Washington Summit, EU standWhile the organization machine of the G20 meeting (Washington, November 15) is working at full speed, major topics on the financial crisis addressed by the most important countries, political and economic institutions are being set up. The meeting will be attended by the Heads of State and government of the USA, various European countries, emerging nations, besides UN secretary general, International Monetary Fund managing director, chairman of the World Bank and the Financial Stability Forum. The three most important issues on the agenda are: analysis of the crisis’ macroeconomic and financial causes; assessment of the measures taken by the G20 countries; pinpointing of “fundamental common principles to be adopted in future decisions”. Another summit will be organized in 100 days, after the newly elected President Barack Obama will be sworn into office. The 27 members of the EU met on November 7 in Brussels to discuss their stand. To address the current financial market and real economy instability, the EU proposed more powers to the IMF and pressed for more regulations, accountability and transparency, besides closer monitoring of rating agencies. Thus, according to the final document of the meeting, ” no financial institution, no market segment and no jurisdiction must escape” adequate regulation.Europe-Russia Summit: situation in Georgia”Russia is EU’s neighbour and key economic and political partner”: the community’s authorities said diplomatically on the eve of the meeting. The EU-Russia bilateral summit, that will be held in Nice (France), on November 14, ” will be strongly marked by- as the EU President-in-office pointed out – the consequences of this summer’s crisis in Georgia”. The discussions will deal with the “enforcement of the six points Medvedev-Sarkozy plan approved on August 12”. During the Summit the following topics will be also addressed: the economic and financial crisis, that will also be discussed the following day at the G20 meeting; negotiations of the “consolidated agreement” between 27 EU countries and Moscow; energy supplies; security; culture.Remember the wars, work for peace”Ninety years after the end of World War I, European countries are in peace, but even more, they built together a deep and lasting Union, based on reconciliation and respect of fundamental rights. Due to the creation of Europe they have been able to overcome conflicts and carry out a common future”. Mr.Nicolas Sarkozy, president of the French Republic and EU President-in-office, celebrated the National ossuary of Douaumont (Loraine Region, France) the ninetieth Armistice Day, 1918, that marked the end of the war. President Sarkozy highlighted the need to safeguard peace in Europe and throughout all the continents. The celebration was attended also by European Member of Parliament Mr. Poettering and many representatives of European governments. The celebration was followed by the visit to the German cemetery Ville-devant-Chaumont. Two days before the celebration, the EU presidency organized an International Conference in Mulhouse (Alsace), another region marked by “the World War”. The Conference is titled: “Passing from a national memory to a collective memory”.The 27 and World Food issueBecause of climate Change and the current economic crisis the food crisis and structural problems are worsening: What role will be EU play? The Economic and Social Committee and the EU Presidency organized on November 13, in Paris, a conference centred on two round tables: “Food and agricultural production, a world crisis” and “How to ensure sufficient and quality food for all?” . The Conference will be attended by politicians, development experts, representatives of International Institutions and NGOs. The French Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Michel Barnier will open the Conference. On one hand, due to the demographic impact, the evolution of eating habits, and new sanitary constraints, quantity and quality needs are increasing; on the other hand, constraints weigh also on energy production”, on water supplies and environment.
