EPP Group Bureau Meeting in Amsterdam: economy, energy, elections

How can the EPP Group boost the European economy, its energy supply and election turnout? At least 37 EPP Group Members of the European Parliament (EP) will search for workable ideas with others at a meeting in Amsterdam on 14 and 15 November.

European solutions work: the economy

"European solutions work" is the theme of the meeting, opened by EPP Group Chairman Joseph Daul and Sybrand Buma, President of the Dutch Christian Democrats (CDA). The idea is to discuss the latest proposals and views on these themes.

A main point of discussion will of course be the economic situation in Europe - the large number of unemployed people, for example. A European solution to this problem is likely to have more effect than 28 national solutions, is the main view.

EU Internal Market Commissoner Michel Barnier will share his views on how to transform the social market economy into a motor for growth. Barnier has often stated that the European internal market should be helpful for the 500 million consumers in the EU. "And these consumers and SMEs have been feeling for a long time that the single market is not made for them, but rather for big companies. For three years I’ve wanted to reunite citizens and SMEs with the single market. So, we’ve drawn up and presented several laws to create what I’m calling a more favourable ecosytem for consumers and SMEs," Barnier was quoted as saying by Euronews last month.

European elections

The upcoming EP elections in May will also be discussed - specifically turnout for voting.

The turnout for EU elections in most Member States is declining. "How to get people out to vote?" is the question MEP Jaime Mayor Oreja will ask several campaigning experts. The experts include campaign leaders and communication strategists, that will advise EPP Group MEPs on the best way and time to connect with the potential voters. This part of the meeting is restricted, to allow speakers to express their views more freely.

Energy and sustainability

EU Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger, and Dutch MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij will present their views on the latest developments on the environment and energy in cities and regions.

Many people see a prominent role for bio-based products; recycling offers a huge boost to sustainable production. Van Nistelrooij has just been appointed spokesman for the EP on bio-based production.

Sustainable, healthy food

The new top Dutch candidate for the EU elections, MEP Esther de Lange, will conclude a debate on "Healthy and Sufficient Food for Europe and the world".

Food is often taken for granted, but scandals and shortages sometimes rock the confidence of consumers. The European Union definitely has a challenge to secure sufficient, good-quality food for its consumers.

Speakers on this important topic include experts Mairead McGuinness, MEP and Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, Albert Jan Maat, President of the European farmers federation COPA-COGECA, and MEP Zofija Mazej Kukovic.

The Netherlands in the EU

The Netherlands is one of the six founding members of the European Union. It is one of the largest net contributors per capita.

However, the Dutch people shocked those favourable to Europe by rejecting the European constitution in a referendum in 2005, together with the French. Ever since, a number of Dutch people remain sceptical of European integration.

The Dutch Christian Democrat party, CDA, sees a "self-aware Netherlands connected to Europe", as party leader Buma recently stated as one of his seven leading principles.

A large part of the meeting will be shown live on www.eppgroup.eu/tv