Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2007-10-10-Speech-3-048"
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"en.20071010.16.3-048"2
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"I trust that during the upcoming Lisbon Summit the final agreement on the wording of the Reform Treaty will be reached. Its signature and ratification will put an end to the institutional crisis caused by the referenda in France and the Netherlands.
The institutional reform is necessary, but is not in itself sufficient for the EU to succeed in the context of a more globalised world, and in relation to its citizens. The institutional reform is an indispensable part of the solution; it is not, however, in itself, the solution. Once the Reform Treaty has entered into force, we will need to engage in the fundamental debate on the future direction of European integration. Answers to Europe’s economic, social or security issues will be sought in a rigorous revision of existing policies.
The ultimate objective of the European project and related questions on the borders of the EU must take centre stage in these debates. Referenda in France and the Netherlands and the complex negotiations on the wording of the Reform Treaty signal that the fundamental debate on the contents of the European project will be much more challenging than has been the case to date.
That is why it is so important to respond properly and without delay to President Sarkozy’s proposal to establish a so-called committee of wise men, which would provide the much-needed impetus and direction for this debate. This body should have a clear mandate, but in no case be composed of representatives of Member State governments. Rather it should be a select group of eminent scholars, outstanding entrepreneurs, former diplomats and politicians. They should be personalities who inspire natural authority and respect, not officials with tasks delegated to them by their governments. The objective of this committee should not be to replace public debate but rather function as a catalyst for debate and come up with concrete proposals on the future of European integration.
Mr President, through the Reform Treaty we will gain perhaps imperfect but necessary working tools, and it is up to us to use their full potential. Europe’s citizens are expecting concrete, tangible results from the EU. It is our job to fulfil these expectations."@en1
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