Jo Leinen on the Future of Europe
>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=KQes2b8Jgdk
S D Euro MPs today backed a set of reforms to improve the functioning of the EU, make Europe more democratic and increase the solidarity in the Eurozone. • Three reports were put to a vote today in the plenary session in Strasbourg. They represent the European Parliament’s contribution to the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the landmark Treaty of Rome which gave birth to the European Communities. • S D Group spokesperson on constitutional affairs and co-author of the report on improving the functioning of the EU, Mercedes Bresso, said: • “With the adoption of these reports, the European Parliament has sent a united message and a strong signal to the populists. The EU will keep protecting its citizens. We want to build a strong European pillar of social rights. The EU must also be much more efficient in the fight against tax evasion and tax fraud. • “We also want a more democratic economic governance and a more united and integrated approach to protect our external borders and our continent. • “Our citizens have many doubts about the EU. They want change. We are proposing new steps to make a better Europe that is more efficient and closer to its citizens. We must open a new phase in Rome. European citizens must be fully involved through a wide public and open debate about our common future. Then we are calling for a convention, open to all stakeholders, to prepare the revision of the Treaty. This is the message we want to send ahead of the Rome commemoration. • S D Group negotiator on the possible evolution and adjustments to the current institutional framework, Jo Leinen, added : • “Amid an expansionist Russia and a US government that questions the western security architecture and promotes protectionism, a strong and self-confident Europe is needed more than ever. • “In a globalised and rapidly changing world, no single EU member state is powerful enough to compete with the world’s superpowers like China and the USA. Only a united Europe will be able to defend European interests and shape globalization, instead of merely being its subject. • “The EU’s inability to successfully manage the migration and refugee flows and its slow and inadequate response to the financial and economic crises lead to deep disappointment among many citizens, preparing the ground for anti-European sentiments and nationalism. • “The EU must be able to deliver in key areas such as anti-terrorism, security and defence, the fight against tax evasion and environmental protection, which is not possible if single national governments are able to block common solutions. We must put an end to national vetoes and cherry-picking. The EU also needs better instruments to ensure all member states’ compliance with the Union’s fundamental values. • “We want the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome to be the starting point for a European-wide debate on the future of Europe that leads to a big convention and a new basis for a more successful and democratic European Union.” • -------------------------------------------------------------- • The S D Group stands for an inclusive European society based on principles of freedom, equality, solidarity, diversity and fairness. • Subscribe for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... • Like us on Facebook: / socialistsanddemocrats • Follow us on Twitter: / theprogressives • Follow us on Snapchat: http://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/... • Follow us on Instagram: / socialistsanddemocrats • Visit our website: http://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/
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