The reactions to the White Paper on the future of the EU presented by the European Commission on Wednesday 1 March (see EUROPE 11736), expressed by political leaders and representatives of civil society, vary between satisfaction that the terms of the debate have been set and criticism of the fact that certain interests, such as defence and social rights, have not been sufficiently taken into account.
In a symbolic joint declaration, the foreign ministers of France, Jean-Marc Ayrault, and of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel, described the initiative as an important and valuable contribution to the broader discussion on the future of Europe in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome on Saturday 25 March. Given the unprecedented threats, Germany and France share same the firm belief that “our best protection and our greatest asset for the future is a stronger EU”, they stress (our translation). Firmly of the opinion that the EU is far more than a single market, as it is based on common values, solidarity and the rule of law, they agree on the need to take greater account of the different levels of ambition of the member states, without calling what has already been achieved into question.
The European Federalists welcome the kick-off of a more in-depth debate on the future of Europe. “Changes in the global context and the prospect of Brexit oblige us to make choices”, said the President of the Union of European Federalists, Elmar Brok, who congratulated the Commission on its efforts to outline the options for how the EU may evolve up to 2025, even those which he sees as “catastrophic”. According to the German Christian Democrat, the EU cannot stand still, be dismantled or revert to a simple single market. However, he did not rule out the possibility that Europe might focus on scaled-down priorities and the member states pursue integration at differing speeds if necessary.
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), which represents the elected members of more than 130,000 local authorities, believes that “Europe cannot work only through the prism of nation states any longer. It will only thrive on the basis of strong relationships between the European Union, its territories and its citizens”. In 2016, it launched a reflection on a vision of Europe in 2030.
As for the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services (CEEP), its Secretary General, Valeria Ronzitti, praised the consultative approach selected by the Commission, which aims at making the process “as open as possible”. She voiced her hopes that the choices to be made on the future of the EU “will be guided by the general interest of all European citizens” rather than electoral appeal, with general elections to be held this year in the Netherlands, Bulgaria, France and Germany.
European trade unions disappointed
On behalf of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), on the other hand, Luca Visentini criticised the attitude of the Commission, which he feels has “given up any attempt at leadership”. He went on to say that presenting options, albeit realistic ones, “illustrates the level of division within the EU”. He added: “none of the scenarios contain what workers need, and trade unions and civil society want: a fairer, more sustainable, democratic and inclusive Europe”. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)