Brussels, 14/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 14 December, with the adoption of a declaration on globalisation, the heads of state and government affirmed the EU's driving role in favour of globalisation, the advantages of which are shared by all. In an unbiased text, they stress their intention to make “globalisation a source of opportunity rather than a threat”. The EU - which is open and in favour of free trade, concerned by the social dimension, and committed at the environmental, development and security levels - will abide by its commitments at global level but expects its partners to assume their responsibilities also. Given the economic, social, environmental, energy and security challenges, EU leaders say they are seeking to direct globalisation so that it is in the interests of all citizens, on the basis of “our common values and principles”. But European action cannot stand on its own and, the declaration states, “we must engage our international partners in enhanced strategic cooperation”.
Internally as well as externally, the Lisbon strategy for growth and employment will make it possible to strengthen the competitiveness of member states and the Union's collective capacity to put its interests and values to the fore on the international stage. In this respect, the text states, continued reform at national and Community level remain essential for long term economic success, mainly the strengthening of the internal market and increased investment in research, innovation and education.
The EU's very ambitious objectives on climate change will not remain a dead letter, the European Council states, saying “we will deliver on our promises and show global leadership in these fields”. Such efforts could, however, prove insufficient as “we know that without major partners tackling with us the challenges of climate change, our efforts would remain incomplete”. It now stresses the need to reach a comprehensive global agreement for the post 2012 period “by 2009 at the latest”, with participation from the United States, Russia, China, India and Brazil.
Consistent macroeconomic policies and stable financial markets are vital for sustained economic growth, the declaration reiterates, stressing that “the euro already plays a major role for stability and growth in the world economy”. It goes on to highlight the work that must allow improvements to be made in the prudential frameworks and transparency of financial markets, not only within the EU but also in the relevant international bodies.
The Union has always encouraged free trade and openness as a means to promote growth, employment and development for itself and for its trading partners, and it plans to continue to point the way in this field, whether it be in the context of the Doha Round or of bilateral agreements. The Union undertakes to act in favour of increased market openness, which should lead to mutual advantages, but points out that its partners must also demonstrate openness, “on the basis of internationally agreed rules, in particular as concerns fair competition and the protection of intellectual property rights”.
In terms of development, the Union states it will keep its promises and expects others to do the same when it comes to aid, decent working conditions, transmissible diseases and human rights. Finally, the EU will assume its share of responsibility with regards to security and stability at world level, by putting the CFSP and the ESDP instruments to effective use. “In the era of globalisation, migration is a challenge which is global in nature but mainly regional in its impact”, the declaration states by way of conclusion, saying: “We are developing a comprehensive European migration policy in order to promote integration, manage legal migration and combat illegal immigration. By this we should be able to meet the challenges and reap the benefits that well-managed migration can bring for the EU and also for third countries”. The full text of the declaration will be published in our Special Edition on Sunday 16 December. (A.B.)