The CoR plenary on the 29-30 November held a discussion where Jose Manuel Barosso, President of the European Commission, outlined the EC work programme for 2013. Responding on behalf of the EA group, Dr Uno Silberg, outlined three issues:
There needs to be coherence and leadership in European decision making and the failure to reach an agreement on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework does not build confidence. An agreement needs to be found as soon as possible.
Europe and its institutions need to address the very serious issue of youth unemployment. Given the competences of local and regional authorities in education, training and social inclusion, and that their knowledge of local labour markets are key elements of a successful recovery, we are looking forward to helping to shape the forthcoming Youth Employment Package.
Lastly he highlighted that there should not be a difference between East and West, North and South Europe in farm payments. Dr Silberg called for equal treatment in the future CAP.
His speech in Estonian
