
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.
ALDE backs better protection for home buyers
After months of negotiations, last night an agreement was reached between the European Parliament, Council and Commission on the mortgage credit Directive which aims to create a level playing field where minimum harmonisation...
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ECB must intervene directly to help SMEs
The European Parliament adopted today the report assessing the ECB activities for 2011. By endorsing an ALDE amendment, Parliament called upon the Central bank to directly intervene in helping SMEs against the current and serious...
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Main lesson from Cyprus is our need for a definitive EU bank resolution fund
The European Parliament debated today the financial and economic situation in Cyprus following the EU rescue plan which has been badly handled and showed once again a lack of coherence and vision at EU level.
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