Beyond the emergency

A package of measures “for a more structured approach from the EU to the challenges and opportunities of migration from the South of the Mediterranean” along with amendments to visa regulation; a week marked by initiatives for the adoption of sustainable energies. Over the past few days the EU Commission has been following two different directions: economic governance regulations, G8 summit, revision of proximity policy, religious leaders meeting (May 30), meeting with the Commission of the African Union on “Democracy and Growth” (May 31st- June 1st), preparation for the EU summit (June 24). Flows, new measures at EU level. As relates to the management of migration to the EU, notably from South Mediterranean countries as well as from the Balkans, the Commission highlights two priorities: “solidarity with those of our Member States faced with the greatest influx of migrants” and “cooperation with non EU countries”. On May 24 Cecilia Malmström presented the blueprint to the Commission, she said: “The situation in the Southern Mediterranean continues to call for EU action. The EU has taken a number of short term measures to assist North African countries in dealing with migratory pressures and to support the Member States on the frontline”. “What I propose today looks beyond the urgent needs. Our plan is to develop a more structured cooperation” with States such as Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, as “it is in the interest of both the EU and the countries of North Africa to promote mobility and well-managed migration”. An advantage for all. These initiatives are a first follow up to the Communication on Migration adopted on 4 May. They will be discussed at the upcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council on 9 June 2011 and will help prepare the ground for a discussion on European asylum and migration policy between EU heads of state and government during the European Council in Brussels at the end of June – to the presence of 27 Heads of Government or State. “Europe will be increasingly dependent on labour migration and the potential offered by North African countries should be seized in a mutually beneficial manner”. The proposals of the Commission (called to address diverse situations of migration inflows along with different national legislations and political action) introduces a safeguard clause “in case of arrival in the EU of a large number of irregular migrants or asylum seekers” from near countries. The Commission suggests to make it easier for students, researchers and business people to visit other countries, with benefits to EU culture and economy. Malmström pointed out: “We need to open up more legal ways to Europe, by intensifying cooperation with our Southern neighbours, establishing clear rules and ensuring secure conditions”. Green week on energy. On May 24 the Green Week 2011 opened in Brussels. The annual Conference held across the EU offers opportunity for debate and exchanges of experience and best practice in the areas of environmental protection and clean energy. This year’s highlight is Solar Impulse, “the first aeroplane designed to fly day and night without requiring fuel and without producing carbon emission” – on display in the European capital from 23 to 29 May 2011 – explained the EU Commission, that promoted initiatives in Brussels and across Member States. The Week’s slogan is “to use less and live better”. During the four-day conference over 3500 participants “will look for ways to use our planet’s resources more sustainably”. Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said: “There is a vast array of opportunities for growth and jobs with less waste, a cleaner environment, and better, more sustainable choices for consumers”. Emissions, food waste, water. The EU Green Week program envisages some thirty initiatives. “This year’s theme supports the Europe 2020 flagship initiative on resource efficiency, encouraging a shift towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy to achieve sustainable growth”. Together with discussions on “traditional” environmental issues like the availability of resources, recycling, biodiversity and soil, “the conference will examine issues including the transition to a resource efficient economy; greener chemicals; green skills, employment & innovation; financing eco-innovation; food waste; waste as a resource and water efficiency”. For further information and live streaming of the conference log on www.greenweek2011.eu.