Brussels, 24/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Developing relations with Europe's southern neighbours and deepening European economic governance: this is the appeal launched to political leaders by the president of the European Parliament, just before the beginning of the European Council on Thursday, 23 June. At the heart of the speech made by Jerzy Buzek (who received the traditional greeting from heads of state and government from the EU27 countries), two key subjects requiring a clear European response were put forward. First of all, instability in North Africa is a test for the EU, which can be summarised as consisting of two major challenges: migration and Schengen. The president of the European Parliament appealed for a closer partnership with countries in North Africa through the liberalisation of visas, opportunities for opening up EU markets to their goods, services and capital, as well as the development of a “common infrastructure. In connection with the Schengen Area, the most visible success accomplished by the EU involves the reform of Frontex and “more effective collaboration” between member states.
Secondly, economic governance and the Greek sovereign debt crisis are two intimately linked subjects, which also require a strong and common response from the EU, affirmed the president of the Parliament. This will involve the rapid adoption of the economic governance package, which should include provisions that are autonomous as possible on the application of the Stability and Growth Pact.
Efficient economic governance, however, should also contain regulation mechanisms for the rating agencies and a tax on financial transactions, he added, before concluding on the Greek crisis. Solutions to this crisis are within reach, “if solidarity within the Union is accompanied by responsibility in the adoption of the necessary reforms” by both Greece and the EU. (J.K.trans/fl)