1. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 1 Governance White Paper Introduction Adoption of White Paper on European Governance, July 25, 2001 Aim: To reform the way the European Union uses the powers given to it by its citizens. Why? Because European citizens distrust institutions and politics and are apathetic towards them. Fall of Santer Commission 1999 Danish rejection of the Euro September 2000 Irish rejection of the Nice Treaty, June 2001

2. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 2 Governance White Paper The Commission Approach The Commission aims to renew European governance, adhering to a number of principles: Better involvement and more openness Better policies, regulation and delivery Global governance Refocused policies and institutions

3. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 3 Governance White Paper Better involvement and more openness (1) Making the Union more open –Access to documents –Development of EU websites –Promotion of Member States of public debate on the EU

4. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 4 Governance White Paper Better involvement and more openness (2) Partnership with citizens at all levels through –Involvement in policy shaping (dialogue, cooperation with regional, local government) –Greater flexibility in implementing legislation (eg contracts between Commission, Member States, Local Authorities) –Overall policy coherence (Dialogue between Commission, Member States and regional authorities to ensure overall coherence of policies eg, energy, transport, environment).

5. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 5 Governance White Paper Better involvement and more openness (3) Involving civil society –Recognition of role of civil society –Economic and Social Committee to develop relationship between civil society and EU –Revision of role of Economic and Social Committee (eg earlier publication of opinions). European Parliament and Council to review relationship with civil society, with a view to a general framework for consultation by 2004.

6. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 6 Governance White Paper Better involvement and more openness (4) More effective and transparent consultation in policy-making: -More involvement of national Parliaments -Important role of European Parliament – eg hearings -Code of conduct on consultation (before end of 2001) Connecting with networks (for example, European Car Free Day): -Development of more systematic approach to connecting with networks by end of 2002. -Examine how these networks could be supported at EU level: proposals by end of 2003.

7. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 7 Governance White Paper Better policies, regulation and delivery (1) EU legislation is slow –compounded by excess detail, and, consequently, slow implementation (only 5 out of 83 internal market Directives had been transposed in 2000). Confidence in Expert Advice –Commission to publish guidelines on collection and use of expert advice after June 2002.

8. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 8 Governance White Paper Better policies, regulation and delivery (2) Better and faster regulation –Better consultation can lead to quicker legislative processes. –Distinction between primary and secondary implementing legislation. –Co-regulation, when suitable –Using the open method of co-ordination –Establishing a stronger culture of evaluation and feedback –Encouragement of Council and European Parliament to stick to essential elements of legislation.

9. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 9 Governance White Paper Better policies, regulation and delivery (3) Better application of EU rules through regulatory agencies -Definition of criteria in 2002 for creation of new regulatory agencies. –Definition of Community supervisory responsibilities over these agencies

10. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 10 Governance White Paper Better policies, regulation and delivery (4) Better application at national level -Member States should improve understanding of legal order at national level. -Increased and more effective pursuit of infringements. -2002 proposals on twinning arrangements with national administrations to share best practice. -2002 decision on criteria used in prioritizing investigation of breaches. –Codification of current rules on complaints

11. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 11 Governance White Paper Contribution to Global Governance Globalisation and sustainable development mean: – The EU should be more accessible to governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in 3 rd countries Actions to include : -Improved dialogue with 3rd country actors in developing policy proposals. -Promoting new legislative approaches at international level to complement hard international law. -Promote a discussion in2002 on how the EU can help reform of multilateral organization -Review the way the Union is represented internationally, with a view to the next IGC.

12. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 12 Governance White Paper Refocused policies EU needs long-term objectives Actions will include: -The Commissions Annual Policy Strategy will base priorities on a 2/3 year horizon. -The annual Commission State of the Union address and annual Report to the Spring European Council will focus on the realization of these policies. –The annual report on Subsidiarity and Proportionality will look at the use of these principles in realizing Community goals.

13. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 13 Governance White Paper Refocused institutions The Commission will refocus on its Treaty tasks: initiation, execution, guardian of the Treaties, international representation The Council should improve co- ordination between its different functions The European Council should adopt a more strategic focus The European Parliament and national Parliaments should stimulate debate

14. Implications for the Regions EU-Regional Policy 14 Governance White Paper Conclusions The White Paper is based on 5 political principles: -Openness -Participation -Accountability -Effectiveness -Coherence Consultation Deadline: March 31, 2002 Commission to report on progress and conclusions of the consultation by the end of 2002