26 October 2012

 

This week, the European Commission has adopted its work programme for 2013.  The programme defines the EU objectives in seven key policy areas. The priority will be given to economic growth and creation of jobs, with a special focus on legal acts related to the implementation of the EU multiannual budget.

Mr Petras Auštrevičius, MP, Deputy Chairman of the Seimas Committee on European Affairs, believes that Lithuania will bear the heavy responsibility of preparing for the implementation of the new European Union Budget 2014-2020, especially in view of the fact that Europe needs additional incentives for economic growth and further decisions for boosting competitiveness. “Secondly, I believe that the European Commission Work Programme has to be essentially based on job creation and further EU activity reform”, the MP says.

The European Commission is planning to table about 50 new legislative proposals by 2014. The new initiatives include strengthening of Economic and Monetary Union, economic growth with a view to creating new jobs, increasing competitiveness through the Single Market and industrial policy, modernisation of telecommunications, energy and transport links, use of Europe’s resources to increase competitiveness, building of safe Europe and reinforcement of justice by establishing the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, consolidating citizenship in the European Year of Citizens, and enhancing Europe’s influence in the world. During its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2013, Lithuania will have to chair negotiations on many legislative proposals.

Mr Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Deputy Chairman of the Seimas Committee on European Affairs, argues that Europe has entered a crucial period and, therefore, it is very important to consider the possibility of a new European Convention to discuss the building of a closer and more integrated EU.

In his view, it is obvious that efficiency of the Monetary Union and economic coordination are vitally necessary. “It is very important to emphasise that Europe focusses on re-industrialisation or, in other words, return of industry to Europe. Therefore, the initiatives on reduced costs of businesses in the areas such as VAT, tackling obstacles to competitiveness, and encouragement of public-private partnerships in research and other fields are highly significant. Certainly, it is vitally important that energy, transport, infrastructure, and broadband internet networking are given the highest priority. These projects have to be implemented and the powers of the European Commission need to be strengthened so that the Commission, rather than sluggish-acting Member States that find it difficult to reach an agreement, could directly engage in the implementation of these projects. Rail Baltica may serve as a sad example here”, the MP says. He also underscores the importance of economic growth through job creation, efficient use of resources, increased use of renewable sources and boosting of competitiveness, as well as fighting the abuse of power.

Mr Andriukaitis is convinced that the Lithuanian Presidency will offer a good opportunity to extensively address the issues above.

 

Public Relations Unit