The Spanish Presidency: Achievements

In this post desgranaré some of the highlights I consider that the Spanish Presidency has, during the six months that have elapsed since its inception. In another post I will outline, in my perspective obviously, what were the issues that have been left out or have not been projected during the semester.

Let us start from the fact that the Presidency is born with two major storm fronts: first l to global economic situation and the severe lack of credibility of our financial system and sovereign debt, and another entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, a new institutional framework of reference that I did because it means, in a previous post .

This fourth Presidency (1989, 1995 and 2002 were above), was preceded by an intense work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and especially the Secretary of State for the European Union. One of the successes that are not apparent, or are of gloss in the media is the implementation of what has been called Trio : a set of rotating presidencies working on a joint agenda for the issues they advance in time or the resumption of the agenda marked by events. The first trio is made ​​by the Spanish Presidency, the Belgian and Hungarian the first half of 2011. This in appearance, it seems empty, is a challenge to the methodology of community that was developing and that certainly will allow for better coordination between the rotating Council presidency, the European Commission and the President of the EU.

In fact the Spanish Presidency, has already taken action under its umbrella measures came from the Swedish Presidency, as the European Economic Recovery Plan , which set the rest of the actions) and actions of long-term measures, as has been the momentum of the 2020 Strategy , another issue that has gone unnoticed by the editors of the continent, perhaps the perception of inane concept, derived from the failed Lisbon strategy for the decade is seeing an end.

New figures emerging in the Lisbon Treaty, have seen their incorporation into the structure so placid and smooth, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Spanish Presidency and its involvement in development agreements under this new scaffolding. We have also displayed the efforts to give more role to the European Parliament, as defined by the new treaty, although in this field there is much to advance and high opacity in the face of European public opinion. The information capacity of the Commission and majestic, sailing too much information efforts of the EP.

The most important landmarks of the Presidency are:

• Starting in the General Affairs Council of the European External Action Service . Cuatrílogo was intensified with the EP amendments were made ​​to the text and in June the CAG endorsed the progress of negotiations with the EP. The four parties have adopted the rulings, so the Saue enter into force this year.
• The Commission submitted the proposal for a Regulation of the European Citizens' Initiative on March 31, thanks to the work of the Presidency in the CAG June and begin work on the PE for processing and approval in 2011, to be possible at first reading. Great news for European Citizenship.
• The 2020 Strategy has been the bet of the Presidency. This is the path of work to determine the strategy for growth and jobs in Europe over the next decade. That is, the future of the EU.
• The Presidency has chosen the pending enlargement processes, especially with Croatia (it has opened the process of the remaining chapters - 5 - of the negotiation process) and opened a new chapter of negotiations with Turkey, prepared by the Belgian Presidency others will begin in the new semester.
• It has been established for the Atlantic Arc Strategy which will take effect in 2011 for marine research, maritime surveillance and the challenges of economic and environmental sustainability, one of the largest regions of Europe.
• The June CAG introduced Strategic Report on the Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 , which through the conclusions of the Council shall establish the strategic focus of the ESF, the Cohesion Fund and the 2020 Strategy for the future evolution of the European Union.
• The ECOFIN has defined the Integrated Guidelines which will be two major EU economic instruments: the Broad Economic Policy (GOPEs) and the Guidelines on Employment. The first were approved at the June Council. All states should develop the national reform programs according to these guidelines will cycle through both economic and tax harmonization in the EU.
• The ECOFIN also laid the foundation for developing a future European economic governance, linked to the 2020 strategy, based on art. 136 TFEU, also has created a European Financial Stability Mechanism and a European Facility for Financial Stability (better known as Rescue Fund).
• The Spanish Presidency has been a strong promoter of the European Order of Protection, a mechanism of high value to the fight against gender violence, and their inclusion in the national agendas of states. Pending ratification by Parliament and the relevant European Council.
• The Competitiveness Council has agreed to implement actions leading to the electric vehicle as a mobility model. This implies profound reforms in the laboratories of R & D + i of manufacturers and suppliers, a new system of connectivity and the creation of new employment niches and reordering a production system in which Europe does not add value. This is a new opportunity.
• Also it was decided to create a European Research Area and the momentum of the project ITER experimental fusion reactor , all within the lines of the 2020 Strategy.
• They have launched the first initiatives of the European Digital Agenda set by the EU 2020 Strategy.
• On energy issues in the Energy Action Plan 2010-2020 and the regulations that will develop the Mediterranean Solar Plan and the Plan of the Mediterranean Ring Gas and Electricity.

These political achievements have been made ​​by the Spanish Presidency, I leave others in the pipeline who have had more media coverage or who have been the subject of a specific meeting.

The question, dear reader / y, why most of the issues referenced above hardly sounds (especially the non-financial) and that they all will affect our lives. One reason is because l a European agenda has no place in the media. I still do not understand why any newspaper of national importance continued absence of section is called Europe and Euronews, between National and International, which report the "core" of the political action of the Commission and Parliament. I have since, vain hope that this will change, but this requires that citizens we hear our voice, our interests and we can achieve this was 2.0, making transmission belt that interests us and what we observed as reliable and trusted sources.

I hope the EU to lead the change in the future, through the direct involvement of the most pillar: Citizenship