Senate, Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thank you, Mr President,
come before Their Lordships to give account of policies, from within the competence of the Department to address, we will encourage as a priority, within the EU during the semester of the English Presidency.
A semester in which a government of Spain for the fourth time in its history, will take on a task that, in the three cases that preceded it, was pursued with rigor, accountability and efficiency.
A rigor, responsibility and efficiency that helped, and much, to make Spain a key element in the process of building Europe.
In this sense, much of what is now Europe, we owe the success with which different political governments were able to address a challenge that the English have proven to be sufficiently prepared.
hardly notice we passed this challenge if those governments had not been counted, and counted at the time, with the support of all democratic institutions.
support is a reflection of the sense of State and the European vocation of a country that, when she had to tackle a project of this size, it has no cracks. With conviction and determination.
The same conviction and the same determination that I am sure we will make a show again, with the support of all political forces. In the interest of Spain, in the interests of their regions and in the interests of a Europe whose weight in international political and economic concert we have an obligation to defend, consolidate and, where possible, increase.
It is therefore necessary that the strong and united Europe that the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty will help to build, assume a position of international leadership in overcoming the current economic crisis.
We must not miss the opportunity to use the current context restructuring of global imbalances for Europe to position itself with character and identity in the future economy.
And they're doing to all Europeans. First, redefining the EU's institutional architecture. Second, deepening the democratization of structures that, from December, will be much more recognizable and identifiable as part of a joint project, which, in the first half of 2010, it behooves us to lead.
ladies and gentlemen, we face this challenge with the same philosophy with which we have participated and collaborated with the EU and the G-20 in the whole process of international crisis management.
A management in Europe, personally, has played an important role now must be enhanced, to place at the head of a recovery, also must stand out as one of the engines of European integration process.
so understood by the Government. And precisely because they understand, during the term of the Presidency, we will advance a set of measures, consistent with the program we have developed with Belgium and Hungary for the next 18 months, will help consolidate both economic regeneration as plans for future economic growth more sustainable.
ladies and gentlemen, our objectives are clear. And to help make them a reality, in the field of sectoral policies, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce have identified a set of strategic actions, promotion and execution of which will form the backbone of our political action at European level during the term of the Presidency .
In this regard, and before entering the field, I would like to briefly mention the main implications of the Lisbon Treaty on policies that fall under the umbrella of my Department:
• First, the Treaty of Lisbon gives greater bargaining power to the Commission and a greater say in Parliament. As a result, the Presidency will work to facilitate the adoption of interagency agreements that help to realize the changes included in the Treaty.
• Second, the entry into force of the Treaty incorporates for the first time, a title dedicated to energy policy. As a result, the Treaty:
or First. Provides legal basis for an energy policy that, henceforth, will be a shared competence.
or Second. On security of supply introduces, innovative, the concept of a supply crisis, as well as supportive measures to cope.
• Third, in the field of trade policy change are draft. Of these I would highlight the following: o First
. Investment, services and intellectual property become the exclusive competence of the EU.
or Second. The framework for implementation of trade policy be adopted by codecision.
oTercero. Establishing, for the Commission acts within its competence, the obligation to legislate through a regulatory procedure. This procedure gives more opportunities for participation by Member States.
or Fourth. In the Adoption of International Agreements European Parliament will only have capacity for ratification, entering them into force provisionally from the date of signature.
or Fifth. The current GAERC divided into a General Affairs Council (GAC), chaired by the member state in turn, and a Council on Foreign Relations (GRE), chaired by the High Representative.
• Finally, the Treaty incorporates tourism as a new area in which the EU will have competence to support, coordinate or supplement the policies of the Member States, especially with regard to the competitiveness of European companies belonging to this sector.
ladies and gentlemen, step and in detail the main strategic lines, from the Department to address, we will drive in the six-month presidency. ENERGY
In the field of energy, the government has been reiterating the need for all EU countries in general and Spain in particular, a common energy policy.
A common energy policy must find its ultimate expression in a broad development of the Single Market for Energy.
In this sense, Spain has done its homework in the market, with our neighbor Portugal. Thus, we demonstrated that, when shared ideas and interests, obstacles that may arise are not insurmountable, and in any case, constitute an obstacle to articulate common.
But Spain is also a clear example of what lies ahead. I mean the energy interconnections with France, which limited development in the Iberian Peninsula makes it, in practice, an "energy island."
this regard is quite illustrative only data. Our level of interconnection is equal to the UK, 3.2%, 10 points lower than in Italy, 18 percentage points lower than in Germany or nearly 40 percentage points lower than in Belgium. But with the interconnection with France achieved by this government we will double our degree of interconnection, to reach 6%.
Increase security of supply on the EU level, preventing any of the member countries may be affected in a relevant way through unforeseen circumstances, must stand as one of the priorities of EU policy for the coming years.
In this sense, it is important to offer the rest of the world a message of unity and solidarity among Member States. Speaking with one voice, and jointly, in international forums provide credibility to the policies of the EU. Do not forget that the "solidarity" is included in the energy title of the new Treaty.
ladies and gentlemen, in response to these priorities, the Government of Spain, during the six-month presidency, will promote the following strategic actions in the area of \u200b\u200benergy:
• First, the adoption of the Energy Action Plan for Europe 2010-2014
. This Plan, the Commission will propose to the Council in the spring of 2010 with the vision on the goals planned for 2050, will be the cornerstone on which to settle the European energy policy over the next 5 years.
• Second, if the Swedish Presidency fails to complete this action, the implementation of the Agency Cooperation of Energy Regulators and other tools of the third package of energy sector liberalization.
• Third, the adoption of the regulation on security of supply of gas to the achievement of which we hope to reach satisfactory agreements with the European Parliament.
• Fourthly, support and promote the adoption by Member States, national plans for renewable energy development.
• Fifth, the goal of improving energy efficiency, for the purpose of saving 20% \u200b\u200bof expected energy consumption by 2020 compared to 2005, will be being particularly care for the English presidency, under the announced revision of the 2006 European Plan of Action for Energy Efficiency.
thereby help lay a stronger foundation committed 20-20-20, adopted by the European Council in March 2007.
• Sixth, the realization of the necessary arrangements for the new Instrument for Solidarity and Energy Security, to be submitted by the European Commission following the public consultation Green Paper 2008, see light soon.
• Seventh, the implementation of priority projects for interconnections, and agreed under the guidelines of the Trans-European Energy Network.
• In this regard, I note that the Economic Recovery Plan of the EU has already allocated funds, among others, the gas and electricity interconnections between Spain and France. The development of these projects will be monitored during our presidency.
• Eighth, under the European Strategic Energy Technology (SETPLAN) and taking into account the recent Commission Communication "Investing in the development of low carbon technologies", try to establish some conclusions in the Council of Ministers to facilitate the development industrial initiatives that fit this pattern.
These initiatives, ranging from renewable energy to carbon capture and storage, nuclear fission or intelligent energy networks should enable European industry to be in the path of a low-carbon content.
• And, in the ninth and last, and in the field of foreign policy, we aim to promote dialogue with key third countries, consumers, producers and transit of energy. To do this, we will strengthen dialogue with energy producing neighbors, and foster relationships with African producers and Latin America, with the aim of diversifying energy sources and supply routes, and ensure stability.
Within these actions, the English Presidency will articulate the mechanisms needed to prevent any future supply crises in our surroundings, paying particular attention to relations with Russia, the main supplier of fossil energy in the EU.
In this regard, we also expect to hold during the term of the Presidency, the Council transatlantic energy with the U.S., a country with which we want to establish closer ties in the areas of climate change and energy.
ladies and gentlemen, energy in the past has been the cause of wars and conflicts. Your little character, and the eventual depletion of these resources has led to a scenario of geopolitical and economic tensions that have hampered the understanding between countries. This is a cost more, not insignificant, to take account of fossil fuels.
It is time to end this trend. The emergence of new sources, inexhaustible and clean, is opening new perspectives, their energy not only an element of sustainable growth, but also international cooperation and cohesion.
ladies and gentlemen, we believe that energy, which in the past has been a reason for war and conflict, must be an element of cooperation. One reason for peace.
In this spirit, one of the priorities we have set for the six-month presidency, is to enhance the Mediterranean Solar Plan.
A plan that is based on collaboration, not confrontation. A plan that seeks to share technologies and resources, rather than competing for them.
A plan that ultimately will generate significant positive externalities that will translate into:
• First. The building, a large scale, solar energy and other renewables, facilitating and encouraging technological investment.
• Second. The development of interconnections in the south and east of the Mediterranean.
• And third. Reducing Greenhouse Gases.
To this end, the English Presidency intends to organize in Valencia on 11 and 12 May 2010, a Conference on the Mediterranean Solar Plan with the participation of European institutions, the riparian countries and industry.
I hope that Spain could raise the conclusions of the Euromed Summit Conference to be held in June 2010 in Barcelona. INDUSTRY
ladies and gentlemen, the recent economic crisis has had an enormous impact on industrial activity in all European countries. As a result of this situation, the vast majority of countries around us have plans in place to support their industries.
In this regard, one wonders, first, whether these measures mean, or not, a shift in industrial policy that traditionally has been implemented in Europe.
At the same time, it behooves us to reflect on the effectiveness of the plans put in place, and the need for continuity. In short, thinking about industrial policy after the crisis, within the EU.
And to do so, we first conduct a comprehensive analysis of all measures undertaken since mid-2008 to present, for every European country.
This analysis will conclude with a report that will form part of the documentation that the English Presidency presented at the Competitiveness Council to be held in March 2010.
ladies and gentlemen, that this paper will generate debate will produce a first draft that will specify the main lines of action that will integrate the EU's industrial policy for the next semester.
Moreover, and also as regards the field of industry, one of the basic objectives of the Commission before the entry into force of new European legal framework is to strengthen the role of standardization as a contribution to the competitiveness of the industry.
To date, there is a legal framework since its adoption has not been reviewed. In the present circumstances, this revision, we believe it is necessary.
And in this sense, it should be noted that the Competitiveness Council of 25 September 2008, adopted conclusions on Standardization and Innovation in inviting the Commission to review its Action Plan on the Standardization European level, consistent with the aforementioned conclusions.
In this regard, it is especially remarkable the desire expressed by the Council of Europe to take an active position in international standardization for the purpose of facilitating trade and investment in the interest of the European economy.
The Commission, after recommendations from a panel of experts, plans to present during the first quarter of 2010, the White Paper on the future of European Standards for the period 2010-2020, which raise the legal framework review European standardization.
Considering the above, the goal we set ourselves, for the six-month presidency, is to achieve an eventual political settlement in the Competitiveness Council of May 25, 2010.
Even without knowing the White Paper recommendations to be approved by the Commission on the Reform of European Standards is keen to Spain for the significance of the issues he addressed, in particular those relating to standardization in innovation.
addition, also from an industry perspective, we intend to promote and advance the implementation of the Small Business Act for Europe (Small Business Act). Especially in the area of \u200b\u200bthe 3 priorities of its Plan of Action. Namely: access to financing, administrative simplification and access to markets.
ladies and gentlemen, the SBA is the broader community action for the benefit of SMEs. And in this sense, there are many actions being implemented by Member States to comply with the general principles laid down.
precisely why organize, in collaboration with the Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission in May, a conference that aims to be the main forum for exchange of best practices in the field of European SMEs.
Finally, in relation to the industrial area, the Government of Spain, during the six-month presidency, will make a clear commitment to the future. I refer to the focus on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid.
I have the absolute conviction that the introduction of electric vehicles in our mobility systems is an opportunity industrial, technological, energy and environmental, that Europe should not miss.
ladies and gentlemen, most studies confirm that in the next 40 years, the number of cars in the world could reach 3,000 million, 3 times the current figure, the result mainly of thrust demand will experience countries like China or India.
These data show the enormous potential of the electric vehicle. Not only because it will multiply by 4 the number of vehicles in the world, but also because the expansion of the automobile industry will only be environmentally sustainable if it occurs through the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Therefore, and by the Government's intention to make sustainability a key element in the future of Europe during the six-month presidency, will promote a debate at European level to:
• First, study the possible measures to boost production of electric vehicles by the automotive industry in Europe.
• And, moreover, promote the use and growth in demand for this kind of prototype in Europe.
ladies and gentlemen, we are at a critical time in terms of positioning the European automotive industry. And so we should start working from now, they will be the first countries to launch the production of electric vehicles, which acquire competitive advantages that will be based on the future development of the industry.
In this regard, the Government of Spain is already working in this direction. A job that we want to extend the rest of Europe getting the EU to adopt a "European strategy on electric vehicles."
With this intention the electric vehicle will be a central issue to be discussed at the Informal Competitiveness Council next February in San Sebastian.
Our ultimate goal is to get the Competitiveness Council to be held in May, to take the conclusions that will integrate the commitments that member countries are willing to take in this area.
FOREIGN TRADE AND INTERIOR
ladies and gentlemen, on the other hand, as regards international trade, our priority will affect in the role he has as an engine of economic recovery and as a generator of economic growth, employment and welfare.
In this regard, we note that international trade has become a victim of the crisis, since it has contracted faster than world GDP, with which it is highly interconnected.
latest estimates of the WTO provide for a 10% drop in trade volume in 2009. The IMF predicts a larger drop of 11.9%. We have to wait until 2010 to attend a global GDP growth of 3.1%, increased trade and 2.5%, according to IMF estimates.
In these circumstances, the challenge is twofold:
• On the one hand, and short-term, overcome the current crisis by limiting its negative effects on trade.
• And on the other hand, long-term solutions lay the foundation for the world economy provide a capacity for sustainable growth, more balanced and more beneficial, especially for the poorest countries.
A European Union to play a major role in achieving these two objectives. We are a premier league player in the multilateral trade links with a decisive bearing on trade and global investment.
ladies and gentlemen, This important position requires us to make maximum efforts for world trade to act once again as one of the engines of global economic recovery.
And therefore, during our presidency, Spain will seek to encourage the maximum commercial initiatives aimed at eliminating barriers faced by international flows of goods, services and capital, which prevent the growth of world trade.
Under this line of action, we will address the challenges of the common commercial policy from two perspectives:
• Multilateral, with the Doha Round of the WTO as a priority. Our goal, though ambitious, is clear. We expect that during the English Presidency, progress will be substantial agreement on negotiating modalities for concluding the Round in 2010.
• And bilateral and regional levels, with a range of ongoing negotiations, some long, others of more recent onset. Pay special attention to negotiations with the Andean Community, Central America and Mercosur, and the strengthening of transatlantic relations. In the case of agreements with Central America and the Andean Community, we have set ourselves the goal of completion and signature occurs coinciding with the celebration in May 2010 in Madrid, the EU-Latin America and Caribbean.
addition to these initiatives, we want to progress in negotiating an international treaty for the Arms Trade, which was established as a legally binding instrument to control arms exports worldwide.
To conclude the English Presidency's priorities in the trade area, just add, in relation to domestic trade, our biggest concern, for the first half of 2010, is a correct transposition of the services directive.
In this sense, is scheduled a meeting of the Directors General responsible for commercial distribution member countries, coordinated by the Commission to review this process of transposition of the directive.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SOCIETY
ladies and gentlemen, under the English EU Presidency, the Government must assume the major challenges that will probably will face Europe in the short to medium term. And in doing so, our strategy is to chair supported by two pillars:
• On the one hand, innovation, a key element in job creation, competitiveness and paradigm shift towards a more sustainable economy.
• Y, moreover, equality, solidarity as a factor of social cohesion and also at national level.
Both factors, both innovation and equality are integral to the development of a sector, the Sector of Information Technology and Communication, whose cross-cutting and capacity make it imperative in building a strong Europe, egalitarian and competitive.
Given their impact on economic and social terms, during the term of the Presidency, we will promote a set of joint actions to strengthen the ICT as a vehicle for generating growth and gains in competitiveness and social cohesion.
And to that end, we have set the following objectives:
• First, the launch of a New Strategy for 2010-2015, entitled "For a Digital Europe: The Strategy of Granada. ICT, Productivity and Quality of Life. "
This strategy, which will be addressed at the informal Council of Telecoms Ministers to be held in Granada in April 2010, will replace the i2010 initiative. Include all those aspects that help the promotion and development of Information Society and ICTs, as is the case of next generation networks, intelligent networks and the Internet of the future, among others.
• Second, foster a favorable environment for the deployment and use of infrastructure and advanced services.
• Third, promoting future adoption of a European Charter on the Rights of the users of ICT. In this Letter, we propose the inclusion of broadband in the Universal Service obligation for operators at European level, as already announced will happen in Spain from January 1, 2011.
• Fourth, to promote actions aimed at strengthening the network security and protection of intellectual property rights on the Internet.
• And fifth and finally, agree on a agreement on the development of a harmonized framework for the production of indicators on Information Society. In this sense, we consider it necessary to establish an agreement at European level on these indicators, enabling clear comparison between developing countries.
But to ensure the success of these initiatives is a need for the sector. And to that end, we have asked the European ICT companies that we express their needs and recommendations for action.
Since last July we launched this invitation, we held three preparatory meetings.
preparatory meetings have allowed the establishment of a working group to develop a high level report that will present on 18 January in Madrid, and including a Declaration of European industry on the future development of ICT sector in Europe. TOURISM
ladies and gentlemen, the set of strategies, from the Department Ministerial address, we will push for the next presidency are filled with those relating to tourism.
And in this sense, analyzing the importance of tourism at European level, it is necessary to make two points:
• On the one hand, it is imperative to note that Europe is the world tourist destination.
• And, moreover, needs to recognize the importance of tourism as a factor of economic growth and employment in Europe.
However, the competitiveness of European tourism sector is closely linked to sustainability, since the quality of tourism destinations depends heavily on the natural environment and local community.
It is therefore necessary to adopt an approach that addresses, overall, the sector's economic prosperity and social cohesion, environmental protection and promotion of the culture of European destinations.
On this basis, the English Presidency will guide their actions in the field of tourism, towards achieving the following objectives:
• First, we will support the coordinated action of the policies and measures in the EU, affecting the industry and tourism. And, to this end, promote the creation of an overarching framework for tourism policy, endowed with sufficient financial resources to the development of community actions in the field of tourism.
• Second, promote the establishment of a European Socially Responsible tourism model. And this in accordance with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication "Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism".
• And third, and last, including the point of view of tourism in all those EU policies affecting this sector, and in particular, promote Senior Tourism Europe.
finish now. Ladies and gentlemen, once again we have to lead Europe. And as in the three times that preceded it, we will make a constructive, generous and responsible. Constructive
because the proposals we put on the table are geared towards innovation and equality, sustainability factors for the near and long term in Europe. Generous
because spare no effort and hopes in the search for points of convergence of interests that allow us sit and talk and agree on common responses to serve as support for a more united and stronger. And
responsible for the development of this task, I am sure we will have the support of all Honourable Members, as representing citizens who, as increasingly want to live much closer to Europe . Thank
.
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