COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION -EUROGROUP latest

PRESS European Council      3/7/2018  Report by President Donald Tusk to the European Parliament on June European Council meetings The last European Council took place in a deteriorating geopolitical context. This is why I appealed to the leaders that the EU must get its act together. For me, this means increasing military cooperation, preparing for worst-case scenarios in terms of trade, and – above all – looking for unity in every aspect of European cooperation, including migration and Euro area reform. We managed to make progress on all these issues, but there is no hiding that the road ahead of us is still long and for sure not easy. We started with a discussion among the leaders and NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, with the aim of deepening the cooperation between the EU and NATO. The leaders agreed that the EU must take greater responsibility for its own security, first and foremost because it is in our own interest as Europeans. In order to bolster our common defence, the EU will enhance investment, capability development and operational readiness. Let me mention here the issue of foreign threats to our democracies. The European Council called on the High Representative and the Commission to present, by December, concrete proposals for a coordinated EU response to this challenge, specifically to Russia disinformation attempts, which is currently handled by a very small strategic communications team at the EEAS. This is particularly important in light of the signals about Russia's role in Brexit. As regards migration, I put forward the following three proposals: disembarkation platforms outside Europe, a dedicated budgetary tool in the next MFF to combat illegal migration, as well as boosting EU support for the Libyan Coast Guard. They were univocally supported by the leaders. We also agreed to support the Maltese authorities, by sending a message to all vessels, including those of NGOs, operating in the Mediterranean. The message is clear: respect the law and do not obstruct the operations of the Libyan Coast Guard. Additionally, the leaders accepted the Franco-Italian proposal of controlled centres on EU territory. It is up to the governments to decide whether they want to create such centres. However, any obligations related to the functioning of these centres, including relocation and resettlement, will be taken on a voluntary basis. Last but not least, we agreed to launch the next tranche of financing for Turkey, and to transfer 500 million euros of development money to the EU Trust Fund for Africa. The leaders confirmed their will to take our cooperation with Africa to a new level. This means not only increased public funding, but also a new framework enabling private investments to grow. It is the best proof of our intentions, despite unfounded claims that Europe wants to abandon Africa. It is impossible to stop the flow of illegal migrants without close cooperation with African countries. That is why we will use all possible tools, from defence and development to visa and other cooperation, to make it happen. Moving on to the Euro Summit. Last October, in this chamber, I said the following: 'I will do everything in my power to take the first very concrete steps, by June. If we don't reach agreement by June, I will say precisely why it wasn't possible, and who is responsible.' Today I can say that the leaders did indeed take the first decisions. This means agreement on further steps to complete the Banking Union and to strengthen the ESM. In particular, we agreed that the ESM will be providing the common backstop to the single resolution fund. As a consequence, our Banking Union will become much stronger. Some of you may say that this is too little, too late. And you would be right, in a sense. But the fact is that after some years of standstill, we are effectively re-launching the process of deepening of the EMU. To make sure that the progress continues, I will organise another Euro Summit in December. The leaders also adopted conclusions advancing EU cooperation on digital matters and innovation, as well as trade. In the context of growing trade tensions, the European Council underlined the importance of preserving and deepening the rules- based multilateral system. The Commission was invited to propose a comprehensive approach to improve, together with like-minded partners, the functioning of the WTO in crucial areas. The leaders also called for the adoption of the proposal on the screening of foreign direct investments, which is crucially important for the security of our economies, and citizens. It goes without saying that the Commission has the full support of the European Council when it comes to the trade dispute with the US. I am sure Jean-Claude will elaborate on that. A final point on Brexit. The 27 leaders shared one concern. Whilst progress was made in a number of areas, some key aspects still need to be agreed. Since there is much work ahead with less and less time, I was very honest in my assessment, including when I spoke to Prime Minister May last week. The sooner we get a precise UK proposal on the Irish border, the better the chance to finalise the Brexit negotiations this year. Put simply, we cannot make progress unless a solid backstop is presented by the UK and accepted by our Irish friends. We are now looking forward to the White Paper from the UK, and we very much hope that it will bring the necessary clarity, realism, and impetus to these negotiations. Thank you. Eurogroup      2/7/2018  Eurogroup statement on the updated draft budgetary plan of Germany for 2018 The Eurogroup welcomes Germany's submission of an updated Draft Budgetary Plan (DBP) for 2018, as requested in its statement of 4 December 2017, and the Commission Opinion issued on 27 June 2018.  We agree with the Commission Opinion that the draft budget of Germany is compliant with the requirements of the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP).  The Eurogroup notes that Member States having outperformed their medium term budgetary objectives could use their favourable budgetary situation to prioritise investments to boost potential growth while preserving the long-term sustainability of public finances.  We will continue to monitor euro area Member States' fiscal and economic policies, as well as the budgetary situation of the euro area as a whole.

EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL-Ezine No. 27 – July 2018

Ezine No. 27 – July 2018

 

In this issue

• Lisbon wins the 2020 European Green Capital Award!
• Cornellà de Llobregat and Horst aan de Maas are joint winners of the 2019 European Green Leaf Award!
• New awards' competition cycles open
• European Commission calls for experts to join the Expert Panel
• What’s happening in Nijmegen?
• What’s happening in Leuven and Växjö?
• Spotlight on previous winners: Ljubljana
• GDPR notice

 

 

 

Lisbon wins the 2020 European Green Capital Award - Parabéns!

Congratulations to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, who will be the European Green Capital in 2020! Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, announced Lisbon as the winner at a spectacular and suspenseful awards ceremony in Nijmegen on 21 June. For the first time in the history of the awards, Lisbon received a financial incentive of €350,000 to help kick-start the European Green Capital environmental programme for their laureate year.

Lisbon mayor Fernando Medina and the city delegation receiving their award from Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

Lisbon was shortlisted to the final stage of the competition along with Ghent (Belgium) and Lahti (Finland), from 13 cities across Europe. The finalists then presented their city to an international Jury in Nijmegen to show their overall commitment to sustainable urban development, their capacity to act as a role model to other cities, and their strategy for communicating and engaging with their citizens.

Lisbon, European Green Capital for 2020

Lisbon performed strongly across all the environmental indicators, particularly with regard to sustainable urban mobility (transport), green growth & eco innovation, climate change adaptation and waste. It was Lisbon’s commitment to sustainability despite the economic crisis that really impressed the Jury, clearly demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.  It was felt that the city of Lisbon will be a strong ambassador and role model, capable of inspiring other cities to start their own journey towards becoming more fit for life.  

 

Cornellà de Llobregat and Horst aan de Maas are joint winners of the 2019 European Green Leaf Award!

There were two winners of the European Green Leaf Award for 2019: Cornellà de Llobregat in Spain and Horst aan de Maas in the Netherlands. Both cities received €75,000 to support their environmental programmes for the year.

Cornellà de Llobregat and Horst aan de Maas receiving their award with Karmenu Vella

Cornellà de Llobregat and Horst aan de Maas presented in the final stage along with Gabrovo in Bulgaria and Mechelen in Belgium. The finalists were shortlisted from 15 cities across Europe.

Cornellà de Llobregat, with its commitment to transforming the city into a sustainable high-density metropolitan area, was recognised as a role model for other compact urban areas. The Jury was particularly impressed by the city’s traffic calming measures and promotion of sustainable transport modes, as well as its focus on water management.

Horst aan de Maas was commended for its enthusiasm and well-planned inclusive urban strategy. The Jury was particularly impressed by the high level of citizen engagement in a range of environmental activities and programmes related to climate change, sustainable urban mobility, water, and air quality.

 

Competition for 2021 European Green Capital & 2020 European Green Leaf Awards now open!

Does your city have what it takes to be the next European Green Capital or European Green Leaf Award winner? The European Commission has launched the competition for the prestigious title of 2021 European Green Capital and 2020 European Green Leaf.

Being a European Green Capital or a European Green Leaf brings many benefits including a greater focus on environmental projects, international media coverage, increased tourism and foreign investment, boosting the local economy and helping to create employment. EGCA and EGLA winners and shortlisted cities also gain access to the exclusive European Green Capital Network and European Green Leaf Network, respectively, providing them with support and a platform for sharing knowledge and best practice. In addition, previous applicants have said that the application process in itself proved beneficial in evaluating their progress and plans and benchmarking themselves against their peers.

Applying for the Awards

Register via the portal to check if your city is eligible for the EGCA 2021 or EGLA 2020. Applications must be submitted by 18 October 2018 at 16.00 (CEST / GMT +2). ​

 

 

Call for Experts

Would you like to be part of the evaluation process for the European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards? The European Commission is seeking three new experts to join the Expert Panel. Experts are required for the following three environmental indicators:

• Energy Performance
• Noise
• Sustainable Land Use

The primary role of the expert is to assess applicant cities on their performance in an environmental indicator area. This usually takes place from November to March. As part of the evaluation, experts prepare technical comments to go into the Technical Assessment Reports. Feedback from the experts is not only pivotal part of the competition process; it also provides cities with valuable advice and guidance on how they can improve their approach in each environmental indicator and topic area.

For more details about the role or how to apply, visit the Expert Panel page. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 31 July 2018.

 

What’s happening in Nijmegen, European Green Capital 2018?

European Green Capital Week

June was a busy month for Nijmegen, who hosted their European Green Capital Week. As part of the celebration, Nijmegen organised a range of events and activities around the city, including an open air concert, excursions to see examples of urban sustainability in practice, and of course, the eagerly anticipated 2020 European Green Capital and 2019 European Green Leaf Awards Ceremony.

Excursion to Nijmegen’s De Stadswaard (Riverpark)

Click on the image below to watch the video of the European Green Capital Week in Nijmegen.

Four Day Marches

Another exciting event is taking place in Nijmegen this month; from 17 – 20 July 2018 the city will host the 102nd annual Four Day Marches (De Vierdaagse). As the name suggests, event participants must walk for 30-55km per day (depending on age) for four days to promote good health, sports and exercise. The first ever march took place in 1909 and had just over 300 participants. It has now become an international event, this year expected to attract around 50,000 participants from all over the world. Click on the link below for the official De Vierdaagse video.  

Nijmegen Green Challenges

During its year as the European Green Capital, Nijmegen is setting monthly environment challenges for its residents, businesses and institutions, with each challenge focusing on a different environmental topic. June was all about green energy, encouraging businesses to switch to renewable energy providers and residents to participate in community solar energy projects. For July, the focus is on care and exercise. Nijmegen will be challenging its citizens to ditch the car and cycle to work at least two days a week. Challenge yourself: check out the website for all past and upcoming challenges!

Read more about Nijmegen in the European Green Capital 2018 brochure in Englishand Dutch.

 

 

 

What’s happening in Leuven and Växjö, European Green Leaf winners for 2018?

 

Leuven Food Strategy

Leuven 2030 – a network of citizens, businesses, schools, and public authorities - has developed a strategy to make the food and agricultural system in Leuven more sustainable. The food strategy was a collaborative effort between a wide range of stakeholders including food producers, traders, caterers and residents, and focuses on all aspects of the food chain, from production and processing to distribution and consumption.

 

Leuven's food strategy will bring food producers and consumers closer together. Photos by Tim Buelens.

The strategy aims to bring food producers and consumers closer together, for instance, through using local and seasonal catering in schools, universities and businesses. Leuven also aims to promote urban farming and encourage citizens to grow their own food. Leuven is focusing on food as it is a vital part of life, and how we manage our food production and consumption has a profound impact on our environment as well as our health, cultural heritage and local economy. Promoting a local and sustainable food system ensures that we can meet the needs of our citizens while having minimal impacts on our environment.

Car-free Sunday in Leuven

On Sunday 26 August Leuven centre will be car free! Instead of being filled with cars, the city’s squares and streets will be transformed into sports fields, markets, music venues, dancefloors and much more! Leuven introduced an ambitious circulation plan in 2016 to restrict car use in the centre and promote cycling as means of transport. Thanks to the plan, cycling has increased by 30%, motorised traffic decreased by 10%, and citizens can now enjoy 30ha of pedestrianised zones around the city.  

Read more about Leuven in the European Green Leaf 2018 brochure in English and Dutch.

Cycling through nature in Växjö!

To mark this year’s World Biodiversity Day in May, Växjö held a 24-hour bike ride to explore the city’s wildlife. Cyclists stopped at locations such as the Kronoberg Castle ruin, the Kronoberg Nature Reserve, and Linnaeus Park, to see what different animal and plant species could be spotted. Växjö is home to 27 Natura 2000 sites, with many of its protected areas located less than 5km from the city centre. With so much wildlife surrounding the city, what better place to go for a biodiversity bike ride! For news and upcoming events in Växjö, visit the Environment and Sustainability Facebook page.

Carbon reductions in Växjö! 

The municipality of Växjö reduced its carbon emissions by 790 tonnes between 2016 and 2017, a 17% decrease in just one year! This puts Växjö on the right path towards its goal of being fossil fuel free by 2030.

One of the biggest contributors to the carbon reduction was by switching to biodiesel for the municipality’s vehicles and construction work. Växjö is now looking at its district heating system to see where further emissions reductions can be achieved. Växjö made the commitment to become a fossil fuel free city as far back as 1996 and was one of the first municipalities in Europe to sign the Covenant of Mayors, one of the largest climate change and energy initiatives in the world.  View the full news story on the Växjö Kommun website. 

Read more about Växjö in the European Green Leaf 2018 brochure in English and Swedish.

 

Spotlight on Previous Winners

Ljubljana: fighting plastic waste

Ljubljana, winner of the European Green Capital Award for 2016, has taken an innovative step towards transitioning to a circular economy! Meet BERT, a vending machine that dispenses daily essentials such as shampoo, oil, vinegar and bio detergents.

 

What makes BERT stand out from other vending machines is that it does not use packaging. Rather, customers can use their own containers to collect the products, greatly reducing the amount of plastic accumulated from a shopping trip!  

The scourge of plastic waste has gained a lot of attention recently, and rightly so; every year Europeans generate an astounding 25 million tonnes of plastic waste, with only 30% getting recycled. Packaging, such as water bottles and food containers, are the biggest single source of this waste. In 2018, the European Commission launched its Plastics Strategy to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste. The Strategy aims to make all plastic packaging in the EU recyclable by 2030, to reduce single-use plastics and also restrict the use of microplastics (the tiny fragments that come from broken down plastic). With European Green Capitals such as Ljubljana introducing innovative solutions such as BERT, we are one step closer to tackling plastic waste and moving towards a truly circular economy.

AHEPA e-News! - Vol. 12 Issue 27 - Wednesday, July 4, 2018

AHEPA e-News! - Vol. 12 Issue 27 - Wednesday, July 4, 2018

AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL  PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION A message from the Supreme President Wednesday, July 4, 2018 Contact: AHEPA Headquarters Phone: (202) 232-6300 Email: supremepresident@ahepa.org   Dear AHEPA Family, Supporters, and Friends:    Happy Independence Day! AHEPA wishes you a happy, safe, and fun Fourth of July -- whether you are celebrating in a parade, by the pool, or with a delicious barbecue.  However, in doing so, please take a moment to reflect upon what the holiday means and give thanks to those who made it possible.   The Founding Fathers of the United States drew heavily upon the ideal of democracy conceived by the ancient Greeks in addition to the works of Plato and Aristotle. The influence of Classical Education upon the thinking of the Founding Fathers is undeniable as evidenced by their writings and debates about how to form a republic. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, thought of Greece as "the first of civilized nations [which] presented example of what man should be."   On this, the 242nd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we take a moment to reflect on the founding of the United States, the ideals and values that comprised our nation's founding, and remember our fellow Americans who have fought to secure, preserve and protect those ideals and values, which include: democracy, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, for 242 years. Learn more about the Declaration of Independence here.  Fraternally, Carl R. Hollister Supreme President Happy Independence Day! A Message from the Supreme President   Happy Independence Day! AHEPA wishes you a happy, safe, and fun Fourth of July -- whether you are celebrating in a parade, by the pool, or with a delicious barbecue.  However, in doing so, please take a moment to reflect upon what the holiday means and give thanks to those who made it possible.  read entire message AHEPA's Enduring Commitment to Thalassemia Research   The AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation presented ALSAC--the fundraising and awareness organization founded by Danny Thomas for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital--with a $7,500 donation last week.  AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation Chairman Ike Gulas, PSP, and Past District 1 Governor Constantine Zouboukos, presented the donation to ALSAC President/CEO Richard C. Shadyac Jr.  AHEPA will remain steadfast in its support for Thalassemia research until a cure is found. Meet us in A.C. for the 96th Supreme Convention.  More info | Meet our honorees! | 2018 National AHEPA Basketball Tournament Washington Update | Senate Appropriators, led by Van Hollen, Secure FY2019 IMET Funding for Greece  AHEPA applauds Senate appropriators for voting to strengthen U.S.-Greece military-to-military relations for the second consecutive year in their FY2019 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, announced Supreme President Carl Hollister.  Thanks to the advocacy of Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the bill, if enacted, will maintain funding for Greece's International Military Education and Training (IMET) Program at $1 million.  If enacted, the $1 million appropriation would be the same amount as appropriated in FY2018. "We appreciate Senator Van Hollen for reaching across the aisle to work in bipartisan fashion with Senator Lindsey Graham, who chairs the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the program, to secure this critical funding again that bolsters relations between longtime NATO allies, United States and Greece," Hollister said. "Furthermore, we thank the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Richard Shelby, and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy, for advancing the bill out of committee." AHEPA on Twitter | Desecration of Holocaust Memorial in Thessaloniki Condemned Sad News | PSG Sergis Passes Away AHEPA mourns the passing of Past Supreme Governor Peter S. Sergis, Rockledge, Fla., June 26, 2018.  He was 84.  In addition to serving as Supreme Governor, Brother Sergis served as Citrus District 2 Governor for Florida.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the AHEPA National Educational Foundation, 1909 Q Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20009.  Brother Sergis' obituary  "We are saddened to learn of the passing of Brother Sergis," Supreme President Carl R. Hollister said. "He was a dedicated Ahepan, who served the Order in numerous capacities over the years. Our deepest sympathies are with the Sergis family.  May his memory be eternal." Don't forget to follow AHEPA on social media:                                            Upcoming Events & Deadlines July 22 - 28 | 96th AHEPA Family Supreme Convention, Atlantic City, N.J. Join AHEPA Today! In Our Own Words. What AHEPA means to us. Join AHEPA Now Greek American News Digest   Editor's Note: Editorials, Commentaries, and Opinion pieces are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members.     Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo appears in new promotional video for Greek tourism Milwaukee Business Journal (June 29)   Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo appears in a new English-language video promoting tourism in Greece.  The video is for the Greek Tourism Ministry, according to a story at GTP Headlines. The promotional vehicle shows highlights of Antetokounmpo playing basketball - but not in an NBA game for the Bucks - and his personal invitation near both the beginning and the end of the one-minute video.  read more  US Ambassador Pyatt: US will help Greece recover  ANA-MPA (July 3) With the Greek and US national anthems, the celebrations of the 242nd anniversary of America's July 4 Independence Day started at the ambassador's house in Athens on Tuesday.  During his speech,  US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt referred to the strong bonds between Greece and the US.  read more Spain, Greece and Germany seal migrant swap deal Politico (June 30)    Spain, Greece and Germany struck a trilateral migration deal of "reciprocal cooperation" in addition to a wider EU migration deal reached at an EU summit Friday, the Spanish and Greek governments confirmed.  DPA, a Germany news agency, reported Saturday that Merkel has secured "rapid return" migration deals with 14 countries: Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden.  read more    Greece wants Parthenon Marbles back, Tsipras tells May  Reuters (June 26)    Greece wants the Parthenon Marbles back from the British Museum, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in London on Tuesday, trying to reinvigorate a longstanding campaign for the 2,500-year-old  treasures. British diplomat Lord Elgin removed the sculptures from the Acropolis in Athens in the early 19th century when Greece was under Ottoman rule.  read more  Energy Ministry announces winning bid for hydrocarbon exploration off Crete ANA-MPA (July 3) The ministerial decision announcing the winning bid of Hellenic Petroleum (HELPE), Total and Exxon Mobil consortium for hydrocarbon research off western and northwestern Crete was made on Tuesday.  read more   Plato Academy Head Steve Christopoulos Drowns in Costa Rica Greek Reporter (June 28)      Steve Christopoulos, the head of Plato Academy and CEO of Superior Schools in Florida, drowned in Costa Rica on Wednesday, the Greek Reporter has learned.  The Greek American was on vacation and his death was an accident, according to his close friend and Tarpon Springs Mayor Chris Alahouzos.  A great Hellene of Diaspora, Christopoulos led Plato Academy schools to become an unmatched pillar of Hellenism in the USA.  read more  Greek air force bolsters NATO mission in Afghanistan  Ekathimerini (June 28) The Hellenic Air Force has sent a team of technical advisers to Afghanistan in what is seen as tangible proof of Greece's commitment to supporting NATO in all of its operational fronts.  The initiative, which was hailed by US Ambassador to Athens Geoffrey Pyatt as a "strong and welcome signal" from the Greek Defense Ministry, was publicized via a video posted on the official account of NATO's Resolute Support Mission to Afghanistan.  read more  Louise Athens, Widow of Andrew Athens, Passed away at Age 94 The National Herald (July 3) Louise Athens, widow of Andrew Athens, passed away on June 30, at the age of 94. Son Paul Athens announced the sad news on social media, "Louise Athens, our wonderful mother and yiayia, passed away yesterday June 30th. She lived a wonderful life. She has joined the love of her life, Andrew Athens, and together they will continue to provide love and inspiration to all those they have touched in their storied lives. May her memory be eternal."  read more