Dans cet article de Politik und Kommunikation
, Christophe Leclercq et Kristina Weich Hondrila d’EURACTIV.com envisagent la présidence autrichienne à venir.
The failed referenda on the Constitution and the growing scepticism vis-a-vis the EU enlargement started a rethinking process within the Commission. They want to start a new Communication policy together with the citizens. The starting point will be the white paper presented by Commissioner Margot Wallström. In addition the Commission plans to propose a date for Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession – 1 January 2007 or 2008 are at the table. Furthermore Austria is pushing for a clearer European strategy towards the Western Balkans.
In order to add more substance to the current “reflection phase” Austria is planning a new discussion on the destiny of the EU Constitution.
In the context of increased competitiveness and labour policy, the most important topic will be the services directive. Under the Austrian presidency the free movement of services is to be completed. The service directive is also an important part of the Lisbon strategy, which will be at the top of the agenda for the summit in March. Furthermore Austria intends to close the negotiations on the working time directive.
Against the background of the recently resolved gas crisis between Russia and Ukraine Austria intends to improve the promotion of renewables and energy efficiency. So the adoption of the 7th EU framework programme (FP7) for research and technological is one of the most important issue for the EU institutions
A complete version of this article (in German) can be downloaded here.
For more information see EURACTIV sections Public Affairs and Agenda 2004.