The Socialist group wants to maintain the political momentum that has seen it in the EU’s driving seat on a number of legislative issues which will reach second reading this autumn. These include the services directive, where we managed to secure a landmark victory by effectively agreeing a position for the Council and the Commission to follow, the REACH proposal on chemicals and the working time directive. Beyond that, our No. 1 priority continues to be that of giving a human and social dimension to globalisation, fighting the neo-liberal attack on the European social model and creating jobs by focusing on research, innovation and training. Second, Europe needs the reforms proposed in the constitution; without these the EU is incapable of functioning properly or enlarging. We will be focusing on reviving the treaty reform process and building on the momentum of three consecutive pro-constitution EU presidencies, those of Austria, Finland and Germany.

 

As European socialists we will also play our part in making Europe an effective political actor,

contributing to global security through a multilateral approach. Our initiatives will range from targeted EU co-operation with several Latin American governments of the left to strengthening the EU's neighbourhood policy with countries of the Mediterranean and with the Union’s eastern neighbours. There should also be particular emphasis on a new relationship with Russia. As Socialists, we will remain alert to face the challenge of ensuring peace and stability in our own societies. The rise of right-wing populism and extremism, racism or religious fundamentalism needs an explicit and coherent response from our group.

 

For very obvious reasons I am in favour of just having the one seat for the European Parliament, whether it be in Strasbourg or Brussels. It would make our work more efficient. However, it is the responsibility of the heads of state and government that we have two seats in the first place and only they have the competence to change this.

 

The European Parliament has welcomed the role played by a number of EU member states in strengthening the UNIFIL forces in south Lebanon. But there can be no military solution to the situation in the Middle East, and no lasting peace, unless the parties involved show the political will to tackle the root causes of the crisis, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The current situation, in which the solutions proposed by the United States have completely failed, is a historic opportunity for Europeans, but also a historic responsibility. Europe has given the right answer to this challenge, both in terms of peacekeeping and at the Donors' Conference held in Stockholm in September. But the bulk of the work is still to be done. The EU should play a leading role in implementation of the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1701.

 

Both the EU and partner countries need to base their cooperation on the Millennium Development Goals, the international objectives set out in 2000 by the UN. Getting Africa back on track needs an increased effort in basic health and basic education, so that the children of Africa can grow up ready to take on the challenge of developing their own continent. As well as tackling the root causes of poverty, the EU must do all it can to support the fledgling African Union.

 

Many EU citizens feel that enlargement is happening too fast, and that they themselves have been overtaken by events without having had their say. They think that the EU project is too elitist and lacks transparency. There is also a general climate of economic uncertainty, where fears of losing out in a more competitive world have become synonymous with enlargement of the EU. Many citizens expressed their concerns and frustrations by voting No to the constitution, although ironically it would have tackled some of the European Union’s current shortcomings.

 

At the same time the EU appears incapable of acting in the wake of the constitution’s rejection. What we need is a new enthusiasm for the EU project through concrete results in policy areas that benefit people in their daily lives. These include the fight against terrorism, creating a sustainable and self-sufficient energy policy, ensuring effective environmental protection and making the EU an effective force for peace in the world. Only if we can show our citizens successful EU policies will we regain their trust in the project.

 

Europe's great competitive edge is the knowledge, skills and enterprise of its people. The industries in which it will compete most strongly will be innovative, fast-changing, creative and high-skilled. Europe can never compete with Chinese or Indian wages and working conditions, and should never try to. But the alternative, a Europe of excellence, will require much greater public and private investment in education, life-long learning and research and development. And it will need a culture of partnerships at work that harnesses the full energies and commitment of the workforce. That is why a strong social

dimension will be a key element in making Europe an economic world leader.

 

The EU needs to implement the revised Lisbon strategy on interlinked economic, employment,

environmental and social reforms. It must also focus on important economic sectors such as

R&D, information technologies, energy, transport/trans-European networks and SMEs, and also on training/education and social services. These should not be seen only as cost factors for our economy but rather as investments in a knowledge-based society.

 

Martin Schulz was interviewed for Europe’s World by journalist Simon Taylor. This section is supported by the Socialist Group (http://www.socialistgroup.org)