The top candidate (‘Spitzenkandidat') of the social democratic family in the European elections next May, the Dutchman Frans Timmermans, outlined on Thursday 21 February some areas on which the next European Commission will have to focus its attention from November onwards, notably social justice and housing, while the Party of European Socialists will adopt its election manifesto this weekend in Madrid (see EUROPE 12155).
There are "two types of answers" in the current era, marked by many political, economic and social challenges: to return to "national solutions" that seek new enemies or, failing that, scapegoats, or to "act collectively" as a majority of Europeans still want, said Mr Timmermans, in an address to the Ideas Lab conference organised by the CEPS think tank through Friday 22 February.
Advocating, not surprisingly, the second type of response, the socialist felt that his aim during the upcoming European campaign was to convince Europeans to "choose Europe because we want to not because we have to".
To achieve this, the current Vice-President of the Commission has mentioned several areas where European action seems necessary. In his view, a European response to the migration challenge must be provided, and not just the construction of walls or barriers. A partnership based on a "community of values" must be proposed to Africa, particularly in response to the demographic challenge that the continent will face. And a "coherent" European industrial strategy is needed without being naïve or paranoid about China, Mr Timmermans added.
Social justice. The Social Democratic Spitzenkandidate also wondered how to promote social justice in Europe. First of all, it is necessary to "complete the banking union" in the euro area, he said, in order to put an end to the psychological "trauma" where billions of euros are used to bail out failing banks in the event of a financial crisis. Each Member State should set up “a minimum wage”, which would not be the same everywhere, which will then encourage greater coordination of social policies.
Mr Timmermans also called for the launch of a comprehensive housing programme, especially for young people. We must "build more and sustainably" because such an investment will pay off, he stressed.
On the European political scene after the May elections, the Dutch socialist considered that the time when traditionally pro-European parties ruled comfortably at the centre of the political spectrum was over. It will be necessary to have "a bigger coalition" than before and parties committed to European integration must be prepared to make "more compromises", he added. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)