I thank the Chairman and members of the committee for allowing me to present the programme of the Spanish Presidency, which started on 1 January 2010. In the past few months, as the Chairman said, we have witnessed historic events in the European Union. The Lisbon treaty, with its new legal framework and instruments, came into effect on 1 December, opening a new chapter in the history of the European Union. The overall approval of the treaty by Irish citizens last October, described as "emphatic" by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin at a meeting of this committee a few weeks ago, followed a rich and detailed debate in Ireland, probably without comparison in any other member state. One of the lessons we can draw from the referendum campaign is that the more knowledge people have about the Union the more pro-European they become. In this context our gratitude goes not only to parties and civic groups on the "Yes" side but even to the proponents of a "No" vote, who forced a great deal of thinking about the Lisbon treaty and Europe in general. They made everyone, not only those in Ireland, more aware of the stakes.
I commend the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs on its efforts to inform Irish public opinion and for its contribution to the debate and final approval by referendum of the treaty. I also commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Dick Roche, for their tireless effort to get a "Yes" in the referendum. Now, the 27-member European Union has the instrument it needs to face present and future challenges. This new era, full of expectations and challenges, will require a strong political commitment from citizens, political parties, civil society and member states.
I would now like to share some thoughts on the situation in Europe and the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This will be the fourth time Spain has held the rotating Presidency since our accession in 1986. On each of the previous occasions it held the Presidency, 1989, 1995 and 2002, we faced important challenges — the end of the division of the continent, the Single European Act and the common currency. However, the global crisis in which we are immersed today is unprecedented since the end of the Second World War which as we know, is at the heart of all efforts to work for European unity. As we embark on the second decade of the 21st century, we also face a completely new distribution of world power, a new awareness of the urgency to address climate change and a better consciousness of the need to reorient our economic model to be more sustainable and fair to those countries and people left behind. Therefore, the Spanish Presidency is being carried out at a critical time for Europe and the Union.
As members can see, the Belgian and Hungarian ambassadors are with me today. As one of the novelties introduced by the Lisbon reform, our three countries are the first ever trio-presidency. In accordance with the new treaty, we have worked hard to prepare our joint programme for the next 18 months, which was presented to the Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs last December. It has been and is a very positive experience to give continuity and stronger consistency to the actions of the next three Presidencies. I would like to thank the Swedish Presidency for steering the European Union during the previous six months, particularly Ambassador Claes Ljungdahl for the good job he did here in Ireland.
What do we see as our task and what are the principal challenges to which we must respond? The slogan of the Spanish Presidency summarises our goal — innovating Europe. The moment has come to set in motion the Europe we wish to have, a stronger more united and more efficient Europe that will respond to citizens' concerns and needs. We should now consolidate the incipient economic recovery, turn Europe into a true global player and give the Union deeper roots to fulfil the will of those who render it legitimate, namely, European citizens. Within this context, Spain will exercise the rotating Presidency with a firm will to reinforce and transform the Union. As I said, it is about innovating Europe. The Spanish Presidency's main responsibility will be to ensure economic recovery by promoting sustainable growth that is capable of creating more and better jobs through environmentally friendly policies. To this effect, we aim to boost the co-ordination of domestic economic policies, a co-ordination that has already proven essential in fighting recession and which should now be strengthened ahead of the new EU 2020 growth and employment strategy.
It is also our responsibility to guarantee full enforcement of the Lisbon treaty as an essential requirement to develop the fundamental lines of action we have set forth for the next six-month period and a more efficient way of functioning in the future. Spain's will be a transitional Presidency and the Spanish Government will spare no effort to usher in the new institutions smoothly and to develop the new balances between the different centres of decision needed for a more efficient performance. In our view the Union will only grow stronger if it is eventually capable of building upon its citizens' support, participation and commitment. The citizens' rights, freedom and security will be at the core of our work. We will also make an added effort to reach a more effective equality between men and women. We will also do our best to communicate Europe to the people. We must put people first. The Lisbon treaty also offers a possibility of further developing and strengthening our Common Foreign and Security Policy so that Europe can assert its voice, values and interests in the international arena, foster a vision and promote lateralism as a move towards a fairer, more peaceful and balanced global order.
Let me give the committee a more detailed account of our approach to our priorities. Our first priority is economic recovery and job creation — Europe 2020 exiting the crisis. The economic recovery already under way should be further reinforced, avoiding the early withdrawal of both the financial sector support and demand-boosting measures. Spain is fully aware of the need to withdraw these measures as soon as the economic situation allows, but the exit strategy should be carried out in a co-ordinated, orderly, transparent and gradual manner, according to common criteria, but taking into account the macro financial situation of each country. Special attention should be paid to fiscal support measures, since the crisis has considerably eroded the fiscal position of most member states. The implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact will continue the necessary fiscal consolidation process to achieve sustainable public finances in the EU in the long run.
The framing of a new growth and employment strategy, Europe 2020, as a continuation of the Lisbon strategy, will be a suitable co-ordination instrument to structure the new growth model we need. The consideration of the new strategy should lead to its launch at the spring European Council, with the support of all the European institutions, member states and economic and social stakeholders. In designing the new strategy, the improvement of its governance should be specially considered to guarantee increased efficiency and commitment by member states. Likewise, special attention will be given to the strategy's external dimension, setting forth as objectives the fight against protectionism and the conclusion of the Doha Round. The new strategy will emphasise the European economic model's sustainability in three dimensions, namely, economic, social and environmental. Europe competes in a globalised world with emerging economies that have strong comparative cost advantages. The European economy should base its comparative advantage on competitiveness, innovation and knowledge. The new strategy should offer a renewed momentum to investment in research, development and innovation for which the new European innovation plan will be crucial. The Spanish Presidency will promote intensified research and development and investment intensifying the collaboration between public and private sectors. Furthermore, it will focus on developing emerging technological sectors, implementing information technologies and fostering SMEs and innovation.
The effects of the crisis have particularly undermined the labour market. The new strategy should render special attention to employment issues to guarantee social inclusion. In addition, we should deepen labour equality between men and women, eliminating any form of discrimination. In terms of education and training, the Spanish Presidency will promote the improvement of workers' skills to help them adjust better to labour market needs. We will strive for enhanced quality of education, and foster excellence in universities and professional training. A balanced flexibility and security should be promoted in order to secure a more efficient operation of labour markets. Furthermore, the Presidency will encourage the European social agenda to uphold the European social model.
As to environmental sustainability, the European economy should finally move towards a low emission economic model to fight climate change and generate new sources of economic growth. This transition should include as fundamental objectives the reduction of CO2 emissions, the use of renewable energies and increased energy efficiency. Top priority will also be given to biodiversity preservation initiatives. Environmental sustainability will be especially relevant for the European energy policy in the 2010-14 energy plan, which will, hopefully, be adopted by the spring European Council. Europe should also have a co-ordinated energy supply strategy, reinforcing infrastructures to improve member states' interconnectivity and diversifying energy sources.
Finally, we will pay special attention to the follow up to the Copenhagen conference on climate change in preparation for the Mexico conference in November 2010. Even though Copenhagen did not fulfil the EU's ambitions, it provided a basis for further work to reach our common goal — a legally binding international agreement.
The new sustainable and balanced economic model calls for a more efficient European financial system. Increasing the quality of its regulation and supervision is, therefore, necessary, as well as furthering the financial system's integration. The Spanish Presidency will work for the implementation of the new European financial supervisory framework and current regulatory reforms.
The fast and full enforcement of the Lisbon treaty is the second priority. To say first and second is perhaps not quite fair because they all go together. It will require setting in motion the new European Union institutions and the development of new practices. Now that the EU enjoys a new, more modern and more powerful legal and political framework, we should make the most of it.
The Permanent President of the European Council, Mr. Van Rompuy, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Ms Ashton, have been appointed. These appointments are a significant improvement in the efficiency and visibility of the Union. Since last June we have a newly elected European Parliament, which is more powerful, and a new Commission will soon assume its functions.
I welcome the new Irish Commissioner, Mrs. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn , for different reasons. She is another woman in a leading role — something that is specially dear to me as a European woman and she has long political experience and an insight and knowledge of the EU. She will hold a key post as Commissioner for Innovation and Research, one of the priorities for our Presidency. Her success will also be ours. I wish her and the rest of the members of the new Commission well.
As a "transitional Presidency", it is our responsibility to make up for new arrangements within the new institutional framework. We shall chair several areas of the Council and we shall help the President of the European Council to perform his duties. He will chair next week's informal European Council. We shall also foster ongoing co-operation with the high representative who now chairs the monthly Foreign Affairs Council. In direct co-ordination with the President of the European Council and the high representative, we will do our best to ensure success at the summits with third countries for the coming six months. We shall also work on a permanent basis with the new European Commission and the European Parliament to move the Union forward.
The European External Action Service is a new challenge whose foundations were laid by the Lisbon treaty. The European External Action Service will provide further coherence and efficiency to the European Union's external action. Creation of this service, comprising officials from the Commission, the Council's General Secretariat and member states, also shows the Union's intention to reinforce its presence, efficiency and visibility in the international arena. It will be the responsibility of the Spanish Presidency to collaborate with the high representative and the European Parliament to promote enactment of the necessary legal rules to establish the European External Action Service and ensure its rapid implementation.
The solidarity clause between member states and the European Union, to provide mutual assistance in case of a terrorist attack or natural or human disaster occurring within the borders of the European Union, is also an innovative instrument that will reinforce the protection of European citizens. Its development requires a joint proposal by the European Commission and the High Representative, whose efforts will be fully backed by the Spanish Presidency.
In third place is a Europe of rights and freedoms, a Europe for all citizens. Strengthening of the European Union largely depends upon the development of its citizens' rights and freedoms. Bringing the Union closer to them by promoting their involvement in the life of the Community is a strategic objective that requires implementation of various initiatives.
The European Citizens' Initiative creates a more democratic Europe with the participation of its citizens. Through the new European Citizens' Initiative, European citizens may urge the Commission to formulate legislative proposals on matters they consider should be regulated at European level. The Spanish Presidency will work to make this instrument of direct democracy a reality as soon as possible. Spain implemented the European Citizens' Initiative in 1984. It has a good record in getting the Parliament to consider legislation. In nine cases, a popular issue has come before the Parliament, although only one was approved by it.
Europe has been, is and should be at the forefront in the defence and promotion of human rights. The Spanish Presidency will begin the European Union accession process to the Council of Europe's European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. This will show the Union's firm commitment to respect for human rights and will provide an additional guarantee for its effective protection.
The Union's capacity to eradicate gender-based violence should be improved. Creation of a European observatory to draw up a common diagnosis of this problem, as well as adoption of a European protection order for the victims, will be two essential initiatives that will be advanced by the Spanish Presidency to achieve concrete progress on this matter.
The Stockholm programme, which deepens the development of the European Common Space of Freedom, Security and Justice for the 2010-2014 period, is a key vehicle for Europe to efficiently face transnational threats such as organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism or human trafficking. To enforce it, the Spanish Presidency will promote adoption of the corresponding action plan, which will develop the Union's political priorities on this matter and the monitoring instruments for its implementation.
The Spanish Presidency will encourage a common immigration and asylum policy, developing the agenda for the global approach on immigration and for the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum. We shall work to meet its objectives, namely, achieving an organised legal migration, fighting against illegal migration and human trafficking, and controlling the Union's foreign borders, strengthening co-operation with countries of origin and transit. Within this context, special attention will be given to unaccompanied immigrant minors. The Spanish Presidency will also encourage immigrants' integration policies, based on Union values, education, intercultural dialogue and access and promotion of job diversity.
In fourth place, Europe is a global, responsible and supportive player. Europe cannot miss the historic opportunity of assuming a relevant role in the configuration of the new international order. The present legal and institutional framework is a key asset to let the European Union strengthen its relations with its neighbours and strategic partners, consolidate its leadership in multilateral fora, assume its responsibility in conflicting areas and unfold its firm commitment in promoting peace, human rights and poverty eradication. The objective is to reinforce the EU's unity of action, to increase its visibility and to develop a genuinely common foreign policy, with ambitious goals and effective actions.
Smooth communication channels have also been established with the new EU positions to ensure the most dynamic response to the crises that might emerge in any potential scenario of conflict.
On Haiti, the terrible earthquake on 12 January with its dramatic death toll has shaken all of us. The EU had a leading role in the rapid response to the human drama and has committed its support to Haiti not only in the short term, but also in the long term to contribute to its reconstruction.
On co-operation for development, the Spanish Presidency will advocate observance of all international commitments regarding the fight against hunger and poverty, development financing and aid effectiveness. I stress the special relations between Irish Aid and the Spanish agency for overseas development in many fields, including the fight against hunger.
We will work tirelessly on the implementation of an ambitious European policy with a view to the United Nations millennium development goals conference. The Union will play an increasingly growing role in promoting an active and efficient multilateralism in resolving global problems, specifically by reinforcing the United Nations system. The Spanish Presidency will give special relevance to the consolidation of the Human Rights Council and the abolition of the death penalty. It will make a special effort to endorse the development of our Common Security and Defence Policy and for the EU to reinforce its role as an international referent in terms of crisis management. Work along this line will continue to increase the Union's civil and military capabilities.
During this six months, we will have a series of important regional and bilateral summits. Spain will host the EU-Latin American-Caribbean summit at which approximately 50 Heads of State and Government will gather, and a second summit of Heads of State and Government of the Union for the Mediterranean at which approximately 50 Heads of State will gather. In addition, during the Spanish Presidency the EU will hold bilateral summits with several key countries. Transatlantic dialogue between the EU and United States and the EU and Canada will be invigorated to consolidate a deeper and more integrated co-ordination to respond to main international issues and global problems.
The Spanish Presidency will continue to work to achieve a qualitative leap forward with Latin America and the Caribbean. We shall highlight the new strategic nature of EU-Mexican relations and shall advance the negotiations for the commercial agreement with Central America, Andean countries and Mercusor. The prosperity and stability of Europe and neighbouring regions are intertwined. Spain will emphasise the defence of the unitary nature of the European neighbourhood policy and push the balance of progress of Mediterranean and eastern dimensions.
In March, Spain will host the first ever summit meeting with Morocco. Spain and the European Union will make all possible efforts to achieve a breakthrough in the Arab-Israeli conflict and will remain firm in their defence of a two-state solution. Efforts will also be made to continue promoting the eastern partnership to facilitate the progressive approach of these six countries to the European Union. In addition, we shall promote the building of a strategic relationship with Russia as a key global player based on an earnest and constructive approach of our common interdependency.
The Spanish Presidency will firmly support the continuity of the EU enlargement process. Croatia's accession negotiations will be intensified with a view to a prompt conclusion. Negotiations with Turkey will continue at a suitable pace and a possible initiation of negotiations with FYROM and Iceland will also be addressed. The future integration of other western Balkan countries will be considered. The Spanish Presidency will also consider Asia. We propose to renew an increasingly closer relationship between the EU and Japan and to pay special attention to co-operation with China, India and the ASEAN. We shall further our relations with Pakistan and shall maintain the Union's firm commitment to Afghanistan's security, democratic strengthening and economic and social development.
I thank members for the patience and attention and look forward to hearing their questions and comments.
