

and must also be ready to tackle major challenges such as:

•

Fighting international terrorism and organised crime. Recent experience has

shown that the fight against international terrorism is a complex process with

many dimensions: military, economic, political and cultural. A global strategy

should aim at combating both the symptoms and causes of this phenomenon.

Given the current economic slowdown, improving the climate of confidence

and investment, increasing productivity, levels of employment and fiscal

stability, are all objectives of critical importance.

The challenge of “sustainable development” on a global scale, that can

contribute to eradicating poverty and destitution and bridge growing socio-

•

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•

economic inequalities whilst, at the same time, protecting the environment and

safeguarding ecosystems.

Reaffirming the role of international law and international institutions and

promoting a new, democratic governance model, in the light of globalisation.

This situation of uncertainty and the major challenges that we face make it imperative

that we strengthen and restore the European citizen’s feeling of security, as our

primary and overarching objective. Whether this involves fighting terrorism and

organised crime, controlling the flow of immigration, protecting workers’ health and

safety, ensuring the viability of pension schemes, or food safety and consumer

protection, the European Union must re-establish a climate of security and

confidence. This is precisely the aim that most of the action included in the Greek

Presidency’s programme will strive to achieve.

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II. Priorities

1. Enlargement: The Accession Treaty and the day after.

The first priority of the Greek Presidency will be to secure the timetable for the

accession of the 10 candidate countries according to the Copenhagen decisions. After

the completion of accession negotiations with Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia,

Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the

Union looks forward to welcoming these states as members from 1 May 2004.

The historic decision at Copenhagen foresees that the new Treaty will be signed in

Athens in April 2003. Before that, the drafting of the new Treaty must be completed,

the opinion of the Commission must be received and the assent of the European

Parliament and the approval of the Council must also be given. Moreover, if the

settlement of the political problem in Cyprus is achieved before completing the

Accession Treaty, the Treaty will accommodate the agreed terms in line with the

principles on which the EU is founded.

The 10 candidate countries will participate as active observers in Council proceedings

from the signing of the Accession Treaty until full accession, i.e. after the new Treaty

has been ratified by the 15 present and 10 new member states, in accordance with

each country’s constitutional requirements.

The present member states will continue to monitor the progress of applicant

countries with respect to the adoption and implementation of the acquis, even after the

completion of the negotiations and until accession. This monitoring process will,

however, become more substantial during the second half of 2003 when, six months

before the accession date, the Commission will be asked to present a report on the

overall progress of candidate countries in this area.

The Greek Presidency will implement the new, enhanced pre-accession strategy for

Bulgaria and Romania. The decisions of Brussels and Copenhagen include a specific

timetable for closing the remaining chapters of the community acquis, provision for

increased pre-accession aid and a target date of 2007 for the two countries’ accession.

The pre-accession progress of Turkey will be enhanced by supporting her efforts to

move towards the starting of accession negotiations according to the timetable set by

Copenhagen. As stated in the Commission’s annual report, there is a need for an

analytical examination of the degree of implementation of the various legislative

initiatives undertaken by Turkey to achieve the Copenhagen criteria. At the same time

new methods will be sought for a better understanding of the Union’s requirements

and Accession Partnership priorities that must be fulfilled in the next two years. The

preparation of a new Accession Partnership for Turkey is also expected during the

Greek Presidency.

Finally, we consider enlargement as a leap towards European integration and under no

circumstances should it be allowed to create new dividing lines. Our aim is that

enlargement serves as a point of departure for building stronger relations in the wider

European space from Russia to the Mediterranean, based on common values and

economic interests.

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2. The Lisbon Process: Competitiveness, Cohesion, Sustainability

The Lisbon Process has achieved its initial goal of mobilising and supporting

Europe’s efforts towards economic and social reform. Three years after its adoption,

one third of the way to the 2010 target date, much has been achieved, but there is still

an implementation deficit in a number of areas. To better promote the objectives

agreed in 2000, the Greek Presidency intends to focus on the following issues:

2.1 Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses

Europe suffers from a lack of entrepreneurship, especially in knowledge-intensive

sectors. Young entrepreneurs and small businesses do not contribute as much as they

could to employment, growth and regional cohesion. To overcome this problem, it is

therefore necessary to eliminate barriers to market access, simplify administrative

procedures, facilitate access to capital, support the creation of networks, enhance skill

levels and the qualitative aspects of employment in small enterprises and encourage

entrepreneurship through the education system. The Greek Presidency will work to

ensure the adoption by the European Council of the Green Paper on Entrepreneurship,

to accelerate the implementation of the European Charter for Small Businesses, to

simplify the regulatory framework and to encourage the dissemination of best

practices in corporate governance, so as to enhance market confidence.

2.2 The European Knowledge Economy

Economic growth in Europe will depend, in the medium-term, on the use of new

development resources. The Greek Presidency will attempt to achieve concrete results

on the development of research in cutting edge technologies, including defence-

related research. It will also aim at increasing investment in research and technology

(in particular by the business sector), the adoption of the Community Patent and, more

generally, at ensuring that the Information Society will be accessible to all, through

the use of open standards and inter-operability at the level of networks and services.

In parallel, decisions on the financing of the e-Europe programme will be prepared as

well as an effective contribution by the Union to the UN Summit on the Information

Society. As human resources are essential for a knowledge-based economy, special

emphasis will be given to the reform of education and training systems (particularly in

basic skills and learning of foreign languages) and improved workforce mobility.

2.3 Interconnecting Europe

The EU today is becoming increasingly connected and interdependent; every possible

effort should therefore be made to eliminate any barriers to this integration,

particularly in the energy, transport and financial services markets. In the energy

sector, the Presidency will be aiming at an agreement for full and operational

liberalisation and a more limited role for the state, taking into account public interest

commitments, supply security and the protection of vulnerable areas and populations.

The Presidency will also seek to: promote the development of financial tools, with a

view to expanding Trans-European Energy and Transport Networks (also including

the new member countries); create a single European sky; progress the Action Plans

on Financial Services and Business Capital; lay down the principles governing

services of general economic interest; modernise legislation on competition rules; and

promote a single market for services.

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2.4 More and Better Jobs

The second Lisbon pillar concerns the modernization of the social model and is just as

important as the economic aspects. The European Councils of Lisbon and Stockholm

set ambitious objectives for increasing employment rates. For their attainment, it will

be necessary to redefine policy tools, improve market operation and also introduce

changes at the level of social and cultural patterns, in particular with regard to the

participation of women, older people and immigrants in the labour market. The spring

European Council in 2003 must therefore give strong encouragement to reforms, in

order to ensure the reduction of the quantitative and qualitative employment deficit in

Europe. The Greek Presidency is expected to focus in particular on: a) the

synchronising of the main economic and social policy measures to achieve improved

coordination and global supervision, b) the revision of the European Employment

Strategy on the basis of the Barcelona decisions, and c) the improvement of the

qualitative aspects of work, based on the Commission’s Communication on Health

and Safety.

2.5 Strengthening Social Cohesion

Stronger social cohesion can be achieved by the updating of policies on social

protection and inclusion, as well as by a rational and fair approach to demographic

changes and the effects of the ageing population. Member states should take specific

steps in the matter of pensions, maintaining the systems’ capacity to attain their social

objectives, whilst safeguarding the stability and viability of public finance. The Greek

Presidency will promote policies for the integration of groups suffering from social

exclusion, also in view of the fact that 2003 is the Year for People with Disabilities. It

also intends to draw appropriate conclusions from the examination of the joint report

on pensions, to update the Regulation on the coordination of pension schemes and to

consider the effects of ageing on health and welfare systems for senior citizens.

2.6 Safeguarding Future Prosperity Through Sustainability

Since 2001, when the environmental component was integrated in the Lisbon strategy

at Göteborg, special emphasis has been given to the compatibility of environmental

and economic policies. The spring European Council of 2003 will make it possible to

define clearly the main directions of this strategic approach for balanced sustainable

development and to set specific objectives, which will act as an incentive for further

progress. In promoting the objective of sustainable development, the Greek

Presidency will work towards the review of the EU strategy on sustainable

development, based on the Göteborg mandate and on the 6

Action Plan for the

Environment, aiming at decoupling economic development from the use of natural

resources and environmental degradation, as well as at implementing the

Johannesburg commitments. Emphasis will be placed on the ten-year framework of

programmes for sustainable production and consumption (clean technologies, savings

on materials and energy), as well as on the Water and Energy Initiatives through

specific action in areas such as: increased participation of renewable energy sources,

integration of the environmental dimension in the EU’s external policy, the removal

of obstacles to the development of environmental technology, and a global strategy

for chemicals. The Greek Presidency will also work towards the adoption of the

Regulation on the taxation of energy products for a more efficient use of energy, and

on the advancement of the Framework Regulation on the pricing of infrastructure.

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3. Immigration – Asylum: Joint Responsibility, Comprehensive Immigration

Policy

The values of “justice, freedom and security”, as highlighted in the Amsterdam Treaty

and the Tampere conclusions, reflect the steadfast wish of European citizens. As a

result of globalisation, poverty and regional conflicts, immigration phenomena have

assumed unprecedented proportions, creating new needs and obligations for the

Union. At the same time, the enlargement of the European Union is linked to new

challenges and opportunities in this sector, with regard to the shifting of the Union’s

external frontiers, as well as the implementation of its policies within the context of

25 or more states.

The relationship between immigration and development, the social and economic

integration of legal immigrants, and control of illegal immigration, will be areas of

action for the Greek Presidency.

The decisions of Seville on economic and technical support to third countries will

help them to establish social and economic conditions that allow economic

immigrants to remain in their countries of origin. Taking into account the vast

possibilities for better coordination of member states’ immigration policies, the

Presidency will work towards a comprehensive immigration policy, worthy of the

level of integration achieved in a Union without internal borders and proportionate to

the scale of the challenges we are facing. Aware of the unquestionable benefits that

planned legal immigration will have on the competitiveness of the European economy

and the handling of demographic problems, such a policy will manage and utilise

immigration flows and not simply provide for suppressive measures once the problem

has occurred.

The Greek Presidency also wants to emphasise the fact that the control of illegal

immigration is a collective problem for the Union and its resolution is a joint

responsibility. The elimination of illegal trafficking of human beings requires close

cooperation with the countries of origin and transit and the adoption of a cohesive

framework for readmission and repatriation. With respect to joint frontier

management and repatriation policies, the implementation of common actions, based

on the Danish Presidency’s road map and expected European Commission proposals

on fair burden sharing, represent an important priority of the Greek Presidency. The

Presidency’s report to the European Council in Thessaloniki on the implementation of

the guidelines of the Seville Conclusions is therefore critical.

In view of the above, for asylum issues, the promotion of measures for implementing

effective procedures should be combined with corresponding progress in the area of

common policies relating to legal immigration and the development of the joint

frontier management system.

4. The Future of Europe: The Outcome of the Convention

The Future of the European Union, with the prospect of the forthcoming enlargement

to 25 member states, is a question of fundamental interest for the Greek Presidency.

Greece has always believed that the Union’s enlargement should be linked to

deepening European unification. The enlarged Union should evolve into an

institutional system capable of making effective decisions with a democratic and

social content.

For that reason, Greece as Presidency of the Council, attaches particular importance to

the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe and welcomes the progress

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achieved so far during its proceedings. The contribution of all parties to the

Convention has been highly significant as regards the generation of ideas, proposals

and plans for the future architecture of the European Union. It is especially

noteworthy that the Convention is now working on a draft constitutional treaty, based

on the proposals that have been submitted by many sides.

In accordance with the conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council, Greece

expects that the Convention will have completed its work before the European

Council of Thessaloniki. This will enable the European Council to take the necessary

action, as agreed at the European Councils of Nice and Laeken, to enable the

completion of the procedure with the convening of the Intergovernmental Conference

and the adoption of a new Constitutional Treaty. To this end, Greece will be working

closely with all the parties involved in the Convention process, the member states and

the countries that will be joining the Union and, in particular, the European

Parliament and the European Commission.

The aim of the Greek Presidency is to establish all the conditions that will pave the

way for a new political phase in the process of European integration, as we prepare to

welcome our ten new partners in the European Union. In particular, our aim is to

ensure:

Firstly,

that the enlarged European Union will operate as a democratically organised

system, close to the European citizen and society, based on the principles of

democracy, the rule of law, respect for civil and minority rights, equality of all

member states, solidarity and subsidiarity.

Secondly,

that the Union will be effective, capable of making decisions, equipped

with all the policies and resources that will enable it to resolve the problems of society

and citizens, to promote economic and social cohesion and real convergence, effective

management and reform of the European economy and sustainable development.

Thirdly,

that the Union will be a strong player in the wider regional and international

system, as a factor for peace, stability and cooperation, an active contributor to the

process of building a better world, based on international law and institutions, and a

promoter of good governance, environmental protection and the eradication of

conflicts, organized crime and terrorism.

5. External Relations: the New Europe as an International Factor of Peace and

Stability

The Greek Presidency will take place at a time of critical change in Europe and new

challenges in the field of Security and Defence Cooperation, an area where the Union

is trying to forge a new identity. In a period when the EU will be carrying through the

greatest enlargement in its history, the Union will be called upon to reconsider the

context of its relations with its new neighbours and promote policies reflecting the

new situation in Europe. In this light, the promotion of the EU’s relations with the

Balkan countries will be a main priority for the Greek Presidency. The effective

development and deepening of relations with Russia will also constitute an important

parameter in the EU’s efforts to consolidate peace, stability and cooperation in

Europe. Relations with the Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, as well as the Caucasus

region, acquire a special significance in this new European reality. At the same time,

the strengthening of the EU’s cooperation with Mediterranean countries will be a

major task for the Greek Presidency.

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The Greek Presidency will promote political dialogue with all groups of countries. It

will give special emphasis to the respect of human rights and the rule of law. We will

seek closer cooperation between the Union and the US in the fight against inequality,

the proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons, armaments control and conflict

prevention. We will also aim at a more active participation of the EU in the

international community’s fight against terrorism, promoting the development of

capabilities and policies and supporting multilateral cooperation with third countries

and international organizations, with the aim of eradicating this scourge, which has

developed into a major international problem following September 11, 2001. At the

same time, we will strive for stronger policies for combating poverty, protecting the

environment, preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, resolving

regional conflicts and facing the problem of drug trafficking.

The Greek Presidency’s immediate priorities include the strengthening of relations

with the US and cooperation at all levels, so as to form a joint response to

international challenges.

European citizens expect the Union to respond to its international responsibilities, by

preventing international conflicts and managing crises when they occur. The Greek

Presidency will endeavour to strengthen the EU’s capacity for effective political

intervention in conflict areas, by improving and further developing existing

institutional instruments (common strategies and joint actions). At a time when the

EU is trying to build new capabilities in the field of Security and Defence

Cooperation, the Greek Presidency will pursue its efforts in order to reinforce the

institutional framework of the CFSP, by creating the area of “Freedom, Security and

Justice”.

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III. Main issues in the context of EU policies

ECONOMY, BUDGET (ECOFIN)

Macroeconomic policies and

structural reforms:

interconnection and

complementarity

Interconnection

and

complementarity

between

macroeconomic policies and structural reforms is the key to

the success of the Lisbon objectives. Macroeconomic

stability is the essential prerequisite for structural changes to

be implemented and achieve results. Likewise, structural

reforms will have a positive impact on macroeconomic

conditions. The observance of the Stability and Growth Pact

is an essential condition for achieving macroeconomic

stability as well as restoring a climate of trust. At the same

time, more intensive efforts towards economic and social

reforms and the increase of the European Union’s

production capacity will facilitate stricter compliance with

the Pact.

In this context, it is a priority for the Greek Presidency to

improve the coordination of fiscal policies and to achieve

better synchronisation between economic and social policies

by reinforcing the General Economic Policy Guidelines –

for a three-year period from now – and aligning related

processes (the Cardiff process for product and capital

markets and the Luxemburg process for employment).

During the Greek Presidency, the updated stability /

convergence programmes of the 15 member states will be

examined. For a better response to the need for policy

synchronisation, more efforts should be made to align

member states’ obligations with regard to reports and

statistics.

With the aim of developing a more cohesive and effective

statistical system, capable of providing useful information

for political decision making, as well as for the fuller

analysis of the economic implications and progress of the

Lisbon Strategy, an upgrading of statistics and analytical

tools will be sought.

Regarding direct taxation, the Greek Presidency will

proceed on the basis of the agreed timetable and examine, if

necessary, new ways for promoting taxation of savings.

Regarding indirect taxation, the work will focus, on the

basis of the European Commission’s proposals, mainly on

the Travel Agencies Directive and the Regulation on

Administrative Cooperation, while improving cooperation

between the member states on direct and indirect taxation.

Energy tax is one of the issues that will be pushed forward,

together with a comprehensive energy package, before the

More effective coordination of

economic policies

Improving statistics and

analytical tools.

Tax package

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spring Council.

Integration of the internal

market for financial services

With the aim of further integration of financial markets, the

Presidency will seek rapid progress on the Action Plan for

Financial Services and the Action Plan on business capital,

while in parallel promoting discussion on the Directive on

Investment Services as well as on the legal framework and

conditions for periodic information (on the basis of the new

proposals of the Commission).

Finally, the ECOFIN council will enhance economic

cooperation between the EU and new members to ensure

that Enlargement will be a smooth process, whilst improving

prospects for development and prosperity for all.

Strengthening economic

cooperation with new

members

EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL POLICY, HEALTH

AND CONSUMERS

More…

The European Employment strategy and the Lisbon strategy

constitute the driving force for increasing employment and

reducing unemployment, expanding the knowledge-based

society and strengthening social cohesion. An essential

prerequisite for attaining the objectives that have been set is

to promote vigorously all major policies simultaneously, by

means of an appropriate, coherent timetable. The Greek

Presidency will prepare the interim review of the social

policy agenda and promote the development of an enhanced

employment strategy, by aligning the Luxemburg process

with the wider Lisbon strategy. The synchronisation of

economic and employment policies should be conducted in a

way that improves the cohesion of guidelines (i.e. the

General Economic Policy and Employment Guidelines)

without affecting, however, the autonomy of each process.

The main objectives will be to increase employment, ensure

the social inclusion of weaker population groups, and

promote participation, social dialogue and gender equality.

Efforts will also be made to arrive at a political agreement

on the directive that deals with the working conditions of

temporary workers.

A dynamic employment sector is directly related to job

quality and security. The European Commission’s review of

the common strategy for health and safety at work will be

useful in this context. As part of the modernization of social

welfare, the whole question of the support given to national

strategies for secure and viable pensions, as well as the

health care and protection of senior citizens will be

reviewed. In particular, with regard to pensions, the Greek

Presidency will look for methods of applying a uniform

… and better jobs

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Presidency will look for methods of applying a uniform

process in this sector.

Mobility and skills

In order to balance job supply and demand in a constantly

changing environment, the Greek Presidency will promote

the upgrading of workforce skills, in addition to the

coordination of social insurance schemes, the possibility of

issuing a European social security card and the development

of a Web site with information on professional and

educational opportunities in the Union.

On the occasion of the Year for People with Disabilities,

initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness and

promoting the social inclusion of this population category

will be encouraged.

In the health sector, special attention will be given to

establishing quality and safety standards for the tissue and

cell issue and the revision of legislation on pharmaceuticals,

as well as arriving at a common position on tobacco issues.

The Greek Presidency will work towards the improvement

of the common level of consumer protection throughout the

Union, the effective implementation of related rules and the

participation of consumer organisations in European

policies.

People with disabilities

Health

Improving consumer

protection

COMPETITIVENESS (INTERNAL MARKET,

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, INDUSTRY,

RESEARCH, TOURISM)

An effective and functional

internal market, for the benefit

of undertakings…

To create an effective and functional internal market, the

Greek Presidency will intensify efforts to eliminate the

barriers that still prevent the full operation of the internal

market, with the aim of achieving optimum results for the

benefit of enterprises and consumers. To ensure equal

participation of all the Union’s regions in the single market,

we look forward to the European Commission’s

communication on a comprehensive policy for the

sustainable development of island regions.

The commitment to structural and economic reforms should

be renewed by means of immediate and specific action.

Reforms will involve the product and capital markets and

especially the identification of key issues in relation to

sustainable economic growth, i.e. competitiveness combined

with increased employment, greater social cohesion and

respect for the environment. In this same context, we will

promote the simplification and improvement of legislation

to the benefit of business ventures, particularly small

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enterprises, as well as the elimination of barriers to free

provision of services. Special weight will be given to the

modernisation of competition rules, the promotion of

corporate governance issues and the completion of

legislation on public procurement.

and consumers

The operation of the internal market should, however,

safeguard consumer trust and ensure a high level of

protection. The Greek Presidency will seek to advance the

question of consumer credit, and pursue the debate on sales

promotion practices in the internal market and on the

expected framework directive on fair commercial practices.

Emphasis will also be placed on the promotion of an

administrative cooperation framework for implementing

community legislation on consumer protection.

The set of legislative texts on public procurement will be

completed as part of the effort to probe the internal market.

We also intend to speed up examination of the consumer

credit issue. European Commission proposals are also

expected on company mergers, chemicals legislation and

company law.

Food safety

A viable internal market system should provide consumer

protection especially in the area of food chain safety. In this

context, the White Paper has already initiated the

implementation of the necessary action, which will be one of

our priorities.

In view of the changes brought about by Enlargement and

by globalisation, in particular, it is advisable to promote an

integrated and strategic approach to ensuring the

development and competitiveness of European enterprises.

At the same time, we must respond to the challenges of

environmental protection and social issues, as required by

the European social model.

The Greek Presidency will continue to give emphasis to the

role of SMEs in development, competitiveness and

employment in the Union. It will seek to create a more

favourable environment, fostering entrepreneurship and

competitiveness and to encourage small emerging

enterprises, supporting their capacity to innovate. It will also

facilitate the establishment of new, dynamic enterprises,

which are a major source of new jobs.

At the same time, following a “think small first” approach,

the Presidency will work to accelerate implementation of the

European Charter for small enterprises and draw lessons

from best practices, in accordance with the Barcelona

di i

The competitiveness of

enterprises

Small and medium-size

enterprises and

entrepreneurship

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directives.

In order to meet the Union’s entrepreneurship deficit,

mainly in the area of technology and knowledge, the Greek

Presidency will promote public dialogue and the adoption of

specific political initiatives in favour of entrepreneurship at

the spring European Council.

The Greek Presidency, in particular, will move forward the

debate on the expected Green Paper on entrepreneurship,

with the aim of implementing a European Action Plan on the

issue. Similar emphasis will be given to the more profitable

use of innovation by enterprises, especially SMEs.

European industrial policy

The Greek Presidency attaches special importance to the

issue of industrial policy. Using the Commission’s

Communication and recommendations, it intends to initiate

an in-depth discussion of this matter and the promotion of

specific measures and actions.

Tourism plays a major part in employment and in the

development of the most remote and underprivileged

regions of Europe; at the same time tourism represents an

alternative economic activity from which the environment

can benefit significantly. The Greek Presidency will work

towards a common approach to the future of European

Tourism and relevant guidelines adopted by the Council.

In the research sector, emphasis will be given to the

consideration of measures and policies, in order to increase

expenditure for research and development and achieve the

Barcelona objective.

Tourism – a source of

development and employment

Bringing a new momentum to

research and innovation

A new momentum should be given to research and

innovation in Europe by furthering appropriate action, such

as the improved use of research facilities at European level,

the “opening” of national research and technology programs,

the application of article 169 of the Treaty, the establishment

of a framework for European Research and Development

Agencies, etc. The Greek Presidency will also deal with

outstanding issues on the adoption of the EU patent in the

course of 2003.

The Greek Presidency is looking forward to the

Commission’s report on life sciences and biotechnology and

will examine, in this context, appropriate measures for

biotechnology, depending also on the progress made in the

interim.

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TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS,

ENERGY

Transport

Transport in an enlarged

Europe, trans-european

network

The transport sector is an important aspect of the single

market, in terms of free movement of people and goods and,

in this respect, it represents a priority for an enlarged

Europe. The Greek Presidency will deal, as a priority, with

the revision of the guidelines for the trans-european

networks and promote the question of tariffing

infrastructure, in accordance with the Commission’s

relevant communication.

The issue of road safety, a daily concern for European

citizens, we hope will lead to the adoption of guidelines for

action to be taken by the EU within the next five years. We

will pursue the examination of the 2

railway package,

which is expected to give new impetus to the rail market in

Europe. The Greek Presidency is particularly interested in

the urban transport sector, on which it will hold discussions.

Negotiations for an agreement on the Single Transatlantic

Aviation Area will bring a new dimension to the world air

transport market. The Greek Presidency will deal with the

pending issues of the package of proposals on the Single

European Sky.

In the matter of sea transport, the Greek Presidency will give

emphasis to improved ship safety and quality shipping, as

well as training, employment and motivation of young

people to work in this sector, in the context of action aimed

at increasing the competitiveness of EU shipping. Moreover,

proposals on the prevention and avoidance of terrorist acts

against ports and ships in the European Union will be

promoted.

Communications

Modernising land transport

Strengthening Europe’s role

in the global air transport

market

Safety and competitiveness in

sea transport

Communications for all, at the

heart of an enlarged Europe

In the enlarged Europe, the development of communications

and of the information society, will contribute significantly

to reducing the digital divide and completing the integration

of the enlarged community area, providing access to all,

independent of geographical location, without any form of

exclusion.

At this level, the Greek Presidency, with the opportunity of

the launching of the e-Europe Action Plan 2005, will

support the further expansion of the data exchange network

Trans-european broadband

networks at the citizen’s

service

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between administrations, as well as the participation of third

countries in corresponding telematics programs. To build on

available technological resources, transition to digital

systems will be envisaged, in order to facilitate broadband

access. The framework for the re-utilisation of public

documents will be completed, with the aim of enhancing

electronic entrepreneurship,

e-Europe and network security

As part of the e-Europe program, the application of

statistical indicators will begin and the decision to extend

the financial instrument for network security will be taken.

For the purpose of guaranteeing the security of users of

electronic media, it is advisable to promote the Regulation

on the Network and Information Security Unit and prolong

the duration of the Action Plan for safer use of the Internet.

The Greek Presidency will hold discussions on e-

governance and e-integration, with the aim of contributing

to the wider debate on these issues.

As we are constantly looking for methods that will ensure

more transparency and participation of European citizens in

the critical choices and decisions that are made at EU level,

we cannot disregard the huge possibilities which new

information technologies can offer. On the Web site of the

Greek Presidency, we will establish, on an experimental

basis, an interactive dialogue between the Presidency and

European citizens on a series of important issues that we

will be asked to handle during the next six months. At an

appropriate time, the Council will be informed about the

results of this dialogue.

Moreover, e-governance will be the subject of a specially

convened ministerial meeting. Methods to help reduce red

tape, with the help of state of the art telematic technologies,

could become a new field of cooperation and exchange of

experience.

Electronic democracy and e-

government

Liberalisation of postal

services

Regarding postal services, the Commission’s first report on

the liberalisation of this sector in member states is awaited

with interest.

Energy

Development of a strong and

competitive energy sector

A steady and sustainable development of European

economics requires easy access, free from any technical or

economic impediments to available energy sources for the

production of goods and services. This makes it imperative

to secure adequate supply of available energy sources and to

carry through the liberalisation of the internal electricity and

natural gas market whilst developing, at the same time, all

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essential energy connections, both within Europe and with

the new developing energy production centres in the

European periphery.

Sustainable development and

energy

With a view to achieving a balanced development of the

energy policy’s social, environmental and competitive

component, we will aim at ensuring wider integration of

sustainable development in the Union’s energy policies.

In the context of these objectives, the Greek Presidency will

seek to secure oil and natural gas supplies, coupled with the

deregulation of the internal electricity and natural gas

market (by providing public service and consumer

protection) and the development of trans-european networks.

In the context of sustainable development, the Greek

Presidency will encourage the use of renewable energies,

rational use and conservation of energy, the co-generation of

heat and electricity and the establishment of common rules

for the safety of nuclear plants and the handling of nuclear

waste and fuel.

The international dimension of

energy

With a view to ensuring the economic viability of EU

energy policies, international cooperation in the energy

sector should be promoted, in particular with Mediterranean

partners, Russia and the countries of South-East Europe.

AGRICULTURE

SAFETY

European Rural Model

–

FISHERIES

FOOD

Developments in agriculture, fisheries and food safety are an

integral part of the changes that are taking place at the level

of the European society and economy; they affect and are

directly linked to the role which the European Union aspires

to play on a global scale. The European Rural Model, a

major aspect of European culture, is mainly founded on two

pillars: farms on the one hand, which in most cases are

family holdings, and the social fabric, on the other, made up

of communities, small towns and villages throughout the

EU’s Rural Area.

The European Rural Model, directly or indirectly, preserves

millions of jobs; it supports the economy of many regions,

ensuring human presence and care in rural areas, with

beneficial effects for the environment.

Common Agricultural Policy

For four decades, the CAP has been supporting our rural

model. It guarantees the food sufficiency that Europe needs

for strategic reasons in a particularly troubled and

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unpredictable world. It has proven to be a cornerstone of the

structure of United Europe.

Sustainable Development

The contribution of the CAP and the Common Fisheries

Policy to sustainable development, in economic, social and

environmental terms is essential, not only for rural

populations but also for food safety and the quality of life of

all European citizens.

The interim revision of the CAP will be a central issue for

the Greek Presidency. The objective is to reach a good

outcome in the negotiations. The regulation proposals that

will be presented in January 2003 by the European

Commission and the framework agreed at the Brussels

Summit will be the main reference basis for discussions and

negotiations.

2003 will be a very important year for WTO negotiations.

The Greek Presidency will contribute to the preparation of a

firm and clear EU stand at the WTO’s Ministerial Session in

Cancun that will be held later in the year. The aim will be to

support the European rural model, sustainable development,

the healthy growth of international trade and solidarity with

developing and less developed countries.

In the context of the wider issue of citizens’ safety, be they

producers, workers, or consumers, emphasis will be given to

the promotion of legislation in the following sectors: food

health and safety, safe practice of agriculture and other

related activities, veterinary science, animal welfare and

nutrition, genetically modified organisms, safe use of

pesticides and the control of their waste.

In the Fisheries Sector, we will aim to complete a large

portion of the Common Fisheries Policy presently under

revision. An important part of this revision deals with

aquaculture and fishing in the Mediterranean.

Interim CAP revision

European Agriculture and

World Trade

Citizen’s Safety

Fisheries Policy

ENVIRONMENT

Development and environment

in close inter-relation

With the evaluation of the Commission’s strategy for

sustainable development, the Greek Presidency will promote

the completion of the Lisbon process, by enhancing the

environmental dimension of this strategy, with the help of

tools such as:

•

Eliminating barriers for environmental technology

•

Taking sustainability into account during impact

assessment,

•

Further developing market mechanisms

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•

Speeding up the process of integrating environmental

requirements in the Union’s sectoral policies and the

Johannesburg commitments.

Fulfilment of the

Johannesburg commitments:

the Mediterranean dimension

By conveying a clear message, with regard to the fulfilment

of the commitments undertaken by the EU at the

Johannesburg Summit, both at global level and at the level

of an enlarged Europe, the Greek Presidency will be

contributing to the realisation of major cooperation

initiatives in the sectors of energy and water, with emphasis

on the Mediterranean dimension.

As it promotes the implementation of the 6

Action Program

for the Environment, the Greek Presidency will give priority

to environmental policies and, in particular, to important

legislative proposals that are already pending or will come

before Council. These include the establishment of a

Community environmental liability system, based on the

principle “the polluter pays”, linking the environment with

health, namely through the expected new proposal on

chemicals, the protection of the marine environment,

bathing waters in particular, as well as measures for

improving air quality. At the same time, the Greek

Presidency is invited to finalise political agreement on the

regulation that deals with the traceability and labelling of

Genetically Modified Organisms, and prepare EU positions

for several international events such as the ministerial

conference in Kiev on a regional strategy for sustainable

development.

Political initiatives for critical

environmental aspects in the

new Europe

EDUCATION – YOUTH - CULTURE

Education

In search of a knowledge-

based Europe

In accordance with the Lisbon strategy, the Greek

Presidency will promote benchmarks for educational

objectives and will contribute to the adoption of a coherent

approach to the whole process. From this perspective, e-

learning, the learning of foreign languages and international

cooperation in tertiary education take on special

significance.

The Presidency’s interest in the possibility of creating a

common educational area of the EU, the Mediterranean and

South-East Europe should also be noted.

Youth

In the youth sector, our objective is to promote an open

coordination method and strive for a common approach to

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information and participation issues.

Culture

Culture2000

Cultural Olympiad

The Greek Presidency will pursue the working program on

European cooperation and continue to follow the progress of

the Culture 2000 program. At the same time, we will seek to

highlight the close link between the Olympic Games of

Athens and culture. In parallel, the Greek Presidency is

working with the Cultural Olympiad for the joint

organisation, within and outside Greece, of events aimed at

emphasising our common European roots, both at the level

of cultural traditions and present-day cultural achievements.

In the audiovisual sector, we hope that the re-examination of

the Television Without Frontiers Directive will move ahead

and that discussions on the expansion of the Community

media program will be carried forward.

CREATION OF A SINGLE AREA

FREEDOM – SECURITY – JUSTICE

Mutual trust

Flexibility – Coordination

Efficiency

The Union’s policies on immigration, external border

management and judicial cooperation in civil and criminal

cases are important priorities of the Greek Presidency. The

values of “justice, freedom and security”, enshrined in the

Amsterdam Treaty and the Tampere conclusions, reflect the

steadfast aspiration of all citizens in the Union.

Given the importance of immigration and asylum issues, the

Presidency will make all possible efforts to achieve balance

on the basis of three fundamental principles: mutual trust –

coordination – efficiency.

The Greek Presidency intends to work towards: the

realisation of the Union’s objectives, with special emphasis

on the European Council’s conclusions and the road map

elaborated by the Danish Presidency. In the sector of Justice,

cooperation on criminal and civil issues will be developed

with a view to creating the new judicial area, combating

international organised crime and enhancing the Union’s

external action.

Combating illegal

immigration and managing

external frontiers

Combating illegal immigration, through joint management

of external land and sea border, by all member states, will be

a major priority during the Greek Presidency, which will be

responsible for supervising the joint action already decided

under the Danish Presidency’s road map. In view of the fact

that most joint cooperation programs on border issues will

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be completed during the first half of 2003, the Greek

Presidency’s Report to the European Council in

Thessaloniki on the practical implementation of the Seville

guidelines for the management of external borders, is of

critical importance.

On matters of external frontier management, the Presidency

will focus on the following issues:

•

Successful implementation of all joint actions

announced under the Seville conclusions regarding the

EU’s external frontiers (with special emphasis on sea

borders); and the analysis, evaluation and utilisation of

their results, with a view to reaching useful conclusions

that will define the Union’s corresponding policies.

•

Promotion of repatriation programs and securing

community funding

•

Promotion of the establishment of a common database

on visas.

A collective problem that

requires a collective response

The Greek Presidency wants to make it clear that combating

illegal immigration is a collective problem for the Union and

its resolution therefore requires a common understanding of

its causes and expected results. For this reason, it feels that

the preparation of a study by the European Commission on

the rational distribution of responsibilities amongst member

states with regard to external frontier management is

important, as well as the development of the programme for

expulsion and repatriation policies together with the

necessary funding.

Regarding asylum, the promotion of measures ensuring

uniform implementation of asylum procedures should go

hand in hand with the adoption of corresponding measures

for combating illegal immigration, establishing common

principles with regard to legal immigration and the

integration of legal immigrants into the societies of member

states and encouraging joint initiatives aimed at more

efficient common management of the EU’s external

frontiers. Moreover, the joint responsibility of all member

states in the matter of rational distribution of rights and

obligations, with respect to both the expulsion of illegal

immigrants to the countries of origin and external frontier

control issues, should be promoted.

The issue of trafficking of human beings equally involves

cooperation with countries of origin and transit and the

adoption of a coherent common policy on readmission and

repatriation. Improved cohesion of the Union’s internal and

external policies could contribute to the handling of

problems related to the movement of populations from third

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Asylum in a global planning

context

Combating trafficking of

human beings and economic

exploitation of immigrants.

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countries. The Greek Presidency intends to develop closer

cooperation with the main countries of origin or transit of

immigrants entering the EU’s territory, with respect to re-

admission agreements.

The social dimension of the

problem

The Presidency believes that it is important to facilitate the

social inclusion of immigrants. This would have a positive

impact on both social (directives on family reunion for long-

term residents) and economic issues, which concern the

Union and would help to allay the fears expressed by EU

citizens. To that end, the Presidency will seek an approach

that encourages the adoption of relevant policies by member

states. Non-discrimination in the economic, social and

cultural field through measures against racism and

xenophobia constitutes a priority for the European Union.

In parallel the Presidency will maximise efforts for the

adoption of the Directives on family reunification and long-

term immigrants. Further work will be done on the new

proposals for immigration for paid employment and for

studying.

The Greek Presidency will seek to open the debate on the

direct relationship between immigration and development,

taking into account the Seville appeal for economic and

technical assistance to third countries, for the purpose of

establishing social and economic conditions that will enable

people to remain in their countries of origin or return to

them.

The EU has increased its efforts, particularly after 1999, in

response to citizens’ demand for more security in the area of

freedom and justice. In this context, the Greek Presidency

will continue to implement the necessary measures for

creating a single area where citizens will feel secure. The

fight against terrorism remains a top priority issue under the

Greek Presidency. Cross-border organised crime and the

trafficking of human beings, are important issues to which

special emphasis will be given. We shall continue the

implementation of the EU Action Plan and the Seville

declaration. Moreover, combating cross–border organised

crime and the trafficking of human beings are crucial

problems to which utmost attention will paid in compliance

with the conclusions of Tampere and later European

Councils.

Coordination with third countries, in particular the US,

Russia, Balkan and Mediterranean countries is an important

element in achieving the objectives of judicial and police

cooperation. The advancement of the EU–US judicial

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Family reunification and long-

term immigrants

The relationship between

immigration and development

Combating terrorism, cross-

border crime, trafficking of

human beings

Coordination with third

countries.

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cooperation agreement will be the first important step that

guides our future action in this area.

Drugs policy

The gradual development of a single European policy on

drugs is another area of initiatives for the Greek Presidency.

Major benefits can result from the use of harmonised

methods in dealing with this problem, both at the level of

law enforcement and criminal procedures as well as

detoxification systems and the social integration of users.

The effectiveness of existing international treaties on the

control of narcotics production and trafficking, should be

reviewed. The extension of the Drugs Action Plan (2000–

2004) to the Balkan region and stronger regional

cooperation, through joint MS/EUROPOL and MS/SECI

operations on drugs related issues, will significantly

contribute to a coherent approach to this problem

EU enlargement will bring new challenges and

opportunities, resulting from the expansion of the Union’s

external frontiers and, more generally, from a situation

where 25 or more states will be cooperating and carrying out

Union policies. At the same time, economic and social

conditions are changing, as a result of globalisation, creating

new needs and obligations for the Union. For this reason,

with a view to achieving the objectives within the original

deadlines laid down by the Amsterdam Treaty through to the

road map and laying the foundations of a common

immigration and asylum policy by 2004, the Union must

prepare its future course of action on these issues. The Greek

Presidency will seek, on the one hand, to contribute to the

attainment of the Union’s present objectives, whilst

participating in the debate on Union policies, after the

completion of the Tampere program.

Mutual recognition of court rulings is the cornerstone of

judicial cooperation, as it strengthens the EU’s capacity to

prosecute international crime, by simplifying and speeding

up judicial cooperation, whilst providing better service to

citizens. The Greek Presidency will promote the draft

regulation for mutual recognition in all member states of

court decisions on parental responsibility, which regulate

relations between parents and children. It will also promote

the draft regulation on the European Enforcement Order on

uncontested claims, to further simplify and speed up the

recognition of court decisions and their execution in other

member states.

Regarding criminal proceedings, efforts will be made to

further improve judicial cooperation by promoting the draft

framework decision on the execution of confiscation

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Beyond the Tampere program

Mutual recognition of court

rulings in civil and criminal

cases

Convergence of legislations

for combating severe forms of

criminal behaviour

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decisions in relation to specific serious crimes.

The Greek Presidency has set as its objective to further the

convergence of criminal legislation relating to serious

crimes with a view to effectively promoting the rule of law

within the European Union. For that purpose it intends to

speed up work on the finalisation of the framework decision

on the crimes of racism and xenophobia.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS – ESDP

Western Balkans

The Union’s relations with the Western Balkan region will

be a major priority of the Greek Presidency. The Presidency

is set to capitalise on the positive results achieved so far in

the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association

Process. In this context, the Presidency will work in a

systematic way in order to deal with issues such as the

consolidation of democratic institutions and civil liberties in

the countries of the region, protection of minorities,

promotion of economic reconstruction and development and

further enhancing of regional cooperation. Furthermore, the

Greek Presidency considers the objective of Romania and

Bulgaria joining the EU in 2007 to be an important incentive

for West Balkan countries, which have already been

recognised as potential applicants. The scheduled EU-

Western Balkans Summit Meeting (Zagreb II Process) next

June in Thessaloniki will contribute to the development of

EU relations with the Western Balkans. It is clear that the

Greek Presidency, capitalising on its knowledge of the

region and its tradition of bilateral relations with these

countries, will give the necessary impetus to all initiatives,

such as the Stability Pact, aimed at furthering the

development of the region.

Russia is a strategic partner of the EU and this will be

demonstrated at the EU-Russia Summit in May 2003, which

we hope will be the starting point for the effective renewal

of EU-Russia relations. During our Presidency, we shall

push forward the creation of the Common European

Economic Area, the energy dialogue between the EU and

Russia, substantial progress on negotiations for Russia’s

accession to the WTO, as well as cooperation on crisis

management and link-up on ESDP. Relations with Russia

need to be reviewed within a coherent and integrated

framework, not only on the economic, but also on the social

and security level. To this end, the revision process of the

Common Strategy for Russia, to be completed during the

Greek Presidency, is particularly important.

Russia

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Wider Europe /

New Neighbours

Following the accession of the new member states, the

enlarged Union will focus its attention on developing closer

relations with all new neighbouring countries. The EU has

already established contractual relations with partners in the

South Mediterranean and the Commonwealth of

Independent States, including the Caucasus. Building on this

diversified contractual relationship, the Presidency, working

together with the Secretary General/High Representative and

European Commission, will explore existing possibilities for

developing these relations further, in sectors of growing

importance after enlargement (trade and economic relations,

area of freedom, security and justice, etc.).

In the new geography that will emerge after enlargement in

Europe, countries within our immediate proximity will be

the subject of a new debate. We feel it would be advisable to

elaborate proposals to enhance cooperation with these

countries in all sectors (economy, institutions building, rule

of law, freedom, security and justice) and through the

improvement of the conventional framework.

The significance of the South Caucasus region for an

integrated EU energy policy and its proximity to high

interest areas, have led to the Union’s decision to assume a

more active role in this region. Implementing this decision

will be the main target of the Greek Presidency for South

Caucasus. An important aspect of our objectives will be to

utilise appropriately the partnership and cooperation

agreements, whilst at the same time enhancing cooperation

and the EU’s presence in the region, through the Special

Representative.

The US is an important EU partner and in this context we

will seek to enhance dialogue and cooperation at all levels.

The fight against terrorism, the handling of international

issues, the growth of international trade and the promotion

of sustainable development are all aspects of globalisation in

which we share common values and interests. In the context

of the Transatlantic Dialogue with the US, the Greek

Presidency will put the emphasis on relations with the

Balkans, Russia, CIS countries, the Middle East,

Afghanistan, disarmament and illegal immigration, and on

promoting the issues contained in the Positive Economic

Agenda. Our aim is to achieve tangible results in all sectors

at the EU-US summit that will be held during the Greek

Presidency.

Relations between the EU and Canada will be further

supported and enhanced, based on major international

Ukraine

Belarus

Moldova

Caucasus

Transatlantic Dialogue-EU-

US and EU-Canada Relations

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issues.

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean has always enjoyed advanced relations

with the EU, which we will try to enhance further during our

Presidency. The main aim is to achieve a de-escalation of

tension in the region, by encouraging dialogue and

cooperation amongst Mediterranean countries and

strengthening their ties with Europe (confidence building

measures, new institutions, such as the EuroMediterranean

Parliamentary Assembly). The Action Plan that was adopted

at the last EuroMediterranean Foreign Ministers Conference

in Valencia represents a suitable framework for promoting

the Barcelona Process and a more active involvement of

Mediterranean partners in this Process. The Greek

Presidency will work for the fulfilment of the Valencia

commitments and promote dialogue with Mediterranean

countries and cooperation in the sectors of trade,

development,

justice,

immigration,

security

and

environment. The establishment of the EuroMediterranean

Institute for Intercultural Dialogue will strengthen

cooperation on questions related to culture, youth and

information. During our Presidency, conferences of Foreign

and Energy Ministers will be convened.

The Union’s traditional relations with the region of the

Middle East should be further developed by creating an

opportunity for effective action to put an end to violence,

allow political considerations to prevail over military

prospects and revive the peace process. To this end, the

“Quartet” should be promoted as a decisive element of

coordination of the international community’s efforts. In this

context, we will be supporting efforts aimed at reforming the

Palestinian Authority and obtaining a positive response on

the part of Israel, since these are elements that affect the

peace process. The partisans of peace on both sides should

be supported through the resumption, inter alia, of contacts

between representatives of the two civil societies concerned.

We shall maintain our contacts with Iran’s neighbours and

pursue dialogue with this country. Our objective is to

develop relations with the Arab and Islamic world, with a

view to establishing a climate of trust and cooperation that

will be beneficial for the region’s security. In the wider

region, the promotion of negotiations for a free trade

agreement will be a positive development for the countries

of the Gulf.

Middle East

Africa

The role of the EU in the African continent needs to be

enhanced. The Europe-Africa Summit in Lisbon, on 5 April

2002, provides a good opportunity along these lines. At the

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same time, all possible efforts will be made to avert conflicts

in crisis areas and to address the humanitarian crisis on the

African continent.

Asia

For the Asian region, our aim will be to build on the

conclusions of the 4

ASEM and the opportunities provided

by the EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, which will be held

in Brussels. The development of the EU’s relations with

Japan and China should gradually reach a level

commensurate with the size and importance of these two

countries. The Union’s role has already been instrumental in

normalising relations between India and Pakistan and in

preventing a new crisis. To further stabilise security in this

region, we shall continue to support the efforts for the

reconstruction of Afghanistan and the implementation of the

Bonn Agreement.

Capitalising on the opportunities provided by the Ministerial

Meetings with Latin American countries, following on the

efforts of the recent Madrid Summits, we will strive, during

the Presidency, to enhance the EU's relations with the

countries of this region. The Ministerial Conference of the

EU and the Rio Group will be a further step in this direction.

In the field of development, it is important to make progress

with respect to the economic partnership agreements and we

hope that the EU-ACP Ministerial Conference in May 2003

will accelerate this process. Meanwhile, we will be

examining a number of issues in the Council, such as the

orientation discussion on European foreign policy and

immigration and development issues. We shall work

together with the European Commission to establish better

partnerships between North and South, in conformity with

the commitments made at Monterey and Johannesburg.

With the aim of arriving at a satisfactory outcome at the 5

Ministerial Session in Cancun, we shall seek to obtain

satisfactory and balanced results during the negotiations on

the development agenda in Doha. We will try to achieve

progress in all areas and, in particular, on those issues for

which there is an agreed calendar for the first half of 2003,

i.e. services, agriculture and market access. At the level of

bilateral trade relations, we will give special emphasis to the

EU-US Positive Economic Agenda. We will support the

process of the EuroMediterranean free trade area and try to

achieve progress in the negotiations with Gulf countries,

Mercosur countries, Iran and ACP countries and the

completion of negotiations for the cooperation agreement

with Syria.

Latin America

Development

Trade Relations

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Fight against terrorism

International cooperation, and especially cooperation with

the US, in the fight against terrorism is of paramount

importance. The political dialogue between the EU and third

countries on this issue is necessary so that the international

alliance against terrorism becomes more effective. We shall

continue efforts to include this issue in all facets of EU

external policy, in international fora as well as in bilateral

relations.

During our Presidency, the text on the priorities for the

preparation of the European position with regard to the

General Assembly will be drawn up. At the same time, we

will be studying the UN Secretary General’s Report on the

reform of the organisation.

The difficulties encountered by the EU positions at the

Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development

have highlighted an important gap in EU external policies,

with respect to environmental diplomacy. Greece will try to

promote the development of common European diplomacy

on the environment and sustainable development. In

addition to the support it will bring to European positions on

these issues, environmental diplomacy may constitute an

effective tool for preventive policies and a policy of

rapprochement between peoples. In this context, contacts

will be organised with interested member states, the

Council’s General Secretariat and the European Commission

and efforts made to establish a network of the Environment

Policy Directorates of member states Foreign Ministries. An

international conference on “Peace and Sustainability” will

also be convened, in cooperation with the World Bank.

Every opportunity will be taken to promote the Olympic

Truce initiative, including at selected multinational events,

during the Greek Presidency. Information will be available

on this international peace initiative, and there will be the

possibility of holding special Truce signing ceremonies by

leaders and personalities wishing to contribute to the spread

of the initiative.

United Nations

Environmental diplomacy

Olympic Truce

European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP)

With regard to the ESDP, a main priority of the Greek

Presidency will be to conclude all pending issues in order to

achieve, during 2003, the EU’s full operational capability

for global crisis management, through a balanced

development of political and military facets and the

promotion of political – military coordination.

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Military aspects

In this context, with regard to the ESDP’s military aspects,

the efforts of the Greek Presidency will focus on:

•

improving military capability, to allow the Union to

conduct, on an autonomous or non-autonomous basis,

Petersberg type missions. At this level, emphasis will be

given to the armaments sector and, especially, to the

strengthening of the European Defence Industry, mainly

through the development of research and technology.

•

consolidating and further expanding and deepening

cooperation with NATO,

•

promoting the necessary adjustments to the ESDP's

mechanism, following enlargement, to ensure the

smooth integration of new members,

•

finalising the institutional framework for the

mechanism’s operation by adopting the necessary

operational concepts and general ideas,

•

re-adjusting and testing procedures, mainly through

preliminary work, for the implementation of the exercise

program.

•

tightening relations with third countries, potential

partners in particular, with special emphasis on relations

with Russia, in view of its integration in the European

security system and by promoting dialogue and closer

relations, at ESDP level, with Mediterranean and Balkan

countries.

At the level of political crisis management, the main aim of

the Greek Presidency is to integrate the capabilities and

operational framework in all four areas (police, rule of law,

civil protection, public administration) while, at the same

time, promoting horizontal issues such as financing, the

participation of third countries and cooperation with

international and non-governmental organisations. Special

emphasis will be given to political – military coordination.

Regarding conflict prevention, the Greek Presidency will

present the annual progress report, which will reflect results

achieved in this area during the second half of 2002 and the

first half of 2003. The objectives of the Greek Presidency

will be to develop the regional approach, by focusing on

prevention in areas like the Balkans, to establish the

prevention mechanism and procedures and to promote

cooperation with international and non-governmental

organisations.

GENERAL AFFAIRS

Crisis management

Conflict prevention

GAC, the main coordinating

body

Under the Seville guidelines the GAC will pursue its

coordinating role and will have primary responsibility for

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preparing the European Council. In the context of the

Council, we will continue the debate, which began during

the Danish Presidency, on language issues and the rotating

Presidency, in view of the forthcoming enlargement.

The regime applicable to

European MPs and parties

and the status of EU staff

During our Presidency, the Council will examine the regime

applicable to European MPs and political parties, with

special emphasis on funding. Similarly, we will strongly

focus on the status of Community officials, which

constitutes a question of wider interest for the Union’s

operation, in the hope of reaching a final conclusion.

The Greek Presidency attaches importance to the future of

the policy on economic and social cohesion and we are

awaiting with interest the 2

Interim Report on Cohesion. In

this framework, we shall promote the dialogue on the future

of cohesion policy after enlargement and on the policies to

assist areas with particular structural disadvantages, such as

the islands.

The Council will continue the discussion on the

restructuring of external actions, giving emphasis to its

operational aspects. Furthermore, in the Seville context, the

Commission will present, in addition to the annual

programme for 2004, the multi-annual programme, which is

expected to contribute significantly to the inter-institutional

dialogue within the Union.

Cohesion Policy

Restructuring of external

actions

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IV. Epilogue

The task of organising an EU Presidency has now reached completely different

dimensions, compared to the previous Greek Presidency in 1994. The duties of the

Presidency in the areas of external relations and Justice and Home Affairs are

particularly enhanced.

During the first half of 2003, there will be 2 European Councils, 5 international

summit meetings (EU-Africa, the signing of the Accession Treaty, the European

Conference, EU-Russia, EU-Western Balkans), 39 regular meetings of the Council of

Ministers and 14 informal ministerial councils and meetings. In addition, 16 troika

meetings at summit level are planned, as well as 37 ministerial troika meetings and

more than 180 meetings and conferences at various other levels in 36 Greek cities.

As it completes its two-year preparations, the Greek Presidency has a strong feeling of

responsibility towards the European family for the critical role it will be assuming in a

period that will clearly be one of transition. It will seek, in a balanced way, to

continue the highly positive role of the Danish Presidency, pursuing or completing

pending matters, whilst bringing forward new ideas and proposals for action for an

enlarged Europe. An enlarged Europe that is more competitive, socially fairer, safer,

with a strong international presence and, above all, much closer to its citizens. Close

cooperation with the Italian Presidency that follows will ensure, we believe, the

necessary continuity and cohesion of action in 2003, a year of major decisions for the

Union’s future.