52009DC0678

[pic] | EUROPEAN COMMISSION |

Brussels, 15.12.2009

COM(2009) 678 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

2nd Implementation Report for the Community Lisbon Programme 2008 – 2010

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

2 nd Implementation Report for the Community Lisbon Programme 2008 – 2010

1. INTRODUCTION

AS part of the renewed Lisbon Partnership for Growth and Jobs, the Commission adopted in December 2007 a Proposal for a Community Lisbon Programme 2008-2010, setting out ten key objectives and corresponding policy actions for Community-level actions for the next three years. In March 2008, the European Council invited the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council to take forward work on the 10 Community Lisbon Programme (CLP) objectives within their spheres of competence and asked the Commission to report annually on progress made. In the first CLP implementation report in December 2008, the Commission assessed the progress towards the CLP objectives in its first year and concluded that substantial progress has been achieved in a number of important areas[1]. This report was subsequently reviewed by the Council[2].

This Second Implementation Report assesses the implementation of the CLP up to November 2009. Overall, further substantial progress has been made and a number of key milestones have already been achieved as outlined in section 2. This Report also identifies issues that still need to be addressed with highest priority. (For details see Annex 1)

Furthermore, in the context of the crisis response, the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) agreed in 2008 contains decisive Community measures which were covered under the policy priorities of the CLP, but not spelled out in detail, notably in the area of financial supervision. The subsequent measures taken are therefore included in Annex 2 to this report.

2. PROGRESS ON THE 10 KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE CLP 2008-2010

2.1. Investing in people and modernising labour markets

Objective 1: The Commission will propose a renewed Social Agenda by mid-2008, particularly covering education, migration, and demographic evolutions, and will help to address the skills gap by improving the monitoring and forecasting of future skills requirements.

Through modernising labour markets and social protection systems, the renewed Social Agenda adopted in July 2008 and subsequently endorsed by the Council and European Parliament will help people seize the opportunities created by international competition, technological advances, the shift to a knowledge-based low carbon economy and changing population patterns, while protecting the most vulnerable in society. This has been supported, in particular, through the adoption of a new "Strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training" by the Council[3] and through specific measures to promote quality of and mobility in vocational education and training. With the “New skills for new jobs” initiative launched in December 2008, the Community has stepped up its efforts to assess emerging skills needs, to promote dialogue between all actors involved, to improve EU-wide job search services in close cooperation with Public Employment Services and to promote the development of skills, including language skills. The foresight exercise on future sectoral skill needs has resulted in studies that identify emerging competences and future skills needs for 18 sectors including textiles, electronics, financial services and within the areas of the environment and energy. However, significant regulatory barriers still exist to the single labour market and need to be addressed such as the insufficient transparency and recognition of qualifications. The implementation the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is making significant progress. The issue of the portability of pensions and social benefits is still not solved. Removing these obstacles can complement Member State efforts to facilitate the better use of skills and eliminate skill mismatches.

On 3 June 2009 the Commission adopted a Communication "A shared Commitment for Employment" aiming to strengthen cooperation between the Union and its Member States and focusing on concrete actions in support of key three priorities: maintaining employment, creating jobs and promoting mobility; upgrading social skills and matching labour market needs; increasing access to employment.

Upon the proposal of the Commission simplified criteria for European Social Fund (ESF) support have been agreed including frontload payments in 2009 so that Member States have earlier access to up to € 1.8 bn in order to: rapidly reinforce activation schemes, refocus their programmes to concentrate support on the most vulnerable, and improve the monitoring and matching of skills. Following a Commission proposal, the rules of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund have also been revised in 2009 so that it can intervene more rapidly in key sectors, either to co-finance training and job placements for those who are made redundant or to keep in the labour market skilled workers who will be needed once the economy starts to recover.

Objective 2: The Commission will make proposals for a common policy on immigration in 2008.

The EU has taken the first steps towards a common policy on immigration that better responds to the needs of the EU labour market. Following the 2008 Communication on a Common Labour Market[4], the major achievement has been the adoption by the Council on 25 May 2009 of the Blue Card scheme to attract highly skilled workers[5]. Member States will transpose the Blue Card Directive by 19 June 2011.

2.2. Unlocking business potential, especially of SMEs

Objective 3: The Community will adopt a Small Business Act to unlock the growth potential of SMEs throughout their life-cycle.

The Commission adopted the “Small Business Act” (SBA) in June 2008, putting forward an ambitious policy framework to support SME throughout their life-cycle at all levels across the EU. The European Council, the European Parliament and the Committee of Regions have since fully endorsed this initiative. In the light of the economic crisis a strong focus has been put on the rapid implementation of urgent actions identified by the Member States and the Commission: improving access to finance, establishing a regulatory environment supportive of SMEs needs, and enhancing market access inside and outside the EU. In this regard, the Commission has introduced a General block exemption making it easier for Member States to support SMEs without prior notification to the Commission. In addition, to promote access to finance, the European Investment Bank has increased its investment envelope for SME loans to € 30bn over 2008-2011 and is frontloading the implementation to ensure that new loans and loan guarantees for SMEs become available throughout the Community. Lending in 2008 has been € 8.1 billion and in 2009 it is likely to exceed € 10 billion.

As a part of the SBA, the Commission put forward important legal proposals: a proposal to amend the Directive on Late Payments; the European Private Company Statute; and a Directive on VAT Invoicing to increase the use of electronic invoicing and reduce burdens on business. These proposals are still pending in the Council and the European Parliament. Another important element of SBA implementation, the Directive on Reduced VAT Rates has entered into force in June 2009. It is now up to the Member States to exploit the new flexibilities to promote job creation in labour-intensive services

The Commission has also proposed to exempt micro-enterprises from the requirements of the Accounting Directives with a savings potential for each micro entity amounting to as much as €1,200 per year on average. Furthermore the Commission has revised its impact assessment guidelines to systematically apply an SME test from January 2009. Member States have also started to implement such tests.

Objective 4 : The Community will move towards the target to reduce EU administrative burdens by 25 % by 2012 and implement an ambitious simplification programme.

The Commission has delivered on its ambitious Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens in the EU by 25% by 2012 as endorsed by the European Council in March 2007[6].. Reduction measures already adopted by the legislator are expected to lead to reduced costs of €7.6 billion. Measures pending adoption by the Council and Parliament could add €30.7 billion to that amount. All in all, the administrative burdens reduction proposed or currently under preparation by the Commission could exceed the initial target and reach 33% of the total of €123.8 billion estimated burdens of EU origin. The timely adoption by the Council and European Parliament of these measures is essential, particularly the proposals on VAT invoicing and the exemption of micro-entities from accounting obligations. The work on Community level supports and complements comparable efforts by Member States to reduce administrative burdens. By November 2009, all Member States had set ambitious national reduction targets.

In the Simplification programme to update and simplify existing Community legislation, the Commission has adopted 147 proposals since October 2005. Of these, 28 are still pending before the legislature. Through codifying and simplifying legislation, some 1 600 acts representing around 14% of the acquis have already been proposed by the Commission for removal from the EU statute book. In parallel a screening of all existing legislation has been carried out, allowing the identification of more than 80 simplification initiatives that could be carried out in the next legislative period.

The timely adoption of pending proposals to reduce administrative burden, including Fast Track actions and the simplification proposals by the European Parliament and the Council remains a priority to ensure that European citizens and businesses benefit from a less costly and more effective regulatory environment.

Objective 5: The Community will strengthen the single market, increase competition in services, take further steps to integrate the financial services market, and will strengthen existing supervisory arrangements and enhance EU cross-border financial crisis management.

The Goods Package adopted in 2008 marked a further breakthrough in the completion of the single market for goods, with new rules both for the harmonised and the non harmonised goods. It provided measures for harmonised product safety standards and new rules on market surveillance, whilst strengthening CE marking requirements. The effective implementation of the Goods Package will encourage the production and trade of goods, making it easier for all companies, notably SMEs, to sell their goods across the EU and improves consumer protection.

The efficient functioning of a single market for services remains crucial for stimulating competition and increasing the quality of provision of services and the choice for consumers. The comprehensive and timely implementation of the Services directive by Member States by the end 2009 deadline will be an important contribution to that. It will facilitate the provision of services cross-borders and establishment of service providers. As identified in the Single Market Review Single Market policy, including consumer policy needs to be strengthened and competition policy needs to be enforced, particularly in a number of key network industries and services. In June 2009, the Commission adopted a recommendation endorsed by the Council that puts forward a set of practical measures aimed at improving the functioning of the single market and at encouraging Member States to take a more pro-active role in partnership with the Commission so that all citizens and business can make full use of it.

The Commission has completed work on the market monitoring of the food supply chain and will continue to analyse other sectors including retail and electrical goods markets to identify possible market malfunctioning and to ensure coordinated and appropriate policy responses. In this context, market monitoring has proven a highly useful and promising tool for evidence–based policy making. As part of Single Market Review, the 2nd Consumer Markets Scoreboard was published. It screened more than 20 goods and services sectors including food, clothing, footwear, financial services, energy and telecom and revealed the fact that services are causing consumers more problems than traditional goods markets. Regular consumer price monitoring will be initiated starting with food and will be extended to cover other sectors. In July 2009, the Commission adopted the Final Report on its competition inquiry into the pharmaceutical sector. It proposed ways to further improve patients' rapid access to safe, innovative and affordable medicines. Work will continue to ensure timely standardisation and interoperability efforts, especially for ICT goods and services. Progress has also been achieved in the completion of the internal market in the transport sector with the adoption in October 2009 of the Road Transport package and of a revised framework of the Single European Sky.

The CLP 2008-2010 had rightly put the emphasis on the need to strengthen financial supervision "to reflect increased turmoil in financial markets and rising instability"[7]. In response to the financial and economic crisis and based on the de Larosière report, the Commission adopted in September 2009 a comprehensive package of legislative measures aimed at reforming the EU financial supervision system . The legislation will address the weaknesses of the financial system by creating a new European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) to detect risks to the financial system as a whole and given the essential task of issuing early risk warnings that should be rapidly acted upon. It also proposes a European System of Financial Supervisors (ESFS) composed of national supervisors together with three new European Supervisory Authorities for the banking, securities and insurance and occupational pensions sectors. The European Council and the European Parliament previously adopted other key measures to strengthen the EU legislative framework including amendments to the Capital Requirements Directives and the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive, changes to the accounting rules (IAS Regulation) and a regulation on Credit Rating Agencies. In April 2009 the Institutions agreed on the Solvency II Framework directive that will update and modernise the European insurance regulatory framework in order to introduce a more harmonised risk based supervisory regime. The proposal for modification of the Capital Requirements Directive also suggested strengthening rules on bank capital. In October 2009, the Commission adopted a consultative Communication on an EU framework for crisis management in the banking sector, as an essential first step in preparing the ground for what will be an important new policy area. The Community continues to collaborate internationally by actively taking part in the G20 and other international fora in order to improve global financial supervision and crisis management .

The Commission has put forward a number of other proposals aimed at delivering responsible and reliable financial markets for the future . In April 2009, the Commission adopted two recommendations on remuneration, one on remuneration of directors of listed companies and one on remuneration policies in the financial services sector. Further, a proposal for modification of the Capital Requirements Directive was made in July. The Commission services are working on a report on Corporate Governance in financial institutions expected to be completed in early 2010. In October 2009, the Commission adopted a Communication for ensuring efficient, safe and sound derivatives markets, reduce counterparty and operational risk in trading and enhance market integrity and oversight and aims to come forward with legislative proposals in 2010. In April 2009, the Commission proposed a harmonised regulatory and supervisory framework for the managers of hedge funds, private equity and other alternative investment funds that is currently being negotiated by legislators.

Following the set up of the successful Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) credit transfer scheme in 2008, from 2 November 2009, European banks will progressively offer customers the possibility to make for the first time regular payments using the new SEPA Direct Debit Scheme. Although direct debits are widely used in many euro area countries, at present, there is no pan-European scheme in place for making these payments possible across borders. The SEPA direct debit can also be used for existing national direct debits. The Commission will pursue further clarifications on competition issues in order to achieve a competitive SEPA payment services, to the benefit of consumers and companies.

The single framework for wholesale and investment markets still needs completion and implementation on priority basis. The Commission will follow up the sector inquiries into retail banking and business insurance. In April 2009, the Commission adopted a Communication announcing legislative measures to deliver a horizontal and consistent regulatory approach to the protection of investors in packaged retail investment products.

2.3. Investing in knowledge and innovation

Objective 6: The Community will make the "fifth freedom", the free movement of knowledge, a reality and create a genuine, European Research Area.

In order to make the "fifth freedom" a reality and create an open and competitive European Research Area (ERA), in 2008 the Council launched the Ljubljana Process[8] for enhanced ERA governance and agreed upon a long-term ERA vision. The developing partnership between Member States and the Commission through the Ljubljana Process has begun to shape the future policy agenda, including ensuring the implementation of the five ERA initiatives launched by the Commission in 2008. Practical arrangements for these ERA initiatives have been agreed and put in place in the course of 2009, allowing their implementation to be taken forward.

Progress with the ERA initiative on Joint Programming in Research will facilitate the increased pooling of research resources with and between Member States on a variable geometry basis. This will be further fostered by a legal framework for the creation and operation of research infrastructures of European interest[9]. Knowledge flows, research efficiency and the attractiveness of Europe as a research location will be enhanced through the implementation of the European Researchers' Partnership , via the Commission Recommendation on Intellectual Property Management in knowledge transfer activities[10] and through additional actions which complement Member State efforts to strengthen and reform the higher education sector, facilitate networking, and enhance co-operation between universities, research organisations and business. Through the development of a European Strategy for International Science and Technology Cooperation , ERA will become more open to the world, develop a more cohesive and coherent approach to global scientific challenges and increase the international leverage of the EU and Member States with key third partner countries and in the global economy.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology , which will be decisive for the promotion of open innovation and knowledge sharing between public research organisations and industry, should announce the first selected Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) by mid-December 2009 . The KICs with an estimated budget of €50-100 million per year over 7 to15 years will address key societal challenges and experiment new models of governance and financing.

Cross-thematic co-ordinated and joint calls were published in July 2009 to set up the three Public-Private Partnerships to develop technologies for the manufacturing, automotive and construction sectors, resulting from the European Economic Recovery Plan agreed by the European Council in December 2008. The first research projects under 'Factories of the Future', 'Energy Efficient Buildings' and 'Green Cars' will start in 2010 with half of their funding from FP7 and half from industry (€ 3.2bn having been allocated in total).

Objective 7: The Community will improve the framework conditions for innovation, in particular for venture capital and intellectual property rights.

The Commission tabled a midterm review on innovation[11] presenting progress to date and outlining the major challenges ahead. The financing of innovation is still an issue of concern that has been further aggravated by the crisis. Efforts to improve investment readiness and access to finance for SMEs must thus be stepped up in order to facilitate rapid recovery. The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme 2007-2013 contributes to bridge the equity gap in early and expansion stage equity financing. In addition, the European Investment Bank has mandated the European Investment Fund to develop a new mezzanine instrument. A new risk sharing finance facility (RSFF) has been set up together with the European Investment Bank to provide loans to private and public entities for high risk R&D projects. Cohesion Policy also offers instruments to facilitate business start-ups and access to finance for SMEs, in particular the JEREMIE and JASMINE initiatives. Following the Communication on cross-border investments by venture capital funds [12], an expert group report has analysed cross-border obstacles in the direct taxation field and double taxation of venture capital funds and investors and will publish its report in the near future. The Commission has also been assisting the Member States in the process of mutual recognition of venture capital funds.

Another obstacle to innovation in EU is the fragmented and burdensome patenting system. The creation of the EU Patent and European and EU Patents Court would reduce patenting costs, provide more legal certainty, and make patents more accessible for SMEs. The Council achieved a political breakthrough in December 2009 with the adoption of Council conclusions on an enhanced patent system in Europe and a general approach on the EU Patent. The conclusions cover the main features of the court, along with principles on the EU patent for setting renewal fees and their distribution and enhanced partnerships between patent offices.

In addition, a wide range of IPR support measures are offered by Member States and by the EU to improve IPR awareness, use, and access (helpdesks projects mobilising national patent offices, etc.). In line with the SBA, the cost for the registration of European trademarks has been lowered by 40 % over the past two years and the average time needed to complete the registration process has been cut by 50%. The enforcement of intellectual property rights has also been enhanced by the establishment of an EU Counterfeiting and Piracy Observatory and new non-legislative initiatives outlined in a Communication from September 2009[13].

2.4. Energy and climate change

Objective 8: The Community will complete the internal market for energy and adopt the climate change package in order to put in place the framework to achieve at least a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and reach a 20% renewables energy share by 2020.

Very substantial progress was made this year with the formal adoption in April 2009 of the Climate and Energy package and in June 2009 of the third package on the internal energy market.

The Climate and Energy package empowers the EU to pursue an ambitious policy to fight climate change without undermining the competitiveness and hence the factories and workplaces of European industries. The Package will help Europe transform into a low-carbon economy and increase energy security. It includes a range of measures such as a revised EU ETS directive to ensure the cost–effective achievement of targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and beyond, a decision setting targets for Member States for emissions reductions in sectors outside the EU ETS, and a directive on the promotion of renewable energy with a legally-binding target of 20% of final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. The Renewable Energy Directive includes sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids and sets a framework for simplifying administrative requirements for the renewable energy sector. Legislation to create a framework for Carbon Capture and Storage and to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars was also adopted. The focus in 2009 has been on implementation. A list of sectors with risk of carbon leakage has been proposed by the Commission as an implementing measure of the revised ETS directive and following discussions in the Council and the European Parliament is expected to be adopted on 23 December. Other important refinements of the revised ETS are still ongoing, e.g. the implementing provisions to develop regulations for auctioning of allowances, as well as the definition of Community-wide benchmarks for the allocation of free allowances to energy intensive industry sectors and subsectors.

The package on the internal on electricity and gas market will ensure an effective separation of production and supply from the operation of the transmission networks which facilitates fair and non-discriminatory access to existing infrastructure for all operators. National energy regulators will have more closely harmonised powers and greater independence. A new agency will be set up at EU level to enhance cooperation among national regulators. EU Transmission system operators will re-enforce their co-operation and security coordination on issues related to network operation, cross-border trade and grid security. These measures will benefit consumers by offering greater consumer protection and attractive energy prices. Progress has also been made on energy security . On energy security, a programme to aid economic recovery by granting € 4 billion Community financing to energy projects was agreed between the institutions in May 2009. The Commission has since then been focusing on its implementation. A call for proposals for the entire budget led to 87 proposals being submitted. First decisions on support are expected to be taken by the end of this year. Following the Second Strategic Energy Review adopted by the Commission in November 2008 and its subsequent endorsement by the Spring European Council and European Parliament, the Commission has proposed two instruments to strengthen the EU security of supply: a proposal for a Regulation on the security of gas supply (repealing Directive 2004/67/EC) and for better monitoring a proposal for a Regulation concerning notification of investment projects in energy infrastructure in the EU and repealing Regulation (EC) No 736/96. A new Directive on emergency oil stocks replacing Directive 2006/67/EC was adopted by the Council on 14 September 2009.

Objective 9: The Community will promote an industrial policy geared towards more sustainable production and consumption, focusing on renewable energies and low-carbon and resource-efficient products, services and technologies.

In July 2008, the Commission presented an ambitious package of actions for sustainable consumption, production and industry (SCP/SIP). It aims at improving the environmental performance and in particular the energy and resource efficiency of products and stimulating their market uptake by means of voluntary and mandatory actions to define and improve the environmental performance of products, better inform consumers, promote 'green' public procurement and harmonisation of incentives related to fostering the uptake of environmentally performing and energy efficient products. It furthermore foresees action to support leaner production, such as an Environmental Technology Verification Scheme to support eco-innovation through increased confidence in new technologies as well as addressing the international aspects.

Concerning the Energy Efficiency Package , an inter-institutional agreement has been reached between the Council and the European Parliament on reinforced legislation on the energy performance of buildings and on energy labeling that will have a substantial longer-term impact on Europe's energy consumption. Formal adoption of both proposals will follow once horizontal arrangements regarding the adaptation to the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union will be settled. A new Regulation on a tyre labelling scheme which is scheduled to take effect by November 2012 will contribute to transform the market towards more energy efficient tyres with lower rolling resistance. A package of 9 eco-design measures have also been adopted and are expected to save about 340 TWh electricity annually by 2020. Moreover, an important amendment to the European Regional Development Fund regulation which will allow investment in energy efficiency improvements and renewable energies in housing in all Member States was adopted on 6 May 2009[14].

The Lead market initiative was adopted by the Commission in December 2007 to stimulate new markets through the implementation of targeted strategies in areas such as sustainable construction, recycling, bio-based products and renewable energy. In 2008, the Council and European Parliament endorsed the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) and an adoption of a Communication on its financing in October 2009 has followed. The SET-Plan will accelerate the development and market take-up of the necessary cutting-edge low carbon energy technologies and will boost the competitiveness of the EU energy industry. The Communication calls for an increase in investment for the development of low carbon technologies, including on wind, solar, bio-energy, carbon capture and storage, nuclear fission and the electricity network.

The Commission adopted a Communication on public procurement for a better environment[15] aimed at facilitating the use of green public procurement to stimulate innovation in environmental technologies, products and services: in particular, a preliminary set of common Green Public Procurement criteria has been developed for a range of 10 product and service groups[16].

2.5. The external agenda

Objective 10: Whilst working to conclude the Doha multilateral trade negotiations, the Community will negotiate bilaterally with key trading partners to open up new opportunities for international trade and investment, improve market access focussing on countries and sectors where significant barriers remain, and promote international regulatory cooperation.

During the crisis the EU has contributed to a largely successful G 20 commitment to keep markets open and prevent protectionist measures. On several occasions, including the G20 Leaders meeting in Pittsburgh on 24 September 2009, the Heads of State and Government have renewed their commitment to successfully conclude the Doha negotiations, which is in the European interest. A successful completion of the Doha round remains the best way of securing a level playing field and opening up new market opportunities and the Community remains fully committed to this objective.

In parallel, the Community continues bilaterally to engage with key trading partners, and to further promote regional economic integration with its neighbouring regions, for example through the Union for the Mediterranean, Eastern partnership and the enlargement policy. Comprehensive Bilateral trade agreements with key trading partners enable the EU to go beyond WTO commitments and include ambitious provisions for regulatory and behind-the-border cooperation. On 15 October 2009, the Commission initialled an ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Korea which removes virtually all tariffs between two economies, as well as many non-tariff barriers and will create new market access in services and investment. FTA negotiations with India and Asean countries are progressing, albeit at different paces as are negotiations with Ukraine. Negotiations for a comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada were successfully launched in 2009. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement under negotiation with China aims at improving market access and regulatory cooperation. Furthermore, the on-going negotiations for association agreements with Mercosur, Central America and the Andean Community, the latter two being in its final stage, include important parts on trade and other dimensions.

The renewed Market Access Strategy is now well in place and draws on the pooled expertise of the Commission, the Member States and business to deal with barriers to foreign markets. The main aim of the market access strategy is to identify key barriers and focus on the main difficulties faced by European business in foreign markets. Also by way of contribution to the WTO's overall role of monitoring compliance of the G20s standstill commitments with regard to imposition of new trade restrictive measures in the context of the global crisis, the Commission has issued since 2008 five reports of potentially trade restrictive measures, based on the input of the Market access teams in the most important markets for EU exporters. Where significant market access barriers remain, the use of all available trade policy tools is and will be considered, including the Community Trade Barriers Regulation and/or WTO action as appropriate.

Furthermore work is well underway to enhance international regulatory cooperation. The Transatlantic Economic Council is the most promising instrument in this respect and some important progress has been achieved[17]. Also the High Level Trade Mechanism with China contributes to a process towards a convergence of regulations and standards. Continued action is being taken to improve the effectiveness of the IPR enforcement system against counterfeiting and the negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement (ACTA) are now well advanced. In October 2009, the Commissioned issued a report on intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement which targets countries for closer cooperation in the field of IPR enforcements and combating infringements. Further sectoral market opening remains crucial such as the finalisation of a second stage agreement of the EU-US Air Transport Agreement (negotiations are well underway); reforming aviation arrangements with other key economic partners, (e.g. Canada, China and India); completing the Common Aviation Area with the EU's neighbours , such as Mediterranean countries and correcting the existing bilateral aviation agreements to take account of the EU dimension.

3 CONCLUSION

Further substantial progress was made in the implementation of the CLP in 2009. In particular, the priorities set under the CLP remained valid in the economic and financial crisis and focussed action helped to find appropriate responses.

Amongst the most important achievements in the second year of the CLP cycle are:

- The adoption by the EP and Council of the Renewed Social Agenda that addresses the need to enhance employment opportunities and ensuring solidarity.

- The first step towards a common migration policy was achieved by the adoption of the directive on entry of highly skilled workers, so called Blue Card Directive , by the Council.

- The Small Business Act and its Action Plan was endorsed by the EP and Council in December 2008 and implementation has substantially advanced, both by the Commission and by the Member States.

- The Commission has made very significant further progress in implementing its better regulation agenda, notably in the area of the reduction of unnecessary administrative burdens.

- The Commission has put forward a set of legislative proposals aimed at reforming and strengthening the EU financial supervision system .

- A legal framework for the creation and operation of - research infrastructures of European interest was adopted in June 2009 and subsequently entered into force in August 2009.

- The Climate and Energy package including a revised EU ETS directive, a decision setting targets for Member States for emissions reductions in sectors outside the EU ETS and a directive on the promotion of renewable energy was formally adopted in April 2009.

- The Third Package on the Internal Energy Market which aims to supplement the existing rules so as to ensure that the internal market operates smoothly for all consumers and to enable the EU to achieve a more secure, competitive and sustainable energy supply was adopted on 13 July 2009In addition, substantial progress has also been made in the implementation of the CLP aspects of the European Economic Recovery Plan (see Annex 2).

Nevertheless, a considerable number of policy actions remain to be further developed or finalised. In particular, there are five areas where more progress should be made. These are:

- Progress has stalled on the Pension Portability Directive that is essential to facilitate cross-border working.

- Further progress still need to be made on integrating the retail mortgage market and other retail financial markets across the EU.

- Following the political agreement in the Council on the EU Patent and the European and EU Patents Courts, this encouraging progress needs to continue, subject to the pending opinion of the European Court of Justice, to resolve the outstanding issues such as translation arrangements of the patent in order to bring about an affordable single EU-wide patent for innovators in Europe.

- Only limited progress has been made in overcoming the regulatory and tax obstacles to cross-border venture capital investments that serious limit the availability of finance for innovation.

- A number of the legislative proposals introduced as part of the Small Business Act still need to be adopted.

As a result the Commission calls on the legislators to give priority to these legislative acts that could accelerate the recovery of the EU economy in its decision making.

Annex Table I: Measures included in original CLP

Key Objectives | Achievements since renewed CLP | Measures to be adopted by the European Commission | Measures to be adopted as priority action by other institutions (EP, Council) | Measures to be implemented |

Integrated Guidelines 20 (Matching of Labour ,Market needs), 21 (Flexicurity), 23 (Investment in Human Capital), & 24 (Education and training systems) |

The Commission will propose a renewed Social Agenda by mid-2008, particularly covering education, migration, and demographic evolutions, and help to address the skills gap by improving the monitoring and forecasting of future skills requirements | The renewed Social Agenda is adopted by the Commission in July 2008. The Council and the European Parliament subsequently endorsed it. COM (2208) 412 |

Ensure progressive removal by all MS of transitional restrictions on the free movement of workers from the new Member States. (by 2011 at the latest for EU 8 and 2014 for EU 2) |

DIRECTIVE on minimum requirements for enhancing work mobility by improving the acquisition and preservation of supplementary pension rights (the "Portability Directive") COM (2007)603. (Previous Commission adoption: October 2007) |

REGULATION laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems is adopted by the European Parliament and of the Council | The REGULATION will enter into force on May 1st 2010. |

Monitor the implementation of the RECOMMENDATION 2008C/ 111/01 on the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning Member States are asked to relate national qualifications systems to the EQF by 2010. |

DIRECTIVE on Recognition of Professional Qualifications 2005/36/EC: 21 Member States fully and 6 Member States partially transposed |

Promote the implementation of the Recommendation on key competences for lifelong learning through the OMC and report back to EP and Council in 2010 COM(2005)548. |

The Council and the European Parliament have endorsed the RECOMMENDATION 2009/C 155/02 on EU-wide credit system transfer and accumulation systems for vocational training on 18 June 2009. |

The Council and the European Parliament have endorsed the RECOMMENDATION 2009/C 155/01on quality assurance in vocational education and training on 18 June 2009. |

The Council adopted a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET2020) on 12 May 2009. |

The Commission has adopted the communication New Skills for New Jobs - Anticipating and matching labour market and skills needs on 16 December 2008 - EU-wide inventory and monitoring system for on-going anticipation of future skills requirements in the context of "new skills for new jobs" initiative. COM(2008)868 |

Integrated Guideline 20 (Matching of Labour Market needs) |

The Commission will make proposals for a common policy on immigration in 2008 | Proposal for a DIRECTIVE on conditions of admission of seasonal workers. Proposals on conditions of admission of remunerated trainees. Proposal for a DIRECTIVE on conditions of admission of intra-corporate transferees. Delayed from 2008, projected adoption 2010 |

The Council has adopted the DIRECTIVE Entry of highly skilled workers (2009/50/EC); "Blue Card" on May 25 2009. | The DIRECTIVE should be transposed by 19 June 2011. |

Integrated Guideline 15 (SMEs) |

The Community will adopt a Small Business Act to unlock the growth potential of SMEs throughout their life-cycle | The “Small Business Act for Europe” was adopted in June 2008 by the Commission. The European Council and the European Parliament supported the full implementation of the Action Plan for the SBA. The Commission adopted a proposal for amendment to the DIRECTIVE (2000/35/EC) on late payments. DIRECTIVE (2009/47/EC) on reduced VAT rates entered into force in June 2009. Proposal for DIRECTIVE amending Directive 2005/112/EC on VAT invoicing is adopted by the Commission. Proposal for REGULATION on the statute for a European private company is adopted by the Commission. The Commission adopted the General Block Exemption Regulation on State Aids (GBER) on 7 July 2008. | DIRECTIVE on late payments Projected adoption 2010 DIRECTIVE on VAT invoicing Projected adoption 2010 REGULATION on the statute for a European private company Projected adoption 2010 | Implementation of the other SBA actions, including the ten guiding principles by Member States. |

Integrated Guideline 14 (Better regulation) |

The Community will move towards the target to reduce EU administrative burdens by 25 % by 2012 and implement an ambitious simplification programme | Rolling SIMPLIFICATION PROGRAMME (2006-2009): 147 actions are adopted by the Commission. Of these, 110 actions are finalised (67 adopted by the Council and the European Parliament and 43 adopted by Commission as autonomous acts). [9 proposed actions were either consolidated in other actions or abandoned.] | Rolling SIMPLIFICATION PROGRAMME (2005-2009): 3 initiatives (2009) and 20 initiatives (2010) are planned to be proposed by the Commission. | 28 pending proposals from SIMPLIFICATION PROGRAMME (2005-2009) |

In 2008 the Commission proposed 11 fast track actions for reducing administrative burden, of which 7 were in the form of legislative proposals. | 1 pending proposal (comprising two reduction measures) for Fast Track Actions. Projected adoption 2010 | Implementation of adopted measures by MS authorities |

In 2009 the Commission presented 14 new reduction measures, of which 10 are legislative proposals (the remaining being executive acts, guidance documents and IT tools). | Present before the end of the year 8 additional reduction measures | 10 legislative measures based on the Commission proposals. Projected adoption 2010 | Implementation of adopted measures by MS authorities. Implementation of non-legislative reduction measures |

Integrated Guidelines 9 (Information Society), 12 (Internal Market) &13 (Open Markets) |

The Community will strengthen the single market, increase competition in services, and take further steps to integrate the financial services market | Political agreement is reached on the revision of DIRECTIVE 2002/21/EC on the regulatory framework for electronic communications and services |

The Commission adopted a Communication on developing harmonised consumer complaints data in order to help towards a better monitoring of the market. | The Commission will adopt a Recommendation introducing a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and enquiries in 2010. |

Communication on Retail Market Monitoring Delayed from 2009, projected adoption 2010. | Market monitoring in key markets |

DIRECTIVE amending Directive 97/67/EC concerning the full accomplishment of the internal market of Community postal services. Deadline for implementation is 2011/ 2013 |

DIRECTIVES - Third Package on Rail COM (2004) 140. Deadline for implementation is 2009 |

DIRECTIVE 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market. Deadline for implementation is 28 December 2009 |

The Commission adopted a RECOMMENDATION (2009/524/EC) on measures to improve the functioning of the single market, endorsed by the Council (mid-2009) | Actions to improve implementation of single market following Communication on the application of Community Law (SMR) COM (2007)502. |

Proposals to allow companies to choose an EU-wide tax base Delayed from 2008 |

Follow up of Retail banking (including payment cards and payment systems) and Business Insurance Sector Inquiries. |

Measures to promote the creation of an EU mortgage credit market following a communication Delayed from 2008 |

The Council adopted a DIRECTIVE 2008/18/EC amending Directive 85/611 on the EU harmonised investment funds- UCITS IV | The Commission will adopt the Level 2 implementing measures Projected adoption end 2010 | The DIRECTIVE should be transposed by June 2011. |

Markets in Financial Instruments DIRECTIVE 2008/10/EC (MIFID) adopted and implemented in Member States. |

SEPA payment scheme for credit transfers is launched. SEPA Direct Debit has been launched on 1st November 2009: SEPA compatible Market entry in the Card market rendered possible. Revised REGULATION 2560/2001 on cross-border payments in Euro is in force since 1 November 2009. The Commission adopted a Communication Roadmap 2009-2012 in September 2009, outlining the actions to be undertaken by various stakeholders to complete the SEPA implementation COM(2009)471. | Clarifications on SEPA related competition issues to be pursued |

Measures for New Internal Market Package for Goods are adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. | The Regulation on marketing of products will be applicable as from 1 January 2010. Implementing actions for accreditation policy and market surveillance will be prepared so as to be ready for the 1 January 2010 date. |

The Commission adopted a proposal for DIRECTIVE Solvency II on the taking-up and pursuit of the business of Insurance and Reinsurance in July 2007 The Council and the Parliament adopted in November 2009 DIRECTIVE 2009/138/EC Solvency II | The Commission will adopt the Level 2 implementing measures by the end of 2010. |

The Council and the Parliament adopted in November 2009 the Amendments (CRD 2nd package) to DIRECTIVES 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC on Capital Requirements to address the problems highlighted by the crisis, including the 5% retention rule for securitisation. |

Integrated Guideline 7 (R&D) |

The Community will make the "fifth freedom" (the free movement of knowledge) a reality and create a genuine European Research area. | Promotion of open innovation and knowledge sharing between public research organisations and industry by making the European Institute of Innovation and Technology fully operational. |

The Commission has adopted: 'Better careers and more mobility: a European partnership for researchers' COM 2008 (317). | The measure is being implemented. |

The Commission has adopted: 'A strategic European Framework for International Science and Technology Cooperation COM (2008) 588; its the implementation is managed through the Strategic Forum for International S&T Co-operation (SFIC). | The measure is being implemented |

The Council has on 02 December 2008 adopted conclusions on the Commission Communication "Towards Joint Programming in Research: working together to tackle common challenges more effectively" COM (2008) 468. The Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation on "measures to combat neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's, through joint programming of research activities" COM (2009) 379/3. | Following the Commission Communication in 2008, Commission proposals aimed at launching joint programming initiatives. Projected adoption end 2010 | The Council Conclusions, Resolution or Recommendation aimed at launching joint programming initiatives. Projected adoption (end 2009 and 2010) | A joint programming initiative to combat neurodegenerative diseases is to be implemented. |

The Commission adopted renewed R&D and innovation strategies in thematic fields: COM(2009)116: "A Strategy for ICT R&D and Innovation in Europe: Raising the Game", COM(2009)519: "Investing in the Development of Low Carbon Technologies (SET-Plan)", COM(2008) 862: "Towards a coherent strategy for a European Agricultural Research Agenda" |

The Commission has adopted a proposal for a Regulation on the Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure (ERI) COM (2008) 467. It has been adopted by the Council on 25 June 2009. | Member States to submit proposals to set up specific ERICs. (European Research Infrastructures Consortium |

Integrated Guideline 8 (Innovation) |

The Community will improve the framework conditions for innovation, in particular for venture capital and intellectual property rights. | The Commission adopted: A Communication on a comprehensive industrial property rights strategy in July 2008 COM (2008) 465 RECOMMENDATION on the management of intellectual property in knowledge transfer activities and the Code of Practice for universities and other public research organisations. C (2008) 1329 The Council has adopted a Resolution endorsing and supporting this Recommendation (June 2008 10323/08). A Communication on enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market and launched the EU Observatory on Counterfeiting The Commission is financing tailored measures to help SMEs to enforce their rights and fight counterfeiting, like the SME IPR China Helpdesk. Measures facilitating faster and cheaper trademark registration are adopted. |

Coordinated national action and follow-up at Community level to increase mutual recognition of national frameworks for venture capital investments |

The Commission adopted a RECOMMENDATION to the Council to authorise the Commission to open negotiations for adoption of an Agreement creating Unified Litigation System in March 2009 SEC (2009)330. The Council adopted Conclusions on an Enhanced Patent System in Europe and a General Approach on the EU Patent on 4 December 2009. | Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION on the translation arrangements for the EU Patent | First Reading in the European Parliament on the Regulation for an EU Patent COM (2000)412 |

As of October 2009, JEREMIE was implemented in support of SMEs and start ups in 13 Member States either at national or at regional level. A total amount of € 3.069 billion has been legally committed so far to be contributed by ERDF operational programmes to JEREMIE holding funds. | JEREMIE: The Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises initiative JASMINE: Joint Action to Support Micro-finance Institutions in Europe |

EIF - The High Growth and Innovative SME Facility (GIF): risk capital for innovative SMEs in their early stages and in their expansion phase (GIF2-€ 550 m) |

EIF- The SME Guarantee Facility, providing loan guarantees to encourage banks to make more debt finance available to SMEs, (€506 m) |

EIF-The Seed Capital Action and the Partnership Action: helping to reinforce the capacity of financial intermediaries to invest in and lend to SMEs. (€73 m) It is foreseen that these actions will not be implemented and that his budget will be shifted to GIF using the flexibility of the CIP legal basis |

Integrated Guidelines 11 (Environment), 12 (Internal Market) 13 (Open Markets) & 16 (Infrastructure) |

The Community will complete the internal market for energy and adopt the climate change package in order to put in place the framework to achieve at least a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and reach a 20% Renewables energy share by 2020. | The Climate Change and the Renewable Energy Packages have been adopted by the Council of European Union and by the European Parliament 23 April 2009. | The list of sectors with significant risk of carbon leakage to be adopted Comitology procedure on-going, projected adoption before end 2009 Determination of benchmarks for industrial sectors by Commission decision (comitology) Projected adoption end 2010 |

DIRECTIVE 2009/29/EC - Amending the Emission Trading Directive, 2003/87/EC is adopted by the Commission, the Council of European Union and by the European Parliament in April 2009. | The DIRECTIVE should be transposed into national law by 31 December 2012. |

The European parliament and the Council have adopted DIRECTIVE 2009/31/EC on Carbon Capture and Geological Storage (CCS) in April 2009. | The DIRECTIVE should be transposed into national law by 25 June 2011. |

REGULATION on rule for auctioning of allowances under the EU ETS Projected adoption June 2010 |

The third package on the Internal Market for Energy has been adopted by the Council of the European Union and by the European Parliament | DIRECTIVE 2009/72/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity Implementation by 2011 DIRECTIVE 2009/73/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas Implementation by 2011 REGULATION 713/2009 establishing an Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators Implementation by 2011 REGULATION 714/2009 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity Implementation by 2011 REGULATION 715/2009 on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks Implementation by 2011 |

Follow up measures to the energy sector inquiry |

Integrated Guidelines 10 (Industrial Base) & 11 (Environment) |

The Community will promote an industrial policy geared towards more sustainable production and consumption, focusing on renewable energies and low-carbon and resource-efficient products, services and technologies. | The Commission adopted SCP/SIP Action Plan in July 2008 to promote the establishment of an internal market for environmental technologies COM(2008) 397 | Legislative proposals following the "Sustainable industrial policy/Sustainable consumption policy", notably extension of EUP Directive Projected adoption end 2010 |

The Commission adopted the Energy Efficiency Package on the energy performance of buildings COM(2008) 780 and on energy labelling of tyres COM(2008) 779 and energy labelling and product information on energy-related products COM(2008) 778. In October / November 2009, the European Parliament and the Council have reached a political agreement on the Energy Efficiency Package. | Proposals for three DIRECTIVES as part of the Energy Efficiency Package Projected adoption end of 2009/ beginning 2010 |

Revision of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan Projected adoption 2010/2011 |

The Commission adopted in December 2007 the lead markets initiative to promote the development of European lead markets for energy/resource efficient technology COM(2007) 860 |

Proposal for a DIRECTIVE - Review of the Energy Taxation Directive Delayed from 2008, projected adoption 2010 |

DIRECTIVE 2009/28/EC on the promotion of renewable energy amending Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC was adopted by the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament | The DIRECTIVE should be transposed into national law by December 2010. |

3 Commission REGULATIONS setting eco-design requirements (through Comitology): water heaters; washing machines; dishwashers Projected adoption 2010 | Six Commission REGULATIONS setting eco-design requirements (through Comitology): Simple set-top boxes; external power supplies; tertiary sector lighting equipment; domestic sector lighting equipment; domestic refrigerators and freezers; and televisions |

Five Commission DIRECTIVES (through Comitology) implementing the energy labelling directive for water heaters; washing machines; dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers; and televisions Projected adoption 2010 |

In July 2008 the Commission adopted a COMMUNICATION on public procurement for a better environment COM(2008)400 | Measures to strengthen the Public Procurement of high-performance environmentally-friendly products, technologies and services-following July 2008 Communication Projected adoption 1st Q 2010 |

The Commission adopted the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan), aimed at an accelerated development and wide-scale application of clean, sustainable and efficient energy technologies COM(2007) 723 Based on the SET Plan, the Commission adopted the Communication on Investing in the development of low carbon technologies COM(2009) 519 |

- 7th Framework Programme (2007-13): €2.3 billion for energy, €1.8 billion for environment (including climate change) - Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) (2007-13), Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP) € 430 million for eco-innovation and Intelligent Energy for Europe (IEE) €730 million |

Integrated Guideline 13 (Open Markets) |

Whilst working to conclude the Doha multilateral trade negotiations, the Community will negotiate bilaterally with key trading partners to open up new opportunities for international trade and investment, improve market access focussing on countries and sectors where significant barriers remain, and create a common space of regulatory provisions and standards. | The Commission initialled an FTA with South Korea; Launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada |

International Agreement - New Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with China/ trade and investment part Fur |

Bilateral Cooperation EU-USA- Transatlantic Economic Council; EU-USA Energy Council is created Bilateral regulatory cooperation with US, Japan, China and Russia |

Multi-party Agreement - Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) |

Monitoring and strengthening of spending on Growth and Jobs (earmarking) | European Cohesion Policy Funds (mid-term review 2010) European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (mid-term review 2010) Lifelong learning Programme European Globalisation Adjustment Fund |

Annex Table II: Community measures, notably part of the EERP, contributing to the objectives of the CLP, but not originally foreseen

Key Objectives | Achievements since renewed CLP | Measures to be adopted by the European Commission | Measures to be adopted as priority action by other institutions (EP, Council) | Measures to be implemented |

Integrated Guidelines 9 (Information Society), 12 (Internal Market) &13 (Open Markets) |

The Community will strengthen the single market, increase competition in services, and take further steps to integrate the financial services market | In April 2009 the Commission adopted a Communication outlining the work to harmonise protection rules for investors in packaged retail investment products.COM(2009)2004 | Further policy proposals to harmonise protection rules for investors in packaged retail investment products will follow. |

REGULATION (EC) No 1060/2009 on Credit Rating Agencies is adopted by the EP and the Council in April and entered into force in October 2009. |

In October 2009, the Communication adopted a Communication outlining the policy proposals for future legislative measures on safety of financial derivatives markets. COM(2009) 563 |

In April 2009, the Commission has proposed a DIRECTIVE on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM), covering also managers of venture capital funds. COM(2009) 207 | DIRECTIVE on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) Projected adoption 2010 |

In September 2009, the Commission has adopted a package of proposals for REGULATIONS reforming the EU financial supervision system followed by the 'Omnibus Directive' introducing changes in the sectoral legislation to define the scope of powers exercised by the new European Supervisory Authorities in October 2009 COM(2009) 576 | Proposals for REGULATIONS establishing; the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) The European Banking Authority, The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, European Securities Markets Authority Council Decision on relations between the ESRB and the ECB Projected adoption 2010 |

The Commission launched work on cross-border crisis management and bank resolution framework with public consultation started in October 2009. COM(2009) 561 |

The Commission has adopted the Decision on financing the IASCF, EFRAG and PIOB to enhance effectiveness and independence of these bodies. | The Decision is being implemented. |

The Council and the Parliament adopted. Directive 2009/14/EC amending Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes as regards the coverage level and the payout delay11 March 2009 | . |

In April 2009 two RECOMMENDATIONS adopted by the Commission on: remuneration of directors of listed companies C (2009)/3177 and on remuneration in the financial services sector C (2009)/3159. | The RECOMMENDATIONS need be implemented. |

The Commission has adopted Amendments (SEC (2009)974 and 975) to DIRECTIVES 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC on Capital Requirements (CRD) on trading book exposures, re-securitisation and remuneration (CRD 3rd package) | Commission to adopt further amendments (CRD 4th package) which are likely to cover through-the-cycle expected loss provisioning, liquidity and leverage, capital buffers and removal of national options and discretions. | DIRECTIVE - Amendments CRD on trading book exposures, re-securitisation and remuneration (CRD 3rd package) Projected adoption 2010 |

In May 2009, the Council adopted an amending Regulation (No 473/2009) to Council Regulation No 1698/2005 based on Commission's proposals on the use of €1.02 million the Recovery Plan to bring broadband in rural areas and/or for facing new challenges as identified under the Health-Check of the CAP. |

Integrated Guideline 7 (R&D) |

The Community will make the "fifth freedom" (the free movement of knowledge) a reality and create a genuine European Research area. | The Commission in July 2009 launched the call for research projects for the three public private partnerships (PPPs); Factories of the Future, Green Cars and Energy Efficient Buildings with funding from 7th Framework Programme and industry. Expected that the first projects will start spring 2010. |

Integrated Guidelines 11 (Environment), 12 (Internal Market) 13 (Open Markets) & 16 (Infrastructure) |

The Community will complete the internal market for energy and adopt the climate change package in order to put in place the framework to achieve at least a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and reach a 20% Renewables energy share by 2020. | The DIRECTIVE 2009/119/EC on emergency oil stocks has been adopted by the Council. | The DIRECTIVE 2009/119/EC should be transposed into national law by 2012. |

The Commission adopted proposals: for a new REGULATION measures to safeguard security of gas supply for a revision of REGULATION 736/96 on notifying projects to the Community in the petroleum, natural gas and electricity sector COM(2009) 361 | Council REGULATION concerning the notification to the Commission of investment projects in energy infrastructure within the European Community repealing Regulation (EC) No 736/96 Projected adoption 2010 Revision of REGULATION of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply DIRECTIVEand repealing Directive 2004/67/EC Projected adoption 2010 |

Adoption in July 2009 of proposals on Energy Security and Infrastructure as a follow up of the Second Strategic Energy Review proposing a number of strategic projects to strengthen solidarity and security of supply in the truly European energy network (€ 4 billion Community financing) |

Integrated Guideline 13 (Open Markets) |

Whilst working to conclude the Doha multilateral trade negotiations, the Community will negotiate bilaterally with key trading partners to open up new opportunities for international trade and investment, improve market access focussing on countries and sectors where significant barriers remain, and create a common space of regulatory provisions and standards. | International Agreement – Commission actively participates in work of the G-20 and has obtained permanent place as a member in the new Financial Stability Board |

[1] COM(2008) 881, 16.12.2008.

[2] Key Issues Paper, 13.3.2009, 6784/0/09 REV2.

[3] OJ C 119, 28.5.2009, p. 2.

[4] “A Common Immigration Policy for Europe: Principles, Actions and Tools” - COM(2008) 359, 17.6.2008.

[5] Directive 2009/50/EC.

[6] “Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens in the EU: Sectoral Reduction Plans and 2009 Actions” - COM(2009) 544, 22.10.2009.

[7] “Proposals for A Community Lisbon Programme” - COM(2007) 804, 11.12.2007.

[8] Council Conclusions May 2008 (9076/08).

[9] Council Regulation (EC) No 723/2009 on the Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC).

[10] Commission recommendation: on the management of intellectual property in knowledge transfer activities and Code of Practice for universities and other public research organisations – C(2008) 1329.

[11] “Reviewing Community innovation policy in a changing world” - COM(2009) 442, 2.9.2009.

[12] “Removing obstacles to cross-border investments by venture capital funds”, December 2007.

[13] "Enhancing the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market" - COM(2009) 467.

[14] ERDF Regulation (EC) No 397/2009 (OJ L 126, 21.5.2009).

[15] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Public procurement for a better environment - COM(2008) 400.

[16] http://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/toolkit_en.htm

[17] TEC: Review of Progress Reports: December 2008 and October 2009.