Mairead McGuinness

❗ The energy challenges facing our politicians in the coming decades are enormous. Elia presented an energy compass with the main challenges but, above all, solutions 🗺 Read it here ⬇

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Finally acknowledging that the naive perception that the world is not a global village. Over-reliance on third countries for one's prosperity only works if there is peace, trust and democratic institutions. None of these three hold these days.. The new Economic Playbook should be accompanied by a New Political Playbook...

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I did a podcast on #COP and how #greenskills need to be given more consideration in global #climateaction fora. check it out below.

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I am working for some time now with #EU laws. Yet one thing that I still do not really understand is why our Regulations / Directives do not feature a clear link between #recitals and #articles by default. In particular for people outside Brussels, it is often impossible to understand, which recital has been added for which article. During the #AIAct trilogue negotiations, some of us had a list prepared by the European Commission (I think it was from Laura Jugel) that was however created on basis of their legislative proposal from 21 April 2021. Over the last week, I have finally found some time to update that document, based on the latest legal text that will be entering into force on 1 August 2024. My table gives you an overview of how all recitals and articles relate to each other, allowing you for instance to easily locate the extensive #copyright explanations in Recital 104-108 with regard to Article 53(1c/d). In the first column, you find also in brackets the previous number, which the respective recital had during the trilogue negotiations. Let's hope that what I did here becomes one day the norm for EU laws since such as step would IMO significantly increase the #accessibility of our legal texts. You can download the document either here on LinkedIn or via my blog: https://lnkd.in/e6Pk8dwX p.s. Risto Uuk and team did a similar effort with their great 'AI Act explorer' (https://lnkd.in/eD76WKbV), in which you find "suitable recitals" for each article of the EU AI Act.

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As the 13th Belgian Presidency of the Council of European Union draws to a close, here are some elements of it I will cherish: Immediately attracted by the possibility of playing an active role in it, little did I suspect how serious the anticipation efforts would be; how hectic the run-up and the delivery. I've met many eager and battle-ready colleagues within Belgian administrations, audaciously seizing their proximity vis-à-vis EU Institutions to punch well above their weight; this combines for the best with the country's passion for excellence and collective intelligence. Once an outsider, I now grasp why the wheels keep turning, despite its internal diversity and mind-blowing complexity. Genuinely impressed. This experience has been, and still is, tremendously enriching: friends made; insights gathered; different political, diplomatic, administrative, social, civil, commercial stakeholders I've dealt with at all possible levels (if you exclude extra-terrestrial, although I sometimes have my doubts 👽 )... all of this will not wash away that easily. Helping make La Hulpe Conference a reality was painstaking, but at the same time reasonably gratifying, and seeing what came out of it, I'd say definitely worth the hustle. Heralding its main political outcome, namely La Hulpe Declaration on the Future of Social Europe is someone else's job. They need to make sure it outlives the democratic discontinuity earlier this month, and effectively ensure it informs the spirit of the next European Commission and EU cycle at large. I am convinced they're going to do great. Lucky to ride alongside with both youthful and seasoned talents at FOD Sociale Zekerheid - SPF Sécurité Sociale, FOD Werkgelegenheid, Arbeid en Sociaal Overleg, PPS Social Integration, Combat against Poverty, Social Economy and Urban Policies, Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, our Ministers' strategic cells, our Permanent Representation of Belgium to the European Union, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium, FPS Policy and Support, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the European Parliament, European Economic and Social Committee, partners like GL events, Destrée, FEPS Europe or Jennifer Baker 🖖 A couple of takeaways: The world is round and we're all in it; the "other" will always be there, so be kind to one another. Listen more to what people have to say (maybe you'll learn a thing or two). Cling to "good" stress, but not for too long. Beware of scope-creep. If something doesn't help, do speak up. Hydrate and don't over-caffeinate. 🐳💧 >☕ ☕ ☕ Gewoon echt bedankt aan iedereen die heeft geholpen, geluisterd, even geduld met mijn leerproces gehad, en inderdaad samen met mij gelachen! Je ne vais pas cette fois-ci mentionner les dizaines de personnes qui ont rendu mon périple si agréable et fructifère; on en a eu et on en aura encore l'occasion. Un tout grand merci sincère suffira, je l'espère : Danke sehr für alles und gerne bis 2037!

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Good news: 🐳 🐋 🦈 🐠 🐙 🦑 European Parliament consents by an overwhelming majority for the EU to ratify the #HighSeasTreaty. This is an important step forward for EU ratification; ifaw urges the EU Council to conclude the process as quickly as possible and all EU Member States to complete the ratification process domestically. The 27 EU Member States represent nearly half the remaining 56 ratifications needed for the treaty to enter into force. If EU Member States act quickly, they can be a driving force to conserve over half the Earth’s surface. Right now, only 1% of the High Seas are protected. The rest remains a mostly lawless space where millions of marine species have no protection. Yet oceans are the largest habitat on Earth, producing half the Earth’s oxygen, and absorbing about 30% of the carbon dioxide created. With this treaty, we have a formidable opportunity to help protect the planet and combat climate change. Governments around the world have committed to protecting 30% of our ocean by 2030, so we have no time to lose.   This is one of the most significant treaties of our times. While this decision by the European Parliament is an important milestone, EU Member States and other governments around the world need to take the plunge to make this a reality. #RaceForRatification High Seas Alliance 

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💶 Today the Commission has proposed an annual EU budget of €199.7 billion for 2025! The budget will be complemented by an estimated €72 billion of disbursements under NextGenerationEU. This substantial financial envelope will support the EU in meeting its political priorities 🏛 📜 while integrating the changes agreed in the mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in February 2024. The draft budget 2025 directs funds to where they can make the greatest difference, in cooperation and in line with the needs of the EU Member States and our partners around the world 🤝🌍 to make Europe more resilient and fit for the future to the benefit of EU citizens and businesses 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 🏪 The Commission proposes to allocate the following amounts to the various EU priorities (in commitments) 👇 Learn more: europa.eu/!6cn4pd

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Much more than a market...During the last Council’s working group on Better Regulation under the 🇧🇪Belgian presidency, we delved into the Letta report report on the future of the Single Market—an intriguing topic that will soon be followed by a report from another Italian ex-Prime Minister, Draghi. As the European Union continues to expand and evolve, so does its administration and legislation.⚠️ A dedicated subchapter of the report addresses the pressing need for simplifying 🇪🇺EU regulations. The Better Regulation Policy plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. It revolves around designing EU policies and laws in an open and transparent manner, informed by the best available evidence, and backed by comprehensive stakeholder involvement. The objective? To achieve policy goals with minimal cost. Looking forward for next steps. But first EU elections🇪🇺 https://lnkd.in/d4ha2SiK

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Today is a historic day for transition planning in the EU 😎 🌍 While #G7 Finance Ministers are convening in Stresa to also discuss this topic, #EU #MemberStates have formally approved the #DueDiligence law (#CSDDD). Companies under its scope can no longer ignore their impacts on global operations, and will further embrace the EU #GreenDeal's "do no harm" oath. 🎺 The #CSDDD represents a pioneering move at international level, as it is the first time that transition plans become mandatory. Real economy and the financial sector will also be supervised by Member State-based authorities. ✏ Of course, it’s now time for actual application, additional guidance, and transposition, leaving many topics still open. Key, among these, is how Member States will supervise the #CSDDD transition plans. Will they primarily assess the efforts of entities, or focus only on plans' content? ✅ Another relevant next step is to ensure the consolidation and convergence of different EU transition plans requirements, within and beyond CSDDD. These include the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (#CSRD) & its standards (#ESRS), as well as prudential requirements under Capital Requirement Directive (#CRD) and #Solvency2.

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With the June 20th EPSCO meeting the curtain fell over the BE Presidency in the employment and social affairs filière. It has been an exciting ride to contribute to this work to better identify and incorporate the economic returns of social investments into overall policy development. The March joint meeting of the Employment and Social Affairs Ministers and the Ministers of Economic and financial Affairs to discuss these issues has been an important milestone. Let me add some quick personal thoughts. Enhancing access to #adminsitrativedata for policy monitoring and impact analysis has appeared to be a key issue. While the main data collections like EU-SILC and LFS are perfect for the general monitoring purposes, monitoring and assessing the returns of social investments require (much) more granular data. While the situation differs quite strongly between Member States, there is a widespread need to make progress on more accessible data (of course respecting privacy rules). The same goes for the #timeliness of the data. Both EPSCO and ECOFIN Council formations have now called for more timely data. While different pathways could be explored, for social indicators making (swift) further progress on #Flashestimates is a key priority. The work of the Informal Working Group on Social Investment on bringing together the work by #MemberStates, the #EuropeanCommission, the #EuropeanInvestmentBank, the #WorldBank and the #OECD provides an excellent basis to built upon. Looking forward to further work on this by the #Europeancommission and in the #SocialProtectionCommittee and #EmploymentCommittee and their Indicator Groups. Many thanks for all the support to the colleagues in the EPSCO Committees, the participants in the Informal Working Group on Social Investment and all who contributed!

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The 'in focus article' from DG Energy picks up on recent EU 🇪🇺 rules that give new rights and stronger protections for #EnergyConsumers. It also explains how we, as ⚡️consumers, can be a driving force of the clean #EnergyTransition. 🔗 https://europa.eu/!TNFD9D

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Annual #EUBudget Conference 2024 - Looking ahead: the EU budget of the future. #ABC2024 This year's Annual EU Budget Conference, co-organised by the European Commission and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, focuses on the role of the EU budget in making Europe fit for the future. #FutureOfEurope The last years have been marked by far-reaching geopolitical events, emergencies, crises, that have had an impact on the EU’s economy and society. This new global environment, as well as the enlargement perspective, will determine the Union’s policies in the coming years. In this context, the EU budget will play a central role in achieving our common EU priorities. Key questions cover: - What should be the main priorities for the next EU budget?  - Are the current structure and financing set up of the budget suitable for the challenges we are facing?  - How can the EU budget support effectively the EU economy and its industry in a more competitive global environment?  - How can the EU budget leverage additional investments in critical technologies?  - How to achieve a simpler, more resilient and flexible EU budget? "The present is pregnant with the future". As the debates on the 2028-2033 MFF are starting now, my big question is - are health, equity and wellbeing, social investments at the table? Can we & will we finance social priorities, invest in people and communities? Who is speaking there on our behalf? #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #WellbeingSociety #SocialEurope #HealthEquity https://lnkd.in/eDiFQXX7 #ABC2024

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Enrico Letta's report on the future of the Single Market will be published today. The other report that will have a big impact on the future of EU policies is Mario Draghi's report on the future of European Competitiveness, which will be published toward the end of June. If you want to know how the design and the philosophy of his report are shaping out, you should read the speech Mario Draghi gave yesterday at the High-level Conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights. His conclusion summarizes the scale of the challenges that confront the European Union: "Restoring our competitiveness is not something we can achieve alone, or only by beating each other. It requires us to act as a European Union in a way we never have before. Our rivals are stealing a march on us because they can act as one country with one strategy and align all the necessary tools and policies behind it. If we are to match them, we will need a renewed partnership among Member States – a re-defining of our Union that is no less ambitious than what the Founding Fathers did 70 years ago with the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community." #competitiveness #singlemarket #cmu #EuropeanUnion #EuropeanCommission

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📊 Social Progress in EU regions The European Commission has launched a new interactive map showcasing social progress across EU regions. This tool provides valuable insights into regional development, helping policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions. Explore how your region is performing and identify areas for improvement! Discover the map here�� #EURegions #SocialProgress #EUData #EUinmyRegion

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As of 1 July until 31 December 2024, Hungary takes over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. Today, they unveiled their programme and the priorities for the next 6 months. Under the headline of Make Europe Great Again, they will prioritise: - A new European competitiveness pact - to relaunch economic growth and create the conditions for sustainable growth - Strengthening European defence policy - Addressing illegal migration - Shaping the future of cohesion policy - An economy-centred EU agricultural policy - "agriculture is not seen as the cause of climate change but as part of the solution" - Demography - ageing of European society, unsustainable social welfare systems and labour shortages https://lnkd.in/ekDFnUN9 #HU24EU

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✅ EU institutions – European Parliament, European Commission & European External Action Service – are well prepared to counter foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) targeting the European elections on 6–9 June. 📰 Despite some fear-mongering headlines in the media, none of us are really seeing a meaningful uptick in the amount of elections-related FIMI. Let alone the impact of it. Don’t get me wrong, the threat is serious and very much there, but then again it always is. Information manipulation isn’t about a single post that tips the scales, it’s about a long-term effort to undermine and mislead. Lower the integrity of our information environment, if you will. AI, while rapidly developing, is a dog who still hasn’t really bitten. 🥅 On the flipside, EU institutions have been working hard since the last European elections in 2019 and we’ve made a lot of progress to keep us safer. Cooperation between EU institutions, Member States and our international allies is better than ever; FIMI is high in the political agenda; dedicated organisations and teams are being set up across the EU; we’re reaching tens of millions of people with our awareness-raising campaigns etc. The list goes on. In short – we got this. 🗳️ Oh yeah, one more thing – go out and vote! And rest assured that the integrity of EU’s electoral process is safe from foreign meddling.

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🇧🇪 ➡ 🇭🇺 Today Belgium passes the baton to Hungary for the rotating 🇪🇺 EU Council Presidency: these are the policy priorities that were published 👇 1️⃣ New European Competitiveness Deal 2️⃣ The reinforcement of European defence policy 3️⃣ A consistent and merit-based enlargement policy 4️⃣ Stemming illegal migration 5️⃣ Shaping the future of cohesion policy 6️⃣ A farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy 7️⃣ Addressing demographic challenges #EU2024BE #HU24EU #EUpolicy #EuropeanUnion #EU #Belgium #Hungary

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⚓️🌊The EU Blue Economy Report 2024 was released last week. ⚓️🌊It provides sector-specific, socio-economic knowledge to support informed decisions by policy-makers, blue economy operators, and stakeholders. Most importantly, it gives a broader picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by all Blue Economy sectors in the EU, as well as the main drivers to attain its potential, based on the most recent available data. ⚓️🌊The report delves into the progress in the energy transition for climate change, and technological challenges and goals. It also investigates the potential impacts of coastal floods on ecosystem services and assesses economic resilience along the EU-27 coastline, with a particular attention to the EU Outermost Regions. https://lnkd.in/dVD73-Rp ⚓️🌊Explore how each country is harnessing the potential of their coastal and marine resources in this comprehensive overview of the Blue Economy in the EU Memeber States. https://lnkd.in/djfsnBa5 ⚓️🌊And find here a factsheet with the main figures https://lnkd.in/d7bbz5er Ana Peralta Baptista Nathan G. Giacomo Petrucco

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Predictability, efficiency and speed of action should be the guiding principles of the EU's next mandate. As part of our manifesto, we highlight the key actions the EU should prioritise to lead the #emobility revolution. Make no mistake, the debate on efuels and technology neutrality is only hindering European competitiveness. A clear direction is essential to lead an industrial transition. Find our main recommendations below 👇

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