1/State of play of EU-Russia Relations after Summit on 15 December

Russian Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov:

The EU-Russia summit which took place on 15 December has been positive, the EU-Russia dialogue has been considered as constructive.

Herman van Rompuy on the Summit: An agreement has been reached on a new fiscal compact, stronger crisis mechanisms and on more resources to the IMF. In addition, Member States are  implementing fiscal and reform programmes to restore confidence.

Costa Concordia shipwreck reopened debates on European safety rules in maritime transport on Tuesday, during the Committee on Transports and Tourism meeting (on 24 January). Several colleagues have questioned the capacity to evacuate thousands of people from these "floating hotels", in case of emergency. The Commissioner for transport Sim Kallas said the Commission will make legislative proposals to improve ships' evacuation plans. Before being able to draw conclusions, we must wait for the results of the ongoing investigation. These rules could be proposed by the end of 2012.

In the current context of crisis, the subsequent decrease in national budget and credit restrictions could negatively impact investments in infrastructures. Yet, financing transport policies is crucial for long term growth, investing is precisely what the EU needs to remain competitive. Considering the difficulties encountered to banks' credits, finding funds for investments can be quite a task. The new approach would consist of making use of EU budget jointly with EIB loans, associated with other financial instruments to attract private investments and generate a leveraging effect.

Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt came to the Parliamentary assembly in Strasbourg to introduce EU's Presidency programme, in office since 1 January 2012. The priorities set out by the Prime Minister mainly target growth and employment, budgetary discipline, citizens' security, putting emphasis on sustainable development.