Facing Europe

Συνέντευξη στην εφημερίδα New EuropeOn the upcoming elections in Greece, what do you view as the areas of supreme importance for your socialist party (PASOK, the Pan Hellenic Socialist Movement of Greece)?Five major national objectives which are at the core of our proposal for growth, security and social justice is where PASOK is focusing. On the external front, we aim to return to an active foreign policy, present   at the centre of international and European decision-making. Second, we insist and develop a new model for national growth, what we call “green growth”. Third, we consider fundamental a new education policy. The state should provide a high quality education, for everyone, for free. It is the foundation for our society and culture and the basic tool for improving national and personal capacity. Fourth, we believe in a modern welfare state where all citizens have access to quality social services – health, education and social security. Finally, we must redesign the state so that values and respect for citizens’ rights and obligations drive its functions in a spirit of productivity, democracy, decentralization and trust.     Is it time to shake up the health and education systems as well as the tackling the momentous task of wiping out corruption at judicial levels?Education and health policies are the twin pillars of PASOK’s major social policy priorities. They are the epitome of public goods, key factors in the redistribution of income and absolutely necessary prerequisites for a more just society with equal opportunities and safety from fear. Our plan for education involves reform at all levels, in a bottom-up approach in conjunction with increased funding from the beginning. We shall also proceed with the reconstruction of the national health System, created by PASOK in the ‘80s. As far as corruption is concerned, we consider it as one of the most inhibiting factors of any society, economy and democracy. It adversely affects a country’s competitiveness, undermines citizens’ respect to institutions and precludes a civic consciousness.  Our answer is to promote accountability, transparency and participation.How will the Lisbon treaty change the European Agenda, and how do you envision the future of the European Union? What are your thoughts on the new makeup of the European Parliament?The people of Europe have spoken. It was a campaign which failed to grip the people’s imagination and interest, which I consider a negative development. Participation was low, euroscepticism was up and a negative trend continued, namely national politicians continued to claim credit for all popular EU policies while at the same time apportioning blame for any unpopular policy. One could see it coming from afar. An increasingly conservative Europe is also a less ambitious Europe and this becomes clear when one looks at inter-institutional relations. A weak European Commission is a convenient one for European leaders who are not necessarily adamant pro-European politicians. Can democracy still be upheld in today’s political reality?Democracy must always be upheld, promoted, strengthened and supported. The road to a new Commission, ranging from President to appointments of new Commissioners seems to be a long, uncertain and in many ways weakened path. What would you say is needed to revert to a dynamic Commission but one that can in some ways be understood by the European citizens?The uncertainty and weakness you refer to is exactly the problem we are facing. Europe is at a crossroads and it seems unable to show leadership.  It is no real secret that the EU project’s progress reflects the quality, persistence and vision of its leadership at any given time. It is also no real secret that at the current junction, truly pro-European politicians are in short supply. The weakness of the European Commission is also illustrated by it being a follower of certain choices made by heads of government without its own agenda, while a prevailing “euro-reluctance” is hampering the EU’s political response to the pressing global problems. We are in need of a new generation of pro European politicians capable of inspiring through a new grand proposal which will set the people of Europe back on a common course.How can we combat the divide between Eurocracy and citizens? Margot Wallstrom has said that it has been a difficult job to communicate Europe, but a necessary one as people feel they need a link. She provided that in some ways, but how else can the EU choose to communicate what it does effectively?Europe needs allies everywhere. Margot is right on both counts and she has been very active and very successful in linking Europe to its citizens. Of course much needs to be done still and I am sure she agrees. In my view, a key part of this must take place at the national level, given the practices I referred above. e.g. How many people are aware of the EU’s influence on significant policies affecting millions? (like the  EU’s success in setting limits in roaming charges for mobile phones)In addition, Europe’s citizens are in desperate need of a new vision which will unite them in a common purpose. A vision accompanied by specific policies which are comprehensible and effective. Just one example: We need European Investment Programs which will replace the coordinated national programs for transportation, telecommunications, energy, scientific cooperation and research. We need to create a European education and scientific community as a means for taking advantage one of our best comparative advantages, namely our human resources. Finally, Europe’s citizens like to see Europe at the forefront of international developments, a leader of social change, a strong voice for green Growth, and a model of cooperation. But the EU’s leading role is hampered by exacerbated difficulties stemming from an insufficient institutional structure, weak decision-making processes and a political balance favoring conservative approaches.Europe must decide whether it will evolve into an increasingly political entity of the willing-and-able or whether it will devolve into a mere collection of agreed-upon policies in the broader economic field.