International

The European Commission today proposed taking further steps in relation to European Economic Governance (EEG). The proposals would mean that the member states would be on an even tighter leash, one held by the Commission. SP Euro-MP Dennis de Jong, commenting on the proposals, said, ‘In fact what the European Commission wants is to get the member states into contracts which amount to a stranglehold. If the member states aren’t prepared to adjust their social rights and their collective labour agreements to Brussels’ demands, then the Commission would be able to shut off the subsidy tap or impose other sanctions. Anyone who still suspected that EEG might turn out to be not so bad is in for a rude awakening.’

It was to be expected that the Commission would insist that their recommendations on so-called macro-economic imbalances would lead to contracts with the member states. These recommendations could be implemented across all economic areas, from the housing market to wages and pensions. As a means of enforcing this, the Commission wants to make subsidies to the member states dependent on honouring the agreements in the contracts. ‘Soon they’ll be able, via an agreement between the government and Brussels on, for example, the pensions system or rights on dismissal, to shove the entire Dutch model, based on consultation, to one side. These proposals are extraordinarily radical.’

The SP is determined, together with the trade union movement and other allies, to fight these plans, as De Jong explains. ‘The plans simply emphasise once more how great is the gulf between Brussels and the man and woman in the street. For Brussels, cash is more important than social rights. Broad resistance to these misbegotten proposals is therefore necessary. Last week’s protests, which brought tens of thousands of people out on to the street for a social Europe, were an important signal. The SP determined, together with the trade union movement and other allies, to fight these plans.’