17 February, 2009

Welcome to news@eu, the e-newsletter of the European Commission's Delegations to Australia and New Zealand.

EC President Barroso extends condolences to people of Australia
Study in Europe website launched
Windows on Europe Film Festival 2009
Are you a winner? Results of Europe Street Festival draw
Kyoto Protocol Anniversary: bolder global action needed to combat climate change
EU Sustainable Energy Week
The competitiveness of the car industry and climate change
Galileo: European satellite radio navigation project
Social Networking: Commission brokers agreement among major web companies
Enlargement policy in 2009 - an update
Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner & US Secretary of State Clinton look to solutions for the Middle East and Afghanistan
Industrial production down by 2.6% in euro area, and down by 2.3% in EU27
Applications invited for Fellowships at European University Institute
Reminder: EUVP applications now open
In Brief
Upcoming Events

EC President José Manuel Barroso extends condolences to people of Australia

European Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso, in a letter to Prime Minister Rudd said "I am deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of life and terrible devastation to property in Victoria caused by the bushfires that Australia has been experiencing, as well as with the floods in Queensland, presenting further suffering and difficulties with loss of life and destruction and devastation to property and livestock. On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to you and to the people of Australia. Our sympathy and solidarity are with the families of the victims. Please accept, dear Prime Minister, the assurance of my highest consideration.” In a telephone conversation on 9 February, President Barosso also extended to Prime Minister Rudd an offer of the Commission's assistance to complement the offers made to Australia by some EU Member States.

Study in Europe website launched

There are more than four thousand higher education institutions in Europe, from top-level research establishments to small, teaching-focused colleges. Europe itself is no less diverse, extending from the Arctic Circle to the coast of Africa, where tiny principalities sit side-by-side with many of the world's leading economies. A fascinating destination, but which country should you go to? Which university should you choose? What do you need before you leave? What will happen when you arrive? These are just some of the questions you're probably asking yourself already. The Canberra Delegation has launched a new website Study in Europe which is there to help. Here you can find information on studying and living in the twenty-seven countries of the European Union, the opportunities open to Australian students and academics at universities in Europe, and testimonials from students who have already experienced studying in Europe. read more

More students to benefit from Erasmus Mundus

Erasmus Mundus, the European co-operation and mobility programme which supports academic excellence and the attractiveness of European higher education worldwide and fosters cooperation with third countries, now enters a new phase with a substantially increased budget and a wider scope. In 2009-13, the EU will increase its support to the most highly-talented students and professors from countries outside the EU with grants to take part in joint programmes in Europe. In 2008/09 forty-six Australians and four New Zealanders were granted an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, and the number is expected to grow in the next round of applications. read more

Reminder: Windows on Europe Film Festival 2009 in Sydney and Brisbane

The festival is a window on the wonderful world of European cinema, and is brought to you by the European Union in Australia, sponsored by Dendy Cinemas with movies provided by the EU Member States. The Festival runs from 14 - 22 February in Sydney, and 21 February to 1 March in Brisbane. Details of all films and screening times

Are you a winner? Results of Europe Street Festival draw

Check our website to find out if you were a winner of the Europe Street Festival draw on 7 February 2009.

Kyoto Protocol Anniversary: bolder global action needed to combat climate change

On the occasion of the anniversary on 16 February of the Kyoto Protocol on limiting greenhouse emissions, European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas called on the international community to follow the European Union on committing to take determined action to cut greenhouse gases. "The European Union is on track to achieve its Kyoto target for 2012, but the speed of climate change means Kyoto must now be followed by a much bolder global agreement," Commissioner Dimas said. "The EU is committed to cutting emissions to 30% below 1990 levels by 2020 if other developed countries commit to comparable reductions and developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and capabilities. It is time for our international partners to follow our lead so that negotiations on the new global agreement can shift into top gear."

The European Commission in January set out proposals for a comprehensive and ambitious new global agreement to tackle climate change that would take over from the Kyoto Protocol in 2013. The new pact is due to be concluded at the Copenhagen UN climate conference in December. read more

2009 EU Sustainable Energy Week

With the United Nations predicting that global population will increase from 6.5 billion today by an additional 2.5 billion by 2050, finding ways for a sustainable future is essential. Andris Piebalgs, EU Energy Commissioner, in his opening speech at the 3rd EU Sustainable Energy Week on 9 February 2009 said "All human societies have faced energy challenges. No doubt each generation has felt that they have faced greater energy challenges than their forefathers. And yet today few would deny that energy security and climate change represent the greatest challenges of this generation, together with poverty and peace. Were it needed, recent events have underlined the need for a European response to these energy challenges even more clearly. Over recent decades we have come to see cheap and plentiful energy almost as a right; practically an infinite resource. Right from the beginning of the industrial revolution energy has been cheap, and environmental issues resulting from energy use have essentially been local, not global problems. In such a short time, how much has changed."

Commissioner Piebalgs outlined the EU's response to a future of sustainable energy, with what is known as the "20-20-20 initiative". Firstly, reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels; secondly, increasing the level of renewable energy from about 8% of its energy mix today to 20% and thirdly, making a 20% improvement in its energy efficiency levels - in other words, reduce its energy consumption by 13% compared to 2006.

Stavros Dimas, Commissioner responsible for Environment, followed up by emphasising that the Copenhagen conference in December must build the road to a sustainable global energy future: "And I am of course very pleased to see that the theme of this year is a sustainable energy, which logically brings together the climate and energy challenges. As we celebrate Sustainable Energy Week, let us keep our sights on the objective of making the world's energy sustainable throughout every week of the year." read more

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, called the Mediterranean Solar Plan "a necessity, not an option” in the wake of the interruptions gas supplies to European households earlier this year. "Last month's events underscored the importance of diversifying our energy imports in terms of energy mix, origin and transportation routes. All of this we are seeking to do. If we are to meet our 20/20/20 targets, it is clear that this energy diversification strategy must include a significant shift to renewable energies and in particular solar." read more

At a ceremony in the European Parliament, more that 350 cities across Europe have committed, by signing the Covenant of Mayors, to go beyond the EU's energy objective of reducing 20% CO2 emissions by 2020. With this initiative, the representatives of over 60 million citizens will work together to achieve the common goal of changing the environment and using energy more wisely. www.eumayors.eu

The competitiveness of the car industry and climate change

Stavros Dimas, Member of the European Commission, responsible for environment, speaking at the Forum for the Automobile and Society in Brussels on 10 February 2009, said "We are today faced with a twin challenge: the immediate need to address the current economic crisis and the need to take action now to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The automobile industry is one of the sectors which have been hardest hit by the current economic crisis. These are clearly difficult times and the industry will need to act with prudence and foresight in order to weather this storm and prepare for the future. Amidst this bleak outlook, there are those who are asking whether measures to address the looming climate crisis are an expensive luxury which should now be cut back or even shelved in order to preserve the competitiveness of the industry.'

'We cannot afford to make a choice between addressing the economic crisis and tackling climate change. We need to take action on both through smart policy approaches which improve the competitiveness of our industry and ensure that the road transport sector plays its part in the fight against climate change. Ultimately, the long-term competitiveness of the industry can best be assured by focusing on innovation and the development of high-tech solutions to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Efficient and clean cars are in the interest of the automobile industry as much as they are in the interest of European society and a planet facing climate change.' concluded Mr Dimas. read more

Galileo: European satellite radio navigation project

Galileo, the European Satellite Navigation System, due for full implementation in 2010, will be able to tell us where we are in the world, with an accuracy of between 20 - 30 centimetres. The agreement between the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA) was signed on 19 December 2008. The continued cooperation between the European Commission and the ESA was officially endorsed with the signing of an agreement by the Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, Antonio Tajani, and Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of the European Space Agency. 'Signing this agreement represents a commitment to quality and efficiency and marks the beginning of an exemplary cooperation between the Commission and the European Space Agency. Galileo is now entering a new era where space age technology brings down-to-earth benefits for every citizen and business in Europe . With Galileo, the European Union will buy a state-of-the-art satellite navigation system which will increase economic efficiency and reduce congestion and energy consumption throughout the transport sector. That means boosting growth and jobs and helping to tackle climate change, while also making everyday life safer and easier', said Vice-President Antonio Tajani. read more

Social Networking: safer surfing for young people

17 leading web firms have signed for the first time a European agreement to improve the safety of under 18 year olds who use social networking sites, including Arto, Bebo, Dailymotion, Facebook, Giovani.it, Google/YouTube, Hyves, Microsoft Europe, Myspace, Nasza-klaza.pl, Netlog, One.lt, Skyrock, StudiVZ, Sulake/Habbo Hotel, Yahoo!Europe, and Zap.lu. Social networking sites are an emerging social and economic phenomenon, attracting 41.7 million regular users in Europe and changing the way we interact with each other on the Web. To make sure that social networks continue to grow, young users need to feel safe when expanding their networks or sharing any personal information. The agreement signed on 10 February in Luxembourg at the Safer Internet Day organised by the European Commission will empower teenagers to deal with potential risks they may face online, like cyberbullying or revealing personal information.

"The Commission applauds this first European agreement on Social Networking. It is an important step forward towards making our children's clicks on social networking sites safer in Europe," said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media. "Social networking has enormous potential to flourish in Europe, to help boost our economy and make our society more interactive – as long as children and teenagers have the trust and the right tools to remain safe when making new 'friends' and sharing personal details online. I will closely monitor the implementation of today's agreement and the Commission will come back to this matter in a year's time." read more

Enlargement policy in 2009 - an update

Olli Rehn, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, in his speech in Brussels on 5 February, outlined the progress of candidate and applicant countries to the European Union. In brief:

• Although Croatia has made much progress, it needs to meet the benchmarks which have been set, especially on the fight against crime and corruption and restructuring the ship-building sector.
• The EU's accession negotiations with Turkey are proceeding at a modest but steady pace. Turkey is a strategic partner for the EU.
• The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has achieved candidate status.
• Montenegro submitted its application for EU membership last December. Montenegro has come a far way in a short time.
• Albania is in a rather similar position. Albania signed its Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU already in 2006.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina made some progress in 2008, some positive steps have been taken recently.
• Commissioner Rehn will be in Belgrade this week to reiterate the EUs' strong support for Serbia's European future.
• 2008 was a big year for Kosovo. The Commission will present a study in 2009 to help ensure Kosovo's continued development and EU orientation.
• Meanwhile, on Cyprus, a settlement process is underway that could lead to the reunification of the island, possibly starting already next year.

Enlargement remains one of the EU's most important tools of transformation and soft power. It has surprised its sceptics before, and it can do so again in South East Europe, despite the challenges ahead this year.

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner and US Secretary of State Clinton look to solutions for the Middle East & Afghanistan

Industrial production down by 2.6% in euro area, and down by 2.3% in EU27

In December 2008 compared with November 2008, seasonally adjusted industrial production fell by 2.6% in the euro area (EA15) and by 2.3% in the EU27. In November production decreased by 2.2% in both zones. In December 2008 compared with December 2007, industrial production declined by 12.0% in the euro area and by 11.5% in the EU27. Compared with 2007, the average industrial production index for 2008 fell by 1.7% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU27. read more

Applications invited for Fellowships at the European University Institute

Applications are now invited for Australian European University Institute Fellowships which provide the opportunity to carry out research at the European University Institute in Florence – the high profile research institute established by the Member States of the founding European Communities in 1972. A six-month Postdoctoral Fellowship will be offered for the period January-June 2010, and two three-month Postgraduate Fellowships will be offered for the period September-December 2009. The Fellowships are available to postgraduates and early career researchers currently undertaking research in history, law, economics, and social and political sciences who are able to identify a direct benefit for their research from a period of residence at the EUI. The Postgraduate applicants must be at an advanced stage of their research, and the Postdoctoral Fellowship is available to those who have graduated with a PhD qualification within the last five years. The Postdoctoral Fellowship covers EUI fees for six months and provides a one-off payment of $12,000 to contribute to travel (including insurance) and subsistence. The Postgraduate Fellowships similarly cover EUI fees for three months and provide a one-off payment of $7,000 to contribute to travel (including insurance) and subsistence. read more

REMINDER: EUVP applications now open The Delegation is currently accepting applications for EUVP places in 2010, with final selections made by the end of May 2009. A limited number are selected from New Zealand and Australia each year. The European Union Visitors Program (EUVP) invites aspiring leaders from countries outside the European Union to visit Europe to gain a first-hand appreciation of the EU's goals, policies and people, and to increase mutual understanding between professionals from non-EU countries and their EU counterparts.  An EUVP visit consists of an individual five- to eight-day program of meetings with EU officials at the EU institutions in Brussels, Strasbourg and/or Luxembourg. Those eligible to participate are government officials (local, state and federal), journalists, trade unionists, educators, officials of non-profit, non-governmental organisations and other professionals in their mid-twenties to mid-forties with career-related interests in the European Union. Participants are required to have completed their university education or equivalent training and to have been employed for several years in their chosen career/field.  read more

In Brief

• EU's stand against the death penalty: execution of Steve Henley in the United States
• International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers : 12 February
• EU HR Javier SOLANA congratulates Morgan TSVANGIRAI on being sworn in as Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of Zimbabwe
• Safer Internet Day 2009: commission starts campaign against cyber-bullying
• Biodiversity action plan conference 11 February 2009: will the EU reach its 2010 target?
• Fisheries: Commission moves to protect sharks
• For Diversity. Against Discrimination.': this year's EU award-winning articles
• The credit crisis: looking ahead

Upcoming Events

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Gateway to the European Union in New Zealand

http://www.eu.org.nz/

EuroFest, 17 May 2009, TSB Bank Arena Wellington. EuroFest is a series of events organised by European Forum Inc showcasing all things European, ranging from cultural performances, arts, crafts and food through to European products and services. euroforum@gmail.com or http://www.eurofest.org.nz

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