An independent Reflection Group was established under the Conclusions of the European Council, with the objective of assisting the European Union more effectively anticipate and meet challenges in the longer term horizon of 2020 to 2030. The group is chaired by Felipe Gonzales and has in all 12 members. It started its work in December 2008 and shall present its report to the European Council meeting of June 2010.
Mandate
Taking as its starting-point the challenges set out in the Berlin Declaration of 25 May 2007, the Group was invited to identify the key issues and developments which the Union was likely to face and to analyse how these might be addressed. This includes, inter alia: strengthening and modernising the European model of economic success and social responsibility, enhancing the competitiveness of the EU, the rule of law, sustainable development as a fundamental objective of the European Union, global stability, migration, energy and climate protection, and the fight against global insecurity, international crime and terrorism. Particular attention should be given to ways of better reaching out to citizens and addressing their expectations and needs.
The Group shall conduct its reflections within the framework set out in the Lisbon Treaty. It shall therefore not discuss institutional matters. Nor, in view of its long-term nature, should its analysis constitute a review of current policies or address the Union’s next financial framework.
In its work, the Reflection Group will need to take into account likely developments within and outside Europe and examine in particular how the stability and prosperity of both the Union and of the wider region might best be served in the longer term.
Members
The Group is chaired by Mr. Felipe Gonzalez Marquez, assisted by two Vice-Chairs, Ms. Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Mr. Jorma Ollila, and includes 9 more members, all eminent experts in their own fields: Ms. Lykke Friis, Mr. Rem Koolhaas, Mr. Richard Lambert, Mr. Mario Monti, Mr. Rainer Munz, Ms. Kalypso Nicolaidis, Ms. Nicole Notat, Mr. Wolfgang Schuster and Mr. Lech Walesa. The Group is supported by a secretariat headed by Secretary-General, Mr. Žiga Turk.
Work
The Reflection Group held its inaugural meeting in December 2008 and is holding monthly meetings. Drafting and preparation of the Final Report will take place in early 2010 in view of its presentation presentation to the European Council in June 2010.
The group is independent: it will consult as it deems appropriate and is responsible for the organisation of its own work. In order to maintain its credibility, the Reflection Group will remain independent of governments, institutions and pressure groups.