EUU, Alm.del - 2011-12 - Bilag 415: Referat af COSAC-møde og Trojka-møde i København 22.-24. april 2012

IN THE CHAIR: Ms Eva KJER HANSEN, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee(Folketinget, Denmark).AGENDA:1. Welcome addressMr Mogens LYKKETOFT, Speaker of the Danish Parliament.2. Opening of the session:- Adoption of the agenda of the XLVII COSAC- Presentation of the 17thBi-annual Report of COSAC- Decisions of the Presidential Troika of COSAC3. 20 years of free movement of goods, people, services and capitalKeynote speaker: Mr José Manuel BARROSO.4. Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in EuropeKeynote speaker: Ms Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT, Prime Minister of Denmark.5. A Single Market for services - full implementation of the Services DirectiveKeynote speakers: Mr Michel BARNIER, Commissioner for Internal Market and Services andMr Malcolm HARBOUR, Chair of the Committee for the Internal Market and ConsumerProtection of the European Parliament.6. Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC:- Debate on the Contribution and Conclusions of the XLVII COSAC7. Sustainable growth - Promoting the transition to a resource efficient economy in EuropeKeynote speaker: Mr Janez POTOČNIK, Commissioner for the Environment.8. The Digital Single MarketKeynote speaker: Ms Neelie KROES, Vice-President and Commissioner for the Digital Agenda.9. Adoption of the Contribution and Conclusions of the XLVII COSAC

PROCEEDINGSMs KJER HANSEN welcomed the participants and especially the following new Chairpersons:Mr Edgar MAYER, Chairman of the European Union Committee of the AustrianBundesrat,Mr Luboš BLAHA, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the SlovakNárodnáRada,Mr Roman JAKIČ, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the SlovenianDržavni zbor,Mr Gerardo CAMPS, Chairman of the Joint Committee for the European Union ofthe SpanishCortes Generalesand Mr Daniel MONDEKAR, Chairman of the European IntegrationCommittee of the CroatianHrvatski sabor.She also welcomed Ms Gordana ČOMIĆ, Vice-Speaker of the SerbianNarodna skupština,referring to the candidate status that Serbia hasreceived as of 1 March 2012.1. Welcome address by Mr Mogens LYKKETOFT, Speaker of the Danish ParliamentMr LYKKETOFT officially opened the XLVII meeting of COSAC at the Tivoli Congress Centre,mentioning that it was the seventh time Denmark was holding the Presidency of the Council of theEU.1

After emphasising the benefits of the cooperation between Parliaments, he focused on thechallenges that lay ahead, concentrating on the economic crisis, which was affecting the politicaland social fabric of the society, as well as on youth unemployment. In this light, he stressed theimportance of the agreement on the Fiscal Compact and of the growth and jobs agenda, a toppriority of the Danish Presidency, as means of restoring confidence in the European economies andensuring the trust of citizens.Underlining the need to realise the potential of the Single Market, the Speaker emphasised theneed for Governments, Parliaments and EU institutions to work together. Moreover, he encouragedparliamentarians to accept national Parliaments' responsibility for safeguarding the principle ofsubsidiarity, as enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon, and for improving democratic accountability inEurope. At the same time, he encouraged active participation in the political dialogue with theCommission and the exchange of best practices and networking with other parliamentarians.2. Opening of the session2.1 Adoption of the agenda of the XLVII COSAC meetingMs KJER HANSEN announced the deadline for amendments to the draft Contribution andConclusions of the XLVII COSAC (not later than 1:30 pm of the same day) and proceeded withthe adoption of the agenda in the absence of any proposals for modification. In presenting theagenda she appreciated the participation of four Commissioners.2.2 Presentation of the 17thBi-annual Report of COSACThe Chairman thanked the COSAC Secretariat for drafting an excellent 17thBi-annual Report andinvited the Permanent Member of the COSAC Secretariat, Ms Libby KURIEN, to give a shortpresentation of the report. Ms KURIEN briefly outlined the content and the main issues raised inthe report.The Chairman then gave the floor to Mr Peter FRIEDRICH (GermanBundesrat)who informed theparticipants that parliamentary discussions relating to the ratification of the ESM Treaty inGermany would be completed in June and suggested that COSAC should invite nationalParliaments for an exchange of information on parliamentary participation rights at the decisionmaking process of the ESM board of governors. A number of speakers agreed, whereas onespeaker expressed the view that the Fiscal Compact was unlawful.2.3 Decisions of the Presidential Troika of COSACThe Chairman gave the floor to Mr Andrzej GAŁAŻEWSKI (PolishSejm)to present theconclusions of the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments (hereinafter referred to asConference of Speakers), which took place in Warsaw on 19-21 April 2012, on the point "Theparliamentary control of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the CommonSecurity and Defence Policy (CSDP)".Mr GAŁAŻEWSKI informed the participants on the finalisation of the negotiations, which hadstarted at the Conference of Speakers in Brussels in 2011. He referred to the fact that the Inter-Parliamentary Conference would replace the existing COFACC and CODACC meetings and

would meet once every six months. National Parliaments would be represented by six Memberseach. The European Parliament would be represented by a delegation composed of 16 Members.Parliaments of candidate countries and European non-EU member countries of NATO could berepresented by a delegation composed of four observers. Each Parliament would decide on thecomposition of its delegation. The secretariat would be provided by the national Parliament of theMember State holding the six-month Presidency of the Council of the EU with the previous andthe next Presidency (i.e. within the Troika), in close cooperation with the European Parliament.Mr GAŁAŻEWSKI added that it had been informally agreed, on the basis of an exchange ofinformation, that the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU would be the first to organisesuch a Conference and work out the rules of procedure.Several speakers asked for the floor to express their views on the conclusions presented by MrGAŁAŻEWSKI. Mr Fernand BODEN (LuxembourgChambre des Députés)expressed hisdisappointment with the agreement reached by the Conference of Speakers. Referring to Article 10of Protocol 1 of the Treaty of Lisbon, he said he thought it had been understood, in the context ofdiscussions held in COSAC, that COSAC would organise interparliamentary conferences onspecific topics, in particular to debate matters of CFSP, including CSDP. He therefore expectedthat COSAC would have at least been incorporated in the secretariat of the Inter-ParliamentaryConference and warned that the creation of other special conferences might endanger the futurerole of COSAC in CFSP and CSDP and would risk its dismantling.Mr Demetris SYLLOURIS (CypriotVouli ton Antiprosopon)agreed with Mr BODEN underliningthat COSAC should aim to place such discussions under the umbrella of COSAC.Mr Herman DE CROO (BelgianChambre des représentants)supported the view that it wasnecessary to ensure coordination by the secretariat of COSAC otherwise there was a risk of havingboth a COSAC and a series of mini-COSACs.In his reply, Mr GAŁAŻEWSKI referred to the political decision taken by the Speakers in Warsawto create a conference independent to COSAC, stressing that the political will was stronger thanwhat is written in the Treaties. In addition, he made reference to the position held by the Presidentof the GermanBundestagat the Conference of Speakers according to which new conferences maybe created, e.g. in relation to budget and financial matters.As there was limited time, the Chairman then suggested that the discussion could continue duringthe Chairpersons meeting.3. 20 years of free movement of goods, people, services and capitalKeynote speaker: Mr José Manuel BARROSO, President of the European Commission.Mr BARROSO said that the Single Market was a unique tool that Europe should use to its bestadvantage, an engine driving towards sustainable growth and jobs, as well as meeting the Europe2020 objectives. He emphasised the need to release the full potential of the Single Market, tofurther enhance it and build on its strengths. The digital Single Market was "the major driver forgrowth across Europe". However, it was regrettable that, because of legal and practical barriers,only 7% of e-commerce takes place across the borders. He said that a well functioning SingleMarket would only drive growth if there was a shared commitment to its governance by allstakeholders including national Parliaments, regional and local authorities, social partners,enforcement authorities, networks and business associations.

Mr BARROSO informed the participants that later in 2012, the Commission would come forwardwith a further set of measures to enhance the Single Market, focusing on delivering growth, andboosting employment and competitiveness. In addition, he expressed the need to build partnershipand ownership with national Parliaments, describing this as being essential to drive the SingleMarket forward and promote Europe’s future growth and prosperity. The Europe 2020 strategyobjectives were being addressed through seven flagship initiatives which include initiatives on adigital agenda for Europe, innovation, resource efficiency and mobility for young people.Finally, Mr BARROSO thanked the Danish Presidency, particularly Ms KJER HANSEN, for theircommitment to intensifying the political dialogue between the Commission and nationalParliaments. He expressed the Commission’s equal determination to intensify the politicaldialogue with national Parliaments on Commission proposals and initiatives, in particular withinthe framework of economic governance. He emphasised that the European Parliament and nationalParliaments had a crucial role to play in European democracy.During the debate that followed, 16 speakers took the floor, a number of which agreed thatcompetitiveness was a crucial factor towards growth and the creation of new jobs. In response toissues raised concerning the support towards SMEs within the framework of the Single Market andmore access to venture capital, Mr BARROSO pointed out that new proposals had already beenput forward by the Commission, including exemption on macro enterprises. On the issue of theopening of markets in North Africa and the Middle East, Mr BARROSO pointed out that after theArab Spring events, the Commission used the 3 "Ms", namely, Market, Money and Mobility inorder to open markets. Within this context, he underlined the importance of targeted mobility andof reinforcing the Schengen rules and added that the Commission was working on a new proposalin relation to this.Regarding the issue raised by Mr Carl HAMILTON (SwedishRiksdagen)on strengthening therelationship and improving dialogue between the Commission and national Parliaments, MrBARROSO said that the Commission would look at how to systematically send all consultations tonational Parliaments and said it would analyse opinions more systematically. He expressed theopinion that the existing arrangements, to which the Commission is fully committed, should beexploited more fully. The Commission already replied in a detailed manner to the large number ofopinions from national Parliaments which often contained such enquiries. He said he wanted to domore with national Parliaments on these opinions and enquiries but that, in the context of thereduction of the budget, planned staff reductions and lack of time, it would not be possible to openthe system of written questions that existed with the European Parliament to national Parliaments.Replying to remarks that the internal market had still not reached its full potential, Mr BARROSOsaid it was the basis of European prosperity. It was essential to work towards fiscal harmonisationand greater co-ordination, which was of major significance to SMEs. He further stated that theinternal market needed to be enforced by effective coordination between different fiscal regimesand that progress could be made by confronting fiscal fraud.In relation to a suggestion by Mr Paulo RANGEL (European Parliament) that fiscal harmonisationof corporate taxation, statutes of European companies and a single European patent were required,Mr BARROSO underlined the need for fiscal consolidation, as well as investment, pointing outthat discipline, responsibility and solidarity by Member States was a necessity.

In response to a comment of Mr Ludĕk SEFZIG (CzechSenát)concerning the “mega bubbles ofexpectation” created by some politicians, Mr BARROSO agreed that, in addition to expectations,mega bubbles of debt and in the financial market were also created. He argued that it was for thisreason that increased discipline was needed at European level. To this effect, by June, rules forincreased governance of the Single Market would be put forward by the Commission, as well as ascoreboard relating to the implementation of the Single Market so that it was clear who wasrespecting the rules and who was not. On this note, he expressed his disappointment on theimplementation of Single Market legislation by some Member States.Regarding the Commission’s proposal for a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT), Mr BARROSOunderlined the fairness of this proposal in that it would provide a proportionate contribution byMember States and stated that the Commission would insist on it, not only from an economic pointof view, but also from a Single Market one.There was agreement among speakers that the Single Market needed to be improved and amajority held the view that fiscal discipline and competitiveness needed to be further strengthened.Within this context, Mr BARROSO argued that the crisis was the result of irresponsible fiscalbehaviour by Member States. On whether it was possible to revise the Europe 2020 strategy, hesuggested that the EU must be prepared to adapt the Europe 2020 strategy if necessary. Within thiscontext, he made particular reference to the package that would be presented by the Commissionon 30 May 2012 on European governance and the European Semester. He explained that therewere instruments in place for evaluating all reforms, not only those relating to fiscal matters, butalso to the Europe 2020 strategy.4. Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in EuropeKeynote speaker: Ms Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT, Prime Minister of Denmark.The Prime Minister said that national Parliaments play an indispensible role in the EU both interms of scrutiny and subsidiarity, taking part in the legislative process and also in communicatingEuropean policies to the citizens. Efforts of national Parliamentarians were imperative tostimulating growth and creating new jobs in a time when Europe needed to get out of the crisis.The Danish Presidency had faced many questions on the state of Europe and how to restoregrowth. In this contest she quoted Sir Winston Churchill who said “A pessimist sees the difficultyin every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”.Ms THORNING-SCHMIDT said that it would be unjustified and naïve to call off the crisis but shewas an optimist for the future of Europe. This was because of several reasons. Firstly, leaders hadshown the will to confront challenges and had taken swift action that had significantly calmedmarkets. This had enabled the European Council, at its meetings in January and March, to lookbeyond the crisis and focus on creating growth and tackling youth unemployment. She believedthat the efforts taken by the European Central Bank, although they should not replace reforms inthe Member States, had also helped to create stability. Moreover despite dim indicators,confidence was returning and positive eurozone growth was predicted for the second half of 2012.Secondly, Member States had carried out, or had planned to carry out, tough reforms. She opposedthe view blaming Europe for inaction. The crisis was not triggered by wrong EU policies but byproblems in some Member States. Hard decisions and further reform lay ahead; Europe needed tocombine efforts to stabilise the economy and create smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Toensure smart growth, she said that Europe must compete globally on skills by promoting

education, research and innovation and by removing barriers in the Single Market, which is themain engine for growth in the EU.Ms THORNING-SCHMIDT said that the Danish Presidency was prioritising the 12 key levers ofthe Single Market Act. The Digital Single Market was an important source of smart growth. Shesaid that Europe must also ensure sustainable growth and addressing climate change did notconflict with achieving growth. Finally growth should also be inclusive, with a particular need toensure that youth unemployment rates were tackled and the European social model was protectedthough being reformed to remain competitive. Structural reforms were required in every MemberState and the European Semester was critical to ensuring this happened in a coordinated manner.The Prime Minister concluded that she found reasons to choose optimism over pessimism as thefirst steps had been taken to restore confidence. She appealed to parliamentarians to play their partand to Member States to “keep their house in order” for the sake of the whole. She encouragedeveryone to act as “optimism is good, but action is better”.During the ensuing debate 16 speakers took the floor. They spoke on topics ranging from thecreation of growth, the need to create jobs through innovation and greening and the problem ofyouth unemployment to the FTT and the European Multiannual Financial Framework. Some calledon the EU to concentrate on areas of activity that would create jobs and not only on consolidation.Ms Francesca Maria MARINARO (ItalianSenato della Repubblica)suggested that the bankingsystem should pay something back through financial regulation. Mr Dietmar NIETAN (GermanBundestag)thanked the Prime Minster for bringing Denmark back to a pro-European focus andcalled for solidarity in policies to bring about inclusive growth. Many Members said that properimplementation of legislation and measures for growth were critical to getting out of the crisis. MsMargrete AUKEN (European Parliament) called on national parliamentarians to put pressure onMember State governments who were blocking a number of good initiatives in the Council. MrBLAHA (SlovakNárodná Rada)said that the main precondition for growth was social inclusionand welcomed the mention of the social dimension in the speech.Ms THORNING-SCHMIDT replied that focus on jobs and growth was important and manyactions had been taken by the Presidency on this. However, it was also necessary for MemberStates to ensure that budgets were balanced and economies were stable. It was not healthy for themto blame Europe or for Europe to blame them, but all had responsibility to work together forgrowth. She said that there had been development in the financial sector through progress onderivatives legislation and the capital requirements Directive. She further emphasised that it wasimportant to come out of the crisis with both the European social model and the fact that Europewas greener than the rest of the world in tact, whilst ensuring that competitiveness was maintained.She did not want to “fight over who does what” as she believed in subsidiarity, but the EU shouldwork more together to invest in young people, have prudent budgets and ensure firmimplementation at the EU level to produce tangible results.Mr CAMPS said that he was optimistic but also realistic. There was still a long way to go beforethe EU 2020 goals were achieved. A number of Members argued that implementation of EUlegislation was key to achieving growth. Ms Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI (FinnishEduskunta)said that the EU had to be aware of the global situation, where emerging economies in Asia weregrowing rapidly. She emphasised that youth unemployment was a real problem and the EU couldnot afford to lose a generation.

Ms THORNING-SCHMIDT emphasised the importance of not creating an artificial fight betweenconsolidation and generating growth: it was possible to do both. Growth and employment goalsneeded to be reached together and implementation of EU legislation in Member States was criticalto this. She said that the Presidency was not focused only on internal problems but also on tradewith the world. The world was looking to the EU for a response and this had to be greater reformespecially because of the demographic problems it faced.5. A Single Market for services - full implementation of the Services DirectiveKeynote speakers: Mr Michel BARNIER, Commissioner for Internal Market and Services andMr Malcolm HARBOUR, Chair of the Committee for the Internal Market and ConsumerProtection of the European Parliament (hereinafter IMCO Committee).Commissioner BARNIER stated that the free movement of services was undoubtedly the leastaccomplished of the four freedoms on which the Single Market is based. Too many enterprises, inparticular SMEs, faced too many hurdles despite the focus on simplification, modernisation ofprocedures and the establishment of one-stop-shops for enterprises that wish to develop activitiesin another Member State. The Commissioner said that the priority was to ensure the fullimplementation of the Services Directive and not to extend its scope. According to studies thiscould add 1.5 % to the European GDP by 2020.In order to reach the target of full implementation, complete transposition of the Directive andassessment of its efficiency were essential. The Commission would therefore come forward with aCommunication in June that would focus on implementation reports, performance tests andguidelines on how to improve citizens' access to services and combat discrimination based ongeographical location, which is particularly relevant in the field of e-commerce.Mr BARNIER then concentrated on the state of play of the Single Market Act. Referring to the 12key actions he underlined the important role of national Parliaments in assessing proposals andensuring measures were adopted before the end of 2012. Meanwhile, the Commission was alreadylooking ahead and would propose an additional series of 12 key actions during the second semesterof 2012. On the European patent he explained that a patent in Europe currently costs ten timesmore than in the US and that the absence of a patent paved the way for counterfeiting.Furthermore, the Commissioner highlighted the issue of Single Market governance, stressing thatlegislating in itself was not enough and that it was equally important to examine how new ruleswould be used. Ways of improving Single Market governance included: the stricter supervision oftransposition by Member States by means of a scoreboard and if needed a more systematic use ofinfringement procedures; a direct and intensive dialogue with those who are in charge of theimplementation of measures; and the optimal use of existing tools such as the scoreboard, the one-stop-shops and SOLVIT (a means to avoid court proceedings). All collected data would then bepart of an annual report. Moreover, the Commission would come up with a new governancestrategy in June 2012 in order to increase consistency between initiatives. Finally, Mr BARNIERunderlined the importance of the full and total commitment of Member States as well as of anintensive political dialogue with national Parliaments.Mr HARBOUR said he was resolutely optimistic like the Danish Prime Minister had been in herspeech. With more than a thousand pieces of legislation resulting from what also happened innational Parliaments, the Single Market was by far the most ambitious single reform ever in theEU, and there was more to come. However, in addition to inconsistent implementation a majorconcern was the lack of awareness of service enterprises of the opportunities.

Mr HARBOUR agreed with the Commissioner that there was no need for a new ServicesDirective. He highlighted the work done by the IMCO Committee on reviewing theimplementation of the Directive, e.g. by organising hearings. He pledged that the IMCOCommittee, being proactive and politically committed, would respond to the June CommissionCommunication and went on to say that the Single Market was built on the endeavours of peopleand that consumers had to be engaged in it. A telling example of this was cross-border e-shopping.Having paid tribute to MEP Louis Grech, who as rapporteur of the 2010 report " A Single Marketfor consumers and citizens" had been the driving force behind the re-launch of the Single Market,Mr HARBOUR drew attention to the strategic planning and forward agenda of the IMCOCommittee, which included inviting national Parliaments and doing research at an early stage, thusallowing the Committee to be fully ready for any new Commission proposal. Much focus was nowon issues like public procurement, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, standardslegislation and the goods market. He concluded by inviting national Parliaments to be more closelyinvolved,inter aliavia meetings between specialist committees through video conferencing, likethose with the GermanBundestagand the FrenchAssemblée nationale.He concluded byencouraging national Parliaments to continue cooperating, sending ideas and working on the detail.During the ensuing debate 20 speakers took the floor, raising issues of particular concern. Theseincluded the need for a clear taxation system (including VAT on cross-border services) and out ofcourt settlements, tackling specific obstacles encountered by SMEs and related issues such as thecommunication deficit and the increasing difficulty for SMEs to have access to financing, the needto preserve the social dimension, the reduction of red tape and the geographical spread of budgetsallocated to key actions. Lord ROPER (UKHouse of Lords)insisted on the need for ongoingtransposition and implementation and wondered how exactly the 0.5% transposition deficit targetcould be reached. Mr Michael STÜBGEN (GermanBundestag)argued that Directives should bemore general, referring to the issue of one-stop-shops, which was a complicated one in Germanywith its 16Länder.On the same issue of one-stop-shops, Ms Evelyne GEBHARDT (EuropeanParliament) highlighted the crucial importance of promoting them. Mr Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS(LithuanianSeimas)raised the issue of access to the markets of trading partners.In his reply Commissioner BARNIER acknowledged that the need for unanimity on fiscal mattersmeant that progress was very slow. The Commission had proposed a common base for the taxationof enterprises, which was not the same as a common tax rate. He agreed that SMEs generally feltthat the Single Market had not been constructed for them and said he was adamant about changingthat. Simplification for SMEs was badly needed: in some cases the cost to comply withadministrative requirements amounted to 30% of the value of the contract. On access to markets oftrading partners Mr BARNIER advocated a policy based on reciprocity. The value of newcontracts as a consequence of reciprocity could add up to some €12 billion. In additiondigitalisation of public procurement should be promoted and legal security should be provided forgreen procurement. Regarding SOLVIT and the one-stop-shops he urged national Parliaments toask ministers what actions they had undertaken. He added that the Commission involved nationalParliaments in the process of early public consultation and that it was important to bring thelegislative process in national Parliaments more in line with the European legislative process.Mr HARBOUR stated in his reply that the European Parliament had an important political role totake care of SMEs that often continued to face protectionist barriers. Furthermore SMEs should bemade aware of their right to lodge a complaint whenever a product is being blocked in a MemberState while it is already on the market in another one. Protectionism was still very much present in

the goods package and certain administrative practices had to be rooted out. More focus onconsumer protection was needed. He noted that better legislation was also about allowing allstakeholders to have a say before entering into a detailed discussion. Finally, he underlined that thedigital Single Market would be very central to the IMCO Committee's agenda over the comingyears.6. Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSACMs KJER HANSEN informed the Chairpersons that since 26 March 2012, when the DanishPresidency had submitted the first draft of the Contribution and Conclusions, the Presidency hadreceived amendments from national Parliaments and the European Parliament on the draftContribution. No amendments to the draft Conclusions had been received. Following a debate anamended text of the Contribution and Conclusions of the XLVII COSAC was agreed.Following the vote on the Contribution and Conclusions, a debate took place on the result of theConference of Speakers in Warsaw on 19-21 April 2012 regarding the Inter-ParliamentaryConference for CFSP and CSDP. It was suggested by Mr Ben FAYOT (LuxembourgChambre desDéputés)that COSAC should mention in its Conclusions the compromise of the Speakers and notethe review in two years. It was regrettable that the solution left out COSAC and thereforeweakened the important parliamentary forum based on treaty provisions. This suggestion wasopposed by Mr Simon SUTOUR (FrenchSénat)who argued that for two years it had been difficultto reach an agreement and that it would not weaken COSAC. He therefore did not want COSAC toadopt a negative position on the compromise from Warsaw. To this Mr MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ,(European Parliament) added that it was not up to COSAC to challenge a decision taken byconsensus by the Speakers of EU Parliaments. Mr Enrico FARINONE (ItalianCamera deiDeputati)agreed with Mr MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ and Mr SUTOUR. Mr Averof NEOFYTOU,(CypriotVouli ton Antiprosopon)said that the discussion on the subject should not be reopenedand announced that the first Inter-Parliamentary Conference on CFSP and CSDP would take placein Cyprus on the 9-11 September 2012.Hereafter Mr GAŁAŻEWSKI reminded the participants that during every presidency there hadbeen meetings between the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Defence independent fromCOSAC. The Inter-Parliamentary Conference for CFSP and CSDP would combine COFACC andCODACC and after two years the conference would be reviewed. During this review it might benecessary to look at the cooperation between the COSAC Secretariat and the secretariat of theInter-Parliamentary Conference. The agreement from Warsaw did not however prevent COSACfrom discussing security and foreign affairs issues. Ms KJER HANSEN concluded that thesuggestion that COSAC should make a statement on the conclusions from Warsaw was notgenerally supported. She added that she thought the conclusions did not necessarily exclude theCOSAC Secretariat from being involved in the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference forCFSP and CSDP. Mr MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ replied it was Ms KJER HANSEN's personalinterpretation on the COSAC Secretariat and in his view it was not what was meant in Warsaw.7. Sustainable growth - Promoting the transition to a resource efficient economy in EuropeKeynote speaker: Mr Janez POTOČNIK, Commissioner for the Environment.Commissioner POTOČNIK focused on environmental policy as a part of the Single Market. Heunderlined that resource efficiency was a central part of the Europe 2020 Strategy and essential for

Europe's competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Mr POTOČNIK stressed that the economy andthe environment were inter-related and inter-dependent. He believed that the Single Market couldbe a driving force for greening the economy and resource efficiency could help revive the SingleMarket.The Commissioner focused his speech on three main themes. The first was the crucial aspect ofresource efficient growth. By 2050 there would be nine billion people on earth and the demand forresources would be three times larger. That was why one of his main objectives was to decoupleresource use from economic growth. To this end Mr POTOČNIK appealed to nationalparliamentarians to keep a close eye on their governments regarding environmental issues andlegislation in this area. For example he suggested “a shift in taxation from labour to pollution andresource use”. He also mentioned the immediate potential for investment and job creation in thearea of waste management. A recent Commission report showed that full implementation ofexisting waste legislation could create 400,000 jobs in the EU and save €72 billion a yearcompared to non-implementation.Secondly, the Commissioner talked about greening of the Single Market, on which aCommunication would be published at the end of the year. Thirdly, implementation was one of themost important aspects of environmental legislation. Mr POTOČNIK underlined the role ofnational Parliaments in helping to achieve timely transposition and in choosing the proper nationalimplementation measures tailored to each Member State. He concluded that the future must besustainable - there was no real alternative.During the ensuing debate 15 speakers took the floor. They underlined various aspects of EUenvironmental policy including forests, water, CO2reduction, climate change, Rio +20 andenvironmental information. Replying to questions about agricultural policy the Commissionerdescribed changes in this sector which were to be beneficial for the environment. He underscoredthe need to reduce food waste, which counted for up to 30% of food production. He also said thatthe Commission had a special focus on water in 2012, taking into consideration both floods anddrought. Furthermore he explained that the reform of the CAP would make it a moreenvironmentally-oriented policy as the Commission intended to pay farmers in advance foravoiding pollution and punish for pollution after action, thereby integrating the policies andfocusing more on avoiding damage instead of repairing it.Mr GAŁAŻEWSKI focused on global resource efficiency and asked how the Commissionintended to protect and preserve global resources, taking into account that some Member States useexternal resources. Several speakers were sceptical about some energy sources, pointing out, forinstance, that nuclear power was not a solution for reducing the use of fossil fuels. In addition, thespeakers said that reduction in use could be expensive for consumers and the EU regulations aimedat promotion of renewable energy sources should help to avoid excessive burden to citizens.Mr POTOČNIK assured parliamentarians that the Commission did its best to tackle these issuesand tried to do it in the context of the Rio +20 Conference, taking into account the green economyand proper governance in the environmental area.8. The Digital Single MarketKeynote speaker: Ms Neelie KROES, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible forDigital Agenda.

Vice-President KROES stressed that digital revolution was changing the EU economy and actionwas needed to capitalise on this. She underlined the importance of the digital economy by sayingthat it was already bigger than Belgium's national economy and could reach 5% of the EU GDP ina few years. Besides, it was growing faster than the Chinese economy and by 2016 online spendingcould reach 10% of overall consumer spending. She emphasised the benefits of the internet,underscoring that ICT investment capital was most productive, ushering in new solutions such ascloud computing and slashing costs especially for SMEs.The Commissioner underlined that three things were needed to create a vibrant digital SingleMarket: broadband networks; a digitally literate workforce; and legal frameworks. Talking aboutbroadband Ms KROES said that global internet traffic had doubled since 2010, and was expectedto double again by 2015. However, ageing infrastructures would not meet demand, and thereforegreater investment in broadband networks was needed. She added that increasing broadbandpenetration by 10% translated into 1-1.5% growth of GDP. The Commissioner said that over €9billion investment in broadband and digital public services has been proposed within theConnecting Europe Facility. She also reminded delegates that Europe used to be the leader inwireless internet and called for efforts in this area. The Commissioner noted that Radio SpectrumPolicy Programme had been agreed and called for initiatives in this respect.Another issue to be addressed was human capital. Ms KROES underlined that the demand forskilled IT professionals could soon outstrip supply. She also drew attention to the fact that one infour EU citizens had never used the internet. In this context, she recalled the “digital champion”initiative launched jointly by her and President BARROSO and already operating in the UK andRomania. Referring to legal frameworks she said the EU should do away with economic barriersand obstacles to cross border payments for goods and services. In this vein, Ms KROES welcomedthe efforts of the Danish Presidency and recalled that the European Council called unanimously forthe completion of the digital Single Market by 2015. Ms KROES also said that a proposal to makeit easier to identify, authenticate and transact online would be adopted the following month. Ononline content, the Commissioner informed that the European Commission was preparing aproposal on copyright and added that public sector open data was worth tens of billions.Summarising, she called for support of the digital economy and for building an e-EU.During the ensuing debate 19 speakers took the floor. Several speakers stressed that there was stillonly a conglomeration of different national online markets, and others brought up the issue ofACTA, voicing concerns it might slow down the Digital Agenda. Mr SYLLOURIS (CypriotVouliton Antiprosopon)noted that 150 million EU citizens had never used internet and the EU waslagging behind the US, as it only invested 60% of what Americans did in telecommunication andcomputer networks. Lord Lyndon HARRISON (UKHouse of Lords)for improved access of SMEsto e-procurement. Ms Catherine MORIN-DESAILLY (FrenchSénat)highlighted the fact thatmultinational digital companies have strategies of tax optimisation that may distort faircompetition and turn Europe into a digital colony. Mr Carlo CASINI (European Parliament) askedabout the authentication of e-signatures and the possibility to have electronic voting everywhere inthe EU. Ms Fidelma HEALY EAMES (IrishSeanad Eireann)said that the internet presented a lotof opportunities through e-commerce and e-signatures. However the EU should give the EUcitizens the confidence that it is a safe tool. Another speaker warned against internet snooping.In response to the question on e-procurement Ms KROES said the Commission would launch aproposal in this respect. She also informed that a proposal to revise e-signature would be launchedat the end of May. Referring to e-books, she said she was in favour of aligning VAT rates oncultural projects regardless whether they were sold online or not. She also advocated cheaper

roaming tariffs stating that her dream was no roaming charges. The Commissioner alsoemphasised the need to prioritise digitalisation in educational systems giving an example ofSingapore where a project of pilot digital schools had been launched. She also pronounced herselfin favour of engaging elderly people in digital agenda on a larger scale and added that by goingdigital (using Skype and e-teaching) aging populations could avoid social exclusion.9. Adoption of the Contribution and Conclusions of the XLVII COSACOn the last point of the agenda Mr MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ requested the floor and stated that inthe view of the European Parliament point 6.3 of the Contribution was without prejudice to Art.230 of the TFEU which says that "The Commission shall reply orally or in writing to questions putto it by the European Parliament or by its Members". Mr Matevž FRANGEŽ (SlovenianDržavnizbor)pointed out that there were three mentions of jobs and growth in the draft Contribution andConclusions and 23 mentions of the markets.Hereafter the participants voted and adopted the text of the draft Contribution and Conclusions ofthe XLVII COSAC as amended by the meeting of the Chairpersons. Once translated into allofficial languages of the EU, the Contribution of the XLVII COSAC will be published in theOfficial Journal of the EU.Finally, Mr NEOFYTOU announced that the next meeting of the COSAC Chairpersons wouldtake place in Limassol on 8-9 July 2012 and the COSAC plenary meeting would be on 14-16October 2012 in Nicosia. Mr NEOFYTOU extended a special invitation to Turkey saying that theywould be happy to see a Turkish delegation participate in COSAC meetings in Cyprus. Lastly, hementioned that the first Inter-Parliamentary Conference on CFSP and CSDP would take place on9-11 September 2012 in Paphos.Ms KJER HANSEN then closed the meeting by thanking Lord Roper (UKHouse of Lords)as hewas participating in a COSAC meeting for the last time. She said that she remembered Lord Roperalways taking part in COSAC meetings and wished him all the best.