Brussels, 26/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The proposals from the European Commission contained within the White Paper have caused rather favourable reactions. It is an important milestone in the drafting of the treaties, but this push for greater efficiency must not be at the expense of democracy, commented the MEP Hannes Swoboda, Austrian Vice-President of the EP Socialist group. Mr Swoboda nevertheless underlined that the strengthening of parliamentary democracy must remain central to any improvement in the way in which European affairs may be managed. Robin Cook, ESP President, said: "simplifying laws and increasing openness is an essential part of the EU's forthcoming work", adding that the latter should focus on the peoples' priorities. Joachim Wuermeling (EPP-ED, German) welcomes the good intentions of the Commission, but invites it not to choose the wrong method to bring itself closer to the citizen. The most important in his eyes is to retain the EU's fundamental structures and the decision-making methods to ensure that the voice of citizens is taken into account. The White Paper must respect the fact that the participation of interest groups cannot replace the expression of a democratic will.
"The sound use of the subsidiarity principal is necessary to avoid an accumulation of decision-making layers, which add to the regulatory burden weighing on business, especially on SMEs", stated UNICE, which welcomes the fact that the White Paper goes in this direction. Governance also indicates a greater use of solutions other than legislative: voluntary agreements or negotiated, cooperation and co-regulation leave more space for business, feels UNICE. Emilio Gabaglio, Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) notes with satisfaction that the Commission continues to emphasis the Community method compared to the risks represented by purely intergovernmental practices for the cohesion and coherence of the Union. The aim of seeing the Union play a stronger role in the definition of a new form of governance at the global level is also welcome. The ETUC is in agreement with the target aiming to further involve civil society indecision-making (especially representational organisations). Giampiero Alhadeff, President of the European social sector NGO platform, welcomed the desire to institute a more direct dialogue with civil society.