EUROPEAN COMMISSION
SECRETARIAT-GENERAL
Brussels, 07 April 2006
CG4 (2006)16
SEC (2006) 443
8TH MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS’ GROUP ON
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS, ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
29 MARCH 2006
SUMMARY RECORD
Chairperson: President M. Barroso
In attendance: Vice-Presidents M. Wallström, S. Kallas, F. Frattini, Commissioners O.
Rehn and V. Špidla
Reference documents:
CG4(2006)6/2
Projet d’ordre du jour
CG4(2006)7/2
Bilan et avenir du groupe
Note de discussion du Secrétariat général
CG4(2006)8/2
Communication sur les droits de l’enfant
Note d’information du Vice-président Frattini
CG4(2006)9
Adaptation des competences de le Cour de Justice dans le titre IV du TCE
Note d’information du Service Juridique
CG4(2006)10/2 Utilisation alléguée de pays européens par la CIA pour le transport et la détention
illégale des prisonniers
Note d’information du Vice-président Frattini
CG4(2006)11
Agence des droits fondamentaux
Note d’information du Vice-président Frattini
CG4(2006)12
Institut européen pour l’égalité entre les hommes et les femmes
Note d’information du Commissaire Špidla
CG4(2006)13
Travaux du Groupe interservices sur les Roms
Note d’information du Commissaire Špidla
CG4(2006)14
Lettre de V. Špidla portant sur les travaux du Groupe interservices sur les Roms
CG4(2006)15
Lettre de V. Reding portant sur la communication sur les droits de l’enfant
Achievements and future work of the Group
(Point of discussion)
- President Barroso welcomed the fact that the Group, after one year of work, was meeting
for the first time to discuss its achievements and future developments, with a view to
consolidating its role and enhancing its efficiency.
- VP Frattini noted the important work of the Group since it was set up in December 2004,
highlighting its contribution to the communication on the compatibility of legislative
proposals with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and to data retention proposals. As
regards future developments, he suggested promoting the external visibility of the Group,
so as to deliver to other institutions and public in general a stronger political message on
its activities and purpose: issuing press releases after meetings dealing with important
questions for citizens, periodically discussing certain reports by other institutions [e.g.
the European Ombudsman’s annual report] or delivering political conclusions on
statistics regarding Commission actions related to fundamental rights [e.g. he announced
a paper on the follow-up to claims on potential violations of fundamental rights for the
next meeting] are some options in this direction. VP Frattini highlighted the importance
of the personal involvement of Commissioners in the Group’s debates.
- VP Wallström supported the Group’s current mandate, aim and membership. As regards
future developments, she expressed concern about the suggestion to promote the external
visibility of the Group and pointed to the need to avoid any confusion between its role
and that of the College.
- The Group considered a list of indicative issues to be tackled, as proposed by the
discussion note. Mr Špidla asked for three points to be considered in 2006: the European
year for equal opportunities for all 2007, the United Nations Convention on the rights of
disabled persons and the implementation of the 2000 Directive on non-discrimination;
and two points for 2007: a feasibility study to complete the current
acquis on non-
discrimination and a report on the recommendations of the High Level Group on the
social and labour market integration of ethnic minorities. Mr Rehn supported the need for
discussion by the Group in 2006 on inter-cultural dialogue, in which context he will
provide an update on the civil society dialogue with candidate countries, particularly
Turkey and, in a second stage, the Balkans.
Conclusions:
The Group agreed on the important work undertaken since its creation, preparing
Commission proposals and providing political input in its areas of competence,
which contributes to the balanced implementation of the strategic objectives of the
Commission.
As regards its functioning, the option of increasing the visibility of the work of the
Group should be explored, while preserving and avoiding confusion with the role of
the College.
As regards its planning, the Group expects to meet on two further occasions in
2006: 28 June and 8 November. The list of issues suggested by the discussion note
and the suggestions made by Mr Špidla and Mr Rehn will serve as the basis for
setting the agendas of future meetings.
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Objectives for the recruitment and appointment of women to management posts and
other A*/AD posts in the Commission in 2006
(Point of information)
- VP Kallas informed the Group of the main content of the proposal, planned for adoption
on 12 April 2006. In particular, he underlined the fact that the Commission fixes annual
targets for the recruitment of women and the ambitious approach set for 2006. He noted
the importance of promoting women in middle management, which opens the path to
senior level posts, for which the target of women representation in 2006 is of 25%,
compared to 20% in 2005.
- President Barroso highlighted the importance of regular scrutiny of the extent to which
targets in this area were being met in view of the Commission’s commitment to the
principle of equal opportunities.
Communication on the rights of the child
(Point of discussion)
- President Barroso underlined the significance of the proposal and confirmed his
attachment to an ambitious political strategy covering the internal and the external
dimension of the rights of the child. To this end, he noted the importance of enhanced
inter-service work based on the political guidance of the Group.
- VP Frattini agreed on the significance of the proposal and confirmed that it will cover the
internal and the external dimension of European action on the rights of the child. He
proposed to present it in agreement with all the members of the Group and any other
interested Commissioners. VP Frattini noted the intensive and open preparatory work
done, involving all interested parties from an early stage, which had allowed the proposal
to receive support from key external actors (i.e. the Council of Europe, the UN). He
confirmed the organisation of an inter-service group in order to further discuss the draft
proposal, planned for adoption on 13 June 2006.
- While firmly supporting the initiative, VP Wallström raised a series of issues as regards
the current draft text. In particular, she noted the need for balance between the
methodological and formal aspects of the proposal and its political objectives, which
should be clearly put forward. In this sense, she proposed to follow a selective and
realistic approach, focusing on concrete measures and areas where action should be
enhanced, within a comprehensible timetable. In particular, she expressed concern as
regards the creation of a European Forum on the rights of the child, with which the
European Parliament might disagree, and suggested exploring the use of existing
structures.
- Mr Špidla gave his support to the proposal and, as regards its social dimension, he
pointed to the use of the open method of coordination.
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Conclusions:
The Group confirmed its support for the proposal, which should be an ambitious
and solid text presenting, in a balanced way, on the one hand, a political and
strategic vision of the internal and the external dimension of action as regards the
rights of the child and, on the other hand, a series of co-operation and
methodological mechanisms to ensure delivery. The Group made a number of
suggestions to improve the current proposal, which will be considered in the revised
version of the text.
The proposal will be presented as a common initiative, involving the members of the
Group and any other Commissioners concerned.
June was confirmed as the date for the adoption of the proposal. To this end, DG
JLS will lead the final stage of the preparatory work and convene an inter-service
meeting at the appropriate level, to allow the services concerned to contribute
substantially to the proposal before launching the formal inter-service consultation.
Adaptation of the competences of the Court of Justice under Title IV of the EC
Treaty (Point of information)
- Mr Petite (SJ) informed the Group of the main thrust of the planned communication
aimed at adjusting the competences of the Court of Justice in the areas covered by Title
IV of the EC Treaty and therefore at increasing the judicial protection of citizens. He
underlined the fact that the proposal should not be considered as anticipating the
Constitutional Treaty, because it aims at implementing a clear legal obligation existing
under the Amsterdam Treaty since expiry of the five year transitory period.
- VP Frattini expressed his support for the SJ and noted the high political significance of
the initiative, which could be part of a broader approach involving measures aimed at
developing the area of freedom, security and justice, as requested by the Hague
programme.
- VP Wallström also welcomed the initiative. However, she recommended careful
presentation and timing, to avoid any interference with the European Council in June and
the debate on the future of the Constitutional Treaty.
Conclusions:
The Group took note of Mr Petite’s presentation, endorsed the principle of the
envisaged initiative and noted its political significance. The initiative could be part
of a larger package of measures related to the area of freedom, security and justice
intended for the Finnish Presidency.
Bearing in mind the context of the debate on the Constitutional treaty, a suitable
timetable for the adoption of this initiative, which aims at implementing an
obligation existing under the current EC Treaty, needs to be considered.
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Alleged CIA use of European countries to transport and hold prisoners illegally
(Point of information)
- VP Frattini informed the Group of the different inquiries conducted by the European
Parliament and the Council of Europe. While expressing the importance of
Commission’s support for the ongoing work, he highlighted the need to ensure strict
respect for the principles of the rule of law. In this context, the Commission will continue
to offer political and operational support, as it has already been the case so far.
Conclusions:
The Group took note of VP Frattini’s presentation and agreed on the need to
support the ongoing inquiries, from a political and operational perspective, while
ensuring respect for the principles of the rule of law.
Agency on fundamental rights
(Point of information)
- VP Frattini informed the Group of the good progress of the ongoing discussions at
Council and European Parliament, which should allow political agreement to be reached
by the end of the Austrian Presidency, with a view to formal adoption during the Finnish
Presidency. A series of open questions regarding notably the management structure of the
Agency, the decision-making procedure for the Multiannual Framework, third country
remit, relations with the Council of Europe and the competence of the agency under the
third pillar still need to be resolved.
- Mr Rehn highlighted the importance of avoiding overlaps with the work of the Council
of Europe and offered his department’s assistance with the discussion on the third
country remit.
Conclusions:
The Group took note of VP Frattini’s presentation and of Mr Rehn’s considerations
and decided to discuss the Multiannual Framework of the Agency as necessary
before its adoption by the end of the year.
European Institute for Gender Equality
(Point of information)
- Mr Špidla informed the Group of the good progress of the ongoing discussions at the
Council and European Parliament, which should allow political agreement to be reached
by June 2006. The main remaining open question is the composition of the Management
Board.
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Work of the Inter-service Group on Roma
(Point of information)
- Mr Špidla informed the Group of the important work of the inter-service group, which
should enable the Commission to enhance the visibility of its action in this area, and
proposed to take stock of its activities in 2007.
* * *
The Group decided that its next meeting will take place on 28 June, from 14.30 to 16.00
.
* * *
*
Contact persons:
Luisa LLano Cardenal (SG.D.3 – 92759)
Frédérique Lorenzi (SG.D.3 – 53604)
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Annexe
8ème réunion du Groupe de Commissaires
« Droits fondamentaux, lutte contre la discrimination et
égalité des chances » 29 mars 2006
Liste des participants
M. Le Président
Commissaires:
Mme Wallström, Commissaire pour les Relations institutionnelles et stratégie de la
communication
M. Kallas, Commissaire pour l’Administration, l’audit et la lutte anti-fraude
M. Frattini, Vice-président, Commissaire pour la Justice, la liberté et la sécurité
M. Rehn, Commissaire pour l’Elargissement
M. Spidla, Commissaire pour l’Emploi, les affaires sociales et l’égalité des chances
Cabinets:
Mme Martinez Alberola, Cabinet du Président
Mme Martinho, Cabinet du Président
Mme Andrade, Cabinet du Président
Mme Sipala, Cabinet Wallström
M Fitch, Cabinet Kallas
Mme Hornung, Cabinet Kallas
Mme Schmitt, Cabinet Frattini
M. Ostoja, Cabinet Reding
M. Biervert, Cabinet Figel
Mme Kadlecová, Cabinet Figel
Mme Hyvärinen, Cabinet Rehn
M. Kuehnel, Cabinet Ferrero-Waldner
M. Jarab, Cabinet Spidla
Directions générales:
Mme Day, Secrétaire générale
M. Servoz, Directeur, SG
Mme Lorenzi, Chef d’unité f.f. SG
M. Petite, Directeur général SJ
M. Ladenburger, SJ
M. Roscam Abbing, COMM
Mme Hubert, BEPA
M. Lockett, EMPL
M. Zilgalvis, Chef d’unité RTD
Mme Vlaminck, Chef d’unité EAC
M. Faull, Directeur général JLS
M. Fonseca Morillo, Directeur JLS
M. Nieto, JLS
M. Timans, Chef d’unité RELEX
M. Boeing, ELARG
Mme Dellicour, Chef d’unité AIDCO
Secrétaire de la réunion: Mme LLano Cardenal, SG
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