Official Report 461KB pdf
Agenda item 5 is the “Brussels Bulletin”, which Ian Duncan has very helpfully put together for us. I invite members’ comments.
On the connecting Europe proposals, budgets are being cut across Europe, so can Ian Duncan give us a wee guide on the suggestions that have been made about where such a significant sum of money could be found for connecting Europe by 2020?
At the moment, lots of commitments are being made ahead of the full budget negotiations, although many of them are indicative rather than certain. The plan, however, connects with an area that the President of the Commission has flagged up as a priority so it is likely to emerge through discussions as a way of reinvigorating the Europe 2020 strategy and the growth and jobs concept. The plan is deemed to be a way of front loading a lot of the spend while delivering on some of the issues that affect certain member states. You are right to ask where the money will come from. It will come from the future budget, but the reality is that spending will be prioritised in that area. It is likely to be protected, as far as possible, in the discussions ahead.
We are almost looking at the proposal hypothetically. I know that if the presidency wants to pursue it, the likelihood is that it will happen and funds will be made available to a greater, rather than a lesser, degree. Nonetheless, we need to be cautious about how far we commit ourselves in case there is a shortfall, so we do not find ourselves short.
You are quite right. It is important to note the last paragraph, which states that there will be a pilot phase for the project that will run through to 2012. That money will be real money, since it is coming from the current budget settlement. That will be the beginning of the process, rather than the end.
The last section is about bees, which are an important aspect of the health of the world, never mind of our nation. Could Lord Davies head up the UK delegation to the Commission on the issue of bee health?
I think, unfortunately, Lord Davies demitted office when the previous Government lost the election. There will be a new minister responsible for bees.
Okay, thank you. Does the committee agree to send the “Brussels Bulletin” to the relevant committees for their consideration?
Thank you. I thank Ian Duncan for another “Brussels Bulletin”.