The Danish EU Presidency 2012

1. The Danish EU Presidency 2012 Eu2012.dk The Danish EU Presidency 2012

2. THE ROLE OF THE PRESIDENCY • 7th Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union since 1973. Last time was in 2002: One overall priority – the enlargement (Summit in Copenhagen “We have an agreement…”); 15 Member States… The Danish EU Presidency 2012

3. PRESIDENCY priorities • Danish Presidency programmewas presented by the Danish Prime Minister on 6 January 2012. • Our slogan: “Europe at work” • Priorities of the Danish Presidency: • A responsible Europe • A dynamic Europe • A green Europe • A safe Europe The Danish EU Presidency 2012

4. a responsible europe • Need to make Europe more economically responsible. Debt crisis high on the agenda – decisions from Summit 8-9 December regarding strengthened discipline closely related to Danish Presidency’s priority of a responsibleEurope • Presidency work include inter alia: • Newrules on economic governance to be implemented for the first time during Danish Presidency through first full European Semester. Include improved procedures of monitoring economies of EU Member States, structural reforms, enhanced budgetary discipline in MS and stronger regulation of financial sector • Negotiations on Multiannual Financial Framework(post-2013 multiannual budget) high on the agenda along major policy areas (e.g. Agricultural Policy, Research & Development Programme). New MFF must channel more funds to growth-enhancing areas like research, education and innovative technologies. Goal: To bring negotiations as far as possible, but not realistic to finalise negotiations The Danish EU Presidency 2012

5. A dynamic europe • Help stimulate long-term growth and job creation across Europe. Promote further development of the Single Market (2012 marks 20-year anniversary). Large unused potential in the Single Market - assist promoting cross-border cooperation and interaction in Europe • Initiatives to improve business climate in Europe. Reduction in administrative burdens for small and medium sized businesses, better online security for consumers, lower roaming charges • Presidency work include inter alia follow-up on the Single Market package, e.g.: • Efficient standardization • Establishment of a European deposit system • Audit of public procurement directives • Review of accounting rules • Alternative dispute resolution in consumer cases • A digital Single Market The Danish EU Presidency 2012

6. A green europe • Promote a green Europe - emphasis on further greening of European economies and promoting green growth to be sustainable in the long run. Work hard and agree on new initiatives, if Europe to maintain comparative advantage to other regions - common investments in green technologies, renewable energy and energy efficiency • Presidency to promote green agenda in a consensus-seeking and inclusive way • Presidency will work for: • Energy- and climate roadmaps for coming decades leading towards 2050 with improved energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy • Establishment of Single Market for energy • Expansion of European energy infrastructure • Strong European voice at UN RIO+20 Conference on Sustainable development • Cross-cutting energy-, climate- and environment considerations in EU policies e.g. agriculture, fisheries, transportation, Single Market The Danish EU Presidency 2012

7. A safe europe • Promote a safe Europe – both internally and externally. The Arab Spring in Middle East and Northern Africa – caused Schengen system to come under pressure. Underlines need to finalise common European asylum system in order to ensure appropriate reception and treatment throughout Europe. Presidency will work for a well-functioning European asylum system and stronger Schengen cooperation • JHA (Justice and Home Affairs) is an area in rapid development. Might be able to reach agreement on European arrest warrant - improving cross-border police cooperation The Danish EU Presidency 2012

8. A safe europe - continued • DK Presidency supporting a stronger voice for the EU in global affairs, i.e. common European approach. Speaking with one voice enhancing EU continuity and predictability in relations with other nations - providing EU with increased impact on global stage • Therefore: Foreign Affairs of the EU • Denmark will support and assist the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy • Denmark continue to chair trade policy, enlargement and neighbourhood policy. Work will include: • Free Trade agreements with e.g. Japan, Canada, India • Review of the GSP-regulation concerning custom preferences for developingcountries • Enlargement negotiations with Iceland, Turkey and possibly FYROM, decision on opening of negotiations with Montenegro and decision on possible candidate status for Serbia. (Monitoring progress in Croatia). The Danish EU Presidency 2012

9. The logo: A dynamic visual story about the EU Presidency. Illustrated through the double symbolism between 1 and 2, which shows that Denmark takes on the Presidency in 2012 and signals the Presidency's duration of half a year. The logo also signals the dynamic of cooperation in the EU – a shared task that is in constant change and always developing. The logo also signals openness and cooperation – values that are crucial to a successful Presidency.The logo accentuates the red and white colors of the Danish flag, while at the same time emphasizing one of Denmark's strengths in Europe and the world: our tradition for unique design. The Danish EU Presidency 2012