
Rethinking the Budget introducing own resources
In order to provide greater investment in areas where it is most needed, and to make use of the huge economies of scale the Union can provide, some form of EU long term financing is required. More specifically, the question of the Union's revenues needs to be addressed. The long overdue budget review is required in order to overhaul the Union's financial system. The only way to end the entrenched debate between those countries that contribute and those that receive is the introduction of genuine own resources. This will also involve the citizens directly with the European budget debate.
The euro is also of vital importance and in the crisis has proved that the Union stands stronger together. We need to move fast towards the extension of the euro zone thereby bringing much needed stability to some of our newer Member States. Whilst investment in infrastructure is currently required in order to pull us out of recession the precept of the stability pact must not be forgotten and all Member States must demonstrate their commitment towards renewed fiscal rectitude.
Greece: shutting down all state broadcasters is not a reform
Yesterday, following a decision of the Greek government, all public TV and radio closed down all broadcasts and around 2500 workers were dismissed as a response to the tough bailout conditions requiring huge cuts in public...
[more]
Improved Schengen preserves citizens' freedom
The European Parliament confirmed today its agreement with the Council - after almost a year of negotiations - on a new Schengen governance system. This will strengthen the Schengen supervision by finally putting an end to the...
[more]
Asylum package: increased solidarity and responsibility
Today the European Parliament adopted several pieces of legislation which will mark a step towards completing and improving the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) - due to have been completed by 2012 following the Stockholm...
[more]















