Headlines October 2010
Commission and Parliament sign revised Framework Agreement
20/10/2010
Today in Strasbourg, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek signed the revised Framework Agreement governing working relations between the two institutions. The signature brings to a successful conclusion a process that started almost one year ago with the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.
Commission welcomes civil servants from across Europe for "Erasmus Public Administration" programme
14/10/2010
More than 50 civil servants from across the EU Member States are participating in a two-week training course in Brussels, visiting the Institutions, taking part in training exercises and shadowing EU officials. The "Erasmus Public Administration" programme is targeted at officials who have worked less than 5 years in national, regional or local administrations and who deal with the EU in the course of their duties. It aims to strengthen understanding of the EU institutions and decision-making processes, improve mutual understanding of different administrative approaches, foster administrative cooperation and create contacts between the participants.
A SUCCESSFUL START TO LIFE IN THE BARROSO II COMMISSION
09/10/2010
The Barroso II Commission has now been in office for nine months. As a Vice-President in charge of Inter-institutional relations and administration I have tried to address all the aspects of my portfolio.
One of my major responsibilities is making sure that the new institutional arrangements resulting from the Lisbon Treaty bed in smoothly. Eleven months into the life of the Lisbon Treaty I am pleased to confirm that the process of implementation is running smoothly.
Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič attends first meeting of College of Commissioners and Parliament Committee chairs
06/10/2010
Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission Vice-President for Inter-institutional Relations and Administration, today attended the first ever meeting between the members of the European Commission and the chairs of the committees of the European Parliament.
This meeting will now take place annually as part of the new procedure by which the Commission adopts its Work Programme.
European Roma theatre in Brussels
05/10/2010
5th October 2010 – As part of the 8th European Week of Regions and Cities, which is being held in Brussels between 4-7 October 2010, the Theatre Romathan - the only professional Central European Roma theatre in Europe – held a number of performances in order to preserve, promote and develop authentic Roma culture and art in Europe. The Romathan´s performance in front of the Berlaymont on 5 October was introduced by Commission Vice-President Maros Šefčovič. In his welcome speech, the Vice-President highlighted the idea of presenting authentic Roma culture through a collection of lively songs and dances. He pointed out that young Roma artists play a very active role in increasing European awareness of a dynamic and attractive Roma culture. The performance was followed by an audience of the Romathan in the private office of Vice-President Šefčovič.
Meeting with the Committee of Region´s Bureau
04/10/2010
4 October 2010 - The Commission Vice-President M. Šefčovič attended a meeting of the Committee of the Regions' Bureau, where he delivered a speech 
on "Subsidiarity and Multi-level governance", followed by a vital discussion with the audience. In his speech he highlighted the inspiring role of the Committee of the Regions in terms of active implementation of multi-level governance and reminded that the Commission shared the view on the need of more ownership and partnership in particular as regards the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy. He welcomed the fact that the debate on subsidiarity and proportionality would be further enriched by the new provisions of the Lisbon Treaty and the support and expertise of the CoR to reinforce the analysis of regional aspects in impact assessments.
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