Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-06-13-Speech-3-019"
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"en.20010613.1.3-019"2
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"Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am concerned about the result in Ireland. It is a victory for those who wish to stop and say no. Referendums encourage short-term, self-interested views rather than long-term acceptance of responsibility. As Europe stands on the brink of a highly successful age, its citizens are vacillating. Reunification can increase freedom, security and opportunities and we can show solidarity with people who have suffered under Communist oppression and the destruction caused by a planned economy. However, reunification is just as important to us, as enlargement is not only a historical responsibility but also a necessary injection and a win-win situation.
In Gothenburg the EU Heads of State and Government must therefore now set a deadline for enlargement and ensure that its road map is confirmed politically. This is the clear message which I believe is needed. But we should also examine ourselves. Citizens, not only in Ireland, are questioning what the EU is doing. We are poor at explaining the heart and the successes of European cooperation. Many people wish to foist tasks on the EU which can better be dealt with domestically. This threatens self-determination, while at the same the EU’s fundamental task of increasing freedom, ensuring peace, opening up markets and breaking down trade barriers becomes neglected.
Enlargement and expansion of the European Union requires focus, consistency and commitment from all those interested in making Europe a success. There is another summit being held. Sweden believes the summit with the US is a significant event and one that is important to the EU. The leadership must focus on what unites us. Understanding the interests of the US may ensure Europe’s reunification and ability to manage crises. Working with the US to ensure peace and increased free trade must be the primary task.
George W. Bush is good for the US and good for Europe, and we welcome him to Europe. I hope that both summits achieve concrete results and wish everyone the best of luck. I would like to add my congratulations to the foreign ministers for ensuring that the Presidency’s six months, which started out looking rather grey will seemingly end a little more on the light blue side."@en1
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