The Irish Presidency will attempt to revive the EU economy and the fight against tobacco resumes with a vengeance early on in 2013, the European Year of Citizens.

On the Agenda: In 2013

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But what does this new year  have in store for us?

On 1st January Ireland takes over the  rotating EU Presidency for six months.

The first pressing matter is  the revival of the European economy.

will be the top priorities of  the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Other big issues meriting urgent attention  are the EU budget for 2014-2020,

financial regulation and cyber security.

Still on the economy:  rating agencies will be better supervised.

No more announcing downgrades of  sovereign debt on the eve of an EU summit:

the dates for new ratings  must be announced in advance.

In December the 27 and the EP  agreed on a proposed reform.

The deal should be put to the vote  during the year’s first plenary.

Also in January,  the fight against tobacco resumes.

Will cigarette packs be  stripped of all advertising?

This very sensitive issue has been held  back by endless expert consultations.

Not to mention the change of EU Health  Commissioner which also caused delays.

There’s also talk of banning the sale of  tobacco products online

Combating smoking through  less attractive packaging, OK,

A little quiz: do you know  how many new European laws

the Barroso Commission will present  in 2013? No?

Some 60 texts are planned at this point.

Laws which will then have to be negotiated  between the Member States and the MEPs.

Talking about the Member States, in 2013,  Croatia should be counted in.

Here’s another topic for consumers in 2013.

Recognition of qualifications is key  to being able to work in another EU country.

You may not know it yet,  but 2013 will be my year, their year,

and even your year.  Isn't that right, Nico?

2013 will be the year of European citizens.

There’s a lot to do: every other citizen  feels poorly informed of their rights.

What does being a European citizen  mean to you?

Among other things it means being able to  travel and reside freely in the 27 EU states,

or to work, when that’s possible,  in a country other than your own.

In 2013 conferences and seminars  will be organised across Europe