
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.
Libya's National Forces Alliance - a model for democratic transition for the entire region
Guy Verhofstadt is in Tripoli, Libya this weekend with two members of the ALDE group bureau on the invitation of Mahmud Gebril to commemorate the first anniversary of the National Forces Alliance party.
[more]
Nobody poses a greater threat to North Korean than Kim Jong-un himself
Following North Korea's recent nuclear test and evidence of their expanding nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the European Parliament in Strasbourg held a debate with EU High Representative to discuss this issue. Jelko...
[more]
EU cannot stand by and watch Syria implode
Addressing the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Guy Verhofstadt pleaded for a more activist EU approach to Syria which, if allowed to rumble on, will destroy the country its people and have a...
[more]
















