German EU Presidency

20 December 2006

Presenting the future Presidency Programme the German minister for foreign affairs Steinmeier explained that the focus will be on the Constitution and the EU's external role. With regard to the internal market the first priority will be to take steps to strengthen Europe on the global stage within the framework of the new Internal Market Strategy, in consultation with the Commission.

The official Presidency Programme explains that the Presidency aims to move closer to fully liberalizing the European market for postal services and revising the legal framework for telecommunications, as well as to establish an efficient and competitive information society (i2010).

In Financial Services it intends to drive forward the harmonization of company law and the implementation of the Action Plan on Financial Services by increasing convergence in supervisory practices, among other things.

Also, Germany will continue the Better Regulation initiative. A central issue will be reducing the administrative burden imposed by existing legislation. Comprehensive impact assessments for all new projects will be a key element of the German action plan.

The attached document also includes a detailed Conference calendar.

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