Czech Presidency-in-office: 25 meetings a dayDuring the plenary session of the European Parliament, held in Strasbourg July 14-16, Czech Premier Jan Fischer summarized the work of the Czech EU Council Presidency in this year’s first semester – until June 30. “The three major challenges were the economy, energy-related policies and the role of the Union in the world”, he said, and pointed out the measures “taken to address the global economic downturn”. Fischer listed energy supply “security measures” adopted during his term in office. As relates to foreign affairs, he remarked, “the crisis in Gaza has had problematic spin-off”, “that highlighted the need for the EU to speak with a single voice”. A message issued by the Czech government disclosed unexpected data regarding the presidency. Accordingly, 3thousand reunions were held in various seats, mainly in Brussels and Prague, amounting to 25 meetings per day. Between January and June some 30thousand delegates attended meetings, conferences and roundtables all held in Prague, with a total number of 3,730 journalists. 1 million 900 thousand people logged on the official website www.eu2009.cz. Gadgets handed out to guests include 14 thousand ties, 7 thousand scarves and 36 thousand ball-point pens. Visa free travel for three Balkan States?The citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia Macedonia, may soon be granted visa free travel to the Schengen Countries. The European Commission launched the proposal on July 15 underlining biometric passport requirement. The proposal of the Executive, which still needs to be examined by the Council and Parliament, is another step and is expected to step up contacts between the EU and Western Balkan Countries. Vice President of the Commission in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security Jacques Barrot said: “Our proposal brings truly good news to the people of the Western Balkans. I know how much visa free travel means to them. Today’s proposal is the result of intensive and hard work for the authorities and the people of these countries in meeting the conditions”. The EU wishes to follow the same path, although enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn, recalled that “shortcomings” that still exist in these Countries’ institutional framework. Youth and music/1: Against poverty “Music against poverty”: this is the title of a European competition addressed to youth aged 15-30, that is aimed at rising awareness on poverty, development and cooperation. The competition is addressed to talented musicians who are asked to send their unpublished songs by August 31 2009 (details and registration at www.ifightpoverty.eu/index_en.htm). “You can win a professional studio recording of your song and perform in the Development Days in Stockholm” due to be held October 22-24, states the message by the Commission. Songs will be aired online and voted, starting next September 9. “The event is mostly promoted through Myspace, Facebook and Twitter. However, summer music events will have special stands devoted to the competition”. The topics suggested for the songs range from defeating hunger, ensuring fundamental rights for all, promoting crop development, stepping up peace and security and contributing to economic development. Youth and music/2: Environmental protection”Play to Stop – Europe for Climate” is the EU Commission and Mtv Networks International six-month campaign addressed to the youth “aimed at raising awareness among young people about the dangers of climate change” whilst “mobilising them in the run-up to the Climate Conference in Copenhagen this December”. “Play to Stop” involves 11 States (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom, Romania, Sweden and Hungary). It involves TV spots, three concerts by renowned artists in Stockholm, Budapest and Copenhagen, webcasts and games, “and editorial content about the battle against climate change”. EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “Today’s young people will bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change. The Copenhagen conference is probably our last chance to tackle climate change before it spirals out of control. Events like this are vital, because young people are a tremendously important pressure group”. www.mtvplay4climate.eu. Is the initiative’s website.
