 |
 |
 |
A number of priorities which will be championed by Wallonia and the French Community are on the programme of the Belgian Presidency.
Economic, social and territorial cohesion
These include continuation of the debate on the future of the Cohesion Policy initiated by the European Commission in 2007.
This policy, intended to meet the objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union, is key to the continuation of balanced European construction.
Structural funds are a long-term growth factor for European regions, territories and cities. Their use serves as a lever in important ways. They allow the implementation of structural systems that produce long-term effects beneficial to economic development and job creation. They are one of the main operational instruments of the “Europe 2020” strategy.
It is therefore highly desirable that the ability of the EU to take action through structural funds is maintained and even strengthened. The Cohesion Policy must remain an important vector of support for regional development throughout the territory of the Union.
An essential policy for Europe, its future is a priority of the programme of the Belgian Presidency represented by Wallonia. It will be at the heart of discussions during the informal meeting of ministers responsible for the Cohesion Policy on 22 and 23 November this year. The fifth Cohesion report due to be adopted by the Commission between now and the autumn of 2010 will add materially to this debate.
In the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Belgian Presidency will look in more detail at the role of the cohesion policy and structural funds as a long-term policy and a central instrument of economic and social development with a view to attaining priority objectives for intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth at member state and regional level. The question of targeting theme-based priorities for intervention such as research, innovation, training and skills development, entrepreneurship and business development, social inclusion and territorial attractiveness will thus be examined.
In addition, the Belgian Presidency will focus its attention on the future objectives of the Cohesion Policy, its geographic targeting and the connection between cohesion and regional competitiveness. On behalf of the Belgian Presidency, Wallonia will seek to demonstrate the importance of guaranteeing fairer treatment of different regions based on objective criteria, regardless of the system applied to them previously.
Industry
Wallonia, on behalf of the Belgian Presidency, will give new impulse to the flagship initiative “Industrial policy in the era of globalisation” of the Europe 2020 strategy, while seeking to integrate sectoral dimensions in a horizontal approach. This new industrial policy is needed to promote new green technologies and industrial processes designed to ensure the transition to an economy of low CO2 emissions.
I particular it will seek to develop proactive consideration on the European economy’s transition to a green economy that is competitive on the world stage, and a response to the challenges and opportunities this generates for European industry. Management of transitions, anticipation of restructuring and integration of energy constraints will be central to this consideration. The resulting concrete actions should help to revitalise the external dimension of EU competitiveness and businesses.
In policies linked to competitiveness and the internal market, special emphasis will be placed on considering the role of SMEs. In this context, implementation of the Small Business Act will be re-examined. The internationalisation of SMEs and access to external markets, administrative simplification and access to finance and training will be highlighted themes.
On the basis of communication by the Commission concerning the plan for research and innovation, the Belgian Presidency will favour an integrated approach covering multiple facets of innovation – technological and non-technological – promoting its diffusion throughout the economic fabric and meeting the needs of businesses, particularly SMEs. Therefore, the role of development initiatives and the relationship between research centres, training and businesses will be examined.
Culture and audio-visual arts
In terms of the EU 2020 Strategy, the Presidency will endeavour to highlight the potential of cultural and creative industries, which contribute to European GDP, growth and employment. Here, the role of SMEs in particular will be highlighted. The Presidency subscribes to three strategic objectives on the European Cultural Agenda. These are the promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, the promotion of culture as a catalyst for creativity, and the promotion of culture as an essential part of international relations.
On the basis of communication by the Commission, the Belgian Presidency will ensure successful completion of evaluation of the Council’s 2008-2010 Work Plan to promote culture and the adoption of a new Work Plan after 2010. The Belgian Presidency will continue discussions with a view to adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the Commission’s proposed decision aimed at creating a “European Heritage Label” which would allow Europe’s shared history to be celebrated by highlighting the European dimension of its cultural heritage.
Since the year 2010 has been named “European year of the prevention of poverty and social exclusion”, the Presidency will seek to highlight the role which culture can play in this area and will propose draft conclusions to the Council. The Presidency will initiate a consultation period on support mechanisms for European cinema designed to cover the entire cinematographic process, from writing to the promotion and distribution of European films.
As part of the challenges posed by the digital age, the Presidency will focus on conserving and safeguarding the audiovisual and cinematic heritage and the means required at a national and European level to support cinemas wishing to invest in digital equipment. The scope for development of public libraries in the digital age and of Europeana will be examined. In addition the challenges presented by the long-term conservation of Europe’s cultural and audiovisual digital heritage will also be examined in general terms.