The novelties of 2012

A “responsible”, “dynamic”, “green”, and “safe” Europe: these are the priorities of the upcoming Danish EU Presidency (January-June 2012) scheduled for presentation to the Commission, with annexed political proposals, during an official meeting in Copenhagen that will take place next January 11-12. Rules and credibility. “Now, more than ever, we need to work together” in the EU; “we must make difficult decisions”, “we must restore confidence, security and optimism”. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Danish premier since past October, will assume the six-month EU presidency. The presentation of the program for the coming semester focuses on the economy and on joint action to overcome the current financial and political difficulties. “We must work towards a responsible Europe”, is stated on the Danish EU presidency www.eu2012.dk -. “The economic rules of play must be followed effectively so that confidence in the European economies returns”. After the meeting with the Barroso Commission, from January 16 to 19 the Danish government will present the program to MEPs during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The last week in January will focus again on economic issues, with the meetings of the Eurogroup (January 23), ECOFIN (January 24) and to the General Council (January 30). Security, foreign policy. At present, two heads of Government or State summits have been scheduled to take place in the first semester, aimed at addressing the “budget agreement” and the related treaty, on March 1-2 and June 28-29. “When Denmark assumes the EU presidency – states the Danish government – the debt crisis and the grave economic situation pose unprecedented challenges to the EU”. “The Danish Presidency will ensure that the EU is united and strong”, in order to achieve “concrete results that will promote Europe’s progress”, “showing citizens the value and the need for European cooperation. The rotating presidency also highlights the importance of security. Citizen mobility, migration, the fight on cross-border crime are the first items on the agenda. “The Danish presidency pledges to take on the fight on international crime and terrorism and to promote a European asylum system”. It will “support foreign policies regarding cooperation for development and humanitarian aid”.The demographic question. The program for the new year doesn’t only include political and “institutional” items. In fact, 2012 has been proclaimed the “European Year for Active Ageing and inter-generational solidarity. The special year, that will be launched on January 18-19 with an international conference in Copenhagen, is announced as “an occasion for everyone to reflect on the fact that Europeans today live and stay healthy much longer, and to seize the ensuing opportunities”. Various initiatives are planned across Member States (for information log on www.ec.europa.eu). “Active ageing can give the baby-boom generation and tomorrow’s older adults the opportunity to stay in the workforce and share their experience, keep playing an active role in society and live as healthy and fulfilling lives as possible”, states the EU Commission”. It is also “key to maintaining solidarity between generations”. At the same time it is important to improve opportunities for active ageing in areas as diverse as employment, health care, social services, adult learning, volunteering, housing, IT services or transport. “The European Year seeks to raise awareness of the issues and the best ways of dealing with them”.Boosting culture. “The European Capital of Culture title is an excellent opportunity for cities to improve or even transform their image, to put themselves on the world map, and rethink their development through culture despite the ongoing economic crisis”. EU Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou underlined the importance of the cities of Maribor (Slovenia) and Guimarães (Portugal) in 2012. The new capitals of cultures receive the baton from Tallinn (Estonia) and Turku (Finland). The respective annual programs will be inaugurated respectively on January 13 and 21. The Community initiative has been ongoing for 25 years. The European Commission has contributed with a €1.5 million grant to each city. The official launch of Maribor 2012 (www.maribor2012.info) will take place over the weekend of 13-15 January, with music, theatre and dance. The intention of local administrators is to involve the youth. Guimarães (www.guimaraes2012.pt) will inaugurate its program on January 21st with open-air multimedia and theatrical events.