Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-04-09-Speech-3-129"
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"en.20030409.4.3-129"2
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".
We are charged with making a decision on enlargement of the European Union to include 10 new members. From the outset, we did not wish to hinder the choice of the peoples of Eastern Europe in any way. They were to be free to decide whether or not to accede to the Union. If existing Member States put up barriers, this would be interpreted as the construction of a so-called fortress Europe for the richer countries. The latter would be criticised for failing to show solidarity with other peoples wishing to accede to the Union.
We do however wish to speak out against the conditions of this enlargement on the cheap. It does not provide for equality between the members. No proper account is taken either of the increase in poverty and unemployment in the candidate countries. These social problems were caused by the policies adopted over the last 10 years in order to meet the criteria for accession.
It can readily be understood that the peoples affected are now seeking compensation in the form of rights and structural and agricultural funds. Unfortunately, the European Union tends to regard the new members as second class countries. It waxes eloquent over the reunification of the continent, deeming it a political and historical achievement. At the same time it prevents the free movement of people. It heralds democracy and pluralism, but the aims of the changes imposed and the means used to achieve them smack of dogmas leading to social regression. The conditions imposed on appropriations and aid are examples of this. The countries of Eastern Europe are particularly affected. We voted against the Brok report for all these reasons."@en1
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