Notat 12. december 2005 Referat fra EU finans- og økonomiministermøde (ECOFIN) den 6. december 2005 Dagsordenspunkt: Globaliseringens udfordringer Som opfølgning på uformelt finans- og økonomiministermøde i september 2005 havde   Rådet   en   drøftelse   af   og   vedtog   konklusioner   om   globaliseringens udfordringer, jf. vedlagte bilag. Der var blandt ministrene bred enighed om, at effekterne af globalisering først og fremmest  er  forbundet  med  en  række  fordele  gennem  øget  handel  og  større internationale   kapitalbevægelser,   samt   at   øget   økonomisk   integration   med omverdenen kan give pæne bidrag til levestandarden i det enkelte land.   Det  blev  også  fremhævet,  at  globaliseringens  udfordringer  bør  håndteres  ved  at sikre  en  større  omstillingsevne  i  økonomierne  gennem  reformer,  herunder  på arbejdsmarkedet.   Dagsordenspunkt: Lissabon reformproces –  nationale reformprogrammer Rådet drøftede – på baggrund af en rapport fra Den Økonomisk-Politiske Komité (EPC) – indholdet af og  den videre proces for de nationale reformprogrammer forberedt   af   medlemsstaterne.   Rapporten   sammenfatter   resultaterne   af   de nationale reformprogrammer og de gennemførte landeeksaminationer og giver et overblik over hovedudfordringerne for medlemsstaternes politik.   Rådet    tiltrådte    den    foreløbige    vurdering    af    medlemslandenes    nationale reformprogrammer, og der blev vedtaget konklusioner herom, jf. vedlagte bilag.    Dagsordenspunkt: Bedre regulering Med udgangspunkt i et program præsenteret af det britiske formandskab og de to kommende formandskaber, Østrig og Finland, drøftede Rådet det videre arbejde med bedre regulering i EU.   Dagsordenspunkt: Direktiv om nedsat moms Rådet drøftede endnu engang en ændring af EU-reglerne om nedsat moms med udgangspunkt i formandskabets løsningsforslag.   Flere medlemslande gav udtryk for uændrede holdninger, herunder i forhold til de arbejdskraftintensive ydelser og kravet om ligebehandling.  

2 Det blev besluttet at sætte sagen på dagsordenen for mødet i Det Europæiske Råd (DER) den 15.-16. december 2005.   Dagsordenspunkt: Adfærdskodeks for erhvervsbeskatning    Formanden  for  adfærdskodeksgruppen  præsenterede  en  rapport  om  gruppens arbejde i andet halvår 2005 med at overvåge, at EU-landene overholder aftalen i adfærdskodeksen om ikke at have skatteordninger, der kan skade andre lande.   Rådet  drøftede  emnet  kort  og  det  britiske  formandskab  drog  på  den  baggrund konklusioner om adfærdskodeksgruppens arbejde, Dagsordenspunkt: Fremtidig politik for finansielle tjenesteydelser 2005- 2010 (Kommissionens hvidbog)    Kommissionen redegjorde for indholdet i hvidbogen vedrørende den fremtidige politik  på  det  finansielle område  i  perioden  2005-2010,  og  fremhævede at den  i vidt omfang bygger på den tidligere fremlagte grønbog. Rådet tog Kommissionens præsentation til efterretning.    Dagsordenspunkt: Finansielle tjenesteydelser –  forordning vedr. oplysninger om indbetaler ved pengeoverførsel (SRVII) Rådet drøftede forslaget til forordning vedrørende oplysninger om indbetaler ved pengeoverførsel.   Forslaget   har   til   formål   at   gennemføre   FATF¹’s   særlige anbefaling   nr.   VII   vedr.   oplysninger   om   indbetaler   ved   en   elektronisk pengeoverførsel. Forslaget  skal  behandles  i  Europa-Parlamentet  primo  2006.  Herefter  ventes forslaget endeligt vedtaget.    Dagsordenspunkt: Bekæmpelse af terrorfinansiering Rådet noterede sig statusrapporten om bekæmpelse af terrorfinansiering fra EU’s anti-terrorkoordinator samt et udkast til en ny overordnet anti-terrorstrategi.   Dagsordenspunkt: Energi   Som  opfølgning  på  erklæring  om  oliepriserne  fra  det  uformelle  finans-  og økonomiministermøde    i    september    2005    havde    Rådet    en    drøftelse    af energirelaterede emner, herunder i forhold til politiktiltag på såvel udbuds- som efterspørgselssiden.  Der  blev  i  den  forbindelse  bl.a.  lagt  vægt  på  investeringer  i energiproduktion,  markedstransparens,  dialogen  med  de  olieproducerende  lande og energieffektivitet. ¹Financial Action Task Force (International organisation til bekæmpelse af hvidvask af penge og finansiering af terrorisme).

3 Rådet blev endvidere orienteret dels om formanden for ECOFIN og den franske finansministers besøg i Saudi-Arabien dels om de energirelaterede drøftelser ved G7 finansministrenes møde i London den 2. og 3. december 2005.   A-punkter Rådet vedtog uden drøftelse en beslutning om at godkende konklusionen om en aftale om deltagelsen af de ti nye medlemslande i Det Europæiske Økonomiske Område.   Diverse Rådet havde under frokosten en drøftelse om valg af ny direktør for Den Europæiske Investeringsbank (EIB). Der var generelt opbakning til genvalg af den nuværende belgiske direktør for EIB, Philippe Maystadt.  

4 Bilag Rådskonklusioner om globaliseringens udfordringer Responding to the challenges of globalisation The Council adopted the following conclusions: “The Council discussed the opportunities and challenges of globalisation and the policy   responses   needed,   within   the   framework   of   the   re-launched   Lisbon strategy,  to  address  citizens’  concerns  and  ensure  high  levels  of  growth  and employment. It welcomed the preliminary assessment prepared by the Economic Policy Committee and noted that: the  world  economy  is  experiencing  a  period  of  rapid  and  significant economic  change  characterised  by  substantial  growth  in  world  trade  and capital flows, and driven by the increased integration of low-wage emerging market economies into the global economic system, trade and investment liberalisation,  and  technological  change.  China  and  India  are  expected  to increase   their   share   of   world   output   in   future   years   with   important consequences for the geographical distribution of EU trade and investment; these changes bring significant opportunities for European economies. For companies,   they   bring   new   opportunities   for   efficiency   gains   and productivity  growth.  Consumers  stand  to  benefit  from  a  wider  choice  of goods and services, lower prices and higher disposable incomes. A sizeable share  of  the  rise  in  EU  living  standards  over  the  last  five  decades  is attributable to increased external trade. It is also necessary to take up the concerns  of  European  citizens  and  communicate  clearly  the  benefits  and challenges of globalisation; globalisation  raises  important  challenges  involving  the  need  for  swift adjustment of jobs and activities from contracting to expanding sectors in order  to  limit  potential  adverse  impacts  on  certain  regions  and  Member States, sectors and groups, including the low skilled. Moreover, while there is no clear evidence of significant pressures on national public finances as a result of higher mobility of capital, businesses and labour, an efficient use of  public  funds  is  also  needed  to  support  growth  enhancing  investment while   addressing   welfare   needs   and   the   fiscal   challenges   of   ageing populations; the opportunities of globalisation should outweigh the challenges provided the right policies are in place. There is no room for complacency even if there is little evidence so far that increased trade has significantly affected overall employment or wage prospects for European workers, including the low-skilled, as the impact of trade has been partly offset by other factors. However,  Europe  will  only  realise  the  full  benefits  of  globalisation  and

5 minimise its risks through further reform of labour and product markets to ensure that resources can be moved swiftly to alternative uses; labour  market  reform  is  a  priority,  so  that  opportunity  and  fairness  are extended to all in society, particularly given the high average levels of long- term  and  structural  unemployment  in  the  EU.  In  a  global  economy  of increased  specialisation  and  technological  progress,  jobs  and  occupations will  change.  All  Member  States  must  continue  to  take  action  to  provide assistance  to  ensure  that  workers  are  equipped  to  move  swiftly  into  new areas of economic activity and thus are willing to embrace change; no single labour market or social model is appropriate in all circumstances. Different combinations of labour market policies can be used successfully to address the challenges of globalisation and realise its potential benefits. However, experience suggests that structural reforms in line with the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines have been most successful in delivering strong labour market outcomes; to deliver high and sustainable levels of employment in the face of global economic change labour market reform must focus on protecting workers rather   than   jobs.   This   requires   tax   and   benefit   reforms   to   increase incentives  to  work;  a  reduction  of  non-wage  labour  costs  for  low  skilled workers  can  also  make  a  contribution;  active  labour  market  policies  that target effectively obstacles to employment; investment in education, higher education  and  lifelong  learning  to  help  workers  move  between  jobs; proportionate  and  well  designed  employment  protection  legislation  that combines  flexibility  with  security;  and  wage  flexibility  in  response  to productivity differences; reform is also needed in product markets and should focus on creating the framework conditions which facilitate business growth and investment and will ensure that Europe remains an attractive place for mobile businesses to locate.  In  this  context,  action  is  urgently  needed  to  complete  the  Single Market  in  the  economically  important  services  sector,  while  preserving European  social  objectives,  and  through  effective  control  of  state  aids. Continued action is also needed to improve the regulatory environment for enterprises  in  Europe  and  to  promote  business  innovation,  inter  alia through national education and training strategies and improved investment in research; the removal of external barriers to trade and investment multilaterally can provide new market opportunities for European firms and has the potential to increase significantly growth and productivity in Europe. This  requires an  ambitious  and  balanced  multilateral  trade  agreement  which  reduces substantially  levels  of  trade-distorting  subsidies.  It  also  requires  improved regulatory   cooperation   and   a   more   forward-looking   financial   markets

6 regulatory dialogue to strengthen and deepen bilateral trade and investment relationships between the EU and its major economic partners; and growth  and  stability  orientated  macroeconomic  policies  help  to  attract business  and  stimulate  private  investment,  improve  the  environment  for structural adjustment, and place countries in a stronger position to adjust efficiently to global economic change. The  Council  agreed  that  Member  States  and  the  EU  should  work  together  to develop  and  implement  the  reforms  needed  to  maximise  the  benefits  and minimise the risks of globalisation for Europe’s citizens. They agreed to return to these themes in 2006.”

7 Rådskonklusioner om de nationale reformprogra mmer Lisbon national reform programmes The Council adopted the following conclusions: “The Council discussed the actions planned by Member States in the context of National  Reform  Programmes  and  by  the  Community  in  the  context  of  the Community  Lisbon  Programme  to  deliver  jobs  and  growth  in  response  to  the Integrated  Guidelines.  It  endorsed  the  preliminary  economic  review  of  reform programmes prepared by the Economic Policy Committee and noted that: the introduction of National Reform Programmes  strengthens the overall governance  of  the  Lisbon  strategy.  National  Reform  Programmes  have benefited  from  the  input  of  a  wide  range  of  stakeholders,  including parliaments, local and regional authorities and social partners, and stand to increase national ownership and implementation of reforms; the National Reform Programmes provide a positive picture of the overall outlook for reform. Significant synergies exist between the key challenges identified  by  Member  States  with  the  majority  of  reform  programmes prioritising actions to: improve the sustainability and quality of public finances. In many Member States  population  ageing  is  projected  to  place  considerable  pressures  on pensions and healthcare spending and most are implementing or preparing further   reforms   of   pensions   and   healthcare   systems   to   enhance   the sustainability of public finances; strengthen labour market performance. Member States propose significant reforms  to  enhance  the  adaptability  of  national  labour  markets,  and  a majority   have   established   quantitative   targets   for   employment   which correspond  to  an  overall  employment  rate  close  to  the  EU’s  70  per  cent target for 2010; promote knowledge and innovation. Most Member States plan to increase public investment in research and development and announce measures to stimulate private research investment; strengthen  the  overall  climate  for  business  and  enterprise.  An  increasing number of Member States have in place reforms to improve the regulatory environment  for  businesses,  complementing  and  reinforcing  those  at  the Community  level  and  helping  to  improve  the  overall  environment  for enterprise and innovation; and

8 education and skills. High quality education and training systems are pivotal to  delivering  an  adaptable  workforce  and  many  Member  States  plan additional policy reforms in this area. The  Council  agreed  that  comprehensive  implementation  of  national  reforms remained  key  to  the  long-term  economic  success  of  the  European  economy.  It noted   that   Member   States   had   a   shared   responsibility   to   be   ambitious   in developing further reforms and should draw on the experiences of others in doing so.  It  agreed  that,  in  line  with  the  2005  Spring  European  Council  conclusions, Member  States,  the  Council  and  the  Commission  should  monitor  and  evaluate rigorously the implementation and impact of economic reforms to assess whether the level of action and ambition is commensurate to the challenge. In this context, and on the basis of the preliminary review prepared by the EPC, it noted that the Commission,  when  preparing  its  Annual  Progress  Report,  would  consider  inter alia: ongoing   threats   to   long-term   sustainability   of   public   finances,   given inadequate   progress   in   raising   employment   rates   and   reducing   debt burdens; the extent to which further reform of tax and benefit systems and increases in the adaptability of labour markets would be needed to achieve the EU’s employment target;   the  considerable  scope  for  improving  competition,  in  the  services  sector and  by  removing  barriers  to  entry  in  network  industries,  which  should promote efficiency and job creation; the  continued  emphasis  on  R&D,  in  particular  private  and  innovation performance, the effectiveness of public research expenditure in promoting private research investment, and the scope for improving the links between science and industry; and the  continued  development  of  national  strategies  for  regulatory  reform, given their important role in improving the environment for enterprise in Europe. The Council also agreed that the Community Lisbon Programme was central to the  partnership  approach  embodied  in  the  re-launched  Lisbon  strategy.  At  the Community  level,  action  should  prioritise,  inter  alia,  the  creation  of  a  genuine Single Market in services, including financial services; completion of the European energy  market;  reducing,  improving  and  simplifying  the  overall  burden  of  EU regulation;  improving  the  environment  for  innovation  including  in  the  area  of intellectual   property   rights;   and   the   delivery   of   an   ambitious   outcome   to multilateral trade negotiations.

9 In the context of the Integrated Guidelines, the Council invites the Commission to  present  in  January  2006  a  fully  fledged  assessment  of  the  National  Reform Programmes, including country specific assessments, in its first Annual Progress Report  on  the  Lisbon  Strategy,  and  believes  these  Council  conclusions  and  the EPC report provide an important contribution to the Commission’s work. It will examine closely the Report prepared by the Commission and invites the EPC and the  EFC  to  assist  it  in  the  preparation  of  its  contribution  to  the  2006  spring European Council. In the context of multilateral surveillance, the Council looks forward to reviewing progress in line with the European Council conclusions of March 2005.”

10 Konklusioner om adfærdskodeksen for erhvervsbes   katning    Code of conduct on business taxation The  Council  heard  a  report  from  the  Chair  of  the  code  of  conduct  group. Following   a   discussion   the   president   of   the   Council   drew   the   following conclusions:   “The Chair of the code of conduct group has presented her report. The code of conduct group has done important work over the last eight years as part of the commitment  to  eliminate  harmful  tax  competition.  The  code  of  conduct  group has  already  started  to  consider  how  this  work  and  this  commitment  should  be taken  forward.  It  is  useful  for  the  code  of  conduct  group  to  reflect  on  the discussion at this Council in considering the future of the code of conduct. The issue is referred back to the code of conduct group.”