Cyprus treedt op namens de Raad bij plenaire novembersessie EP over meerjarenbegroting (en)

The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), preparations for the special European Council meeting on Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Budget for 2013 and other key issues concerning the EU will be discussed during the European Parliament’s Plenary Session taking place between November 19 and 22. On behalf of the Council, the Cyprus Presidency will intervene on these issues via Cyprus’ Justice and Public Order Minister, Mr. Loucas Louca (Tuesday, November 20) and Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ambassador Andreas D. Mavroyiannis (Wednesday, November 21).

On Tuesday, November 20, Mr. Louca will intervene on behalf of the Council in the debate on the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

A ‘genuine’ EMU

The Cypriot Minister will intervene on the occasion of the report by MEP Ms Marianne Thyssen i, concerning the Report ‘Towards a genuine Economic and Monetary Union’, which was presented by President of the European Council Mr. Herman Van Rompuy i, in June 2012. Mr. Van Rompuy’s report was prepared in close cooperation with the Presidents of the Commission, the European Central Bank and the Eurogroup; and aims at developing a vision for the EMU to ensure stability and sustained prosperity, covering four pillars: financial, budgetary, economic and democratic legitimacy.

The report by Rapporteur Thyssen is regarded as a valuable contribution to the ongoing process of deepening the EMU. The next step in the process for achieving a genuine Economic and Monetary Union is the presentation of a specific and time-bound road map at the European Council in December.

Also on Tuesday, November 20, a joint debate on the Schengen Information System (SIS) will be held. The SIS is a shared database aiming to maintain public security, policy support and judicial co-operation. Later on the same day, Mr. Louca will also make a statement on behalf of the Council on the forthcoming World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-2012) of the International Telecommunications Union and on the possible expansion of the scope of international telecommunication regulations.

2013 Annual budget and Special European Council for the MFF

On Wednesday, November 21, a debate focused on the preparations of the special European Council meeting on 22-23 November, which will deal exclusively with the MFF, will be held. Ambassador Mavroyiannis will make a statement on behalf of the Council. In order for the MFF legislative procedure to be completed, any agreement reached by the European Council must have the consent of the Parliament.

On the same day, following the last week’s deadlock on the EU Budget for 2013, a discussion on possible solutions will take place, with the participation of the European Commission and the Council, represented by Ambassador Mavroyiannis. A new proposal on the annual budget for 2013 is expected by the Commission, so as both arms of the budgetary authority, the Council and the Parliament, can begin intensive work on this proposal, with the aim of reaching an agreement as soon as possible.

Climate change

The Cypriot Deputy Minister will also reply to questions on the Climate Change Conference (COP 18), which will take place between November 26 and December 7, 2012 in Doha. The questions will be mainly focused on whether the EU will accept a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol i in Doha i, as well as on the topic of the fast-start financing commitment, for which the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council adopted Conclusions last week. The EU’s Finance Ministers endorsed a financial report prepared by the EU in 2012 covering "fast-start measures" to help developing countries combat the effects of climate change.