Annual Policy Strategy 2012

This Annual Policy Strategy paves the way for establishing a policy agenda for 2012. The European Economic Recovery Plan's implementation during the rest of 2009 and into 2010 will be a matter of high priority. To make sure that the EU comes out of the crisis stronger and better able to take advantage of the upturn we need to continue with the structural reforms under the Lisbon Growth and Jobs Strategy. Thus, the Commission will seek that all member states meet their commitment to pursue and coordinate their national efforts under the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs and under the Stability and Growth Pact.

The Commission will shortly be presenting proposals for financial services reform so it could address the exposed inadequacies and weaknesses following the crisis. One of the priorities in 2010 will be to manage the impact of crisis related changes in Europe's economy through state aid and merger control activity. Stepping up the fight against cartels and the enforcement of competition rules in network industries (energy, ICT, transport, post and financial services) will also aid economic recovery.

Furthermore, in 2009 it is expected that network industries will make gas markets, etc more competitive through the implementation of legislation and in 2010 the establishment of an integrated policy approach to the digital services economy and recast the current ICT policy framework. 2010 will also see the follow-up to the renewed broadband strategy to be rolled out by the Commission in 2009, including the likely extension of broadband access to rural areas.

The need of combating counterfeiting and piracy is to be addressed as well. Efforts to create a Community patent and patent litigation system will continue. As regards the transport sector, Commission will further seek the future of an EU transport policy.

Following the successful conclusion of UN's climate change conference in Copenhagen, EU decided to give it a key priority. Finally, the requirements for the Middle East Peace Process, Cuba, Georgia, Kosovo, support to the reunification process in Cyprus and climate change will depend on developments in the coming months. The Commission will complement its requests during the budgetary procedure.

Source: MEUSAC General Affairs Sectoral Committee