For the second time in the European Union’s history, Denmark is holding the Presidency. One of the key outcomes of their first Presidency was the enlargement of the EU by ten additional countries. Their passion and enthusiasm reminds me of our presidency, the Slovenian Presidency in 2008.
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, also a former Member of the European Parliament, presented her priorities for the six month long Presidency, basing the values of the Presidency on her affection for and a commitment to all European citizens. She pointed out that that the prerequisite for solidarity in the current crisis conditions is austerity. The people are willing to tighten their belts, but it needs to be fair. To move Europe forward, we will all have to work very hard. We need a secure Europe and security in work.
The five key objectives that will guide the Danish Presidency:
- A responsible European economy, the basis of which will be budgetary discipline and a strong political will.
- Economic growth and a more dynamic Europe. It is urgent to develop and modernize the internal market.
- We must create a green Europe. This will have a direct impact on improving health and in creating new jobs.
- We will act to create a safer Europe. The crisis has raised serious challenges for many governments. We must maintain peace, whose value we take too lightly.
- Europe’s voice needs to be stronger.
The current crisis is a test for Europe and the way out leads through a more united Europe, not the opposite. Europe should not be seen as a hindrance; Europe has to be seen as the solution. How can we possibly imagine a weaker Europe competing with India, China, and Brazil on the global market?
