Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-04-13-Speech-3-053"
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"en.20050413.2.3-053"2
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"Mr President, the outcome of the Spring Summit suggests that the European Union has unfortunately taken a step backwards. It is becoming ever harder to attain legitimate economic objectives. The goalposts seem to be moving further away. Relaxation of the principles governing the Stability and Growth Pact is very worrying. Introducing something akin to manual control, and applying the Pact’s principles only to certain countries and not to others that infringe its principles as a matter of course, is a short-sighted approach. What kind of message does this send to those Member States that decided to undertake painful reforms in order to achieve financial discipline and meet the convergence criteria? What kind of example is this setting the new Member States?
Regrettably, the Lisbon Strategy statements remain on paper. The Member States and the Union as a whole must transcend rhetoric and support those fine declarations with specific and consistent actions. It is impossible not to agree with the Presidency Conclusions, namely that completion of the single market as far as the free movement of services is concerned will support Community objectives regarding economic growth, employment and competitiveness. The services directive is one of the best parts of the Lisbon Strategy. Consistent action aimed at bringing about the single market is the best way of supporting the Lisbon Strategy. All these objectives will be attained faster and more effectively if the services directive currently under discussion is not diluted, weakened and postponed, departing from its original form. We must ensure free and unrestricted provision of services throughout the entire territory of the Union. As we work on this directive, we must make sure that it contains as much common sense and as few restrictions as possible.
The Union needs powerful economic catalysts if it is to attain its economic objectives. One such catalyst was the accession of ten new Member States in the enlargement that took place last May. We are now called upon to go further. We must serve the interests of future generations, and not think only of contemporary political wheeling and dealing, elections and referendums. The citizens of the Member States expect us to do our duty. Fine words will not transform or magic away contemporary reality, characterised by the lack of a will to change, to open up markets and also by a weakening of macroeconomic discipline. We must find the courage to face up to the future."@en1
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