Brussels, 07/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - No breakthrough was expected at the fourth meeting of the working group on economic governance, which mainly revealed how varied member states' positions were on elements still on the table. “The taskforce held a detailed discussion on national budgetary frameworks, macroeconomic oversight and sanctions”, a press release published after the first meeting since the summer break announced without giving more detail. No specific progress was noted and work will continue at the sherpa level by the next, and last, meeting of the working group (before the European Council in October). Between now and then, President Herman Van Rompuy will make an oral report to the European Council (on 16 September, at lunch).
Although all seem to agree on the principle that the debate and strengthened penalties should be taken more into account, views did not truly converge on Monday evening, one European diplomatic source said. “All that was urgent four or five months ago (Ed: at the time when the taskforce was being set up) seems less so now”, during a period of economic recovery, he said. On the subject of sanctions, difficulties do not only concern content (suspension of structural funds or suspension of voting rights) but also the moment when these must be triggered. On this point, the Commission nonetheless hopes to move forward before the impetus dies down, and to make proposals at the end of September (see other article). It is taking a “risk”, as it is aware of the position of member states, the diplomatic source pointed out, taking the view that the debate is “not yet ripe”. Furthermore, discussion on setting a permanent crisis management mechanism in place also seems to be marking time. This point remains open and will be discussed but it would be wiser to defer the matter, said Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday, all the more as the matter, as some point out, requires a change in the treaty. (A.B./transl.jl)