Brussels, 22/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - The industry and trade sectors have welcomed with some enthusiasm the adoption of the European Constitution, which they expect will strengthen EU competitiveness. The Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE) welcomes this "very important step" while calling for a swift decision on the future Commission president in order to secure the "credibility of the EU institutions". Speaking on behalf of the European employers, Philippe de Buck also insists on a strategy for informing the public about the "advantages of the EU".
On behalf of the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (UEAPME), Hans-Werner Müller also said he was very pleased that the Constitution had been adopted. "We have now a framework that ensures the long term viability of the decision-making process in an enlarged Europe", he said. The UEAPME Secretary General, however, regrets that the Heads of State and Government had not extended the qualified majority vote to taxation issues as this, he feels, hampers progress in vital areas for Europe's enterprises.
The leaders "delivered proof that they are able to act in the enlarged Europe of 25 Member States", Christoph Leitl, President of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (EUROCHAMBERS) said. In this new situation, he considers that the economy should be put at the top of the EU's political agenda for the coming 5 years. He urged European leaders to agree on a "pro-economy" candidate as future Commission president.
The American chamber of Commerce to the EU (AMCHAM-EU) is also delighted by the extension of codecision procedure, which is along the lines of a "more transparent, flexible and democratic European Union". Claudio Murri, AMCHAM EU Chair, also hailed the creation of a post of European Foreign Minster as a "concrete step towards a unified and coherent voice on external relations".