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Slovensko gospodarsko in raziskovalno združenje Bruselj
B I L T E N
Letnik XIV, številka 01-02
Januar – Februar 2014
Člani SGRZ:
Univerza v Ljubljani; Inštitut Jožef Stefan; Obrtno-podjetniška zbornica Slovenije; Riko d.d.; Mestna
občina Ljubljana; Perutnina Ptuj d.d.; Mestna občina Ptuj; Biotehniška fakulteta, UL; Energetika
Ljubljana – Enota TeTol; Gozdarski institut Slovenije; SID – Slovenska izvozna in razvojna banka, d.d.;
Elektro Slovenije – ELES, d. o. o.; Zavod-Center slovenskega orodjarskega grozda Celje; DOBA,
Fakulteta za uporabne poslovne in družbene študije; Občina Slovenska Bistrica, Nacionalni inštitut za
biologijo, Gea College
Sedež SGRZ: 6, Av. Lloyd George, B-1000 Bruxelles, Belgija
Tel: 32 2 645 19 10, Fax: 32 2 645 19 17
Ureja: dr. Boris Cizelj, predsednik uprave SGRZ
Redakcija Biltena je bila zaključena 14. 01. 2014.
Uvodnik
Zadnje tedne je postalo jasno, da Slovenija ne bo sposobna izkoristiti vseh sredstev, ki so ji bila
namenjena s strani EU za obdobje 2007-2013. Ocenjuje se celo, da bo ostalo neizkoriščenih kar 800
milijonov €. Ni treba posebej poudarjati kaj ta znesek pomeni za državo s kroničnim javnobilančnim
primanjkljajem, ki se mora zadolževati in se pripravlja na prodajo vrste podjetij, ki smo jih še ne tako
dolgo nazaj šteli v »družinsko srebrnino«.
Če pogledamo podatke o odstotkih črpanja po državah članicah EU v začetku decembra 2013,
najdemo Slovenijo z 52% na 13.mestu, tik nad povprečjem 27 članic EU. Najboljša je Portugalska z
71%, sledita ji Estonija in Litva, pa Finska, Grčija (med 63 in 69%) ter Nemčija 59%. Na repu lestvice
sta Bolgarija z 39% ter Romunija z 26%.
Pravila koriščenja kohezijskih sredstev v preteklem obdobju so bila preprostejša, saj so puščala
regijam in državam, da svobodno usmerjajo evropsko financiranje tam, kjer so presojale, da so najbolj
potrebna, bodisi za transportno in drugo infrastrukturo, reševanje okoljevarstvenih problemov,
energetiko, do izobraževanja in kulture.
Za obdobje 2014-2020 pa veljajo drugačna pravila: kohezijske države in regije morajo opredeliti svojo
razvojno strategijo v skladu z načeli »pametne specializacije«. Poudarek je na naložbah v znanje in
krepitev konkurenčnosti skozi razvoj inovativnih proizvodov in storitev. Dosedanje izkušnje kažejo, da
bo to zahteven izziv, tudi za nas.
Namreč, specializacija ni mišljena v klasičnem panožnem smislu, ampak v smislu nadgrajevanja in
povezovanja jeder mednarodno priznane odličnosti. Za to pa je potrebno dosegati kritično maso, ki jo
nam marsikje primanjkuje, ne zato, ker nas je le 2 milijona, ampak še posebej, ker se tako težko
povezujemo – veliko raje pa umetno drobimo zmogljivosti, ki so posledično suboptimalne po vseh
razsežnostih: po človeških virih, opremi in finančnih sredstvih. Nadaljna omejitev so prešibke
mednarodne povezave, ki so krive za našo premajhno prepoznavnost.
K temu delno prispeva tudi sistem, ki smo ga ustvarili: pretirana prisotnost države v gospodarstvu,
premajhna prisotnost tujih investicij, premalo je kanalov za preverjanje in prenos znanja.
Če želimo v obdobju 2014-2020 uspešneje črpati evropska sredstva, bomo morali preseči marsikatero
od omenjenih omejitev.
Našo »pametno specializacijo« bo treba opredeliti na osnovi mednarodno potrjene odličnosti skozi
uspešno izvožene proizvode in storitve. Dokazano je, da najbolj prosperirajo družbe, ki znajo
prepoznati in nagraditi svoje mednarodno potrjene »zmagovalce«.
Ni težko izbrati kriterije in kazalce, ki bodo pokazali kdo so naši »zmagovalci« in v katerih proizvodnih
in tehnoloških nišah uspevajo. To so jedra naše »pametne specializacije«. Ustvariti jim moramo
pogoje za še hitrejši razvoj, da ne bodo zapuščali svoje države, ampak zaposlovali naše kvalitetne
strokovnjake, mlade in manj mlade. Čeprav to ni lahko v kriznem položaju, s katerim se spopadamo,
nimamo izbire.
V to smer nas vzpodbuja strategija Evropa 2020 in nova kohezijska politika. Pokazali smo, da znamo
denar pretvarjati v znanje (invencije), zdaj je prišel čas, ko je treba dokazati, da smo sposobni
pretvarjati znanje v denar (inovacije).
Prava pobuda v tej smeri je projekt »Ljubljanskega inovacijskega vozlišča«, ki bo lahko povezal jedra
odličnosti in krepil partnerstva med raziskovalno sfero in gospodarstvom. S svojo dejavnostjo bo lahko
prispeval k mednarodni promociji novih tehnologij in inovacij, za katere se v svetu vedno najde dosti
investitorjev.
Urednik
2
1.
AKTUALNE NOVICE ...................................................................................................................... 5

Predlog za nov podnebno-energetski sveženj 2030 .............................................................. 5

Letni pregled na področju zaposlovanja in socialnih zadev ................................................. 5

Evropski kodeks ravnanja pri črpanju evropskih sredstev .................................................. 5

Predlogi za izboljšanje mreže EURES ..................................................................................... 5

Javno posvetovanje o priglaševanju državnih pomoči ......................................................... 5

Poročilo o boju proti korupciji v EU ........................................................................................ 6
2. KRATKE NOVICE ............................................................................................................................... 6

Parlament bi prepovedal najbolj škodljivo plastiko ............................................................... 6

Nova pravila o javnih naročilih in koncesijah ......................................................................... 6

Predlog za združitev sheme za sadje in sheme za mleko ..................................................... 6

Preprečevanje davčne diskriminacije državljanov, ki se preselijo v drugo članico ........... 6

Preprečevanje utaj pri DDV ...................................................................................................... 6

Pravila za boj proti diskriminaciji ............................................................................................. 7

Smernice za določanje upravičenosti do socialne pomoči .................................................. 7

Več pravic za sezonske delavce .............................................................................................. 7

Podjetja s področja kulture in kreativnih umetnosti ne morejo dobiti kreditov ................. 7

Pregled odločitev in preiskav državnih pomoči, povezanih z reševanjem krize ................ 7

Javno posvetovanje o vplivu elektromagnetnih sevanj na zdravje ..................................... 7
3. NOVA ZAKONODAJA ........................................................................................................................ 7

Nova pravila za evropske prestolnice kulture po letu 2020 .................................................. 7

Sprejete so direktive za reformo javnega naročanja ............................................................. 7

Sprejeta je direktiva o hipotekarnih kreditih ........................................................................... 8

Nova uredba o prostem pretoku delavcev .............................................................................. 8

Objavljene so štiri temeljne uredbe za novo kmetijsko politiko ........................................... 8

Nova uredba o trgovinskih shemah z državami v razvoju .................................................... 8

Nova uredba o pomočeh de minimis za kmetijstvo ............................................................... 8

Nova direktiva o pravicah potrošnikov ................................................................................... 8
4. GOSPODARSKE NOVICE ................................................................................................................. 8

Nova agencija za majhna in srednja podjetja ......................................................................... 8

Sporočilo o oživitvi evropske industrije ................................................................................. 8

Pilotni projekt za DDV pri čezmejnih transakcijah je podaljšan ........................................... 9

Evropske nagrade za spodbujanje podjetništva 2014 ........................................................... 9

Javno posvetovanje o državnih pomočeh za projekte evropskega pomena ...................... 9

Kako zelena so majhna in srednja podjetja ............................................................................ 9

Anketi o prihodnosti turizma .................................................................................................... 9

Dobre prakse za zmanjšanje socialnih posledic prestrukturiranja .................................... 10

Poročilo o trgu izdelkov za leto 2013..................................................................................... 10
5. FINANČNE STORITVE ..................................................................................................................... 10

Dodatnih šest mesecev za dokončno uveljavitev SEPA ..................................................... 10

Najmanj štiri leta zapora za tržne manipulacije .................................................................... 10

Predlog za strukturno reformo bank v EU ............................................................................ 10
6. REGIONALNA POLITIKA................................................................................................................. 10

Najboljše prakse za izboljšanje mobilnosti v mestih ........................................................... 10

Šest finalistov za prestolnico inovacij .................................................................................. 10

Jadransko-jonska regija je vse bliže ..................................................................................... 11
7. TRANSPORT IN ENERGETIKA ....................................................................................................... 11

Potrojitev financiranja inovacij na področju železnice ........................................................ 11

Poročilo o ekonomskem razvoju na področju energije ....................................................... 11

Pilotni projekt za evropsko trgovanje z električno energijo ............................................... 11

Pametni tahografi .................................................................................................................... 11
8. EKOLOGIJA IN TRAJNOSTNI RAZVOJ ......................................................................................... 11

Sveženj ukrepov za čistejši zrak ............................................................................................ 11
9. VARSTVO POTROŠNIKOV.............................................................................................................. 11

Parlament za več pravic za letalske potnike ......................................................................... 11

Javno posvetovanje o pohištvu ............................................................................................. 12
3

RAPEX ...................................................................................................................................... 12
10. RR IN INOVACIJE .......................................................................................................................... 12

Prvi razpisi za razdelitev sredstev na podlagi programa Obzorje 2020 ............................. 12

Razpis za sredstva iz programa Marie Sklodowska Curie .................................................. 12

Osem novih raziskovalnih partnerstev ................................................................................. 13

Financiranje za 13 projektov pionirskih raziskav ................................................................. 13

Spodbude za 312 odličnih raziskovalcev .............................................................................. 13

50 milijonov evrov za raziskave voda .................................................................................... 13

Prve »katedre ERA« ................................................................................................................ 13
11. KULTURA IN IZOBRAŽEVANJE ................................................................................................... 13

Objavljen je vodnik za pridobitev sredstev iz programa Ustvarjalna Evropa ................... 13

Vodnik za Erasmus+ ................................................................................................................ 14

Pregled stanja na področju mobilnosti študentov v EU ...................................................... 14

Izboljšati je treba kontrole kakovosti univerz in poklicnih šol ........................................... 14
12. KMETIJSTVO .................................................................................................................................. 14

Srednjeročna napoved za kmetijske trge 2013-2023 ........................................................... 14

Predlogi o kloniranju živali in o novih živilih ........................................................................ 14

Poročilo o razvoju podeželja v letu 2013 .............................................................................. 14

Poročilo o označevanju mesa, ko je to sestavina ................................................................ 15
13. JUGOVZHODNA EVROPA IN SOSEDSKA POLITIKA ................................................................ 15

Poročilo o napredku držav Zahodnega Balkana .................................................................. 15

EU naj finančno pomaga Ukrajini .......................................................................................... 15

Srbija je začela pogajanja o vstopu v EU .............................................................................. 15
14. NAJAVE DOGODKOV.................................................................................................................... 15
15. ZANIMIVE PUBLIKACIJE .............................................................................................................. 16

Energy, transport and environment indicators ........................................................................ 16

Education and training in Europe 2020: Responses from the EU Member States ............... 16

Global fisheries subsidies .......................................................................................................... 17
16. PRILOGE......................................................................................................................................... 17

PRILOGA 1: Yes, it's the economy, stupid, but is it demand or supply? .......................... 17

PRILOGA 2: The 2030 framework on climate and energy – Getting Europe on the right
track? ................................................................................................................................................ 20

PRILOGA 3: Taking the mandate of the ECB seriously ....................................................... 22

PRILOGA 4: Western Balkans: Fast lane, slow lane ............................................................ 24

PRILOGA 5: EU audit reform reduced to 'paper tiger' ......................................................... 24
4
1. AKTUALNE NOVICE
Evropski kodeks ravnanja pri
črpanju evropskih sredstev
Predlog za nov podnebnoenergetski sveženj 2030
Evropska komisija je sprejela skupni sklop
standardov za izboljšanje posvetovanja,
sodelovanja in dialoga s partnerji, kot so
regionalni, lokalni, mestni ali drugi javni organi,
sindikati, delodajalci, nevladne organizacije in
organi, odgovorni za spodbujanje socialne
vključenosti, enakosti med spoloma in
nediskriminacije v načrtovanju, izvajanju,
spremljanju in ocenjevanju projektov, ki se
financirajo iz evropskih strukturnih in
investicijskih skladov. Ti skladi vključujejo
Evropski sklad za regionalni razvoj (ESRR),
Evropski socialni sklad (ESS), Kohezijski
sklad, Evropski kmetijski sklad za razvoj
podeželja (EKSRP) ter Evropski sklad za
pomorstvo in ribištvo (ESPM).
Zmanjšanje izpustov toplogrednih plinov za 40
odstotkov glede na raven iz leta 1990,
zavezujoč cilj glede deleža energije iz
obnovljivih virov na ravni celotne EU (vsaj 27
odstotkov), obnovljeni cilji na področju
energijske učinkovitosti, nov sistem upravljanja
in sklop novih kazalnikov, ki naj bi zagotovili
konkurenčen in varen energetski sistem – to so
stebri novega okvira podnebne in energetske
politike EU za leto 2030, ki ga je predstavila
Evropska komisija. Sporočilu je priložen
zakonodajni predlog o rezervi za stabilnost trga
za sistem EU ETS (sistem EU za trgovanje z
emisijami), ki bo stopil v veljavo leta 2021.
Poročilo o cenah in stroških energije v Evropi,
ki je objavljeno skupaj s sporočilom, pa po
razlagi Evropske komisije kaže, da bi bilo rast
cen energije mogoče delno omejiti s
stroškovno učinkovito energetsko in podnebno
politiko, konkurenčnimi trgi z energijo in boljšo
energijsko učinkovitostjo. Poslanci Evropskega
parlamenta so predlog novega okvira označili
kot neambiciozen in kratkoviden.
Več:
Spletna stran s kodeksom
Predlogi za izboljšanje mreže
EURES
Evropska
komisija
predlaga
okrepitev
vseevropske mreže za iskanje zaposlitve
EURES, da bo ta lahko zagotovila več ponudb
za delo, ki bodo bolj usklajene s
povpraševanjem, in pomagala delodajalcem,
zlasti malim in srednjim podjetjem, hitreje
zapolniti prosta delovna mesta z ustreznejšimi
kandidati. Evropski sistem za spremljanje
ponudbe delovnih mest kaže, da je bilo v
prvem četrtletju leta 2013 kljub rekordni
brezposelnosti dva milijona prostih delovnih
mest. Prosta delovna mesta so sicer značilnost
dinamike trga dela, vendar je velik del teh
delovnih mest verjetno nezasedenih zaradi
pomanjkanja delovne sile, česar na lokalni
ravni ni mogoče rešiti.
Več:
Spletna stran s podatki o predlogu novega
okvira
in
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Letni pregled na področju
zaposlovanja in socialnih
zadev
Znatno povečanje revščine med delovno
sposobnim prebivalstvom je ena najvidnejših
socialnih
posledic
gospodarske
krize.
Postopno zmanjševanje stopnje brezposelnosti
morda ne bo dovolj za izboljšanje tega stanja,
če se bo nadaljevala polarizacija plač, zlasti
zaradi večjega števila zaposlitev s skrajšanim
delovnim časom. To je ena glavnih ugotovitev
iz Pregleda razvoja na področju zaposlovanja
in socialnih zadev v Evropi 2013, ki ga je
objavila Evropska komisija. Poročilo kaže,
kako zaposlitev lahko ljudem pomaga iz
revščine, toda le v polovici primerov, saj je
veliko odvisno od vrste zaposlitve, pa tudi od
sestave
gospodinjstva
in
razmer
na
partnerjevem trgu dela.
Več:
Spletna stran s predlogi Komisije
Javno
posvetovanje
o
priglaševanju
državnih
pomoči
Evropska komisija prek javnega posvetovanja
do 14. marca zbira mnenja in predloge o
ukrepih državnih pomoči, ki jih je treba
priglasiti Evropski komisiji. Nove smrnice, o
katerih zbira mnenja in predloge, bo Komisija
sprejela v drugi četrtini letošnjega leta.
Več:
Spletna stran s poročilom
5
Več:
Predlog novih smernic
in
Spletna stran javnega posvetovanja
Evropska komisija je objavila predlog za
združitev sheme šolskega sadja in sheme
šolskega mleka. Pod sloganom Z dobro
prehrano do dobrega počutja bo ta shema, ki
zajema celotno verigo od kmetije do šole, bolj
poudarila izobraževalne ukrepe za boljšo
ozaveščenost
otrok
glede
zdravih
prehranjevalnih
navad
in
razpoložljivih
kmetijskih proizvodov ter vprašanj trajnosti,
živilskih odpadkov in okoljskih vprašanj, svoj
predlog utemeljuje Evropska komisija.
Poročilo o boju proti korupciji
v EU
Evropska komisija je objavila poročilo o boju
proti korupciji v EU. V njem za Slovenijo
ugotavlja, da v zadnjih letih upada politična
volja za boj proti korupciji. Korupcija je v
Sloveniji problem pri državnih in lokalnih
funkcionarjih, v političnih strankah, v državnih
podjetjih, na področju javnih naročil, pri
privatizaciji. Protikorupcijske ukrepe je treba
okrepiti zlasti v ranljivih sektorjih, ki so
energetika, gradbeništvo, prostorsko planiranje
in zdravstvo.
Več:
Spletna stran s predlogom Komisije
Preprečevanje
davčne
diskriminacije državljanov, ki
se preselijo v drugo članico
Evropska komisija je napovedala, da bo pod
drobnogled vzela davčne predpise v državah
članicah in se prepričala, da ti ne diskriminirajo
mobilnih državljanov EU. Osredotočila se bo
tako na gospodarsko aktivne posameznike,
npr. delavce in samozaposlene, kot na
neaktivne osebe, npr. upokojence. Komisija bo
v pobudi podrobno preučila in ocenila, ali so
državljani EU, ki prebivajo v državi članici, ki ni
njihova država izvora, kaznovani zaradi svoje
mobilnosti in plačujejo več davkov. To se lahko
zgodi v državi članici izvora kot tudi v državi, v
katero so se preselili.
Več:
Poročilo
in
Spletna stran o boju proti korupciji
2. KRATKE NOVICE
Parlament
bi
prepovedal
najbolj škodljivo plastiko
Najbolj škodljivo plastiko in nekatere plastične
vrečke bi morali do leta 2020 prepovedati, v
resoluciji o strategiji EU za plastične odpadke
predlagajo evropski poslanci. Unija bi morala
postaviti tudi zavezujoče cilje za recikliranje
plastičnih odpadkov.
Več:
Sporočilo Evropske komisije
Preprečevanje utaj pri DDV
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Evropska komisija je sprejela dve poročili o
boju proti utajam DDV. V prvem poročilu
predstavlja sisteme pobiranja in nadzora
plačevanja DDV v državah članicah. Njena
ugotovitev je, da morajo države članice
izboljšati davčne sisteme, da bodo pobrale več
davkov. Komisija navaja priporočila za
posamezne države članice. Za Slovenijo med
drugim navaja, da je med članicami, ki nimajo
ustreznega sistema nadzora in spremljanja za
tiste, za katere ugotovijo, da ne plačajo DDV. V
drugem poročilu je predstavljeno sodelovanje
držav članic v boju proti utajam DDV.
Nova
pravila
o
javnih
naročilih in koncesijah
Evropski parlament je sprejel nova pravila EU
o javnih naročilih in koncesijah. Zahvaljujoč
novemu kriteriju "ekonomsko najugodnejša
ponudba" (MEAT) v postopku oddaje javnega
naročila, bodo državni organi lahko večjo
pozornost namenili kakovosti, okoljskim in
socialnim vidikom ter inovacijam, ob tem pa
bodo še naprej upoštevali ceno in življenjski
cikel stroškov, ki so predmet naročila.
Več:
Poročilo o pobiranju DDV
in
Poročilo o sodelovanju pri pobiranju DDV
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Predlog za združitev sheme
za sadje in sheme za mleko
6
Pravila
za
diskriminaciji
boj
objavila Evropska komisija. Pogosto jim
manjka tudi poslovnih in menedžerskih znanj.
proti
Več:
Študija
Pravila Evropske unije za odpravljanje
diskriminacije zaradi rase ali narodnosti, vere
ali prepričanja, invalidnosti, starosti ali spolne
usmerjenosti so zdaj v nacionalno zakonodajo
prenesle vse države članice. Potrebna pa bodo
nadaljnja prizadevanja za njihovo izvajanje v
praksi. To sta glavni ugotovitvi novega
poročila, ki ga je objavila Evropska komisija.
Direktiva o enakosti pri zaposlovanju in
direktiva o rasni enakosti, ki sta bili sprejeti leta
2000.
Pregled odločitev in preiskav
državnih pomoči, povezanih z
reševanjem krize
Evropska komisija je objavila pregled odločitev
in postopkov preiskav, povezanih z državnimi
pomočmi za reševanje krize od leta 2008 do
sredine decembra 2013. Za Slovenijo v
pregledu navaja 13 odločitev.
Več:
Direktiva o enakosti pri zaposlovanju
in
Direktiva o rasni enakosti
Več:
Pregled
Javno posvetovanje o vplivu
elektromagnetnih sevanj na
zdravje
Smernice
za
določanje
upravičenosti do socialne
pomoči
Evropska komisija prek javnega posvetovanja
do 16. aprila zbira mnenja in ptedloge lo
potencialnih vplivih elektromagnetnih sevanj na
zdravje. Nov dokument, ki je v javnem
posvetovanju temelji na več kot 500 študijah, ki
so večinoma bile objavljene po letu 2009.
Evropska komisija je objavila praktične
smernice o »merilu običajnega prebivališča«,
ki naj bi državam članicam pomagale
uporabljati pravila EU o koordinaciji sistemov
socialne varnost za državljane EU, ki so se
preselili v drugo državo članico. V smernicah,
ki jih je Komisija pripravila v sodelovanju z
državami članicami, so pojasnjeni ločeni pojmi
»običajno
prebivališče«
in
»začasno
prebivališče« ali »začasno bivanje«.
Več:
Dokument, ki je v javnem posvetovanju
in
Spletna stran javnega posvetovanja
Več:
Spletna stran s smernicami
Več pravic
delavce
3. NOVA ZAKONODAJA
za
Nova pravila za evropske
prestolnice kulture po letu
2020
sezonske
Evropski parlament je sprejel nova pravila, ki
sezonskim delavec iz nečlanic EU zagotavljajo
boljše delovne pogoje in več pravic. Novo
zakonodajo morajo države članice prenesti v
svoj pravni red v dveh letih.
Svet EU je potrdil nova pravila za evropske
prestolnice kulture za obdobje po letu 2020, ki
vsebujejo kronološki seznam držav članic, ki
jim pripada pravica imeti evropsko prestolnico
kulture.
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Več:
Sporočilo Sveta EU
Podjetja s področja kulture in
kreativnih
umetnosti
ne
morejo dobiti kreditov
Sprejete so direktive za
reformo javnega naročanja
Svet EU je sprejel tri direktive za reformo
javnega naročanja v EU, ki so direktiva o
javnem naročanju, direktiva o naročanju na
področju oskrbe z vodo, energijo, za področje
Potem ko vložijo veliko truda v pripravo
poslovnega načrta, podjetja s področja kulture
in kreativnih dejavnosti na banki ne morejo
dobiti posojila, je pokazala študija, ki jo je
7
Nova uredba o pomočeh de
minimis za kmetijstvo
transporta in poštnih storitev in direktiva o
koncesijskih pogodbah.
Več:
Sporočilo Sveta EU
Sprejeta
je
direktiva
hipotekarnih kreditih
Komisija je sprejela uredbo o zvišanju zgornje
meje in natančni opredelitvi nizkih zneskov
pomoči (pomoči de minimis), ki ne pomenijo
državnih pomoči. Nova uredba, ki se uporablja
od 1. januarja 2014, zvišuje znesek na
upravičenca, ki ne povzroča izkrivljanja
konkurence oziroma ne pomeni nevarnosti za
tako izkrivljanje, na 15 000 evrov v obdobju
treh proračunskih let, zgornjo mejo za
posamezno državo članico pa na 1 odstotek
vrednosti kmetijske proizvodnje. Poleg tega je
v uredbi podrobneje določeno, katere vrste
pomoči spadajo na njeno področje uporabe.
o
Svet EU je sprejel direktivo o hipotekarnih
kreditih, ki določa pravila za trženje in
oglaševanje hipotekarnih kreditov, pa tudi za
informiranje potrošnikov. Države članice imajo
dve leti časa za prenos direktive v svoj pravni
red.
Več:
Sporočilo Sveta EU
Nova uredba o
pretoku delavcev
Več:
Nova uredba
prostem
Nova direktiva
potrošnikov
Svet EU je sprejel uredbo o prostem pretoku
delavcev, ki ne prinaša novih pravic, ampak je
njen namen odpraviti težave, ki jih imajo
delavci, ki se preselijo v drugo članico, in
njihove družine z uveljavljanjem veljavnih
pravic.
o
pravicah
Države članice EU so morale do 13. decembra
2013 prenesti v svoj pravni red novo direktivo o
pravicah potrošnikov. Nova direktiva na primer
na
ravni
EU
potrošnikom
zagotavlja
štirinajstdnevni rok za odstop od pogodbe, kar
pomeni, da lahko vrnejo blago, če se iz
kakršnega koli razloga premislijo.
Več:
Sporočilo Sveta EU
Več:
Direktiva
Objavljene so štiri temeljne
uredbe za novo kmetijsko
politiko
4. GOSPODARSKE NOVICE
Nova agencija za majhna in
srednja podjetja
V uradnem listu EU so bile 20. decembra 2013
objavljene štiri temeljne uredbe o reformi
skupne kmetijske politike EU v obdobju od leta
2013 do 2020.
Evropska komisija je ustanovila Izvršno
agencijo za majhna in srednja podjetja
(EASME), ki je nadgradila dosedanjo Izvršno
agencijo za konkurenčnost in inovacije (EACI).
Nova agencija v glavnem izvaja nov program
EU za konkurenčnost, inovacije in majhna in
srednja podjetja (COSME), pa tudi instrument
za majhna in srednja podjetja v okviru
programa Obzorje 2020.
Več:
Spletna stran z uredbami
Nova uredba o trgovinskih
shemah z državami v razvoju
S prvim januarjem 2014 je začela veljati nova
uredba z novimi shemami za trgovanje EU z
državami v razvoju. V njej je navedeno za
izdelke iz katerih držav je treba plačati manj ali
več uvoznih dajatev, pa tudi za katere izdelke.
Več:
Spletna stran EASME
Sporočilo o oživitvi evropske
industrije
Več:
Nova uredba
in
Povzetek novosti
Evropska komisija v sporočilu o oživitvi
evropske industrije poziva države članice, da
priznajo osrednji pomen industrije pri
ustvarjanju delovnih mest in zagotavljanju rasti
8
ter da vprašanja konkurenčnosti, povezana z
industrijo, vključujejo v vsa področja politike.
Poleg tega je treba nadaljevati z modernizacijo
industrije s pomočjo vlaganja v inovacije,
učinkovito rabo virov, nove tehnologije in
spretnosti ter dostop do financiranja, kar je
mogoče pospešiti z uporabo namenskih
sredstev Unije.
so strateškega pomena za EU in so v skladu s
cilji razvojne strategije Evropa 2020.
Več:
Predlog smernic
in
Spletna stran javnega posvetovanja
Kako zelena so majhna in
srednja podjetja
Več:
Spletna stran s sporočilom
Evropska
komisija
je
prek
ankete
Eurobarometra zbrala podatke o mnenjih
srednjih in majhnih podjetij o treh glavnih
okoljskih vprašanjih, ki so zelena delovna
mesta, učinkovita raba virov in zeleni trgi.
Rezultati kažejo, da so majhna in srednja
podjetja v letu 2013 ustvarila dodatna zelena
delovna mesta, so izboljšala učinkovitost pri
rabi virov in izvajajo ukrepe za prehod v
nizkoogljično družbo. Anketa je tudi pokazala,
da imajo srednja in majhna podjetja več težav
pri prilagajanju okoljski zakonodaji kot velika
podjetja.
Premalo
strokovnega
znanja,
dolgotrajni postopki za potrjevanje novih
izdelkov
in
premajhno
povpraševanje
potrošnikov pa so sodelujoči navedli kot glavne
ovire pri vstopu na zelene trge.
Pilotni projekt za DDV pri
čezmejnih transakcijah je
podaljšan
Evropska komisija je sporočila, da je za leto
dni podaljšano izvajanje pilotnega projekta,
katerega namen je izboljšati pravno varnost
majhnih in srednjih podjetij zlasti pri
nakazovanju DDV pri čezmejnih transakcijah.
Slovenija je med članicami EU, ki ta projekt
izvajajo.
Več:
Sporočilo o podaljšanju izvajanja projekta
Evropske
spodbujanje
2014
nagrade
za
podjetništva
Več:
Rezultati ankete Eurobarometra
in
Povzetek odgovorov vprašanih v Sloveniji
Evropska komisija je objavila evropski natečaj
za spodbujanje podjetništva 2014, s katerim
nagrajuje najbolj domiselne in uspešne pobude
javnih organov in javno-zasebnih partnerstev,
ki podpirajo podjetništvo ter zlasti mala in
srednja podjetja v Evropski uniji. Tako je
začela nacionalni del natečaja, ki se bo
zaključil
maja
z
izborom
nacionalnih
zmagovalcev. Potem se bo začel evropski del
natečaja, v katerem bodo med nacionalnimi
zmagovalci izbrali dobitnika velike nagrade
žirije, ki jo bodo podelili oktobra v Neaplju.
Več:
Spletna
stran
evropske
spodbujanje podjetništva
nagrade
Anketi o prihodnosti turizma
Evropska komisija prek dveh anket zbira
mnenja in predloge za razvoj turizma v EU in
za odpravo administrativnih ovir na področju
turizma. Namen ankete Evropski turizem v
prihodnosti je določiti ključne izzive in
priložnosti za področje turizma. Ker na
področju
turizma
veljajo
tudi
številni
nezakonodajni akti, standardi, smernice, želi
Evropska komisija z anketo o odpravi
administrativnih ovir zbrati mnenja in predloge,
kako bi bilo mogoče administrativne ovire
zmanjšati, zlasti za srednja in majhna podjetja,
pa tudi za goste in javno administracijo.
za
Javno
posvetovanje
o
državnih pomočeh za projekte
evropskega pomena
Več:
Anketa o prihodnosti turizma
in
Anketa o odpravi administrativnih ovir v
turizmu
Evropska komisija do 28. februarja prek
javnega posvetovanja zbira mnenja in predloge
o predlogu pravil za državne pomoči za
projekte skupnega evropskega interesa.
Predlog vsebuje smernice za države članice,
kako lahko v skladu s pravili EU za državne
pomoči podprejo transnacionalne projekte, ki
9
Dobre prakse za zmanjšanje
socialnih
posledic
prestrukturiranja
predvideva usklajene definicije kaznivih dejanj
in kazenskih sankcij v celotni EU. Pravila
morajo sedaj potrditi še države članice.
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Evropska komisija je objavila seznam dobrih
praks za zmanjšanje socialnih posledic
prestrukturiranja podjetij, ki je namenjen kot
vodnik podjetjem, delavcem, sindikatom,
delodajalskim
organizacijam
in
javni
administraciji. Med ukrepi navaja strateško
dolgoročno spremljanje trga, neporetrgano
beleženje potreb po delovnih mestih in
sposobnostih,
ukrepe
za
posamezne
zaposlene.
Predlog za strukturno reformo
bank v EU
Evropska komisija je predlagala nove predpise,
v skladu s katerimi se največje in najbolj
kompleksne banke ne bodo več smele
ukvarjati s tvegano dejavnostjo trgovanja za
lastni račun. Poleg tega bi z novimi predpisi
nadzorniki dobili pooblastila, da od teh bank
zahtevajo
ločitev
nekaterih
potencialno
tveganih trgovalnih dejavnosti od njihovih
dejavnosti sprejemanja depozitov, če bi
opravljanje
takšnih
dejavnosti
ogrožalo
finančno stabilnost. Skupaj s tem predlogom je
Komisija
sprejela
povezane
ukrepe,
namenjene povečanju preglednosti nekaterih
poslov v bančnem sistemu v senci.
Več:
Spletna stran z vodnikom
Poročilo o trgu izdelkov za
leto 2013
Evropska komiisja je objavila poročilo o trgu
izdelkov za leto 2013, v katerem se osreotoča
na povezave med realnim gospodarstvom in
finančnim sektorjem, kako kriza v finančnem
sektorju vpliva na gospodarsko aktivnost.
Več:
Predlog za reformo bank
in
Spletna stran o reformi bank
Več:
Poročilo
6. REGIONALNA POLITIKA
5. FINANČNE STORITVE
Najboljše
izboljšanje
mestih
Dodatnih šest mesecev za
dokončno uveljavitev SEPA
Evropska komisija je za šest mesecev
podaljšala prehodno obdobje za dokončni
prehod na Enotno območje plačil v evrih
(SEPA). To pomeni, da bo mogoče še
dodatnih šest mesecev, do 1. avgusta 2014,
sprejemati plačila, ki niso v formatu SEPA. V
veljavi pa ostaja rok za prehod, ki je 1. februar
2014.
prakse
mobilnosti
za
v
Evropska komisija je objiavila poročilo s primeri
dobrih praks za izboljšanje mobilnosti v mestih.
Predvsem želi zagotoviti izmenjavo najboljših
praks in namensko finančno podporo in
naložbe v raziskave in razvoj. Spodbujala bo
razvoj načrtov za trajnostno mobilnost v
mestih, ki naj bi pripomogli k pospešitvi
prehoda na čistejši in bolj trajnosten prevoz na
mestnih območjih.
Več:
Odločitev Evropske komisije
in
Spletna stran SEPA
Več:
Spletna stran s poročilom Komisije
Najmanj štiri leta zapora za
tržne manipulacije
Šest finalistov za prestolnico
inovacij
Za tržne manipulacije, kot je bila tista z
referenčno obrestno mero LIBOR, bi morala
biti zagrožena kazen najmanj štirih let zapora,
so poslanci Evropskega parlamenta potrdili z
novo zakonodajo o kazenskih sankcijah za
trgovanje na podlagi notranjih informacij in za
tržne
manipulacije.
Nova
zakonodaja
Barcelona, Espoo, Grenoble, Groningen,
Malaga in Paris je šest mest, ki so se uvrstila v
finale izbora za prvo prestolnico inovacij.
Zmagovalca bodo razglasili na konvenciji
inovacij v Bruslju, ki bo 10. in 11. marca.
Več:
10
Spletna stran o prestolnici inovacij
in
Spletna stran o konvenciji inovacij
Jadransko-jonska
vse bliže
Pilotni projekt za evropsko
trgovanje
z
električno
energijo
regija
je
Steklo je izvajanje pilotnega projekta za
evropsko trgovanje z električno energijo, v
katerega je vključenih 14 članic EU med
katerimi ni Slovenije. Evropska komisija
pripravlja
predlog
zakonodaje,
ki
bo
predpisovala
obvezno
povezovanje
pri
trgovanju z elektriko na ravni regij.
Dosežen je bil mejnik v pripravah povsem nove
makroregionalne
strategije
za
krepitev
sodelovanja med 8 državami v regiji
Jadranskega in Jonskega morja med katerimi
je tudi Slovenija, sporoča Evropska komisija.
Pobuda je nastala na poziv voditeljev EU
decembra
2012
k
oblikovanju
nove
makroregionalne strategije do konca leta 2014.
Več:
Sporočilo Evropske komisije
Pametni tahografi
Več:
Pomorska strategija za jadransko in jonsko
morje
Poslanci Evropskega parlamenta so na podlagi
dogovora z državami članicami v okviru Sveta
EU sprejeli pravila za novo generacijo
digitalnih tahografov. V nova vozila jih bo
mogoče začeti vgrajevati v treh letih, ko bo
Evropska
komisija
sprejela
tehnične
specifikacije.
7. TRANSPORT IN ENERGETIKA
Potrojitev
financiranja
inovacij na področju železnice
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Evropska komisija je sprejela novo javnozasebno partnerstvo Shift2Rail, prek katerega
namerava povečati svoje financiranje za
raziskave in inovacije v železniškem prometu
na 450 milijonov evrov (2014–2020) v
primerjavi s 155 milijoni evrov v obdobju 20072013. Namen partnerstva Shift2Rail je
zagotoviti do 50-odstotno zmanjšanje stroškov
železniškega prometa v njegovem življenjskem
ciklusu (tj. stroškov izgradnje, prevoza,
vzdrževanja ter prenove infrastrukture in tirnih
vozil); do 100-odstotno splošno povečanje
zmogljivosti; in do 50-odstotno splošno
povečanje zanesljivosti v različnih segmentih
trga železniških storitev.
8. EKOLOGIJA IN TRAJNOSTNI RAZVOJ
Sveženj ukrepov za čistejši
zrak
Evropska komisija je sprejela sveženj ukrepov
za zmanjšanje onesnaženosti zraka. Paket
ukrepov za čist zrak posodablja obstoječo
zakonodajo in nadalje zmanjšuje škodljive
emisije iz industrije, prometa, energetskih
naprav in kmetijstva z namenom, da bi se
zmanjšal njihov vpliv na zdravje ljudi in okolje.
Neposredni stroški za družbo, ki jih povzroča
onesnažen zrak, vključno s škodo, nastalo na
poljščinah in zgradbah, znašajo približno 23
milijard evrov letno. Sveženj ukrepov je
sestavljen iz več delov, ki so program Čist zrak
za Evropo, direktiva o nacionalnih zgornjih
mejah
emisij,
direktiva
o
zmanjšanju
onesnaževanja iz srednje velikih kurilnih
naprav.
Več:
Spletna stran Shift2Rail
Poročilo
o
ekonomskem
razvoju na področju energije
Evropska komisija je objavila poročilo o
ekonomskem razvoju na področju energije v
Evropi, v katerem ugotavlja, da energija vpliva
na makroekonomske razmere na več
področjih,
predvsem
pa
vpliva
na
produktivnost, saj so od stroškov za energijo
odvisni proizvodni stroški, prav tako stroški za
energijo vplivajo na kupno moč prebivalcev.
Več:
Spletna stran s predlogi Evropske komisije
9. VARSTVO POTROŠNIKOV
Parlament za več pravic za
letalske potnike
Več:
Poročilo
11
Letalski potniki, ki zaradi zamude letala ali
drugih razlogov obtičijo na letališču, morajo biti
upravičeni do odškodnine, letalske družbe pa
morajo objaviti jasna navodila, kako bodo
obravnavale pritožbe potnikov, piše v resoluciji,
ki jo je sprejel Evropski parlament. Ta
resolucija predstavlja stališče Evropskega
parlamenta v prvi obravnavi. V skladu s
postopkom soodločanja lahko Svet ministrov
sprejme stališče Parlamenta ali predstavi svoje
lastno stališče. V slednjem primeru se
razprava nadaljuje.
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=821&selectedTabIdx=2
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=820&selectedTabIdx=2
10. RR IN INOVACIJE
Prvi razpisi za razdelitev
sredstev na podlagi programa
Obzorje 2020
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Javno
posvetovanje
pohištvu
Evropska komisija je objavila razpise za
projekte v okviru programa EU za raziskave in
inovacije Obzorje 2020, ki v sedemletnem
obdobju razpolaga z 80 milijardami evrov
proračunskih sredstev. V prvih dveh letih bo
več kot 15 milijard evrov na voljo za projekte, ki
spodbujajo evropsko gospodarstvo na podlagi
znanja in ki iščejo rešitve, ki prinašajo
pomembne izboljšave v vsakdanje življenje
ljudi. Poudarek v letih 2014/2015 je na 12
področjih, med njimi so individualizirana
zdravstvena oskrba, digitalna varnost in
pametna mesta. Med razpisanimi sredstvi za
leti 2014–2015 je tudi 500 milijonov evrov, ki
bodo v dveletnem obdobju namenjena
inovativnim malim in srednjim podjetjem, in
sicer s popolnoma novim instrumentom.
o
Evropska komisija do 4. marca prek javnega
posvetovanja zbira mnenja in predloge o
pohištvu, o njegovi teži, navodilih za sestavo in
uporabo, čiščenju in drugih informacijah, ki jih
potrošniki potrebujejo za to, da lahko med
seboj
primerjajo
proizvode
različnih
proizvajalcev.
Več:
Spletna stran javnega posvetovanja
RAPEX
Hitri sistem obveščanja EU o nevarnih
proizvodih, ki krožijo na evropskem trgu.
Posodobitve za december 2013 – februar
2014:
Več:
Spletna stran programa Obzorje 2020
in
Spletna stran z razpisi
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=871&selectedTabIdx=1
Razpis
za
sredstva
iz
programa Marie Sklodowska
Curie
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=870&selectedTabIdx=1
Evropska komisija je objavila razpise za
razdelitev 800 milijonov evrov sredstev v letu
2014 za štipendije za raziskave na podlagi
programa Marie Sklodowska Curie, ki je del
programa Obzorje 2020. Prvi razpisi so
namenjeni
raziskovalnim
organizacijam,
univerzam,
podjetjem
in
nevladnim
organizacijam. Za financiranje lahko zaprosijo
tudi na podlagi pobude Inovativne mreže za
usposabljanje (Innovative Training Networks),
katerih namen je pomagati raziskovalcem, ki
še niso doktorji znanosti.
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=860&selectedTabIdx=1
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=850&selectedTabIdx=1
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=840&selectedTabIdx=1
Več:
Spletna stran programa Marie Sklodowska
Curie s podatki o razpisih
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/ale
rts/main/index.cfm?event=main.weeklyOvervie
w&web_report_id=830&selectedTabIdx=2
12
Osem novih
partnerstev
milijonov evrov za oblikovanje lastnih skupin in
nadaljnji razvoj svojih idej. Med izbranimi
projekti so takšni, kot je ugotavljanje
odgovornosti in tveganja, ko je izvedba nalog
dodeljena inteligentnim sistemom.
raziskovalnih
Evropska komisija je vzpostavila osem novih
javno-zasebnih partnerstev, za katera bo
mogoče dobiti sredstva prek razpisov na
podlagi
programa
Obzorje
2020.
Ta
partnerstva
so:
Tovarne
prihodnosti,
Energetsko učinkovite stavbe, Pobuda za
evropska zelena vozila, Industrija trajnostnih
procesov, Fotonika, Robotika, Računalništvo
visokih zmogljivosti in Napredna omrežja 5G
za internet prihodnosti.
Več:
Sporočilo ERC
50
milijonov
raziskave voda
evrov
za
Evropska komisija je izbrala 11 raziskovalnih
projektov s področja voda, za katere bo
razdelila 50 milijonov evrov evropskih sredstev.
Med njimi sta bitehnološka obravnava odpadne
vode, ki je hudo onesnažena s težkimi
kovinami, in pametnejše upravljanje omrežij za
distribucijo vode.
Več:
Sporočilo o javno-zasebnih partnerstev v
okviru programa Obzorje 2020
in
Spletna stran partnerstva Tovarne prihodnosti
in
Spletna stran Energetsko učinkovite stavbe
in
Spletna stran pobude Zelena vozila
in
Spletna stran partnerstva Industrija trajnostnih
procesov
in
Spletna stran partnerstva za fotoniko
in
Spletna stran partnerstva za robotiko
in
Spletna stran partnerstva za računalništvo
visokih zmogljivosti
in
Spletna stran partnerstva za internet
prihodnosti
Več:
Sporočlilo o izbranih projektih
Prve »katedre ERA«
Vsaka od enajstih institucij, in sicer univerz in
tehničnih inštitutov v manj razvitih evropskih
regijah bo prejela do 2,4 milijona evrov
sredstev EU za spodbujanje njihovih
raziskovalnih zmogljivosti prek vzpostavitve
prvih »kateder ERA«. Cilj pobude je preseči
vrzeli v EU na področju inovacij s pritegnitvijo
akademikov v organizacije, tako da se te lahko
kosajo s centri odličnosti drugod v evropskem
raziskovalnem prostoru (ERA). Med projekti, ki
bodo dobili ta sredstva, je tudi projekt Inštituta
Jožef Stefan.
Financiranje za 13 projektov
pionirskih raziskav
Več:
Spletna stran ERA
Evropski raziskovalni svet (ERC) je razglasil 13
projektov, ki bodo prejeli 150 milijonov evrov
za pionirske raziskave. Med izbranimi projekti
je prvo oblikovanje črne luknje, projekt o
prihodnji internetni varnosti, oceno vpliva
pomanjkanja fosforja na okolje in podobno.
Med izbranimi projekti ni nobenega iz
Slovenije.
11. KULTURA IN IZOBRAŽEVANJE
Objavljen
je
vodnik
za
pridobitev
sredstev
iz
programa Ustvarjalna Evropa
Evropska komisija je objavila vodnik po
programu Ustvarjalna Evropa, ki vsebuje
informacije o postopku financiranja za lažjo
pripravo vloge. Za prve razpise programa za
leto 2014 je na voljo skoraj 170 milijonov
evrov. Posamezniki za nepovratna sredstva ne
morejo zaprositi neposredno, temveč bi morali
to storiti prek ustreznih organizacij, kot so
kulturna združenja, festivali, gledališki in filmski
distributerji itn., ali pa stopiti v stik z
nacionalnim centrom Ustvarjalna Evropa.
Več:
Seznam izbranih projektov
in
Primeri projektov
Spodbude za 312 odličnih
raziskovalcev
Evropski raziskovalni svet (ERC) je izbral 312
odličnih raziskovalcev, ki bodo prejeli 575
13
Več:
Spletna stran z razpisi in vodnikom za prijave
nanje
in
Poročilo za poklicne šole
12. KMETIJSTVO
Vodnik za Erasmus+
Srednjeročna napoved
kmetijske trge 2013-2023
Evropska komisija je objavila vodnik za
prijavitelje Erasmus+, ki vsebuje informacije o
oddaji vloge za prijave na razpise za pridobitev
sredstev na podlagi tega programa. Program je
odprt
za
organizacije
na
področju
izobraževanja, usposabljanja, mladine in
športa, lahko vloge za sredstva oddajo prek
spleta od konca januarja. Posamezniki ne
morejo zaprositi za sredstva neposredno,
temveč se morajo obrniti na univerzo, šolo ali
organizacijo, ki odda vlogo. Leta 2014 bo v
okviru programa Erasmus+ skupaj na voljo 1,8
milijarde evrov.
za
Evropska komisija v srednjeročni napovedi za
kmetijske trge 2013-2023 navaja, da so trendi
na splošno pozitivni. Za trg mesa recimo
napoveduje močno povpraševanje po mesu
na
svetovnem
trgu,
z
gospodarskim
okrevanjem pa se bo povečalo tudi
povpraševanje v Evropi.
Več:
Poročilo
in
Spletna stran z napovedmi
Več:
Spletna stran programa Erasmus+ z vodnikom
in razpisi
Predlogi o kloniranju živali in
o novih živilih
Pregled stanja na področju
mobilnosti študentov v EU
Evropska komisija je sprejela tri osnutke
pravnih aktov o kloniranju živali in novih živilih.
Dva predloga prepovedujeta uporabo tehnike
kloniranja pri rejnih živalih v Evropski uniji in
uvoz teh živalskih klonov. Prav tako bo
prepovedano trženje živil iz živalskih klonov.
Ta dva predloga naj bi obravnavala vprašanje
dobrobiti živali in druge etične pomisleke v
zvezi z uporabo te tehnike. Osnutek pravnega
akta o novih živilih pa spreminja obstoječo
uredbo o novih živilih. S predlogom naj bi se
olajšal dostop novih in inovativnih živil do trga
EU ter hkrati ohranila visoka raven varstva
potrošnikov.
Prvi pregled stanja na področju mobilnosti v
EU je pokazal, da imajo Nemčija, Belgija,
Španija, Francija in Italija najboljše javne
sisteme podpore in svetovanja za visokošolske
študente
glede
možnosti
študija
ali
usposabljanja v tujini. Pregled se osredotoča
na pet ključnih dejavnikov, ki vplivajo na
motivacijo in možnosti mladih za študij ali
usposabljanje v tujini. Razkriva, da se ti
dejavniki med državami članicami močno
razlikujejo in da nobena od držav ne dosega
visokih rezultatov pri vseh ukrepih svojega
»okolja mobilnosti«.
Več:
Spletna stran s predlogi Evropske komisije
Več:
Poročilo
Poročilo o razvoju podeželja v
letu 2013
Izboljšati je treba kontrole
kakovosti univerz in poklicnih
šol
Evropska komisija je objavila poročilo o
programu razvoja podeželja v letu 2013, ki
kaže, da se je med letoma 2007 in 2010 število
kmetij zmanjšalo za 12 odstotkov, povprečna
velikost kmetije pa se je povečala z 12,7 na
14,3 hektara. Še vedno ima skoraj 70
odstotkov kmetij v EU manj kot pet hektarov.
Evropska komisija na podlagi poročil, ki ju je
objavila, poziva države članice, da morajo
izboljšati sisteme nadzora kakovosti univerz in
poklicnih šol. Države članice morajo prenehati
s prakso, ko samo označujejo, katere kriterije
glede kakovosti visoke šole in poklicne šole
izpolnjujejo, in preiti k posodobitvi in izboljšanju
sistemov za merjenje kakovosti.
Več:
Poročilo
in
Spletna stran s podatki o razvoju podeželja
Več:
Poročilo za visoke šole
14
Poročilo o označevanju mesa,
ko je to sestavina
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
Poročilo o možnostih, da bi pravila za
označevanje mesa razširili tudi na meso, ki je
uporabljeno kot sestavina, je objavila Evropska
komisija. Na podlagi rezultatov študije, ki je bila
zaključena julija 2013, Komisija ocenjuje, ali bi
sedanja pravila bilo treba razširiti zaradi
večjega varstva potrošnikov, pa tudi, ali bi bil
nov sistem označevanja izvedljiv in ali bi bil
izvedljiv z vidika stroškov. Poročilo je zdaj v
javni obravnavi.
EU naj
Ukrajini
EVROPA
pomaga
EU in njene članice naj uvedejo sankcije za
potovanja in zamrznitev evropskih sredstev
tistim, ki so odgovorni za smrtne žrtve med
ukrajinskimi protestniki. EU naj s finančno
podporo pomaga Ukrajini pri vse slabših
finančnih razmerah v državi, so evropski
poslanci potrdili v okviru resolucije o Ukrajini. V
ločeni resoluciji so pozvali Rusijo, naj spoštuje
pravico
ukrajinskih
državljanov
do
samostojnega odločanja o prihodnosti svoje
države.
Več:
Poročilo Evropske komisije
in
Spletna stran o označevanju živil
13.
JUGOVZHODNA
SOSEDSKA POLITIKA
finančno
Več:
Sporočilo Evropskega parlamenta
IN
Poročilo o napredku držav
Zahodnega Balkana
Srbija je začela pogajanja o
vstopu v EU
Ob odločenosti Bosne in Hercegovine,
Makedonije in Črne gore za nadaljevanje
reform, naj se voditelji članic EU močneje
zavežejo k reševanju vprašanj v zvezi z Bosno
in Hercegovino, določijo datum za začetek
pristopnih
pogajanj
z
Makedonijo,
in
nadaljujejo pogajanja s Črno goro, so ključni
poudarki resolucije, ki so jo sprejeli evropski
poslanci.
S prvo pristopno konferenco je Srbija 21.
janurja začela pogajanja o vstopu v EU. EU je
na tej konferenci predstavila pogajalski okvir.
Več:
Sporočilo Sveta EU
14. NAJAVE DOGODKOV
Opportunities for SMEs under
Horizon 2020: »Horizon 2020 Is
Open for Business«
Implementing the new Structural
and Investment Funds Regulations:
comparing 2014-2020 with 20072013
Bruselj, marec 03, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Maastricht, marec 06 - 07, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Energy Efficiency & Renewable
Energy Exhibition & Forum
Driving Business Performance and
Innovation with Enterpeise
Architecture
Sofija, marec 05 - 07, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
London, marec 06 -07, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Waste Management & Recycling
6th European Summit of Regions
and Cities: European Recovery,
Local Solutions
Sofija, marec 05 - 07, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Safety and quality of livestock feed
Atene, marec 07 - 08, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Campden, marec 06, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Innovation Convention 2014
15
Več informacij tukaj
Bruselj, marec 10 - 11, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
International Conference New
Perspectives in Science Education
9th European Annual Symposium
EU Funds 2014
Firence, marec 20 - 21, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Berlin, marec 10 - 12, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Creativity, Design, Innovation and
Intellectual Property Rights in
Textile and Clothing Industry in the
Euro-Mediterranean Area
Pension Funds investment
Strategies in CEE
Praga, marec 12 - 13, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Firence, marec 24 - 25, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Conference Health in Europe,
making it fairer
The World of Energy Storage
Düsseldorf, marec 25 - 27, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Bruselj, marec 18, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
European Conference: The New EU
Concessions Directive
Green Polymer Chemistry 2014
Köln, marec 18 - 20, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Bruselj, marec 25, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
APACHES – Develop building
blocks for future territorial
cooperation
EU in Close–up Intensive seminar
on EU institutions and policy
process
Bruselj, marec 19, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Bruselj, marec 26 - 28, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Info Day: EU funding for the tourism
sector
Workshop on electromagnetic fields
and health effects: From science to
policy and public awareness
Bruselj, marec 20, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
Atene, marec 28, 2014
Več informacij tukaj
10th Annual CEE Credit Risk
Management Forum
Dunaj, marec 20 - 21, 2014
15. ZANIMIVE PUBLIKACIJE
Copenhagen — European green
Environmental footprint and material
capital 2014
efficiency support for product policy
Energy, transport and environment
Sex discrimination in relation to part-
indicators
time and fixed-term work
Education and training in Europe 2020:
National roaming for resilience
Responses from the EU Member
Analysis of cloud best practices and
States
pilots for the public sector
16
ERM annual report 2013: Monitoring
Authorities and bodies in charge of
and managing restructuring in the
the development and implementation
21st century
of Research and Innovation Strategies
Global fisheries subsidies
for Smart Specialisation
Aeronautics and air transport research
EU Cohesion Policy contributing to
Addressing contemporary forms of
employment and growth in Europe
slavery in EU external policy
Gendered innovations
Use of social media by European SMEs
Research and innovation in support of
Impact of the Decarbonisation of the
the European neighbourhood policy
Energy System on Employment in
Occurrence of cluster structures in
Europe
knowledge-intensive services
Framing Banking Union in the Euro
Europe’s competitive technology
Area: Some empirical evidence
profile in the globalised knowledge
Falling short of expectations? Stress-
economy
testing the European banking system
Investments in joint and open R&D
Regional policy for smart growth of
programmes
SMEs - Guide for Managing
16. PRILOGE
PRILOGA 1: Yes, it's the economy, stupid, but is it demand or supply?
CEPS/ Brussels
The recent conversion of François Hollande to supply-side economics is surprising. It makes the
victory of the northern European policy-makers who believe that insufficient aggregate demand should
be fought exclusively by supply-side measures complete. As I will argue, it is not the first time in postwar history that economists and policy-makers fight a problem by applying the wrong medicine; or to
put it differently, it’s akin to some generals who fight a new war by applying the strategies developed
for the previous war.
When demand management prevailed…
Before the 1970s, economists had developed macroeconomic models of that focused on the question
of how demand should be controlled. Two central ideas underpinned these models. First, supply was
seen as flexible enough to always adjust to the level of demand. Thus, during the boom, supply would
follow and during a recession, supply would decline. Supply was not a problem.
Second, demand had to be stabilised so as to prevent countries from being pulled into deflationary
spirals when after a boom negative forces were bringing down aggregate demand. In these Keynesian
models, countries could be pushed into bad equilibria, characterised by low output and high
unemployment for a long period of time. This provided reason enough for the authorities, both
monetary and fiscal, to follow countercyclical policies. Demand management was what
macroeconomics was about. Few economists expected that the source of macroeconomic
disturbances could come from the supply side. Economists were fully prepared to face the next
demand shock.
17
… a supply shock occurred
Then came the 1970s. A large supply shock occurred. Economists were not prepared to deal with a
supply shock. Not surprisingly, therefore, policy-makers who had been educated in this Keynesian
framework reacted wrongly. When they saw output decline (prices did not increase immediately; prices
usually adjust slower than output), they identified this as a negative demand shock that had to be
fought by expansionary monetary and fiscal policies.
This policy reaction created a double problem. First as the source of the shock was on the supply side
and involved a decline in productive capacity, a demand stimulus could not really correct for this
decline. This then led to the second and most spectacular problem. In the face of rigidity in supply, the
demand stimulus led to a price-wage spiral and high inflation. Nothing discredited the Keynesianinspired aggregate demand models more than the explosion of inflation that followed the ill-advised
policy reaction of demand expansion.
As a reaction, economists develop supply-side models…
Having learned that the supply side matters, economists started to develop models that focused on the
supply side. The ‘real business cycle’ models were created (see Kydland & Prescott, 1982 and Long &
Plosser, 1983). In the process, Jean-Baptiste Say, the 19th century French economist, was
resuscitated. Supply creates its own demand. This was exactly the reverse of the Keynesian view.
Now it was supply that should be managed carefully; demand would always adjust automatically.
A whole new generation of economists was educated in the view that supply is key and that demand
should not be fine-tuned, for as the experience of the 1970s had shown, demand manipulation in a
world where supply shocks occur, not only does not work but is harmful, as it will lead to systematic
inflation.
This academic model became very influential also among ‘practical men’ in the policymaking world.
This was especially the case in Europe. The only macroeconomic concern became the need to deal
with structural rigidities (supply side) that abounded in Europe. These had to be corrected by structural
reforms, i.e. making the supply side of the economy more flexible. By that it was usually meant making
the labour market more flexible, i.e. making sure that it would work like other markets.
Underlying supply-side economics, which displaced Keynesian economics, there was also an
important ideological shift. While Keynesian economics was generally sceptical about the ability of free
markets to regulate the economy and to ensure that full employment would prevail, supply-side
economics was confident that if markets were left free they would automatically lead to self-regulation,
including a mechanism that would prevent unemployment from remaining high. All that was needed
when unemployment increased was flexibility, i.e. a decline in real wages and policies that would not
impede the free flow of demand and supply of labour. If labour markets were allowed to function freely,
protracted unemployment would be cured automatically.
… and policy-makers embrace these models
This became the official view in Europe and led major institutions like the European Commission and
the European Central (ECB) to preach the virtues of flexibility as the key to macroeconomic stability.
Surprisingly, these wonderful ideas were not applied to the market for central bankers. With the start of
the eurozone and the consolidation of decision-making into the hands of one institution, the ECB, a
massive oversupply of central bankers was created in the eurozone. None of these central bankers
thought of applying flexibility to their own market and to cutting their own wages.
Now, a demand shock occurs…
Then came the shock of 2008-09. Economists and policy-makers were again unprepared. For this was
not a supply shock like in the 1970s but a large negative demand shock. It was essentially the result of
a consumption and real-estate boom fuelled by bank credit that had crashed, necessitating the
deleveraging of the debt-laden private sector. Thus, the shock of 2008-09 was a demand shock par
excellence, and a large one (see Eichengreen & O’Rourke, 2009, Eggertson & Krugman, 2010 and
Koo, 2008). Initially, most economists and policymakers recognised this to be a demand shock. Thus,
during 2008-09, the policy response in important industrialised countries (e.g. the US, the UK and
Germany) was to treat this as a demand shock and to allow the government budgets to turn into the
red, thereby mitigating the severity of the shock. But then something remarkable happened in Europe.
18
Once it became clear that the debt overhang would not easily disappear and in fact triggered a
sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone, economists and policy-makers started looking at the world
through the spectacles of their supply-side models. As a result, eurozone policymakers shifted gears
and started to interpret the shock as one arising from the supply side and applied the wrong medicine.
… and policy-makers repeat the same mistake
Policy-makers thus made the same errors as their predecessors in the 1970s who looked at the supply
shocks of that time through the spectacles of a Keynesian demand model. Now European policymakers were looking at a demand shock through the lenses of supply-side models. And as in the
1970s, the policy responses were the wrong ones and made things worse. Policy-makers in the
European Union insisted that the cure to the shock was structural reforms, i.e. making labour markets
more flexible. The latter was interpreted to mean several things. First, as unemployment was
increasing, countries were told that the cure was to reduce wages. As a result, the drag on aggregate
demand was exacerbated.
Second, in the grip of demand deflation, countries were forced to impose legislation allowing firms to
fire workers more easily. As a result, unemployment increased even more because firms were freed
during the recession to fire employees and massively did so, thereby exacerbating the recession.
Third, the large budget deficits and debt levels that were the legacy of the 2008-09 recession were
seen as the wrong policy response. One does not allow budget deficits to increase when a negative
supply shock occurs. Thus, the automatic increase in the budget deficits had to be fought by austerity.
The European Commission went on a crusade to impose austerity on all eurozone countries at the
same time, thereby triggering a double-dip recession in 2012-13.
During the 1970s, economists found out that in the face of a negative supply shock a fiscal policy
stimulus has little or no effect on output. The fiscal multiplier is close to zero. The new supply-side
models that were subsequently developed had this feature of zero fiscal multiplier built in. When the
demand shock of 2008-09 occurred, these models predicted that fiscal stimulus would have no effect
on output (see Fama, 2009). Unfortunately, what is true when supply shocks occur ceases to be true
when demand shocks occur that push the economy in a deep recession. It then turns out that fiscal
multipliers are higher and can exceed 1. The IMF was forced to recognise this and admitted that its
initial policy analysis of the 2008-09 shock had been based on models that predict low fiscal multipliers
in the face of supply shocks (see Blanchard & Leigh, 2013). Other institutions, like the European
Commission, have been unwilling to admit their error.
Five years after the negative demand shock of 2008-09, policy-makers continue to misdiagnose the
nature of that shock. Now the French President François Hollande has joined the crowd of European
policy-makers who strongly believe that supply-side measures are all that matters in Europe and that
such measures will automatically lead to solving an insufficiency of demand. This is a surprising
change of strategy especially now that, for at least one year, the rate of inflation in Europe, and
especially in the eurozone, is declining continuously. In early 2014, it reached 0.8%. If the shock had
come from the supply side, one would have observed an increase in inflation, very much like in the
1970s when the European and American economies were hit by a negative supply shock.
Hollande gives new boost to misdiagnosis
The change in policy strategy of François Hollande and his embrace of Say’s law are surprising on
another count. As mentioned earlier, supply-side economics together with a rejection of demand
management is based on an ideological premise that markets have selfregulating characteristics, and
that unemployment will therefore disappear automatically provided that the markets are left free. This
conversion towards a belief in the power of free markets is not something one would have expected
from a Socialist president. The European Commission, the German government and other European
leaders are cheering. Together, they are more than ever determined to fight an insufficiency in
aggregate demand with supply-side measures.
I certainly do not want to imply that there are no supply-side problems in the eurozone. The existence
of dual labour markets, which makes it difficult for young people to enter the labour market, is a major
source of concern. The low labour participation in many countries is another. There is a lack of
competitiveness of firms in some eurozone countries due to institutional features that slow down the
introduction of new technologies. All these features call for structural reforms. But these reforms were
19
also called for during the boom period. Introducing these structural reforms will raise the long-run
prospects of the eurozone. They will do little, however, to boost aggregate demand.
In fact, boosting aggregate demand is important to make some of these structural reforms effective. As
I argued earlier, without such a boost, many of the structural reforms prolong the insufficiency in
demand in the eurozone. Yet as the recent trip to Damascus of François Hollande indicates, European
policy-makers are determined to cure a demand-side problem by focusing exclusively on supply-side
medicine.
PRILOGA 2: The 2030 framework on climate and energy – Getting Europe
on the right track?
EPC/ Brussels
Climate vs competitiveness?
The European Commission published its proposal on the 2030 climate and energy framework on 22
January. Reflective of the current economic climate, it was accompanied by a report on energy prices
and that the Commission decided not to propose regulation on shale gas but to issue
recommendations on environmental standards. The same day also saw the publication of a
communication For a European Industrial Renaissance. Climate considerations no longer drive the
agenda. The enthusiasm of 2007, when the “20/20/20” climate and energy targets were set for 2020,
has diminished. The new reality has brought competitiveness to the top of the EU’s priority agenda.
However, climate protection and competitiveness need not be contradictory demands. Reducing air
pollution can bring enormous health benefits that have direct impact on the economy. Increasing
energy efficiency and reducing energy demand bring down energy bills. Low-carbon, energy-efficient
solutions benefit consumers, society and the environment. Scaling-up solutions for which there is
demand also outside the EU will profit industry and create jobs. It is in the EU’s self-interest to pursue
these agendas together, in a smart way, to improve both Europe’s economic prospects as well as the
well-being of its citizens.
This shift in priorities is not necessarily a negative development. The EU is faced with a risk that high
energy prices and stringent climate policies push energy- and carbon-intensive industry out of Europe.
It needs a framework that recognises the tensions created by international competition, while creating
the basis for greening the European economy. Europeans have already seen that self-proclaimed
moral leadership in fighting climate change has not convinced other key players to take action. If
Europe wants to see mobilisation on a global level, a good start would be to demonstrate and
communicate within and beyond the EU borders the economic, social and environmental benefits that
come from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Europe needs a narrative that shows
the possibilities in reducing global emissions, fighting climate change locally, securing energy supplies,
promoting wider socio-economic interests and increasing competitiveness – all at the same time. But,
can the new climate and energy framework provide the basis for this narrative?
What would change under the new framework?
The EU’s 20/20/20 targets for 2020 include a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990
levels; raising the share of renewables to 20%; and a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. While
criticised for lacking in ambition, the proposed framework for beyond 2020 and until 2030 is clear on its
target: the EU must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels.
There are no binding national targets for renewables after 2020, but the Commission proposes an EUtarget: the share of renewable energy should reach at least 27% of the EU's energy consumption by
2030. The target is expected to be in line with current projections, but it is not yet known how this
would be enforced should the countries’ contributions not be enough.
There is no target for energy efficiency, binding or non-binding. It is a noted that its role will be
considered in a review of the Energy Efficiency Directive, which is expected by the end of 2014. This
has been seen as a failure to recognise its importance. However, in principle, the aim to reduce
energy costs and emissions should provide a strong driver for energy efficiency measures.
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The European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) remains as the main tool for reducing industrial
emissions. The sectors covered by the ETS would have to reduce their emissions by 43% compared
to 2005, and in order to help improve the system the package is accompanied by a legislative proposal
for establishing a market stability reserve.
Learning from past mistakes
The climate and energy policies must provide a long-term vision and regulatory certainty to guide
investment decisions – this is another aim of the 2030 proposal. However, industry that has invested in
renewables and biofuels in compliance with the 20/20/20 targets may feel betrayed by the new
framework. The change in targets will most likely affect investment decisions already before 2020.
Having one main target, however, is a positive development. It provides clarity and can help to
overcome some of the contradictions that weakened the 20/20/20 targets. For example, it is important
to recognise that an increase in renewables does not reduce emissions, if it leads to burning wood in
order to meet the target. Also, the unwanted consequences of first generation biofuels for land-use
explain why there is no new target for biofuels that compete with food production: they can only have a
limited role in decarbonising the transport sector.
Policies can provide incentives and guide investments, but they do not always translate to smart
measures. The national renewable targets for 2020 have led to unsustainable practices such as
subsidising wind power and solar panels in sub-optimal places. Over-generous support that does not
seek the best return on investment increases prices for consumers and reduces EU’s competitiveness.
It distorts the whole market, which partly explains the increase in coal consumption in Europe. It is
positive that the new framework provides direction but no longer dictates which means must be taken
to reduce emissions. This will hopefully lead to more adequate actions across the EU.
Is the 40% target the right objective?
While it is in the EU’s interest to reduce emissions, there is a limit to how far it can go without an
international framework. It cannot tackle the challenge alone: the EU currently emits around 11% of
the global greenhouse gases, and this share is decreasing due to growing emissions elsewhere. If the
EU hopes to reduce its global carbon footprint, the 40% target in itself does not automatically do this. It
does not take into account possible carbon leakage that rises if European industry moves
manufacturing outside the EU, to places with less stringent regulation on emissions. It also fails to take
into account the carbon footprint of products produced outside the EU, and thus the role of European
consumers in increasing global emissions. But, as countries start to consider what contributions they
will table before the International climate change conference in Paris in 2015, the EU’s target will
indicate its level of commitment, and hopefully show the way for others to follow. While some argue
that the 40% target is not sufficient, it is positive that it could be raised, should other countries be more
ambitious.
Meeting the target would undoubtedly bring benefits for European society and economy. The
Commission estimates that a 40% emission reduction would reduce air pollution and help to avoid
€6.6-29.1 billion in annual health costs, depending on the measures taken. It could also be argued that
the target is adequate for Europe if it leads to stronger emphasis on greening the economy, reducing
consumption of fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency. However, the target has been criticised
for not being based on science, and it is questionable whether it is high enough to get us on track to
achieving the 80-95% emission reduction by 2050, as set out in the Energy Roadmap 2050. Also while
the target will most likely be acceptable to EU member states and industry, it may be questioned that
would it not have been the Commission’s task not to please but to prod more ambitious thinking.
Shifting focus from targets to measures
The debate on the main target will continue in the Parliament as well as with the member states, but a
discussion is also needed on what constitutes adequate measures. While the 2030 proposal only aims
to provide a direction, this does not mean that the EU should not have a role in providing guidance
and a framework for action.
The EU needs to encourage a new approach to defining needed measures. Making the right political
and investment decisions requires taking into account the true cost of using different energy sources,
consumer products and transport modes. This means considering the cost of production, and the cost
of lifecycle emissions on environment and health. Decisions on measures should build on
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comprehensive impact assessments with costs and benefits. For example, better recognition of health
savings would undoubtedly increase efforts to reduce emissions from transport and coal-fired power
plants.
An area for concrete action is the single market for energy. It would secure energy supply, ensure
affordable energy prices and increase European competitiveness. The EU should forget renewable
targets and set a timeline for completing the single market also for renewables. Europe needs a
market where i) renewables are placed where they are the most efficient, ii) they are integrated to a
grid that unites different parts of the EU, and iii) the storage problem is solved so that renewables can
become a more reliable part of the European energy mix.
While the proposals fail to make concrete recommendations on energy efficiency, its importance as a
key measure in reducing energy demand, emissions and consumers’ energy bill must not be forgotten.
It is essential that there is a thorough review of the Energy Efficiency Directive. Member states’
national energy plans must include energy efficiency measures. EU should use instruments such as
standards for buildings and consumer products, including for all road vehicles, to promote greater
energy efficiency across the EU. It should be more vocal about the benefits, for example, increasing
energy efficiency in existing and new buildings via advanced insulation, better heating and cooling
offers great opportunities in terms of new jobs, social justice and increased energy security.
Leading by example
The proposal for 2030 climate and energy framework is taking Europe on the right track: it provides
direction without dictating the means. However, this is not enough. Europe needs to build on the
framework an attractive narrative that supports both climate and competitiveness. This requires a
shared understanding, recognition and communication of the concrete economic, social and
environmental benefits that come from reducing emissions and greening the economy. The EU must
translate the proposal into adequate legislation and encourage member states, industry and citizens to
take actions that bring the greatest benefit for society and economy as a whole.
PRILOGA 3: Taking the mandate of the ECB seriously
Bruegel/ Brussels
European Central Bank President Draghi has played down German fears about high inflation and
urged Germany not to ignore the positive impact of European monetary policy. Bundesbank president
Weidmann has also recently stressed that there are no reasons for German concern about inflation.
The public debate about European monetary policy, however, has become more heated in Germany.
This debate is harmful; it seems that the criticism is often based on the experience of the
Bundesbank's failure to recognise the different conditions of monetary policy in a monetary union, but
it is also wrong to think the European crisis is over. We need a more balanced debate, which
discusses these risks openly and critically.
At the heart of the German debate is the ECB’s Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT) purchasing
programme for government bonds, and now also its low interest rate policy. On OMT, there is a
concern that the ECB is setting the wrong incentives for both banks and governments. In fact, by the
mere announcement of the OMT programme, the ECB has helped crisis countries reduce their
financing costs. In summer 2012, many capital markets were dominated by the bet against the euro
and against individual countries. This was reflected in the interest rates required on government bonds
of crisis countries, as calculations by the Germany Council of Economic Advisors show. The OMT
announcement corrected these exaggerations and made capital markets more confident about crisis
countries. There has been no more to it so far since the ECB has not bought a single government
bond through the OMT programme.
ECB policy is also criticised in Germany on the basis that interest rates are too low for the German
economy, leading to a risk of overheating. This argument is however flawed or partial at best. It cannot
be the task of the ECB to align monetary policy to a single country; monetary policy has to be
implemented for the euro area as a whole. Of course, if a rate cut were to be justified only with regard
to the situation in the southern periphery of the euro area, it would not be a sufficient justification. A
justification for low interest rates for the whole euro area needs to be given. The justification put
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forward is that we might get into a period of deflation, in which falling prices solidify and lasting
damage is done to the economy.
The current inflation rate of 0.7 percent in the euro area is far below the ECB's inflation target of just
below 2 percent in the medium term. In these circumstances, the deflation fear is quite real: the euroarea economy is still very weak and production is far below potential. This also applies partly to the
German economy. In addition, we need relative price adjustments in Europe's crisis countries. This
means that the prices in these countries have to fall over a longer period relative to Germany. These
are the reasons for the ECB to take the risk of a deflationary spiral very seriously.
In Germany, concerns are articulated that the low interest rate policy will harm savers. It is certainly
true that it is increasingly difficult for savers to feel confident about their pension provisions in a low
interest rate environment. The low interest rate phase, however, is not an isolated result of European
monetary policy, but a reflection of the financial crisis as a global phenomenon. Long -term interest
rates in Germany are so low because much capital has come in this safe haven. And this has great
advantages for businesses and borrowers, such as the German state, which can access finance at a
much cheaper rate. It also helps employees and supports German taxpayers. Alternative forms of
investment, such as German stocks, have paid off handsomely in recent years. This means that the
big problem is not the low interest rates, but rather the way Germans save. Only 20 percent of
Germans hold stocks, compared to more than 60 percent in the US.
In principle, a debate on the correct monetary policy cannot be centred on savers. Each monetary
policy measure has always and everywhere distributional effects. This applies to periods of financial
crisis as well as to normal times. The legitimacy of a monetary policy decision is not based on
distributional issues but on the mandate of the ECB. The German debate on ECB monetary policy
should therefore not be based on the past experience of the Bundesbank (which, incidentally does not
exclude the purchase of government bonds, as events in 1975 showed). Instead it should focus on the
future and discuss what monetary policy in the currency union should do in the coming years in order
to fulfil the ECB mandate. Dramatically falling inflation rates since 2011 show that the ECB has more
leeway. In particular, the EU Treaty obliges the ECB, in line with Article 127 (1), to support the EU's
general objectives, if the price stability target is met. Article 3 of the Treaty defines as a general
objective, among other things, that social and economic cohesion be strengthened.
This also shows that the criticism of the low interest rate policy, as for instance formulated by Paul
Kirchhof in the FAZ with a dubious distinction between good (savings) and bad (stocks) ownership, is
based on a misunderstanding of the operation of monetary policy. A central bank can only achieve its
primary mandate of price stability in an environment of financial and economic stability. It is therefore
its duty to use all instruments available within the legal mandate to support the necessary conditions
for price stability. This includes also a possible contribution to securing the currency – as with the
announcement of the OMT.
What can the ECB do now? It is certain that the ECB cannot exit its expansionary monetary policy and
that it must consider new monetary policy measures. A combination of measures will be necessary.
Forward guidance should not only include commitments about the duration of the low interest rate
policy, but the ECB should explain better to the financial markets under which conditions monetary
policy is going to be reactive. In addition, to repair the transmission mechanism it will be necessary to
align monetary policy primarily to those market segments that are not functioning adequately.
Conditional lending to banks with the requirement to grant loans to companies in certain sectors is a
possibility, though not an easy step.
One of the biggest challenges for the ECB will be to reduce the risk of deflation. On this issue there
are very different opinions. Some consider the purchase of government bonds or private bonds in the
secondary markets, as practised by the US Fed, as the best solution. Such a decision should not be
made on the basis of ideological positions, but be based on empirical evidence. Bond purchases
belong, in principle, to the set of instruments of a modern central bank. Their effectiveness is
recognised if they have the goal to reintegrate fragmented markets. Poorly thought-through use of
these tools, however, can certainly have negative side effects.
With its common banking supervision role, the ECB obtains an additional task in 2014. It will have to
make sure that this new task of financial and banking stability does not interfere with its monetary
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policy mandate. This requires a clear institutional separation between monetary policy and
supervision. It also requires that the ECB establishes itself as a tough and credible regulatory body
that ensures that banks in the euro area are adequately capitalised.
Above all, the ECB must maintain its credibility. Especially in Germany there has been much
unwarranted criticism that has lost the sight of the European mandate of the ECB. The public debate
in Germany needs to be more focused on what the mandate of the ECB is, and why the ECB's policy
is also in the interests of Germany. This requires clarification that a pluralism of opinions about future
monetary policy is helpful and not harmful. What is perceived as a conflict between the ECB and the
Bundesbank reflects the diversity of viewpoints about the optimal path for future European monetary
policy.
The ECB must achieve price stability in the euro area and contribute to the general economic
objectives of the Union, if its price stability mandate allows. At the same time it is also clear that
governments continue to bear responsibility. Resolution of insolvent banks, far-reaching structural
reforms and improving the business environment for new and innovative sectors, not least in
Germany, are government tasks, which the ECB cannot and should not carry out.
The European crisis is far from over and will continue to influence economic policy in Europe. The
ECB’s monetary policy will continue to play a central role, because there are still major monetary
policy challenges and divergences in the euro area. These problems, mainly the concern about
deflation and financial fragmentation in the euro area, have continued to increase in recent months.
There is no easy solution to these problems. But a balanced open debate in Germany is an important
contribution to accompany the future path of monetary policy.
PRILOGA 4: Western Balkans: Fast lane, slow lane
Friends of Europe/ Brussels
The past year has been reinvigorating for the European Union’s (EU) enlargement process in the
Western Balkans. During 2013, many advances have been made: Croatia joined the EU as its 28th
member state, Serbia and Kosovo reached an unprecedented level of understanding during
normalisation talks, and Albania held peaceful and legitimate parliamentary elections and is likely to be
granted candidate status by the end of 2013.
With the new EU semester around the corner, the important role of enlargement policy to the EU’s
position in the world and with its citizens needs to be emphasised. The European Commission and
member states must strive to reach consensus on the remaining prospective and candidate countries
in the Western Balkans and find the political will to help those countries that are willing to tackle the
necessary reforms outlined by the Community Acquis.
With Europe still climbing out of the economic crisis, the focus for the Western Balkan states should be
on economic governance, rule of law and institutionbuilding. The EU’s Instrument for Pre-accession
Assistance for the 2014-2020 EU semester (IPA II) will concentrate funds in these areas.
The economies of the Western Balkans remain troubled, with high structural unemployment and a
dearth of foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly from European countries. While new investments
are appearing, notably from Russia and China, to build regional infrastructure, there are concerns that
European values are not being respected. This issue could be addressed by creating closer economic
ties with the EU.
In order to build on past successes and stimulate economic growth and sustainability, a broader
regional perspective is needed. The strength of the Western Balkans lies in synergies within it and the
value that it could bring to the EU as a functioning market. To this end, the South East Europe 2020
strategy (SEE 2020), undertaken with the governments of the region and the Regional Cooperation
Council (RCC) has outlined a process to combat joblessness, promote cross-border trade, and
develop infrastructure.
PRILOGA 5: EU audit reform reduced to 'paper tiger'
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EU Observer/ Brussels
The EU is close to overhauling rules for financial auditors, but critics say the reform will be a paper
tiger unable to break up the dominant position of the world's four biggest audit firms.
The legal affairs committee of the European Parliament on Tuesday (21 January) approved a draft
agreement struck late last year with member states and the European Commission on the so-called
audit reform package. Its proponents are saying that the new rules will weaken the dominance of the
"Big Four" audit firms: PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte, Ernst&Young and KPMG.
All four are multinationals comprising of a myriad smaller national firms who are - in theory independent of each other and in competition with the other rival names. But among the four names,
as practice has shown, there is no real competition, as they often work together or subcontract to and
from one another - for instance, in the case of the Spanish bank bailout, when all four were hired by
the Central Bank of Spain for a total of €19.1 million to assess the value of local banks' credit
portfolios.
In addition, failure by the Big Four to properly audit and scrutinise US investment banks in the run-up
to the 2008 financial crisis has raised questions about their real motivation: to reveal problems in their
clients' books, or to keep lucrative contracts going? British Conservative MEP Sajjad Karim, who
drafted the Parliament's position on the audit reform package, said on Tuesday (21 January) that this
reform will have "positive ramifications not just for the audit market, but for the financial sector as a
whole." "We are rebuilding confidence one step at a time,” he said.
The agreed text introduces a prohibition of "Big 4-only" contractual clauses requiring that the audit be
done by one of these firms. It also forbids these firms from offering non-audit services to their clients,
such as tax advice, which influences the company's financial statements. In Spain, KPMG has acted
both as financial advisor and "neutral arbiter" for Bankia in a dispute with depositors who say they
were scammed by the bank to convert their savings into "preferred shares" - a scheme which then
went bust.
But apart from the bans, MEPs have failed to put a meaningful cap on the period of time one or
several of the Big Four can prolong their contracts with a firm or a public authority. "To ensure that
relations between the auditor and the audited company do not become too cosy," a mandatory rotation
rule has been agreed, but the audit firm only has to leave after 10 years. If it wins a new tender, it can
stay for another 10 years, or even for an extra 14 years, if there are joint audits, as it is often the case.
In its original proposal, the EU commission had said firms should be rotated after six years and have
"cooling off periods" of four years before being allowed to return to the same client.
“A majority in committee judged that this would be a costly and unwelcome intervention in the audit
market," the British Conservative Party said in a press release. Close to the interests of the financial
industry, the Conservatives have fought any provisions that would have upset the Big Four, two of
whom - PwC and Ernst&Young - have their global headquarters in London. German Green MEP Sven
Giegold, who sits on the economics committee, where his group tried to push for more scrutiny and for
shorter contracting periods, did not hide his disappointment at the deal, which is likely to be adopted
by the European Parliament in April.
"The audit file is a strong wind for the financial lobby here in Brussels. Honestly I don't expect any
resistance before the plenary," he told this website on Wednesday. He said the proposal was weak to
begin with, and has gradually become even weaker. "The Big Four will continue to dominate the
market. After this failure to regulate it, it is up to the Commission's directorate general for competition
to act on this oligopoly. So the battlefield moves to [EU competition commissioner] Almunia," he said.
For his part, Kenneth Haar from Corporate Europe Observatory - a campaign group which monitors
lobbying in the EU capital - calls the reform a "paper tiger."
"There has been talk in the EU institutions of breaking the monopoly of the Big Four for about a
decade now, and this is what they come up with: rules that will allow companies to have the same
auditing company up to 24 years," he said. "We've seen extensive and aggressive lobbying on this
initiative from the very beginning. It's difficult to reach any other conclusion that the financial lobby was
successful on this one," he added.
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Tom McDonnell, an Irish expert from the Dublin-based think tank Tasc, told this website by email that
"auditing firms contributed significantly to Ireland's banking crisis yet there have been no
consequences for the offending audit firms." "Genuine reform means making audit firms accountable
for mistakes - with adverse consequences (e.g. fines and suspensions) for the firm in the event of
professional negligence," he added, referring to a provision which is missing from the EU package.
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