Reduced presence in international bodies. The international atmosphere is not favourable - the EU is losing clout. It's a fact - the European population and territory are lower than those of the emerging giants like China, India, Brazil and others. The forecasts show that in 2020 the demographic weight of Europe will represent less than 7% of the world's population. The traditional place of the EU in international bodies is now considered excessive in relation to its real weight, and the trend to reduce it is asserted to these countries' benefit.
It is quite normal that these giants are gradually starting to take their rightful place in these bodies. Roberto Azevedo from Brazil will take over the leadership of the WTO from Pascal Lamy, who has had this role for two mandates of four years. The presidency of the IMF is traditionally European - it currently still is, but rumour has it that this might be the last time. In Latin America, Asia and Africa questions are especially being asked about the IMF's intervention in the adventures of the euro, judging that Europe ought to have managed alone - although almost a third of the funding to balance the eurozone has been provided by the IMF. The tendency towards the next president not being European is therefore gaining ground. Neither should it be forgotten that alongside the growing clout of the emerging countries, what we used to call the third world is also in the process of finding its position at the international level.
In favour of balancing obligations. It is quite normal that the new global reality is having a tangible and visible knock-on effect on how international bodies operate. Yet Europe must in that case demand an adjustment in its commitments and must demand the uniform respect of international rules. The burden of the world's operation must be redistributed, and the European share must be in harmony with the clout it is recognised for. The countries that have made such great progress must assume their international responsibility. In other words, the emerging countries are right to demand more international political responsibility and clout, but they must then assume their corresponding duties from a twofold point of view - the funding of international action, and the respect of rules (especially in the area of trade).
Europe must assert its results. The European Union must at the same time assert its results. This column tries to present an image of the European reality that is different from the pessimistic and disillusioned one that is currently so popular. In fact, the EU is making progress and yesterday this column again pointed out several signs of this. Too bad, then, for the person who doesn't want to admit this and prefers scepticism and complaining. The reality of European construction is really quite positive - even if the radical developments that are under way involve certain timeframes. The following summary does not state anything new but is confined to simplifying the information and the projects on which EUROPE regularly reports in detail.
Economy and finance. The innovations that are under way or being developed represent real revolutions, especially (i) in the management of banking and the end of banking abuse; (ii) in the fight against tax evasion. The progress often exceeds the forecasts, even if the effects will be gradual.
Common policies. The reforms of the CAP, of the fisheries policy and especially of the cohesion policy will bring innovations that might be partly controversial, but which involve radical improvement in the use of Community resources.
Wastage and abuse. The fight against these scourges will contribute to the reduction of spending and to improving the management of the EU.
National reforms. The reforms within the member states must be even more radical than those at the Community level in order to make economic recovery possible. For example, the new Italian government has announced the following institutional reforms: abolition of the provinces, radical reduction in the number of MPs, and revision of the Senate's powers. Other examples would be just as telling.
Links with the United States. The global evolution obliges the EU to conclude the bilateral agreement with the Americans. It still arouses fear and misgivings, which must be overcome by clarifying the project's objectives and modalities. This is a project that must be made tangible at the end of next year for reasons of timing. And the EU must at the same time clarify its trade relations with the emerging countries.
Responsibilities. While keeping a healthy critical spirit, Europeans - with politicians in the lead - must stop decrying the image of the EU and must understand that their attitude is also responsible for the EU27's loss of clout and esteem in the world. (FR/transl.fl)