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BackEven though Italy only assumes the rotating EU Council Presidency for the next six months from 1 July 2014, the programme and thereby Italy’s priorities and activities have already been leaked. Strictly speaking, it will be an 18 month programme, as it includes the future presidencies of Italy, Latvia and Luxemburg. It is not really a surprise that the main objective of the next 18 months is to fully overcome the economic and financial crisis, to stimulate growth in the Union and to create more jobs.
Presidency under new auspices – job creation has top priority
The three forthcoming presidencies assume their responsibilities amid the transition between two legislative periods. The newly elected European Parliament takes up its duties in July, the new EU Commission and the new High Representative will probably take office in November and the European Council will meet under a new President from 1 December 2014. In a time of high unemployment in Europe, in particular youth unemployment, and in view of a growing number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the creation of jobs and the fight against poverty and exclusion continue to dominate the agenda of the Union. Hence, the official focus has therefore been placed on promoting mobility, social dialogue, the creation of high-quality jobs, “structural reforms” on the labour markets, as well as investments in human capital by general and professional education. Also interesting is the fact that it is the intention to pay attention to the monitoring and development of social protection measures, to the funding, effectiveness and efficiency of social protection, to long-term care and the “adequateness” of pensions.
Migration policy matter of major concern for Italy
Less surprising is Italy’s intention to place emphasis on legal as well as illegal migration. For example, particular focus will be put on the implementation of the strategic plan concerning legal immigration, in particular the Directives on seasonal workers and on intra-corporate transfers. The integration of third-country nationals will be further pursued, in particular by promoting the exchange of established procedures between the Member States, aiming at raising the European level of performance in Europe. The arrival of migrants via the Mediterranean Sea will continue to occupy a prominent place on the agendas of the Council and might even result in new political initiatives of the Commission.
Will the great plans be followed by action?
The 18 month programme is brimming over with strong headlines, for example in the employment and social policy sector, which has already been described in more detail. Europe 2020, the European Semester, subjects concerning the economy and financial issues or competitiveness will also be addressed. However, new approaches, which had been announced in advance, are not included. As a result, it has been speculated time and again that Italy would bring up the controversial European unemployment insurance for discussion. This is unlike to happen as the programme seems to keep an official silence on this subject.
The three forthcoming presidencies assume their responsibilities amid the transition between two legislative periods. The newly elected European Parliament takes up its duties in July, the new EU Commission and the new High Representative will probably take office in November and the European Council will meet under a new President from 1 December 2014. In a time of high unemployment in Europe, in particular youth unemployment, and in view of a growing number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the creation of jobs and the fight against poverty and exclusion continue to dominate the agenda of the Union. Hence, the official focus has therefore been placed on promoting mobility, social dialogue, the creation of high-quality jobs, “structural reforms” on the labour markets, as well as investments in human capital by general and professional education. Also interesting is the fact that it is the intention to pay attention to the monitoring and development of social protection measures, to the funding, effectiveness and efficiency of social protection, to long-term care and the “adequateness” of pensions.
Migration policy matter of major concern for Italy
Less surprising is Italy’s intention to place emphasis on legal as well as illegal migration. For example, particular focus will be put on the implementation of the strategic plan concerning legal immigration, in particular the Directives on seasonal workers and on intra-corporate transfers. The integration of third-country nationals will be further pursued, in particular by promoting the exchange of established procedures between the Member States, aiming at raising the European level of performance in Europe. The arrival of migrants via the Mediterranean Sea will continue to occupy a prominent place on the agendas of the Council and might even result in new political initiatives of the Commission.
Will the great plans be followed by action?
The 18 month programme is brimming over with strong headlines, for example in the employment and social policy sector, which has already been described in more detail. Europe 2020, the European Semester, subjects concerning the economy and financial issues or competitiveness will also be addressed. However, new approaches, which had been announced in advance, are not included. As a result, it has been speculated time and again that Italy would bring up the controversial European unemployment insurance for discussion. This is unlike to happen as the programme seems to keep an official silence on this subject.