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EU Policy Update The changing EU context – What way forward.

EU Policy Update The changing EU context – What way forward. Sian Jones, Policy Coordinator , European Anti Poverty Network. Outline. The Policy Context – Juncker’s priorities Institutional frame - Commission reorganization What impact on Europe 2020 and the Semester?

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EU Policy Update The changing EU context – What way forward.

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  1. EU Policy Update The changing EU context – What way forward. Sian Jones, Policy Coordinator, European Anti Poverty Network

  2. Outline • The Policy Context – Juncker’s priorities • Institutional frame - Commission reorganization • What impact on Europe 2020 and the Semester? • EAPN Action and Approach

  3. Juncker’s Priorities Dominate Agenda • Juncker’s Political Guidelines dominant driver: growth, jobs and investment – but not social investment, flexible fiscal consolidation • Commission Work Programme 2015 pledges ‘less interference in daily lives, making a difference on economic/social challenges’ • 23 new initiatives and controversial withdrawal of key ‘stuck initiatives’ like the Maternity Leave Directive if no progress.. • Investment Plan for Europe – 315 billion over next 3 years through leverage of mainly private finances in infrastructure. • Reinforcing the Single Market – digital/telecommunications and European Energy Union – securing supply not energy poverty • Fairer approach to Taxation – tax evasion/ corporate tax bases. • European Agenda on Migration – focus on skilled migrants, cooperation on Fortress Europe but action on human trafficking. • Deeper Economic and Monetary Union – reinforcing the 6 pack.

  4. Impact of Commission Reorganization • Key new Commissioners with new roles for Vice Presidents: particularly Dombrovskis (Euro and the Semester), Timmermans (better regulation) • Unclear implications for Commissioner Thyssen • DG Employment - Social Inclusion gone from title and low visibility in priorities • Reorganization of DG Employment to fit new priorities – 5 new pillars – EU governance, employment, skills, mobility, social affairs, investment. • Social inclusion to come together with disability – with combined focus on ‘vulnerable groups’, social investment/ protection. • Structural Funds Desks to be redistributed within the 5 key areas.

  5. Where is Europe 2020 and the Semester? • Worrying shift awayfrom Europe 2020 = Barroso’s baby.. • AnnualGrowth Survey 2015 priorities: Investment package 2) Structural Reforms – internalmarket/liberalisation, 3) more flexible fiscal consolidation • Almost no mention of Europe 2020, poverty and othertargets, social investment or social dimension. • Mid-TermReviewpostponedfrom 2015 to 2016, with consultation summary in 2015. • New Commission re-organizationreflectschangingstatus– active inclusion also ‘lost’ replaced by social investment. • However, Structural Funds have to deliver on Europe 2020 priorities: 20% on social inclusion and poverty • Greek Elections rejection of austerity– a game changer?

  6. European Semester Process continues • EuropeanSemesteris dominant but used to deliverJuncker’spriorities+ reinforceeconomicgovernance • Basic processon the Semester the same for 2015 • NRPsprepared by end of April • CSRs by Commission/Council – End of May/June • Implementation -MS/ budget surveillance in October. • AGS 2016 in November 2015 • Only change earlierpublishing of Single Analytical Document (SAD)-In-depthmacro-economic balances and Staff Working Document review in March • National Social Reports planned but unclearrole?

  7. Some Good News on Participation? • Recognition of need for ‘increasing ownership and accountability’ in AGS • Increased pressure by Commission for stakeholder involvement and use of ESOs • Positive examples of engagement of Commission on CSRs EAPN – IE, PT, ES.. • Support from Dombrovskis and cabinet?

  8. EAPN Action and Approach • Input/conference on Mid-Term Review consultation • Lobbying at Annual Convention and in letters to EPSCO, Council inputs to conferences at EU level • Successful EP Semester Alliance hearing – Dec 3 • Response to AGS: fresh start or broken promises • Demonstrate Europe 2020 is relevant with poverty target at centre • Public investment for quality jobs, also in service/NGO • Jobs alone not sufficient – social investment/protection • Reinforce social standards, not austerity and race to the bottom • Put social and economic indicators on a par • Make civil society partners in design as well as implementation.

  9. EAPN Action and Approach • Increased direct lobbying: • Meetings of Bureau with Juncker and Thyssen’s cabinet, and with Dombrovskis. • DG Employment Director General – M. Servoz on Semester Alliance. • Increased working with EP cross-party grouping including on AGS report on the European Semester (Prieto)

  10. What way forward? • What action can we take to prevent Europe 2020 being dropped? • What’s our approach to the new investment package – what opportunities? • European Semester is key, how can we capitalize on increased support for stakeholder engagement?

  11. Thank you for your attention! For more information contact Sian Jones, EAPN Policy Coordinator Sian.jones@eapn.eu

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