Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/1999-10-26-Speech-2-075"
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"en.19991026.2.2-075"2
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"Mr President, we are dealing with a consolidated budget, which is showing the effects of choices perpetuated over the years and which has not yet been dynamic enough. The major items have undergone some changes, but they are not yet at the level of a structure free of conditioning, which may vary in nature: there is national conditioning which, however, is acceptable in part, conditioning by sector, not to mention by corporation, which is less acceptable, and by lobbies, categories, individuals and structures. Budgetary language is not dry because it is made up of numbers but because it pays little heed to changes in society and its needs, expectations and hopes. The Union performs its major function not only through political and legislative acts, but also through investments, management and expenditure, which are becoming a means not so much to satisfy as to stifle high expectations. The wait for funding is becoming the strongest bond for many communities, not just local ones – funding which binds people together more than any other types of ideals or principles.
While we do not agree at all with some of the programming choices, we will, however, accept them on one condition – that expenditure is subjectively and overall, individually and collectively useful. But because of inveterate habit, it does not always appear to be like this. Just because there is unjustified management does not necessarily mean there is unlawful management. Taxpayers’ money can be badly spent in a perfectly orthodox manner. The Community’s expenditure is huge and there could be many benefits and beneficiaries. If this is not the case, it is often because Brussels seems distant from Europe and does not always know what is happening there, while those in charge of controls sometimes seem distant and uncoordinated or disorganised. Let us give them more means, as is repeatedly requested, and the results will certainly be significant. There is a great deal of confidence, but the choice of what is to happen is just as important.
Finally, I would like to recommend a reduction in the Community’s bureaucratic impetus, reducing the number of officials who are inspectors in name only, committees, commissions, temporary transfers, obligations and regulations. We need more passion and transparency. As a new Member – and this is just one example – I approached the European Investment Bank, and I felt as if I were approaching a sanctuary for privileged, all-powerful fat cats who had been released from the rules of democracy and therefore from their obligation to citizens."@en1
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