On 13 December 2016 three Institutions signed a Joint Declaration on the EU's legislative priorities for 2017 towards a “Union that delivers swifter and better results”.
President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, holder of the rotating Council Presidency, Robert Fico, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, signed the first ever Joint Declaration setting out the EU's objectives and priorities for the legislative process in 2017.
A connected Digital Single market is among the priority initiatives to which the Presidents of the Parliament, Council and Commission agreed to commit their efforts and, where possible, deliver by the end of 2017. The continuing work on the implementation of a connected Digital Single Market will be based on the EU telecoms and copyright reforms, the Union of the 700 MHz band, preventing unjustified geo-blocking, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and common data protection rules.
The other five priorities for the legislative process in 2017 for which proposals should be fast-tracked are:
- Giving a new boost to jobs, growth and investment
- Addressing the social dimension of the European Union
- Better protecting the security of the citizens
- Reforming and developing the European migration policy in a spirit of responsibility and solidarity
- Delivering on the objective of an ambitious Energy Union and a forward looking climate change policy
In addition, the three Presidents highlight four fundamental issues which need particular attention and further progress in 2017: (i) commitment to common European values, the rule of law and fundamental rights; (ii) tackling tax fraud, evasion and avoidance; (iii) preserving the principle of free movement of workers; and (iv) contributing to stability, security and peace.
Read the full press release by the European Commission here.
Source: European Commission Press Release Database