Migrations, pensions and environment

As customary, in its April issue Europe Infos presents and comments on European current events, starting with the new Executive, the draft measures for family reunification, proposals for common European pension systems, the 2014-2020 budget, and the question of data protection. The issue features also a contribution by Michel Camdessus on crisis-related issues, an article on Hildegard Burjan, recently beatified in recognition of her dedication to the promotion of social policies in Austria in the 19th-20th century and the news of the election of the new COMECE presidency. This month’s issue opens with an editorial by Frank Turner SJ, who analyzes the prospects of social market economy in the current European situation (published on SIR Europe 26/2012). Family reunification. "In February 2012, COMECE and other Christian organisations published their Comments on the European Commission´s Green Paper on the right of family reunification of third-country nationals living in the European Union", these comments refer to the "the highest importance that Churches attach to marriage and the family, to the social conditions facilitating family life and to the international, European and national legal frameworks related to the possibility of founding a family and living as a family". In the proposals, explains José Luis Bazán, it is suggested to remove any unjustified barrier to family reunification such as access to affordable language learning, targeted programmes in academic and vocational training as well as access to labour market and training". As relates to the material conditions, the principle should be equal treatment for EU citizens. Families should not be required to manage with resources which are below the minimum income/minimum subsistence levels of families of nationals. The Commission’s efforts are equally aimed to identify possible cases of fraud and abuse of this right to family reunification. A pension strategy. Over-60s in the EU are growing by about two million people annually, with far-reaching economic and budgetary consequences, as forecast by the European Commission in its White Paper "An agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions" released past February 12, said Anna Echterhoff. The document presents a series of proposals for further action by Member States and by the EU in the field of provision for old age. "Responsibility for the design of pension systems lies with the Member States" but "Commission intends to adapt the policy instruments of the EU with a view to offering better support to pension and retirement reform efforts at national level". Retirement age can be linked to higher life expectancy and improved health conditions, but at the same time, cost-effective health care systems (also a responsibility of the Member States) are important, along with investment in health care and the promotion of healthy and active ageing, while safety and health at work, access to lifelong learning, as well as adaptation of workplaces to the needs of older workers and the expansion of opportunities for flexible working arrangements, are also significant. While the Commission intends to maintain a multi-pillar model, i.e. a mixture of State and private system, the European Parliament was still advocating the strengthening of State funding of retirement/pension in defense of those who cannot benefit from a company pension scheme. The Commission also intends to amend the Directive on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision.European budget and the environment. While the European Commission is debating the budget for the period 2014-2020, "one of the most interesting proposals is to devote 20% of the 1 trillion euro budget to climate-related actions" writes José Ignacio Garcia SJ. The challenge, an outcome of the commitment of the Climate Change Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard, seeks to use the EU budget in service of the ‘EU 2020 Strategy’, – an instrument designed to promote the EU’s prosperity and competitiveness in the new global context (cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, increases in renewable energy, increases in energy efficiency, each improved by 20%). A critical aspect is the "Connecting Europe facility", the €50 billion fund to develop cross-border infrastructures that will allow a stable flow of energy relying significantly on renewable sources". It still isn’t clear which sum will be devoted to reduced use of coal. Technology will certainly be one of the pillars of sustainable economy and research will have to mark pace, if Europe intends to remain competitive. The discussions will continue until a proposal for a new budget before the end of 2012. The Commission’s courage should be recognized as it seeks coherence in the strategies that aspire to be a logical response to challenges we are facing, and assuring the means necessary for them.