For anyone who enjoys sitting down over the holidays and reading the newspapers, Christmas and New Year are open season for lists.
And in 2012, there’s been a lot to talk about. We’ve seen colleagues from across Government emerging bleary-eyed from late-night negotiations in Brussels having won around new allies to our point of view, and having stood up for the interests of UK businesses and consumers.
This matters because when we are positive and engaged in Europe, we can actually help to set the agenda, and to push forward free trade and reforms that don’t just benefit us, they also help to raise competitiveness in the EU more generally.
So in the spirit of the season, here’s a shot at the top ten achievements on Europe this year, in no particular order.
- After 40 years of negotiations, the establishment of a European patent court, with a key division in London dealing with pharmaceuticals and chemistry, that will save businesses millions of pounds. Commissioner Michel Barnier hailed the “historic day” it was finally agreed.
- Progress towards completing the single market in services, energy and digital industries.
- Commitment to exempt small businesses from new regulation, and conclusions from the European Council with plans to “scrap” European regulations that are no longer of use.
- Progress on enlargement, with the Croatia bill (or rather the European Union (Croatian Accession and Irish Protocol) bill) on its way through Parliament, and steps forward on Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia.
- A new free trade agreement with Singapore, and the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement with Japan.
- Winning allies around to our position on the long-term EU budget – with German readers of Der Spiegel saying “Danke, Herr Cameron”.
- A step towards banking union which will make the Eurozone more stable, but which safeguards UK interests.
- Keeping up the pressure on the regime in Syria.
- The EU formally implementing landmark sanctions against Iran this month.
- And, just in time for Christmas, a deal on fisheries, that has been welcomed by the industry, after three days of marathon talks.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year