Ambassador's Corner

WEEKLY MESSAGE FROM CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES ANGELOS PANGRATIS

February 26, 2010

New Head of the EU Delegation in Washington

Last week, the European Commission decided to appoint Mr. João Vale de Almeida as the next Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to the United States. He will take up office in Washington in the coming months once all the necessary steps, including his replacement as Director General of External Relations, have been agreed.

The decision to appoint the Commission's most senior official for external relations to the position was taken on the basis of a proposal by EU High Representative Ashton in the first meeting of the new Commission. This reflects the importance the EU and the new Barroso team attach to relations with the United States.

Having worked for the European Union in a number of different capacities for close to 30 years, João Vale de Almeida brings immense institutional experience and knowledge to the position. Currently Director General for External Relations, he was Head of Cabinet to the President for the entirety of the first Barroso Commission. Since 2004, he has served as President Barroso's Personal Representative (“Sherpa”) for G8 and G20 Summits. Until he takes up his position in Washington, DC, he will continue to lead the Directorate General for External Relations, and assist EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in setting up the new European External Action Service. 

Commenting on the decision, High Representative Ashton said: "Mr. Vale de Almeida brings significant experience to this important post and his appointment is of great value to the transatlantic partnership. As the EU's G20/G8 Sherpa, he has shown the intellect, the experience and the ability to work with all key actors in this important relationship. This will be to the benefit of the EU as a whole."

EU Economy Gradually Recovering

According to the European Union's latest interim economic update, the EU economy is gradually recovering from the economic crisis though it is still facing some stiff headwinds. Real GDP started to grow again in the third quarter of 2009, ending the longest and deepest recession in the EU's history. The exceptional crisis measures put in place in the EU played a major role in turning the economy around. However, in line with the autumn 2009 forecast, growth eased in the fourth quarter, as the impact of some temporary factors started to fade. According to the current update, the economic outlook for the EU remains broadly unchanged. GDP is projected to grow at 0.7% in both the EU and the euro area in 2010. The inflation projections also remain largely unchanged at 1.4% and 1.1% in the EU and the euro area, respectively.

EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn said: "The recovery of the EU economy is materializing but it is still fragile. Putting the European economy back on a strong and sustainable path should be our overarching objective. For this we need to work on two fronts: the economic recovery and the consolidation of our public finances. The new Europe 2020 Strategy leading to the modernization of our economies should go hand-in-hand with the consolidation of our public finances. This is necessary for sustainable growth and job creation." To read the full forecast, please go to: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/articles/eu_economic_situation/2010-02-25-eu_interim_economic_forecast_en.htm  .

President Barroso Urges Progress toward Climate Change Deal

[European Commission] President Barroso has written to EU Heads of State and Government informing them of the next steps in the Commission's work on climate action. Stressing the need for the international cooperation to continue, he urged the leaders to implement what was agreed at last year's Copenhagen Conference, including providing fast-start financing for developing countries, and to continue to seek ways of moving the process forward.

"Most of us were in Copenhagen, and I think none of us were satisfied with the outcome. However, Copenhagen was a reality check….We need to show that we have not given up on our ambitions…We should rather show our commitment to press ahead with delivery – implementing our climate and energy package showing how tackling climate change is a dynamic element in a strategy for growth by creating jobs and boosting energy security under the Europe 2020 approach….But our core goal must be to bring all partners closer to our own ambitions and to our commitment to a multilateral agreement. Copenhagen showed us just how tough it will be. Hence if we are to progress, we have to rethink our approach to these partners."

The EU's new Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard has been tasked by President Barroso to consult key international partners about ways to reinvigorate the international process. Her assessment will feed into the Spring European Council of EU Heads of State and Government and then in full into the Ministerial level negotiations and the June European Council so that the EU can continue to speak with one voice on this critical issue.

To read President Barroso's letter in full, please visit:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/president/news/letters/pdf/20100218_en.pdf .
 
EU-US Aviation Talks Moving Ahead

Last week the EU and US held the 7th round EU-US aviation negotiations aiming at further liberalizing the transatlantic aviation market. Both parties are committed to reaching a new deal in 2010, which would further liberalize traffic rights and foreign investment in the aviation sector.

During three days of intense discussions hosted by the EU Presidency in Madrid, negotiators achieved substantial progress. Finding an agreement will be beneficial for both parties, enhance consumer choices and provide more flexibility to an industry which is facing a difficult economic period.

Studies Highlight High Costs Associated with 100% Scanning Rule

The EU shares a common concern with the US about the security of the international supply chain and is committed to implementing measures that enhance security. However the mandate that 100% of US-bound maritime cargo containers be scanned at the point of departure starting July, 2012 has been an issue of contention in EU-US relations since it was approved by Congress in the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.

To underscore the challenges presented by the unilateral mandate, the European Commission recently completed three studies that highlight the impacts on EU customs and security, trade, and maritime transport. The results of the studies, released last week, affirm a disproportionate economic burden for both the EU and US without proven security benefits if the mandate is implemented.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano testified to Congress in December about the difficulties in meeting the 100% scanning mandate and indicated the 2012 deadline will not be met. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the US to develop an approach to international supply chain security that enhances security without undue burden. We hope these studies will contribute to this process.

A document summarizing the studies' results can be found here: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/common/whats_new/sec_2010_131_en.pdf .

European Commission Gives its Opinion on Iceland's Application to Join the EU

The European Commission has recommended the opening of accession negotiations with Iceland following the country's application for membership of the European Union in July, 2009. "The opinion is an important step in the accession process and provides guidance to Iceland in its efforts to become an EU member," said EU Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle. "I am confident that Iceland will show determination in addressing the challenges highlighted in the opinion." 

Iceland's bid for accession comes at a time of economic crisis. Experience with former accession candidates shows that the prospect of EU membership and ensuing reforms have a stabilizing effect on financial markets. Iceland's application highlights the Union's role in promoting economic and political stability.

EU Aid to Haiti Relief Effort 
 
At their meeting in Brussels this week, EU Foreign Ministers and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton stressed the urgent need to provide shelter for the population in Haiti. The European Commission earlier this month mobilized a further 90 million euros in relief aid to Haiti, bringing the EU's total contribution to over 600 million euros. Kristalina Georgieva, the new European Commissioner responsible for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, warned against any lull in the response to the ongoing crisis. "We should avoid at all costs a second-wave humanitarian disaster in Haiti," she said. "With the approaching rainy and hurricane season, giving people a roof over their heads is a key priority."
 
To read the Council Conclusions in full, please consult http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/112999.pdf .

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