International

2012 could well be just as turbulent as 2011, or perhaps even more so. It may seem peaceful in the eurozone, but as yet there have been no truly structural solutions. Meanwhile, poverty and unemployment spread and the whole of Europe remains wedded to deep austerity, which can only make the problem worse. That’s why I say, at the top of my voice: let’s make this a Happy New Year, for example through early elections in the Netherlands and a referendum at last on all the measures within the framework of a federal European Economic Governance. Two New Year’s Resolutions to start us off.

During the Christmas recess, which in Brussels ends on 9th January, Europe has gone rather quiet, as have the financial markets, because for a few weeks we haven’t had a crisis situation. But appearances can be deceptive: the underlying problems have still not been addressed. The European Central Bank (ECB) can do just as little as it could at the beginning of December, and so isn’t in a position to ensure that interest rates and state bonds remain manageable. And about the proposed treaty, decided upon by the heads of government at the European Council in December, little is being said, but you can count on the fact that work if being done on it. So it’s not really so peaceful after all.

In the European Parliament I continue to work hard on these matters. The Parliament has of course a great deal to say about them, as not only the general public but the EP itself has been largely sidelined by the member state governments. Via the media and during the debates in the EP I will however make my contribution to a real solution, which is where necessary a responsible austerity policy limited in duration, and where possible a pepping up of consumer confidence; stepping up the pressure on major corporations to for once pay taxes instead of evading them; and European agreements for a minimum wage and a poverty impact test on all proposals in the framework of European Economic Governance. We are going to be busy in 2012, so let’s ensure that this pressure leads to a fairer, more social and more humane Europe. If you’re on board, I wish you all the best for the new year!