Day: July 6, 2022

Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, Kyriakos Kokkinos, highlighted the role that digital transformation plays in building a just and democratic society, during his speech at the Economist conference in Athens.

Kyriakos Kokkinos who participated in the panel discussion titled “Digital Transformations in the Pipeline”, noted that the dual digital and green transition is of vital importance in building a sustainable and more resilient growth model.

In this context, he argued that the citizen must be put at the center of a digital transformation that will boost stability and prosperity.

“The successful implementation of the digital transformation requires that we invest concurrently and equally in four key pillars: e-government and digitization of services, digital infrastructure and connectivity, modern skills for human resources, and digital capacity of enterprises”, Kokkinos said.

The Deputy Minister noted that this digital transformation model serves the goal of “a just, democratic and inclusive society and a strong economy based on knowledge, innovation, and technological development, creating quality jobs and standing firm against the global challenges that threaten its sustainability today”.

On the sidelines of the conference, Kokkinos held meetings with counterparts, government officials and international business leaders.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The work of the EU on sanctions against Russia will continue, to make sure all the sanctions are effectively implemented and to prevent, as much as possible, circumvention, European Council President, Charles Michel, told the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg, on Wednesday.

He added that in close coordination with the G7 “we will consider sanctions on gold. We will also explore measures, such as price caps, to secure energy supply and to try to reduce price surges.”

Speaking during a discussion on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of June 23-24, Michel noted that “the Kremlin’s barbaric war against Ukraine has marked a tectonic shift on our continent and created a new geopolitical reality.”

He noted that the 27 EU leaders have decided to recognise the European perspective of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, adding that the future of these countries and their people lies within the EU.

We also decided to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. This sends a strong message to their people and to our EU citizens. We are also ready to grant candidate status to Georgia once the priorities in the Commission’s opinion have been addressed, he added.

Moreover, Michel said that since the Russian attack, “we have responded with unity to support Ukraine and we will stay right by their side for as long as it takes. We will continue to provide military support — we have already done a lot, but Ukraine needs more: so we called for the increase of military support for Ukraine.”

He stressed that “we will also continue to support Ukraine financially and we count on the Commission to soon present a proposal to grant Ukraine new Macro-Financial Assistance of up to 9 billion euros in 2022. We are also committed to supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, together with international partners.”

Michel said that the European Union needs the Western Balkans as much as the Western Balkans need us. “It was a frank, an open, but also a hard debate with the Western Balkan leaders. But it was also much needed. We decided how to re-energise our engagement with this region and we reaffirmed our strong commitment to revive the enlargement process and to see how to clear the obstacles along the way,” he noted.

On his part, Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic, told MEPs that Ukraine, Modlova and Georgia are undoubtedly members of the European family and referred to the European Council conclusions about the three countries.

Moreover he noted that the decisions taken by the European Council underline the unity and the powerful position of the EU vis-a-vis the Russian offensive against Ukraine.

He said that one of the reasons of the Russian attack was Ukraine’s decision to apply for EU membership, adding that the EU response was clear and acknowledges the immense progress made by Ukraine. He added that hard work begins now, and that reforms which have got underway from Ukraine have to be consolidated with determination.

Moreover, he noted that the EU will continue to provide its support to Ukraine and that they will submit a full package concerning the country’s reconstruction.

Šefcovic also said that it is important for the EU to give a new impetus to the process of enlargement towards the Western Balkans.

As regards the Conference on the Future of Europe he noted that the EU citizens’ proposals must be taken into consideration and Europeans must be informed about the progress being made.

Moreover, he said that the EU must do its utmost to support the most vulnerable affected by the repercussions of the war and intensify its efforts to diversify energy sources.

We need to have a consensus-based approach on the energy issue and implement the principle of solidarity, Šefcovic added.

He also stressed the need for investments for a digital and green future.

MEPs welcomed the decision to open the EU’s doors to Ukraine and Moldova, but asked leaders to strengthen the EU, and tackle the latest crisis.

Almost all speakers welcomed the decision to commence the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, as Parliament had already asked. Many MEPs underlined that the road to accession is going to be long and will require many reforms for Ukraine and Moldova. They stressed that the EU should find other ways to support the countries in the meantime, including with military equipment, some argued.

Numerous speakers referred to the need to treat Western Balkan countries fairly and unblock their accession, as Parliament has already repeatedly asked in the past. Regarding the Conference on the Future of Europe and Parliament’s call for a Convention to revise the EU Treaties, many MEPs criticised the lack of ambition shown by the Council in this regard, highlighting that the need to reform the EU and the way it works is urgent. Citizens must not be let down and their expectations must be fulfilled, they insisted.

Many MEPs pointed to the need for more coordinated action to tackle the interconnected problems of skyrocketing energy prices, gas shortages caused by the Russian war against Ukraine, rising inflation, and the impact of this on households – with several across political groups asking for a cap on gas prices. Other topics raised were the need to reform the EU’s migration and asylum system, accession of more EU countries to the Schengen area, and Turkey’s aggression towards its EU neighbours.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and head of the Cypriot delegation, MP Irene Charalambidou, was re-elected until 2025 with the most votes among her fellow candidates, announced on Wednesday the House of Representatives.

As stated, the vote was held on the last day of the 29th Annual Session in Birmingham, United Kingdom, during the plenary session of the Organization.

It is also noted that the four vacant Vice-Presidents’ seats were contested by a total of seven candidates, with the result being considered a significant success, while Charalambidou’s co-candidates included Members from the host country UK, Ukraine, Germany and Spain.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The European Commission welcomes the result of today’s vote by the European Parliament on the Complementary Delegated Act on climate change mitigation and adaptation covering certain gas and nuclear activities.

This vote is important recognition of our pragmatic and realistic approach in helping many Member States on their transition path towards climate neutrality.

Climate neutrality is our objective and legal obligation. We are committed to using all available tools to move away from high carbon-emitting energy sources.

Russia’s unprovoked military aggression of Ukraine adds to the urgency in accelerating our clean transition. The REPowerEU Plan and the Complementary Delegated Act both reflect this reality and help reduce our dependency on Russian gas.

Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner in charge of Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union, said: “I welcome the outcome of this vote. The Complementary Delegated Act is a pragmatic proposal to ensure that private investments in gas and nuclear, needed for our energy transition, meet strict criteria. Investment in renewables is already prioritised in our Taxonomy – this is our future. Our proposal ensures transparency so investors will know what they are investing in. Today brings much needed clarity to the EU position.”

Gas and nuclear will now be included in the Taxonomy as transitional activities in a limited number of circumstances and under strict conditions. This aligns with our pathway to net zero, where they are recognised as stepping stones in the transition towards more renewables. Targeted investments in both are still needed in the medium term.

The inclusion of the transitional activities of gas and nuclear is a small, albeit necessary part of the whole EU Taxonomy, which is focused on renewable energies. Renewables will continue to be the focus for green investors and the creation of green financial products.

The Complementary Delegated Act will enter into application on 1 January 2023.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Push for EU-wide definition and strengthened legal mechanisms to allow the social economy to flourish

• Ensure decent working and employment conditions for all social economy workers

• Promotion of social economy among the younger generation to enhance their integration into the labour market

MEPs call for strong measures to promote the social economy as a driver for quality employment, social inclusion and an inclusive digital and green transition.

The report, drafted by Jordi Cañas (Renew Europe, ES), outlines the Parliament’s key recommendations on the EU action plan for the social economy and was adopted with 493 to 75 and 69 abstentions, on Wednesday.

The text underscores that the social economy is dynamic and a transformative, driving force for change and the future of Europe, contributing to social integration and quality job creation. MEPs stress that in order to facilitate its even development across the EU, the legal and policy frameworks for the social economy must therefore be strengthened, including providing guidance on accessing available EU support instruments.

In this context, MEPs strongly welcome the Commission’s commitment to propose a Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions, to be approved in 2023. The recommendation should provide an EU-wide legal definition of the social economy, taking into account the diversity across Member States.

The report also reiterates Parliament’s call to establish a statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations, based on the recommendations set out in the Parliament’s resolution of 17 February 2022.

Dedicated EU financial instruments

As regards financing tools, synergies should be established between regional, national and EU funds, says the text. In particular, the Parliament encourages funding under Next Generation EU, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and InvestEU. Funds are also available under the reinforced Youth Guarantee to promote social economy among the younger generation, as it can support their integration into the labour market.

Moreover, MEPs call for adequate policies to support the growth potential of social economy entities, including mutuals, in the care sector to help respond to the increased demand for care services.

Effective implementation

To ensure the effective implementation of the EU action plan for the social economy (SEAP), Member States should designate social economy coordinators and set up local social economy contact points with a view to raising awareness of and facilitating access to support and funding, say MEPs. They also call on the Commission to set up an online EU platform for exchange of best practices between Member States as well as an implementation taskforce including all relevant stakeholders.

Quote

Jordi Cañas (Renew Europe, ES), responsible for the report said after the vote:

“With this report, the European Parliament has shown its unequivocal decision to propel the social economy forward to the place it deserves and the one the European Union needs.

The social economy represents the Union that we want, the economy that we want and the social development that we want.

Parliament understands that the very DNA of social economy entities is based on the EU values of inclusion, solidarity and justice and through this report, has thrown its weight behind this model.”

Next steps

The European Commission will propose a Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions in 2023.

Background:

The term social economy refers to four main types of entities providing goods and services to their members or society: cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations (including charities), and foundations. The social economy employs some 13.6 million people in the EU active in over 2.8 million entities and enterprises, with paid employment varying between 0.6% and 9.9% amongst Member States (figures from 2017, covering the EU 28). For example, social economy entities play a pioneering role in implementing circular business models, especially in reusing, repairing and recycling activities, and as renewable energy cooperatives.

The Commission published the EU action plan for the social economy in December 2021. It sets out the key priorities and actions necessary to enhance social innovation, support the development of the social economy and boost its social and economic transformative power. It proposes a series of actions for the period 2021-2030.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

MEPs welcomed the decision to open the EU’s doors to Ukraine and Moldova, but asked leaders to strengthen the EU, and tackle the latest crisis.

MEPs discussed the conclusions of 23-24 June European Council summit with President Charles Michel and Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic. Almost all speakers welcomed the decision to commence the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, as Parliament had already asked. Many MEPs underlined that the road to accession is going to be long and will require many reforms for Ukraine and Moldova. They stresses that the EU should find other ways to support the countries in the meantime, including with military equipment, some argued.

Numerous speakers referred to the need to treat Western Balkan countries fairly and unblock their accession, as Parliament has already repeatedly asked in the past. Regarding the Conference on the Future of Europe and Parliament’s call for a Convention to revise the EU Treaties, many MEPs criticised the lack of ambition shown by the Council in this regard, highlighting that the need to reform the EU and the way it works is urgent. Citizens must not be let down and their expectations must be fulfilled, they insisted.

Many MEPs pointed to the need for more coordinated action to tackle the interconnected problems of skyrocketing energy prices, gas shortages caused by the Russian war against Ukraine, rising inflation, and the impact of this on households – with several across political groups asking for a cap on gas prices. Other topics raised were the need to reform the EU’s migration and asylum system, accession of more EU countries to the Schengen area, and Turkey’s aggression towards its EU neighbours.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

On Wednesday, Parliament outlined its assessment of the political situation in three accession countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: ending political deadlock and advancing on reforms

MEPs reconfirm their support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic orientation. However, they strongly denounce all hate rhetoric and disruptive action, including the withdrawal from and obstruction of state institutions, notably by the leadership of the Republika Srpska entity. They urge all political actors to return unconditionally to these state institutions and advance the work on EU-related reforms, notably the rule of law.

The text, adopted with 479 votes in favour, 81 against and 75 abstentions, stresses the importance of holding general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022 as scheduled, as well as implementing the results. Calling for the elimination of all forms of inequality, discrimination and bias in the electoral process, MEPs regret the lack of political will to overcome the impasse in the negotiations on constitutional and electoral reforms, and the failure to implement them ahead of this year’s elections. The report urges all political actors in the country to abide by and implement the commitments in the political agreement reached in Brussels on 12 June 2022, and welcomes the European Council’s call on political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to finalise electoral and constitutional reform.

In light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, MEPs also call on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the EU sanctions the country has aligned with and warn of Russia’s continuing interest in destabilising Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“After a year of political deadlock and escalatory secessionist movements, the political agreement reached in Brussels on 12 June 2022 and the most recent Council Conclusions declaring readiness to grant candidate country status to BiH are strong signs of the EU’s commitment to the European and Euro-Atlantic future of the country. Our report further reaffirms Parliament’s support for the European aspiration of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while addressing the main challenges the country still faces. These are namely the destabilising activities and the blocking of state institutions by the leadership of Republika Srpska, which must be sanctioned, and the impasse in electoral and constitutional reforms”, said rapporteur Paulo Rangel (EPP, Portugal).

Kosovo: MEPs call for urgent adoption of an EU visa-free regime

MEPs commend the country’s increased political stability and strong commitment to its European path and reiterate their call on EU member states to proceed urgently with adopting a visa-free regime for the citizens of Kosovo. Any further delays would undermine the EU’s credibility and reputation as a reliable partner.

The report, adopted by 469 votes in favour, 96 against and 72 abstentions, reconfirms Parliament’s unequivocal support for the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and reiterates the importance of achieving a comprehensive, legally binding normalisation agreement, which is crucial for Serbia and Kosovo to advance on their respective European paths and which will contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

Welcoming Kosovo’s alignment with the EU on sanctions against Russia and its strong solidarity with Ukraine, MEPs also stress that the independence of Kosovo is irreversible and call on the EU countries that have not yet recognised the country to do so immediately.

“Today’s vote shows Parliament’s strong commitment towards Kosovo’s EU integration and provides guidance as to how EU standards can be implemented. Kosovo has continuously proven its commitment to advance on EU-related reforms and has positioned itself as a very reliable partner, deeply anchored in the European and transatlantic alliance. Unfortunately, the EU has failed to deliver on our own promise to provide long-overdue visa-free travel to the citizens of Kosovo. I really hope that this will be the last report that mentions this failure. As for the Council, and in this context I wish to address directly France and the Netherlands – the time to adopt the decision on visa liberalisation is now”, said rapporteur Viola von Cramon-Taubadel (The Greens/EFA, Germany).

Serbia: bringing the country back on track towards EU integration

Parliament welcomes the fact that EU membership continues to be Serbia’s strategic goal, while regretting the lack of progress and even backsliding on issues that are fundamental for EU accession. Praising the return to a more pluralistic parliament following the elections in Serbia on 3 April 2022, Members call for progress on the rule of law, fundamental rights, freedom of expression, strengthening media pluralism and normalisation of relations with Kosovo.

The report, adopted by 523 votes in favour, 78 against and 34 abstentions, strongly regrets that Serbia has not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls on the newly elected authorities to urgently align with the EU’s decisions against Russia. Members express concern about the spread of disinformation and call on the Serbian authorities and the European Commission to fight disinformation, Russian propaganda and other hybrid threats in the Western Balkans.

“After the April 2022 elections and Russia’s war of aggression, there is a real sense that our partners in Serbia must move forward decisively on their European path. Our report reflects factually on the complex political reality in Serbia and encourages all pro-European forces in the country to focus fully on progress in rule of law reforms, the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and alignment with EU international positions. We note that much more can be done in order for Serbia to move towards the EU. I stand ready to engage with the new leadership in Belgrade to work on a European future for Serbia”, said rapporteur Vladimír Bilcík (EPP, Slovakia).

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Absolute majority of MEPs needed to reject the Commission’s proposal was not reached

•If Council does not object either, the Taxonomy Delegated Act enters into force on 1 January 2023

Parliament has rejected a motion to oppose the inclusion of nuclear and gas as environmentally sustainable economic activities.

The European Parliament did not object to the Commission’s Taxonomy Delegated Act to include specific nuclear and gas energy activities, under certain conditions, in the list of environmentally sustainable economic activities covered by the so-called EU Taxonomy.

As the Commission believes there is a role for private investment in gas and nuclear activities in the green transition, it has proposed the classification of certain fossil gas and nuclear energy activities as transitional activities contributing to climate change mitigation. The inclusion of certain gas and nuclear activities is time-limited and dependent on specific conditions and transparency requirements.

278 MEPs voted in favour of the resolution, 328 against and 33 abstained. An absolute majority of 353 MEPs was needed for Parliament to veto the Commission’s proposal. If neither Parliament, nor Council object to the proposal by 11 July 2022, the Taxonomy Delegated Act will enter into force and apply as of 1 January 2023.

Background

The Taxonomy regulation is part of the Commission’s action plan on financing sustainable growth and aims to boost green investments and prevent ‘greenwashing’.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala presented on Wednesday the programme and main goals of the Czech Council Presidency’s semester.

During her opening speech, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola noted that “with an illegal war on our continent, the Czech Presidency comes at a turning point in history. Our next steps will be decisive for our common future”. However, “this is not the time to backtrack on our ambitions,” President Metsola said and called for accelerating the EU green and digital transitions.

Prime Minister Fiala admitted that the Russian invasion of Ukraine turned most of the Czech Presidency plans upside down. “Our main task will be to find a united and strong agreement on measures to mitigate the negative effects of the current crises on our citizens”, stressed the Prime Minister.

The preparation of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine as well as joint European projects, such as REPowerEU, aimed at freeing the EU from its dependence on Russia, will be important tasks for the Czech Presidency. However, “each member state must be able to choose the energy mix that best suits its conditions and that enables it to meet both its climate objectives”, underlined Mr Fiala. The Presidency will also seek to improve member states’ defence capacities, shortening supply chains, deepening free trade, ensuring food security and strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions.

On behalf of the Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU “must ensure that Ukraine wins the peace that will for sure come” and announced a high-level conference after the summer to deal with post-war reconstruction. She also stressed the need for investments in renewable energy and a common European action for energy security and solidarity.

In their reactions to Prime Minister Fiala’s speech, group leaders recalled the recommendations of the Conference on the Future of Europe and called for a revision of the Treaties, the introduction of the lead candidate system and a stronger parliamentary dimension in the EU. They also emphasised the need to enhance the EU’s energy security and called for a legally binding mechanism to address energy crisis in the European Union. Some called for stronger social policies to cope with the current crisis, while others encouraged the Czech Presidency to finalise the EU migration and asylum package.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

War has exacerbated impact of COVID-19 pandemic

• MEPs alarmed that world is highly unlikely to achieve global nutrition targets

• EU and member states need to recognise the right to food and increase emergency and long-term funding for hunger and nutrition

MEPs call attention to the global food security crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, demanding the EU prioritise hunger and nutrition in development policy.

The text, adopted by MEPs on Wednesday 6 July by 602 votes in favour, 15 against with 20 abstentions, focuses on the EU’s role in supporting developing countries in addressing food security challenges.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

In the report, MEPs highlight the crucial role both Ukraine and Russia play in the global food system, with many developing countries relying on them for food imports. As a result, they say, the Russian invasion of Ukraine will have a massive impact on the wider global food system, and will further exacerbate the situation of food insecurity in many countries. What’s more, the war is weakening an already-precarious global food system that has been battered by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exposed its vulnerabilities and has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable.

Lack of progress on global targets

Alarmed by the lack of progress the world has made towards global nutrition targets, MEPs note that, rather than coming closer to the internationally-agreed commitment to end hunger by 2030, instead hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity are again increasing across the world. To remedy this, MEPs urge the EU to safeguard the right to food of developing countries, and call for ending hunger and malnutrition to be recognised as priorities across all EU policy areas.

EU investment and action needed

The EU should, MEPs say, orient its policies to better link urgent relief to longer-term solutions, and they call on the European Commission and member states to increase their contributions to the World Food Programme. More urgently, they want the EU and member states to immediately cover the funding gap in the 2022 UN Humanitarian appeals for East Africa and the Middle East, where the need for additional support is acute.

EU policies on nutrition and food security need also to recognise that the right to food is a human right and, alongside the right to food sovereignty, essential in securing food security for all. MEPs say the EU should prioritise food and sustainable agriculture in its international development assistance, support sustainable and smallholder farming, agro-ecology, agroforestry and crop diversification, and prioritise food production over crop-based biofuel production.

Quote

Rapporteur Beata Kempa (ECR, PL), said: “This report is particularly important given the war in Ukraine and its implications for global food security. The Russian invasion of Ukraine will further exacerbate existing food insecurity and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report gives recommendations on how the EU can support developing countries in absorbing conflict-induced shocks and remain resilient. The EU should continue to be the world leader in food assistance for developing countries, and it should prioritise food security in its humanitarian and development actions.”

Source: Cyprus News Agency