Last week I had the pleasure and the honour to attend the opening of the Bergen Cultural Festival at the invitation of Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja. I did so together with many diplomats, colleagues and members of the Oslo Diplomatic Corps.
I am sure many of you have seen on the spot or on the TV screens at least part of the event and of the performances. The Festival is a high quality event, demonstrating once again the important place Norway occupies on the European cultural scene.
What made the day spent in Bergen even more exceptional was the high temperature and the radiant sunshine. The city is always beautiful, be it rain or snowfall. But I've never seen it so splendid, feeling its spirit so close to me as I did in the afternoon, walking around, looking at people enjoying the beauty of the moment and of the place. I confess I even could not resist just to linger on a terrace, taking a beer and just observing the scene - before the evening came and also the time for me to take my flight back to Oslo.
tirsdag 29. mai 2012
tirsdag 5. juli 2011
In memoriam Otto von Habsburg
I can't avoid putting into words my grief felt over the passing away of Otto von Habsburg, a great European. Born in 1912 into one of the most ancient and powerful royal families in Europe, he shaped history through many decades long after the disappearance of his native Austro-Hungarian Empire. Otto von Habsburg understood from the very early days the perspective and the benefits of European integration. He was a long-serving member of the European Parliament and a champion of the reunification of our continent, so eloquent in so many languages.
I had the privilege of meeting Otto von Habsburg several times both in Belgium and Hungary, always benefiting from his uniquely deep understanding of Europe's past and present. As President Barroso has written, "Otto von Habsburg's commitment to Europe should set a political example for all of us, especially in difficult times."
I had the privilege of meeting Otto von Habsburg several times both in Belgium and Hungary, always benefiting from his uniquely deep understanding of Europe's past and present. As President Barroso has written, "Otto von Habsburg's commitment to Europe should set a political example for all of us, especially in difficult times."
torsdag 9. juni 2011
Nuuk - Greenland
Recently I've travelled to Greenland to represent the European Union at the Foreign Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council. One day (three flights) to get there, another day (once again three flights) to come back to Oslo. Light snowfall and freezing temperatures in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. I learn to appreciate more the warm or even the cool and rainy Norwegian spring.
I wonder if Nuuk has ever seen so many foreign leaders being there at the same time, including Hillary Clinton, Serguey Lavrov and Jonas Gahr Støre. Times are changing and the Arctic even more.
As I've pointed out also in Nuuk, the European Union is a major contributor to protecting the environment in the Arctic region. It is also one of the strongest forces promoting global efforts combating climate change, so important for the future of the Arctic. Some years ago, the EU applied for observer status in the Arctic Council to contribute to Arctic cooperation in a more structured manner.
Ministers of the eight members of the Council could not agree on admitting observers this time either, although in Nuuk they adopted a respective procedure and agreed to a timeline. This is part of a package to upgrade and strengthen the Arctic Council. The EU will study now in detail the implications of the Nuuk decisions to form its own judgment and outline the way forward.
It has been agreed in Nuuk that the new Arctic Council Permanent Secretariat will be located in Tromsø. I have already had the possibility to congratulate Norway on this. The decision might have implications also for the EU Delegation in Norway, which might become the contact point for doing business with the Arctic Council.
I wonder if Nuuk has ever seen so many foreign leaders being there at the same time, including Hillary Clinton, Serguey Lavrov and Jonas Gahr Støre. Times are changing and the Arctic even more.
As I've pointed out also in Nuuk, the European Union is a major contributor to protecting the environment in the Arctic region. It is also one of the strongest forces promoting global efforts combating climate change, so important for the future of the Arctic. Some years ago, the EU applied for observer status in the Arctic Council to contribute to Arctic cooperation in a more structured manner.
Ministers of the eight members of the Council could not agree on admitting observers this time either, although in Nuuk they adopted a respective procedure and agreed to a timeline. This is part of a package to upgrade and strengthen the Arctic Council. The EU will study now in detail the implications of the Nuuk decisions to form its own judgment and outline the way forward.
It has been agreed in Nuuk that the new Arctic Council Permanent Secretariat will be located in Tromsø. I have already had the possibility to congratulate Norway on this. The decision might have implications also for the EU Delegation in Norway, which might become the contact point for doing business with the Arctic Council.
mandag 6. juni 2011
Back to school
Last week I made a short visit to Budapest, my hometown, taking part in the programme of the European Commission called "Back to school". Before you ask: it is not the Commission (or the EU as a whole) who go "back to school". In this programme we, EU officials visit our ancient high school (where we had studied) to speak about our personal experience of working for the EU. This is also an excellent occasion for presenting our own vision on how the EU will influence the life of future generations.
Remembering old times and the "your past-my future" equation cast nostalgic glitter on ex-student appearances. Some inevitably become genuinely human get-togethers which make a lasting impression. Therefore the "Back to school" programme is a valuable tool to bring the EU closer to our young citizens.
During our lively discussion in Budapest, a large group of Hungarian students have agreed that the European Union made our continent (and the world) a much better place. It is clear that most students are enthusiastic supporters of freedom and solidarity. They agree with all the main "historical" objectives of the European project. Many of them also understand that a united Europe will have better chance to prevail in the age of globalisation.
Nevertheless, this is not the main notion I take back from Budapest. What will reverberate more than anything else is that in the eyes of young people the "classic" achievements of the EU are becoming old (and fading) laurels. The issue that really matters is what the EU can do in and for the future. Moreover, students have many doubts and (quite rightly) ask a lot of questions, induced by news about the economic crisis and difficulties in the EU cooperation. During our discussion I had no problems admitting that there were no clear answers to many of these queries. I told the students that some of the answers would have to be given by them and asked them to formulate suggestions. It was good to see that in those proposals the EU was an essential component of the solution.
Remembering old times and the "your past-my future" equation cast nostalgic glitter on ex-student appearances. Some inevitably become genuinely human get-togethers which make a lasting impression. Therefore the "Back to school" programme is a valuable tool to bring the EU closer to our young citizens.
During our lively discussion in Budapest, a large group of Hungarian students have agreed that the European Union made our continent (and the world) a much better place. It is clear that most students are enthusiastic supporters of freedom and solidarity. They agree with all the main "historical" objectives of the European project. Many of them also understand that a united Europe will have better chance to prevail in the age of globalisation.
Nevertheless, this is not the main notion I take back from Budapest. What will reverberate more than anything else is that in the eyes of young people the "classic" achievements of the EU are becoming old (and fading) laurels. The issue that really matters is what the EU can do in and for the future. Moreover, students have many doubts and (quite rightly) ask a lot of questions, induced by news about the economic crisis and difficulties in the EU cooperation. During our discussion I had no problems admitting that there were no clear answers to many of these queries. I told the students that some of the answers would have to be given by them and asked them to formulate suggestions. It was good to see that in those proposals the EU was an essential component of the solution.
tirsdag 8. mars 2011
The International Women's Day
Today we mark the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day. In the whole world this is an important day. The EU has a strong focus on gender equality, both at home and abroad. If you are interested in what the EU is doing you can find my article published in today's Nationen here.
torsdag 24. februar 2011
Catchphrases
Catchphrases speak volumes sometimes. They can be very useful in presenting complex issues in a simple and familiar manner, in a way easy to remember.
In the last year we spoke quite a lot about the European Union being the largest contributor of development assistance, an influential economic actor which is aiming at strengthening its political presence on the global scene. This latter objective is one of the reasons behind the institutional changes, contained in the Lisbon Treaty.
However, some doubts and the eternally famous question about the EU's telephone number keep coming back. Recently, I have heard in Brussels two catchphrases which might be of help when describing the objectives of the EU when launching the European External Action Service project:
The EU's goal is to go forward from being a PAYER to becoming a PLAYER.
We do not really aim at establishing a single telephone number for the whole EU. What we do want is a SINGLE MESSAGE, to be conveyed by all 27 (more precisely 28) telephone numbers.
In the last year we spoke quite a lot about the European Union being the largest contributor of development assistance, an influential economic actor which is aiming at strengthening its political presence on the global scene. This latter objective is one of the reasons behind the institutional changes, contained in the Lisbon Treaty.
However, some doubts and the eternally famous question about the EU's telephone number keep coming back. Recently, I have heard in Brussels two catchphrases which might be of help when describing the objectives of the EU when launching the European External Action Service project:
The EU's goal is to go forward from being a PAYER to becoming a PLAYER.
We do not really aim at establishing a single telephone number for the whole EU. What we do want is a SINGLE MESSAGE, to be conveyed by all 27 (more precisely 28) telephone numbers.
onsdag 22. desember 2010
Looking back at 2010
The year of 2010 is about to end. Has it made a difference in the relationship between Norway and the European Union? Has it brought to the surface new players and factors which will have a lasting impact?
Firstly, the health of the euro (and that of the whole EU economy) has been under close scrutiny throughout the year. Although recovery is visible and the basic underlying processes are positive, the crisis is not over and several member states had to introduce radical austerity programmes. Due mainly to the crisis and according to public opinion polls, at present only one in four Norwegians would support EU membership. But we all hope that the crisis will be overcome.
On the other side of the same coin, events have revealed in a striking manner the far-reaching consequences of the fact that our economies (of Norway and the EU) are so closely integrated. It has dawned upon us that continued difficulties would affect all sides and there is a clear common interest in rising above them. I hope the understanding of this will be more durable that the crisis itself.
Secondly, this year has seen Norway launching a reflection on the experiences with the EEA Agreement. The EU meanwhile has decided to initiate a parallel process. The outcome of these will obviously have longer-term repercussions. Hopefully, we'll find the way to adjust the functioning of the Agreement and the pertinent institutions to the changing circumstances, making it more efficient and focused.
2010 has also been a period of unfolding public debate about a number of EU directives and regulations. Obviously, we follow this very closely, respecting the fact that it is a Norwegian debate. But it is also true that the debate is about the implementation of an agreement shared by both of us, alongside other partners. It is nice to see that (according, once again, to public opinion polls) there is a clear majority among Norwegians on incorporating the directive which has produced the most intense debate and has most probably got the widest coverage in the press this year.
Thirdly, the EU has made a number of steps implementing the Lisbon Treaty and the process has had important repercussions for our relationship with Norway, though we need time to see the longer-term consequences more clearly. The European External Action Service will be up and running 1 January 2011 and I have to report to you that I have already been transferred to the new service together with all the staff of our Delegation.
Fourthly, the EU and Norway have arrived to agreements on a number of important (and complex) matters in the area of fisheries, agricultural trade and the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms, to mention just a few, which will determine work in the respective fields in the coming years.
So, what is the heritage of 2010 for us? Has this been a difficult but overall positive year? You will tell us. I have tried to provide some elements for your reflection. In the meantime let me wish to everybody who reads these lines Merry Xmas and a New Year that will be (even) better than the one ending now.
Firstly, the health of the euro (and that of the whole EU economy) has been under close scrutiny throughout the year. Although recovery is visible and the basic underlying processes are positive, the crisis is not over and several member states had to introduce radical austerity programmes. Due mainly to the crisis and according to public opinion polls, at present only one in four Norwegians would support EU membership. But we all hope that the crisis will be overcome.
On the other side of the same coin, events have revealed in a striking manner the far-reaching consequences of the fact that our economies (of Norway and the EU) are so closely integrated. It has dawned upon us that continued difficulties would affect all sides and there is a clear common interest in rising above them. I hope the understanding of this will be more durable that the crisis itself.
Secondly, this year has seen Norway launching a reflection on the experiences with the EEA Agreement. The EU meanwhile has decided to initiate a parallel process. The outcome of these will obviously have longer-term repercussions. Hopefully, we'll find the way to adjust the functioning of the Agreement and the pertinent institutions to the changing circumstances, making it more efficient and focused.
2010 has also been a period of unfolding public debate about a number of EU directives and regulations. Obviously, we follow this very closely, respecting the fact that it is a Norwegian debate. But it is also true that the debate is about the implementation of an agreement shared by both of us, alongside other partners. It is nice to see that (according, once again, to public opinion polls) there is a clear majority among Norwegians on incorporating the directive which has produced the most intense debate and has most probably got the widest coverage in the press this year.
Thirdly, the EU has made a number of steps implementing the Lisbon Treaty and the process has had important repercussions for our relationship with Norway, though we need time to see the longer-term consequences more clearly. The European External Action Service will be up and running 1 January 2011 and I have to report to you that I have already been transferred to the new service together with all the staff of our Delegation.
Fourthly, the EU and Norway have arrived to agreements on a number of important (and complex) matters in the area of fisheries, agricultural trade and the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms, to mention just a few, which will determine work in the respective fields in the coming years.
So, what is the heritage of 2010 for us? Has this been a difficult but overall positive year? You will tell us. I have tried to provide some elements for your reflection. In the meantime let me wish to everybody who reads these lines Merry Xmas and a New Year that will be (even) better than the one ending now.
Abonner på:
Innlegg (Atom)
