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Cyprus’s Presidency 2012 ~2. Preparation. Main Tasks of the Presidency. Leading the work of the Council of Ministers at all levels Representing the Council of Ministers vis-à-vis other EU institutions Representing the EU vis-à-vis countries outside the EU and international organisations.
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Cyprus’s Presidency2012 ~2 Preparation SGAMG
Main Tasks of the Presidency • Leading the work of the Council of Ministers at all levels • Representing the Council of Ministers vis-à-vis other EU institutions • Representing the EU vis-à-vis countries outside the EU and international organisations SGAMG
A good Presidency • Represents the interests of the entire EU • Drives the common agenda forward • Is prepared to manage the unexpected • Focused priorities and clear objectives • Upstream preparation with all actors (incl. consultative bodies such as CoR & ESC) • Strong internal coordination • Coherence and continuity (beyond the 6-month Presidency) • Media management SGAMG
Conditions in 2012 • EU and international context • New President of EP • CY national elections in 2013 • National elections in MS (FR, PL) + USA • Other events (Olympics in UK) • CY = only country of Eurozone Trio SGAMG
Key Principles • Vision • Continuity (CWP) • Constructive dialogue (COM / EP) • Organisation (flexibility) • Close co-operation (building bridges and working out agreements with MS) • Negotiation skills (present compromise proposals) SGAMG
Areas of Preparation: Programming • Define a Trio programme • Identify concrete actions in a presidency operational programme • “Liaise” with COM’s CLWP • Consider political rendez-vous already fixed • Fix a Presidency calendar (meetings, seminars, summits) • Unexpected issues SGAMG
Agenda (1) Main political priorities for CY Presidency • Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (reform of EU’s common policies) • Growth + Jobs • Sustainable development in a resource efficient society • Single Market (bringing EU closer to citizens) • Citizens’ Europe (area of freedom, security and justice) • Global Europe SGAMG
Agenda (2) • Main legislative files • Co-decision process & conciliation • Follow up closely ongoing files • Advance on Better Regulation files: simplification and administrative reduction proposals, proposals with IA, withdrawals of pending proposals (CWP) • Confirm that new proposals will be transmitted by the COM in time SGAMG
Budget • Multi annual programme (adopted in 2009) ensures funds for 2010-2012 • Who implements which section of the budget • Which actions will be covered SGAMG
Communication Media management • Pivotal role of the Representation in Nicosia • Reflect on the official event to launch Presidency • Start communicating on Presidency image and main messages • Early contacts with national and European media • Efficient website SGAMG
Good working methods Strong Coordination • Clearly define Nicosia / Brussels roles • Establish efficient and fast information chains • Identify contact point with COM • Set up formal / informal Council meetings • Prepare draft agendas (liaise with COM) • Match individual proposals on agendas with strategic political objectives (CWP) • Centralise drafting of conclusions SGAMG
Logistics • Prepare a calendar of events (political meetings, ministerial conferences, cultural events) • « Regional » flavour • Suitable conference and hotel facilities • IT infrastructure • Crisis management SGAMG
Training & HR Train Presidency staff and civil servants for effective execution of tasks • Legal system of the EU, the decision-making process and sources of European law • Rep office and national admin to be properly equipped • Presentation, debating and negotiation skills as well as language skills (EN and FR) • Chairing working groups and cooperating with other EU institutions SGAMG
Commission’s Visit • Symbolic event & media coverage • Importance for citizens & image abroad • Meetings • Short bilaterals of Ministers / Commissioners • Plenary session to discuss priorities • Press conference • Parallel communication events SGAMG
Institutional Triangle • Different context from national situation • Council: think as Presidency not as delegation • Commission: strategic ally and executive body • Parliament: Legislative counterpart, political challenger • Monthly « Groupe de coordination interinstitutionnelle », chaired by EP SGAMG
How can the COM help? • Political support from President & College • Identification of priorities • Building consensus on common ideas • Advisory capacity at all levels • Communication and logistical support SGAMG
Presidency preparations so far • 11 working grps to be established and submission of their working plans • 10 sectoral meetings with CY and COM officials • Special ministerial meeting to formulate priorities • Proposal to be submitted to the President of the Republic • Proposed identity theme: Europe of solidarity SGAMG
Thank you& good luck! SGAMG