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The Vienna conference on co-existence pays lip service to ‘freedom of choice’

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The ‘Freedom of Choice’ conference on co-existence, organised by the European Commission and the Austrian Presidency of the EU, has not born fruit, to the regret of the Assembly of European Regions (AER). Following our meeting at the end of March with European Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel, we expected more from this event. However, once at the conference, we simply realised that even the Commissioners concerned disagreed on the approach to be adopted on the basis of the opinion of the European Food Security Authority, namely: when it comes to authorising a specific product, is this merely an economic problem or also an environmental and health issue? Furthermore, the debate was distorted from the very beginning, due to the divergence in views on how to define co-existence and what thresholds should be introduced for labelling. These differences hinder any significant progress in regulating GMO crops.

The AER is not hiding from the truth: the existence of GMOs in Europe is today a reality which no one can deny. We insist however that guarantees must be put into place immediately, namely the application of the precautionary and polluter-pays principles and the adoption of common European rules, so that the regions can preserve their traditional agriculture. Leaving it up to Member States to individually decide what rules should be applied is definitely not a viable solution. Cross-contamination does not distinguish between national policies, on the contrary it can span the entire European continent!

The European Union should be more attentive to citizens’ concerns. Let us not forget that almost 70% were against the introduction of GMOs. The Vienna initiative could have been a success, as all participants contributed to a fruitful debate. Unfortunately, the Commission was not very present during the debates, despite its well-publicised wish to move towards more communication, transparency and democracy. In the end, this conference proved to be a closed event: for example, only two regions were officially invited to take the floor.

On a more positive note, however, during the March European Environmental Council, a number of Ministers criticised the current procedure for authorising GMOs and it was decided to improve this process in the coming months. We therefore congratulate the Austrian EU Presidency for its open approach to this issue.

The AER will closely monitor the progress of the European institutions and will continue its campaign for the adoption of common rules on co-existence. It will also increase its support for quality and organic agriculture, through the promotion of regional quality labels.

For more information: [email protected]

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The European Regions want to take part in the world wide movement in favour of sustainable energy!

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Wels, Oberösterreich (A), 2 March 2006

The World Sustainable Energy Days ended today on a positive note for the future of sustainable energy sources. The Assembly of European Regions (AER) was partner of this summit which brought together during three days in Wels (Oberösterreich-A) 930 experts, among them many representatives of energy agencies and regional and local authorities. The AER co-organised and chaired the debate on green electricity for Europe’s regions. ‘Rising oil prices and the recent disruption of gas supply from Russia have all highlighted Europe’s dependence in the field of energy and a crucial need to develop a true common energy policy. It is really urgent to secure our energy supplies and to develop our self-sufficiency in this field, that uphold our economic development model’ stated Kent Ögren, Chairman of the County Council of Norrbotten-S and Vice-President of the interregional network on energy and research of the AER.

‘This energy crisis has also made it clear that regional autonomy and further economic development of the regions depend on efficient decentralised energy policies, on strategies for renewable and alternative sources of energy, as well as on appropriate actions in promoting energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. We therefore welcome the EU institutions willingness to take up the issue,’ pointed out Agnès Ciccarone, Policy coordinator for the AER Committee ‘Regional policies’. ‘As far as they are concerned, the European regions, even those which do not have a clear competence in this field, are already mobilised in order to increase their self-sufficiency. No doubt that the Declaration we have just signed will strongly contribute to that goal’ concluded Kent Ögren.

Launched at the initiative of the OÖ Energiesparverband, main organiser of the World Days, this Declaration of the European Regions states that “We, the undersigned regional and local governments, have made a commitment to increasing our share of renewable energy, and to boosting energy efficiency in our regions”. The AER fully associates itself in this Declaration, which will contribute to environment and climate protection, regional job creation and economic growth, as well as to social cohesion. The Declaration will be the corner stone of the AER Energy Campaign. The AER will now invite not only its 255 member regions but also other regions from the EU and neighbouring countries to join this campaign and its interregional network on energy and research, in order to foster the exchange of know-how and experience in this field, as well as to identify the opportunities for co-funding of interregional projects.

The launch of the AER Energy Campaign has now be given. Further steps include the promotion of regional best practices in the field of renewable and alternative energies through seminars and online databases. The next seminar will be held on 20th and 21st April in Valencia-E. The AER will also assist its member regions in the setting up of interregional projects; it will help them to benefit from co-funding opportunities which will be numerous from 2007 onwards, especially through the 7th Framework programme on research and development (FP7) and the new Programme for competitiveness and innovation (PCI).

For more information: [email protected]

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Village+ Sustainable Development European Label: and the winner is … the County of Lake Tisza

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Today, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) will award the first Village+ Sustainable Development European Label. This label is aimed at supporting and promoting the territories in Europe which have adopted a proactive strategy in favour of environmentally-friendly tourism. The goal is also to encourage European citizens to discover specific regional identities in a sustainable way.

The Regional Development Council of Lake Tisza (Hungary) is the first to be awarded this label.

Thomas Carlsson, the AER Coordinator for Sustainable Quality Tourism, stated today on the occasion of the official award ceremony: ‘We particularly appreciate the involvement of all the partners of the Council of Lake Tisza in this project, though activities such as the ‘Paloc thematic tourist route’ or the ‘Lake Tisza Eco-centre’. More than 150 local actors from natural and cultural heritage, crafts and the tourism industry, worked hand in hand on sustainable development and have offered a place of unique environmental quality for tourists. The citizens of the entire territory were also fully involved in the project.’ The AER has therefore decided that the Council of Lake Tisza truly deserves to be awarded this label.

This Village+ initiative is the answer to the citizens’ strong request to give the environment the same weight as economic and social policies at regional, national and European level. The idea resulted from a European survey of 2005*, showing that in this respect, citizens primarily trust the work of NGOs, such as the AER. The Village+ Label will be a tool for reinforcing the European citizens’ confidence in territories, which are true poles of excellence for the preservation of the environment and for sustainable development. One key criteria to obtain this label is that at least one hundred stakeholders sign, as individuals, a Charter where they commit to act in an environmentally-friendly way everyday, notably in terms of waste segregation, energy and water saving, use of organic cleansing products…
‘We invite all European regional and local authorities to come forward with their projects and we hope to label many other interregional actions in the near future,’ underlined Thomas Carlsson.

All the labelled territories will jointly form the European Regions Touring Nature Network. This network will target international customers sensitive to environmental protection and wishing to discover regional identities and specificities in Europe. It will give tourists the opportunity to discover European rural territories in an ‘eco-tourist’ way.

For more information: [email protected]

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Thematic dossier n°10 on Saving energy in a hurry – Autumn 2005

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Saving energy in a hurry

Table of contents:

  • Editorial by Lutz Stratmann, Minister for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (D)
  • Giving renewable energies a new impetus: reduce our dependence, maintain our quality of life and preserve jobs
  • Much still needs to be done: EU 2010 targets: new impetus needed for renewables
  • How to achieve a change of direction
  • Regions favour sustainable energies
  • Europe’s regions opt for environmentally friendly electricity

(Use Pop Out button to Download/Open)

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Europe’s Regions demand “power-sharing” over GMO crop decision – GMO Free zones reach all time high

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Brussels (B), 16 May 2005

European regions have today reiterated their demand to be included in any decisions over the commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops (GM or GMOs) in order for them to enhance and promote quality agriculture and food products.

Over 250 people from across Europe today attended an over-subscribed conference in Brussels to hear regional Ministers and MEP’s call for a bigger say in whether GM crops are grown commercially in their region. The number of European regions and provinces now declaring themselves ‘GM Free zones’, or publicly wishing to restrict GM crops, has climbed to 162. Over 4500 local governments and smaller areas in Europe are similarly calling for restrictions to commercial growing (see www.gmofree-europe.org for a full list).

The conference, Safeguarding Sustainable European Agriculture, set out clearly that regions want to develop quality food products instead of GM foods. These demands are driven by a combination of concerns over the environment, food safety, food quality, the local and regional economy, and consumer and farmer choice. The conference also heard support for the Agriculture Commissioners notion that there is a need for EU-wide legislation for the coexistence of GM, conventional, traditional and organic farming in order to prevent contamination. The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and Friends of the Earth Europe, published 10 principles that should be included in any such legislation (see www.foeeurope.org/press/2005/10_principles_EN.pdf).

The conference was organised by the AER and Friends of the Earth Europe, and was hosted by Mr Janusz Wojciechowski MEP, with the strong support of Upper Austria and Tuscany.

Quotations:

Mr Janusz Wojciechowski MEP said:
‘In the New Member States the majority of farms are small family farms, particularly in Poland. For this kind of farming we have the opportunity to produce ecologically and traditionally using natural technologies, which respect environmental and animal welfare standards. GMO and other intensive technologies focus on how to produce more and more products as cheaply as possible. That idea threatens not only human health and environment safety, but also the economical and social interest of millions of small farmers.’

Mr Josef Martinz, Carinthian Minister for Agriculture, speaking on behalf of the Assembly of European Regions said:
“I kindly ask the European Commission to lay the ground so that it is feasible to produce food without GMOs.’

Mr Rudi Anschober, Minister for the Environment and Consumer Protection in Upper Austria said:
‘ We have led the way in avoiding the commercial cultivation of GM crops and of seeds and plants containing GMOs with a total ban in our whole region by regional law. . Having in mind the right of self-determination, the precautionary and the polluter-pays-principles, Brussels must allow regions to decide their own form of agriculture.’

Ms Susanna Cenni, the new Agriculture Minister for Tuscany said:
‘Tuscany is recognized around the world for its rural culture, quality local products and its special relationship between the environment and its people. These qualities are treasured, especially economically, and the introduction of GMOs could irremediably destroy them. We are strongly determined to defend these qualities from any external factors that could represent a danger for its delicate balance.’

Mr Adrian Bebb, GM campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:
‘ The European Commission must wake up to the fact that more and more regions are rejecting the cultivation of genetically modified crops. This is at complete odds with the Commission strategy to force more GM foods and crops into Europe.’

For more information: [email protected]

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Promoting Sustainable Development: Learning From Regions’ Experience

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Azores (P), 10 May 2005

“The regions of Europe have to take up the new challenges of a rapidly changing European and global context. Growth and competitiveness depend on the capacity of the regions to enhance their self-development based on sustainability. To achieve this goal, the AER Centurio-Interreg III C Programme, gathering almost 50 regions, provides the best interregional platform for exchange of know-how and experience in three key areas of regional sustainable development: sustainable economic development, environmental protection and sustainable quality tourism. The program also offers an opportunity for developing initiatives in these priority fields.” stated Mr Carlos César, President of the Regional Government of the Azores at the Conference on “Promoting Sustainable Development: Learning From Regions’ Experience”, organised by the AER in Ponta Delgada, Azores-P.

Disseminating experiences and information gained during the first stage of Centurio (2004-2005) was the main target of the Conference, which was organised within the framework of the Programme. More than 100 participants – regional politicians, officers, experts, from Regions within and beyond the EU- focused on the following issues:
•    Public-Private-Partnership as a tool for regional development,
•    Environmental Protection: our environment, our capital,
•    Regions’ economic potential and human resources for sustainable development,
•    Sustainable quality tourism as a key for regional development.

“The Conference allowed some leading regions showing proactive approaches in the field of sustainable development” said Mr Klaus Klipp, Secretary General of the AER.

The successful projects of Public-Private-Partnerships presented by Gloucestershire (UK) and Vejle (DK) were particularly useful for the regions of the new EU Member states. The Gloucestershire initiative involves local authorities, actors from the private sector and regional partners and their main aims are to identify the needs of employers and investors, to promote the region’s economic potential, to form concepts, strategies and to establish partnerships. Vejle’s Green Network is a public private network on sustainable development with focus on continuous improvements within environmental and social responsibility. The network gathers 280 companies, Vejle Region and 9 municipalities from the region.

The examples on clusters presented by Upper Austria (A) and the Canton of Zurich (CH) were also welcomed by the participants as tools for sustainable development. The Upper Austria’s clusterland is one of the best examples how to improve the competitiveness and innovative strengths of companies, particularly SMEs, in the regional industrial and technological agglomerations through co-operation in networks. Clusters operate in the field of automotive, drive technology, plastics, wood, eco-energy, food health, technology, and mechatronics with more than 1600 partners. Zurich’s strategy on economic development also focuses on the growing importance of clusters, concentrating on the industry sectors, on the significance of knowledge and on creating networks between universities, businesses, research and development, the government and the community.

Presentations on different approaches in the field of environmental protection among others by the Region of Valencia (ES), as well as in the field of quality tourism by the Region of Azores (P) or Lapland (FI), gave a unique overview how to focus on sustainability in these areas of development. The Region of Valencia implemented the regional sustainable development strategy in the framework of the Programs LIFE, IEE, e-TEN and Leonardo as well as the projects like Ecobus, Urbanbat or Ecorice cover the priority fields of sustainability and environmental protection.

The closing presentation at the Conference was the integrated approach of tourism development in Lapland. The tourism industry’s most important feature in Lapland is offering all year round attractions with various tourism products and services. To secure controlled and sustainable development, the tourism and public sector are in close cooperation and one of the most important strategic goals are high quality and customer satisfaction.

For more information: [email protected]

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The AER calls upon the European Council to assess the impact of liberalization

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Before adopting the draft Services Directive

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) appeals to the wisdom of the Heads of State and Governments when discussing the draft Directive on Services during the next European Council (16-17 December 2004).

At the last AER General Assembly in Vienna (25-26 November 2004), the AER member regions, representing the entire political spectrum of Europe, expressed their deep concerns over the impact of liberalization of services on social and territorial cohesion in the EU. The draft Service Directive will have a significant consequences for a number of services of general interest which are essential for the European citizens. The European Regions demand therefore that the European Council:

  • – evaluates the consequences of previous liberalization in such sectors as postal and telephone services, energy, water supply, railway transports, in terms of employment, environmental protection, as well as social and territorial cohesion, before any further liberalization of new services sectors,
  • – clarifies the scope and the limits of this Directive, in order to insure that it does not undermine the European social model,
  • – carries out, if the need arises, a prospective study of the consequences of such a uniform, standardized approach to the sensitive sectors of healthcare, social services, education, culture, areas in which each EU Member State has its own traditions.

“We plead for sectorial evaluations, on a State by State basis, which should be run by ideologically independent agencies, in order to make sure that the principles of universality, affordability, quality, permanence and transparency, so essential for the European citizens, are still respected” said Riccardo Illy, the AER President and President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region. “We also ask for a comprehensive study in rural, remote and lagging regions, all in all in uncompetitive areas, in order to measure the impact of liberalization on the accessibility of services of general interest outside urban areas” he added.

Furthermore in the “AER Common position on services of general interest”, the AER member regions call upon the European Institutions that no moves be made toward the further liberalization of the areas of culture, education, health, social affairs, water supply, waste and sewage disposal in the international arena. In particular within the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) which rules don’t recognize the notion of services for the general interest of the citizens.

For more information: [email protected]

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Services of General interest in a New Europe Reinforcing the scope for action by the regions

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Vienna (A), 26 November 2004

The members of the Assembly of European Regions, meeting in Vienna on 25th and 26th November 2004 welcomed the signing of the European Constitution as a clear sign that Europe is moving towards the establishment of a Union grounded in the principle of subsidiarity and recognising the key role of the regions in contributing to policy-making. During the meeting in Vienna, the AER decided to commit itself to support the ratification of the Constitution, which creates a significantly improved European framework for regions. The AER urges, however, the EU Member States to respect and to implement the objectives and values set out in the Constitution, notably in the Charter of Fundamental Rights (Part II), which underpins the European social model.

The current developments at European and international level, such as the review and reform of the rules on state aid, the proposed Directive on services in the internal market or the ongoing developments in the context of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) put at stake the very future of services of general interest in Europe. These are mainly delivered by regional and local authorities, in particular in the areas of economic development, education and training, housing, transport, health, care for the elderly and socially-excluded and the protection of the environment.

“Many European regions do not share the EU will to submit all our society to the logic of competition and free trade”, said Liese Prokop, the AER outgoing President. “We also strongly reject any populist arguments that suggest that governments and public administration in general are unable to think and act economically and efficiently. Many regional governments face mounting difficulties, due to the increasingly precarious situation of public budgets in times of moderate economic growth, to rationalise and save costs, and strive for social balance” Ms Prokop added.

In the Final Declaration adopted by the AER members after a two day debate in Vienna, the Regions of Europe call upon the European Council and the national governments to reinvigorate the European social model and the concept of a knowledge society, when reviewing the Lisbon strategy during the Spring Council of 2005.

“The Lisbon strategy should not limit the concept of economic growth to achieving a single market in services, but rather should take into consideration the unique nature of the European social model and how it can contribute to economic growth” pointed out Dr. Riccardo Illy, the new AER President. “We demand that the Union supports the regions’ efforts to combat social exclusion, poverty and promote wellbeing in their territories, by introducing the promotion of social policies as an important objective under the Union’s financial instruments, especially within the Structural Funds, the new instrument for pre-adhesion and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership instrument” Dr. Illy highlighted.

The General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions opposes any centrally inspired horizontal harmonising of EU legislation in the area of services of general interest, as there is no legal basis for European action in the field. It calls for a wider evaluation of the European rules on competition and state aid, on the basis of an open consultation process that includes the regions, and questions the rigidity of pure economic considerations, which guide the formulation of these rules. The AER also demands that international trade liberalisation be organised in a balanced way, through a democratic process, with the participation of all concerned institutions, including the regions, and stakeholders. Account should be taken of the established values and standards of the European Union, such as human rights, in particular workers’ and children’s rights, and social and environmental standards.

At the initiative of 21 regions of 14 countries, the General Assembly of the Assembly of European Regions adopted the following resolution on Ukraine: “We, the members of the Assembly of European Regions, representing 250 European Regions, express our deepest concern about the situation in Ukraine after the presidential elections. We are convinced of the necessity of finding a political solution which will respect common democratic standards.”

For more information: [email protected]

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General Assembly 2004 in Vienna: Dr. R. Illy, President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, elected President of the AER

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Vienna (A), 25 November 2004

The Assembly of European Regions unanimously elected Dr. Riccardo Illy, President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy), as its new President for a two years mandate, during its General Meeting in Vienna, on 25th November 2004. “I am very proud to hand over to Dr. Riccardo Illy as the President of the AER, the organisation committed to promoting regional democracy throughout Europe for almost 20 years now. His region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, has an exceptional experience of regionalism which gives the Regions of Europe the assurance of further progress in this field at European and international levels” said Liese Prokop, Vice-Minister President of Niederösterreich (A), the AER outgoing President. “The history of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, its status as autonomous and border region, as well as its geographical situation between Central and Southern Europe, are real assets for the development of dialogue between the European Regions and the strengthening of interregional cooperation at the borders of the new EU” she added.

Riccardo Illy, 49, Doctor Honoris Causa in Political Science of the University of Trieste and Vice-President of Illycaffè Company, started his lightning political career as Mayor of Trieste (1993-2001). In 2001, he was elected to the National Parliament of Italy as an independent candidate, a mandate he abandoned in June 2003 when he won the regional elections and became the President of the Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. He was directly elected as an independent candidate and leads a centre-left coalition government.

The Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia has a status of autonomy since 1963. The region has legislative powers, among others in the fields of transport, environment, health, social affairs, industry, research and innovation. The government actively supports the strengthening of the process of European integration and of the role of the regions in the new EU. It is always involved in the current EU enlargement, with specific emphasis on developing a true political European Union. One of its main strategies is the development of the region as a link between Southern and Central Europe and in this regard the region is promoting the ambitious project of the creation of a Euroregion, consisting of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Kärtnen (Austria), the some future Slovenian regions and the two Croatian counties (Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar).
Additional results of the AER elections 2004

Adrien Zeller, President of the Regional Council of Alsace (France) and Ivan Jakovcic, President of the Region of Istria (Croatia) were re-elected as AER Vice-Presidents. Brian Greenslade, Leader of Devon County Council (United Kingdom) was elected Vice-President Treasurer. Peter Straub who serves as well as President of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and President of the Landtag of Baden-Württemberg (Germany) and Stig-Erik Westmark, President of the International Commission for Västmanland (Sweden) were re-elected as Presidents for the Institutional Affairs Committee and the Social Cohesion, Social Policy and Public Health Committee respectively.

Onno Hoes, Member of the Board of the Provincial Executive of North Brabant (Netherlands) and Mag. Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Landesrätin of Niederösterreich (Austria) were respectively elected Presidents of the AER Committees on Regional Policy, Spatial planning, Infrastructure, Environment & Tourism and on Culture, Education & Training, Youth, Media & Information technology, Sport.

Jean-Claude Van Cauwenberghe, Minister-President of Wallonie (Belgium) and Marie-Dominique Simonet, Minister for External Relations of Wallonie (Belgium) were re-elected as Presidents of the AER Eurodyssey programme; this interregional exchanges programme allows 500 young Europeans to make an internship in private enterprises in the Eurodyssey partner regions and to gain professional experience abroad.

Michèle Sabban, Vice-President of the Region Ile-de-France (F) was confirmed as President of the Group ‘Equal opportunities’.

The new AER Presidium will be in charge of preparing the Regions of the EU and their citizens for the ratification of the new Constitution for Europe and afterwards for assisting the regions in playing an active role in the implementation process. They will also be responsible for taking initiatives aimed at following goals: to improve the new Cohesion Policy and the management of Structural Funds in the Enlarged Europe, to ensure the future of public services in Europe and particularly to assess the potential impact of the GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) on the competences of regions in health, social, education and cultural policy.

For more information: [email protected]

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Campaign for GM free zones and regions gathers force

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Environmentalists and regional authorities launch joint initiative

Strasbourg (F), 14 September 2004

Today the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and Friends of the Earth Europe (FoE) have launched a joint long-term campaign that aims to protect traditional crops and products from the consequences of the introduction of new genetic technologies. Among other things the AER and FoE will lobby together for a European legal framework on the coexistence of traditional and transgenic crops, as well as for the legal recognition of GMO-free zones and regions in Europe.

The AER and FOE call for a binding EU coexistence regulation, following the example of the law that was recently adopted by the German Parliament, with a clear definition of:

  • – biosafety measures such as separation distances between GM and non-GM crops and a public register for GMOs;
  • – a liability scheme in the event that conventional and organic crops as well as their seeds are contaminated by GMOs, on the basis of the precautionary and polluter-pays principles;
  • – the right of Member States and regional authorities to prohibit or restrict the use or sale of GMOs within the Common market if there is evidence of an advanced risk of extensive dissemination or a negative impact on the environment;
  • – legal provisions enabling the regions to define all or a part of their territory as a GMO-free zone or region, without these decisions being seen as an infringement to the Community principle of free movement of goods.

Klaus Klipp, Secretary General of the Assembly of European Regions said: “Since 1999, nearly two thousand regional and local authorities across Europe have declared themselves GMO-free areas, challenging the European law on the Common market. They want to confront the risks of contamination by GMOs and to protect their traditional and organic agriculture, as well as their products of designated origin. Via this joint initiative the AER aims to have the voice of the Regions heard at the European level”.

Geert Ritsema of Friends of the Earth said: “It is clear that environmentalists and European regions have a common interest to protect biodiversity, traditional and organic agriculture against the risks of GMOs. And today the German law on coexistence give us a chance to respond properly to GMO issue at European level”.

Several Members of the European Parliament were present at today’s press conference, where the joint AER/FoE initiative was launched:

Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski, EEP, PL, Vice-President of Agriculture Committee said: “Poland and other new EU Member states want to avoid the errors that the old EU Member states made in the past in order to preserve our traditional agriculture. We may produce less than them but our food must be natural and consumer-friendly. Only such a policy can help us to uphold small farms and maintain jobs in rural areas”.

Mrs. Jillian Evans, Greens/EFA, UK, said: “What is happening at European level since the Commission lifted the moratorium is additional proof that the European Parliament, which adopted the resolution on coexistence between GM and non-GM in December 2003, has not been heard once again. We welcome the German Parliament’s step forward on the issue, which opens the way to a new approach of coexistence”.

Download the Campain Package:

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The AER calls upon the European Commission to stop flooding the Common market with new GM-seeds

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Strasbourg (F), 7 September 2004

Since the European Commission decided to lift the ban on new GMOs last May, two new GM maize (BT11 and NK603) were authorised for sale within the EU and 17 new GM varieties of maize are likely to be authorised soon. During its meeting tomorrow, the European Commission will also tackle the sensitive question of the tolerance level for accidental contamination of seeds in conventional and organic harvests for which Commissioner Fischler’s proposal has already fixed a threshold of 0.3%.

The Assembly of European Regions condemns this headlong rush of the European Commission into transgenic agriculture, without any European general regulation on coexistence between traditional and GM-crops. “This European Commission new step forward on the GMO issue, if taken, puts the very future of the European traditional agriculture at stake” stated Brian Greenslade, President of the AER Committee on regional development. “Among the Member States, so far only Denmark has coexistence rules based on the Community precautionary and polluter-pays principles. Germany has just started adopting a genuine coexistence law. Other Member states are not really prepared to cope with a likely widespread dissemination of GMOs to conventional and organic crops” he underlined. “According to several governmental and independent studies, the risks are very high. More controversially the economic consequences rest with farmers whose conventional or organic crops were damaged ” he pointed out.

Moreover, nearly two thousand regional and local authorities across Europe have declared themselves GMO-free areas, challenging the European law on the single market. By their decisions, supported by consumers, traditional producers and environmental associations, they want to confront the risks of contamination by GMOs and to protect their territory’s traditional agriculture as well as products of designated origin. The European Commission has not yet taken into account this move which is now spreading across a majority of EU Member states. The AER supports them by launching a joint campaign with Friends of the Earth for GMO-free zones and regions in Europe. This campaign will be presented to the European media on the 14th September, in the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4.00 pm).

For more information: [email protected]

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The AER deplores UK government decision to grant the EU exclusive competence in Health & Education Policy

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IGC-European Constitution 

Strasbourg (F), 15 June 2004

In a letter to the Assembly of European Regions (AER), UK Minister for Europe Denis MacShane, sets out the UK Government’s intention to give up core decision-making powers in the fields of culture, education, audiovisual, health and social services during the final round of negotiations on the European Constitution. The Assembly of European Regions calls upon the Intergovernmental Conference not to support the line followed by the UK government and to retain national sovereignty over these policy areas.

“There are some sectors that should not be completely regulated by the Union, due to the specific situations in the member states and to the need to foster diversity, which is Europe’s greatest asset for enhancing flexibility, creativity and innovation. All regulations ultimately entail a certain degree of harmonization. It is important that there remain some political sectors in which the competences of the member states and regions are not limited by submitting the policies to the decision of a majority, however large that majority may be”, declares the AER Secretary-General Klaus Klipp.

The AER, referring in particular to the already apparent negative results of the GATS-Process, expresses the fear that the transfer of additional regulatory powers to the Union will only enhance the processes of deregulation, liberalization and privatisation of public services. The AER is concerned that any moves towards enforced liberalisation of public services would limit regional authorities’ decision-making powers over these key areas.

It is important that democratically elected politicians within local and regional authorities can continue to make decisions about public services and remain accountable to the electorate for those services. The question has to be asked whether, in the current political environment, in which the citizens of Europe have demonstrated their mistrust in the European institutions through their refusal to go to the ballot box in the European Parliament elections, the surrender of decision-making powers to the European level really serves the interests of democracy.

In view of the opposition of the UK Government to Qualified Majority Vote in areas such as Security and Defence and Financial policy, the AER comes to the conclusion that obviously the UK government believes that policies for Culture, Education, Health and Social Affairs are better off in the hands of the European Institutions than at the level of national and regional governments.

For more information: [email protected]

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The European Regions say NO to Genetically Modified Organisms

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Conclusions of the Conference of the network ‘GMO free’

Linz, Upper-Austria (A), 28 April 2004

12 European regions* declared to be GMO free and have set up a network, in order to succeed in their struggle. The Assembly of European Regions took part in the Conference organised by this network on April 28th in Linz, in the region of Upper-Austria–A, the leader of this action with the region of Toscana-I.

“The new EU directive on the traceability and labelling of genetically modified crops cannot become a pretext to legitimate the introduction of GMO in the European regional agriculture”, declared Laura De Rose, Executive secretary for the AER Committee ‘Regional Development’, during the debate. “Many scientific studies tell us that the coexistence between genetically modified crops and non-modified crops is impossible due to the dangers of contamination, which are important and, in fact, out of control. In addition, a majority of European citizens claimed their opposition to GMO” she underlined.

“Regional representatives, scientists and environmental associations present in Linz affirmed, rightly, that the approval of the introduction of genetically modified crops without testing the long-term effect on environment and human health is irresponsible. However, nothing seems to be able to stop the approval for introduction of BT11 corn by the European Commission anymore. A large movement from the European regions and their citizens is thus necessary, to obtain that the current system at EU level become more democratic, more transparent and more respectful of the citizens’ will,” Mrs De Rose concluded.

The AER supports with much conviction these regions’ initiative and is committed to spread it to all European regions. It will encourage the development of a strategic alliance between European regions, scientific experts and Non Governmental Organisations.

The AER invites all the regions who care about their citizens’ well-being to the launch of its campaign for the preservation of traditional organic products, on the occasion of its first inter-ministerial conference on the future of rural areas in Europe. This meeting will take place on May, 15th in Bari, Puglia-I.

* Aquitaine-F, Basque Country-E, Burgenland-A, Highlands-UK, Limousin-F, Marches-I, Salzbourg-A, Schleswig-Holstein-D, Thrace-GR, Toscana-I, Upper-Austria-A and Wales-UK.

For more information: [email protected]

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The New Challenge for Democracy: regions engaging citizens in a changing Europe

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Strasbourg (F), 18 November 2003

Is European democracy failing its citizens? What role can the regions play in increasing civic participation? To address these questions, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) will hold its 6th General Meeting the 27th-28th November 2003 in Poznan (Wielkopolska Region-Poland).

500 high-level regional politicians and civil servants from “Greater Europe” are expected in Poznan to join in this 2-day open debate, at the invitation of Mr Stefan Mikolajczak, Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region, and Mrs Liese Prokop, President of the AER. The following figure among the main speakers:

Mr. Leszek Miller, Prime Minister RP
Mr. Jozef Oleksy, Former Prime Minister RP and member of the Polish Parliament
Mr. Marek M. Siwiec, Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland
Mr. Robert Collignon, President of the Walloon Parliament (Belgium)
Mr. Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends

Within the theme “Regions engaging people in a changing Europe – the importance of decentralization for citizen participation”, participants will analyse the impact on the regions of globalisation and the current advancements in the European construction, and then undertake common political commitments, which will guarantee an equilibrated development and the construction of a democratic Europe close to the citizens.

The future of Services of General Interest, the modernisation of public life, the involvement of new models of citizen inclusion in the political sphere, as well as the reinforcement of interregional cooperation, particularly with the neighbour regions of the new EU, will also be debated.

Also during this event, the AER will honour the Regions Winners 2003 “The Most Youth Friendly Region Award”, which will be given to the British County of Lancashire and “The Most Environmentally Friendly Region Award”, which will acknowledge the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain).

Download the CVs of the Speakers:

For more information: [email protected]

 

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CAP reform proposals: the AER expresses some reservations

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Strasbourg (F), 28 January 2003

The AER has reviewed the European Commission’s legislative proposals on mid-term review of Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). “Despite the softening of the guidelines presented by Commissioner Fischler in July 2002, the European Commission reasserts the good principles of the reform and its determination to place sustainable rural development and the consumers’ protection at the heart of the future CAP“ says Brian Greenslade, President of the AER Committee on Regional Policy, Territorial Development, Infrastructures, Environment and Tourism.

However, referring to the outcome of the AER Conference in Pecs last November, Brian Greenslade criticised the lack of the regional dimension at the elaboration-stage of these proposals “The new CAP must be above all a key instrument for the polycentric development of the Union, alongside the future Cohesion Policy. Since the CAP has a direct impact on the policies of each region, the regions must be consulted on the reform proposals as well as on its implementation process” said Mr Greenslade.

“We also wonder whether these new proposals will allow us to achieve the required objective of simplifying the procedures for farmers and to guarantee best coordination between CAP and the other EU structural policies” added Brian Greenslade. The CAP reform, in the perspective of polycentric development of enlarged Europe, will remain on the top of the agenda of the next meeting of the AER Committee on Regional Policy (Calabria-I, 5-6th June 2003).

For more information: [email protected]

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