ELDR Bulletin 02 - October 2012 by ALDE Party

Published three times a year by the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party

Third issue

2012

BULLETIN We need a return to the spirit of solidarity

Contents ■ We need a return to the spirit of solidarity . . . . . . . . . . . page 2 ■ Commission must fill

Earlier this year Ireland held the only referendum in the Union on the Fiscal Treaty. Even though we are in opposition, Fianna Fáil chose to put aside short-term partisan politics and supported the Treaty. We played a critical role in the campaign which saw the referendum pass

the energy efficiency gap . . . . . . . . . . . page 3

with a 60% Yes vote. The support of the ALDE group made a big difference and helped to ensure that the debate was deeply influenced by arguments for a stronger and more effective European Union.

More on page 6

BULLETIN – Third issue | 2012 | Page 2

We need a return to the spirit of solidarity Earlier this year Ireland held the only referendum in the Union on the Fiscal Treaty. Even though we are in opposition, Fianna Fáil chose to put aside short-term partisan politics and supported the Treaty. We played a critical role in the campaign which saw the referendum pass with a 60% Yes vote. The support of the ALDE group and ELDR party made a big difference and helped to ensure that the debate was deeply influenced by arguments for a stronger and more effective European Union. We completely disagreed with attempts to present the Treaty as the answer to Europe’s problems – it is just one part of the wider answer. Greater fiscal oversight and discipline is clearly a necessary part of the agenda to restore confidence and growth, but much more needs to be done. The ratification of the Fiscal Treaty and the bold actions of Mario Draghi created a foundation to move on to the wider agenda, but unfortunately this moment of opportunity is again being wasted. Three years into the biggest economic crisis to hit Europe since the Second World War no one can say that the foundations of the Euro are safe. Unfortunately at the heart of today’s economic crisis lies a crisis of leadership. The European Council has consistently lacked the vision or urgency which the situation so clearly requires. There is no doubt that the enormous achievements of the Union would not have come about if past generations of leaders had acted like today’s. To give one example, if the Eurobonds proposal of Guy Verhofstadt had been accepted we would by now be entering the second year of recovery rather than fearing the next turn in the crisis. If we are to conclusively get through this crisis and return Europe to stability and growth we have to be honest in focusing our actions on the actual causes of the crisis. The lack of fiscal discipline was certainly one of those, but many of the countries facing severe pressures in sovereign debt

There is no doubt that the enormous achievements of the Union would not have come about if past generations of leaders had acted like today’s. markets, including Ireland, have lower debts than other countries outside the Euro who have had no problem borrowing at low rates through the crisis. The lack of a lender of last resort has undeniably caused an early and avoidable run on certain countries, catching them in a destructive spiral. Equally the absence of a Union budget large enough to help regions facing serious pressures has meant that the Union is increasingly in the role of simply imposing limits rather than enabling opportunity. I have spoken in detail about specific Treaty measures and policy changes that I believe the Union must adopt. Even more than these

we need a return to the spirit of solidarity which once defined the Union and is less and less on display at its most important meetings and when leaders speak of other countries. We can’t let the situation go on where more and more people are seeing ‘Europe’ as a problem for their states rather than a solution. It’s time for people who believe in the Union to step-up the push for a more radical and ambitious blueprint for the future of the Euro and the Union. As I travelled through Ireland during our referendum I talked directly to thousands of people. Time and again I found that they feel let down by the Union but they still have hope that it will again return to the founding spirits which inspired us all so much in the past. Micheál Martin TD is leader of Fianna Fáil and a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork South–Central constituency. Fianna Fáil will host the ELDR Congress 2012 in Dublin, Ireland.

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Commission must fill the energy efficiency gap During their September Plenary session in Strasbourg MEPs adopted the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), but UK Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall has called on European Commissioner for Energy Gunter Oettinger to come forward with additional urgent measures to ensure the EU does not fall short of achieving the agreed 20% energy saving target by 2020. “The adoption of the Energy Efficiency Directive is a great achievement. But we simply can’t rest on our laurels when it comes to saving energy,” she said after the vote in Strasbourg. “Commissioner Oettinger needs to come out with the promised additional measures to close the remaining gap of 3% this autumn.” “Energy efficiency is a key part of economic efficiency. We need to get on with setting out a clear path for further energy savings and ensuring that Member States stick to the measures and targets to which they have signed up.”

According to the Commission’s own calculations, the EED combined with other proposed new measures on boilers and vehicles - yet to be agreed - will only achieve a 17% energy consumption reduction. The adopted directive brings forward legally binding measures to step up efforts to use energy more efficiently at all stages of the energy chain – from the transformation of energy and its distribution to its final consumption. Member states must now also present an energy efficiency action plan every three years starting in 2014, proving that energy efficiency obligations schemes or policy measures are being implemented nationally. The Commission will then use these reports to review the situation and can if necessary propose other measures, including legally binding targets to achieve the energy saving target.

Fiona Hall MEP (Liberal Democrats, United Kingdom) is a Member of the European Parliament for the North-East of England and a full member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee

Survival of the fittest: An Associate member’s view Although the size of Europe’s population is shrinking, electricity demand is still on the rise. The Renewable Energy Directive stipulates that Europe aims to generate at least 20% of its energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. Very important for our energy transition is the enhancement of interconnectivity through the power grid. Sustainable energy, if it is to flourish on the market, has to be sellable across borders. Since we live in a world of scarce

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resources, whoever has the most efficient ways of producing energy has the largest say in the political future of the world. This means survival of the fittest, and so Europe should do what is in its best interest. Sid Lukkassen ELDR Associate member and city councillor for the VVD in Duiven (The Netherlands).

Do you agree? Have your say by e-mailing dtanahatoe@eldr.eu

Support European liberal values and become an associate member of the ELDR party. For 25 Euros per year, associate membership cardholders have privileged access to ELDR events, home delivery of publications and much more. Many citizens from around Europe have already joined ELDR, now you can too! Would you like to sign up too ? Go to www.eldr.eu/en/associatemembership or scan the QR code with your smart phone !

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Welcome event for new Secretary General On Tuesday 23 September, Liberals and Democrats gathered at the ELDR secretariat in Brussels to welcome the new Secretary General Jacob Moroza-Rasmussen and say goodbye to former Secretary General Federica Sabbati.

ELDR President Sir Graham Watson welcoming the new ELDR Secretary General Jacob Moroza-Rasmussen.

The new Secretary General Jacob Moroza-Rasmussen with his predecessors Mechtild von Alemann (left), Federica Sabbati and Lex Corijn (right).

Sir Graham Watson and former ELDR President Members of the FDP, Dr. Ellen Madeker, Roland Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck thanking Federica Sabbati. Werner and Marc Naether.

Andrew Duff MEP, Katrien Van Den Broeck and Airis Meier.

Former ELDR Communication and Press officer Myriam Watson, Associate member Francis Burstin and Head of the Administration Unit, Sabine Dechamps.

Tuuli Reissaar, Johanna Lindblom and Martin Bailey.

Associate members in Brussels.

Associate members elect Declan Harmon

It is my privilege to serve as the Delegate representing Associate Members of the ELDR at our Party Congress. It is a particular honour for me as the Congress is being hosted in my home city of Dublin. I would like to offer céad míle fáilte – the traditional Irish one hundred thousand welcomes – to our visitors from all across Europe assembling in Dublin.

I joined the ELDR as an Associate Member in 2011 following my participation in the 2011 Liberal Academy in Brussels. I am active in the ELDR member party in Ireland, Fianna Fáil. I served as Policy Coordinator on the Ógra (Young) Fianna Fáil National Executive Committee from 2009 – 2011. I have a strong interest in European affairs and Ireland’s place in Europe. I am a member of the Advisory Council of the European Movement (Ireland) and, from 2008 – 2009, I served as the representative of European Movement (Ireland) to the Irish National Forum on Europe – the youngest ever member of that body.

I was educated in Trinity College Dublin where I studied Business and Political Science. I was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Fianna Fáil Branch in Trinity College. I am currently employed in the air transport sector in Dublin. I look forward to meeting you all during the Congress. Le gach dea-mhéin (Best regards), Declan Harmon

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Federalism is ‘our fortress against nationalism’ This vision, I believe, should be based on a clear federal structure, defined and agreed in a new, concise constitutional document to be drawn up by the next European Parliament in conjunction with the Council and submitted to a referendum across the EU. The ‘f’ word has been much maligned in recent years, yet many member states are themselves federal structures. It would not detract from one’s national identity or cultural affinity but rather add an extra layer. I can be Flemish, Belgian and European all at the same time. One does not exclude the other.

Eurosceptics across Europe are shamelessly exploiting the current economic crisis to misrepresent and undermine the European Union, its history, its institutions, its goals and its working methods. The five-yearly European elections are treated largely as national referendums on the government in office rather than a chance to really debate the political choices to deal with continental and global issues like climate change, terrorism, immigration or globalisation. Like a marital union, the EU requires constant attention, forbearance, support and belief that it can work in difficult as well as good times or else it risks separation and divorce.

economic governance and that will require referendums in some countries that may be hard to win if scepticism is allowed to fester unchallenged.

In a recent book I have written together with a fellow European federalist from a different political camp (Daniel Cohn-Bendit, Franco-German Green), I aim to throw down a gauntlet to those who are sceptical, ambivalent or indifferent to the European Union. To those who still believe in the European Union, this is a wake-up call to be more outspoken of what the EU has achieved and can still achieve in pursuit of liberal values such as freedom, internationalism, tolerance, open markets etc. If we don’t do so, who will? If not now, when? Within three or four years a new Treaty will be necessary to legitimise the new measures to improve

The status quo is not working. We see it in the stalemate in Council over ways to address the economic and financial crisis. But also on other matters such as approving a Single European Patent or e s t abl i sh i ng a si ng le b a n k i ng super visor, or dealing with asylum claims or agreeing a viable budget for the Union that makes sense for the needs of the EU between now and 2020. So the alternatives are either to roll back the progress we have made in the last 60 years and give in to the eurosceptics, or lay out a vision and ambition for a stronger, more stable and united Europe of the future.

Like a marital union, the EU requires constant attention, forbearance, support and belief that it can work in difficult as well as good times or else it risks separation and divorce

The European Parliament is at the heart of the project to unite the peoples of Europe in a transnational democracy. It has legitimacy through direct elections but still lacks credibility in the minds of many voters who are less inclined to vote in European Parliament elections than for their national parliaments. There needs to be a sea-change at all levels of public consciousness. All European political parties (including our own) must make a real effort to mount EU-wide campaigns and address the real challenges we face together as a Union of 500 million citizens rather than just as 27 separate national entities. The prospect of electing the European Commission President from party lists would be an incentive to improve turnout so that voting is seen to have tangible consequences. The European Union was intended to bring together the peoples of Europe after the devastation of two world wars, fuelled by nationalism on the back of economic depression. If we allow these forces to gain a foothold once again on our continent we will have wasted a century of building closer ties and condemned history to repeat itself. Federalism is our fortress against nationalism. It is the right model for addressing the supra-national challenges of the 21st century. Guy Verhofstadt MEP (Open Vld, Belgium) is leader of the Liberals and Democrats group in the European Parliament and the former Prime Minister of Belgium (1999-2008).

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Interview with Bas Verkerk: ‘We have a lot of work ahead and time is of the essence’ climate, and for our national budgets, if we could dramatically reduce the imports of fossil fuels because millions of our citizens were participating in generating clean energy! Structural funds play a key role in facilitating this transition to a carbon-free economy. It is no exaggeration to say that Cohesion policy is one of the most powerful instruments available to accelerate this transition and to achieve the EU’s energy and climate objectives. The potential is enormous and our seminar in Dublin will enlighten us further on this matter. With energy efficiency and renewable energy being the key phrases in cur rent EU policy-mak ing, how would you describe the efforts made in this respect by Local and Regional Authorities, in general and the City of Delft, in particular? L ocal and regional aut hor ities are work i ng hard on mak i ng t hei r communities more energy efficient. All over Europe we can see new initiatives that aim to provide sustainable energy. In fact, the ALDE delegation witnessed green economy in action on the Danish island of Bornholm during our annual seminar. Inhabitants, consumers and SMEs had their own means of generating energy with the aim of running their households in a sustainable manner. If it happens that they produce more energy than they consume then the local energy company buys it. This is a great stimulus for consumers and for providers alike. As for the City of Delft, a successful initiative that the city has developed is the provision of a subsidy for placing solar panels on the roofs of residential houses. Additionally, Delft is also very active in implementing a policy banning large vehicles in the city centre – a pedestrian zone prevents trucks from entering the area. In order to avoid the difficulties this might cause for the shops and other commercial establishments in the area, the city has put into place a local package and delivery system to distribute goods.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate the setting up of SMEs, the City of Delft has launched the initiative to provide geothermal energy to these enterprises. Last but not least, we also have an info desk advising citizens on their approach to measures in a household for energy and environment-friendly constructions, such as isolation for example.

Imagine what it would do for our energy independence, for the climate, and for our national budgets, if we could dramatically reduce the imports of fossil fuels because millions of our citizens were participating in generating clean energy! You will be hosting a seminar at the ELDR Party congress in Dublin on 10 November entitled: “How much economic growth and security can energy transition provide?” What is your own view on this matter? The European liberals have made energy transition a priority throughout 2012. In November we will be gathering at our annual congress in Dublin to agree a road map for the energy transition. Imagine what it would do for our energy independence, for the

You were elected as ALDE-CoR Group Leader in July of this year succeeding British Liberal Democrat Flo Clucas. What are your key priorities? As the new President of the ALDE-CoR Group I hope that given my experience I will be able to contribute to a better and more liberal Europe in favour of peace, security, well-being, citizens’ rights, individual emancipation as well as social cohesion. And that is what our unique Europe should be like. However, we are not yet strong enough to be able to achieve all this at once but the Europe 2020 strategy will allow us to gain additional strength. I am very conscious of the rapid pace at which the world is changing. With that in mind it is of the utmost importance to keep up with the world and in doing so, we need to persevere in reinforcing our economy, pushing it to be more technologydriven and more sustainable. This would give us a clear advantage. As a final thought, we are moving towards a multi-polar world, especially when speaking economically, and as far as progress and societal changes are concerned. By 2040 only 5% of the world population will be living in Europe. With that in mind, we have a lot of work ahead of us and time is of the essence. Bas Verkerk (VVD, The Netherlands) is leader of the ALDE Group in the Committee of the Regions of the European Union and Mayor of the City of Delft

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A liberal drink with Nils Torvalds

What or who motivated you to enter politics? That’s a long story. I was an activist while at school so when I entered politics is an open question, but more formally I entered politics after leaving my professional job as a journalist. Do you remember your first ever international event in which you participated? I think that was a conference on development aid. Held in Bad Godesberg near Bonn in 1967. Where do you stand on the political spectrum? Slightly left of centre on most questions... Have you ever read the Communist Manifesto? Yes! I have read Das Kapital (all three parts + Theorien über den Mehrwert) in German. I

think it’s part of our cultural heritage and as a son of a poet I’m not afraid of reading books.

What should be the highest law in Europe? Human rights!

What is your favourite quote? It’s a line from a poem of my godfather’s (Nils Ferlin): «Mänskan sitter vid diktens port, och tänker på allt vad stort hon gjort, och allt vad stor hon skall göra. Förunderlig är hon att höra...» [Translation by the editor: “Mankind rests at poetry’s doors, reflecting on the great that has gone and that is yet to come. How marvellous it is...”]

What are the greatest books of all time? Well. Interesting question. I tend to think that the most revolutionary book in European history was the Bible. The Russian Biblical Society was forbidden in - if I remember right - 1828. And the result is seen today.

A cup filled half-way is… ? ... half-empty - I’m slightly pessimistic...

What do you fear? Almost nothing. We are here as guests. For a while.

The best example of government waste is… Bureaucracy! How do you feel about freedom of speech in Europe? As a grandson and a son of journalists (my father could not live by writing poems) I’m heavily disturbed by monopolistic tendencies in journalism. The most convincing evidence that brainwashing exists in Europe is the fact that some truly believe… ...in creation...

Three best things in life… Very private. All three of them.

Do you remember the last time you danced? My wife keeps track. What is your favourite restaurant in Finland? I don’t have a really favourite restaurant in Helsinki. But Kosmos is a very nice one. Nils Torvalds MEP (SFP, Finland) is a member of the Fisheries and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committees of the European Parliament

Liberal Movers and Shakers

In September, Felicita Medved from Slovenia was elected President of the European Liberal Forum, the political foundation of the European liberal family. She succeeds German Liberal MEP Alexander Graf Lambsdorff.

Following the recent parliamentary elections, Dutch liberal MP Anouchka van Miltenburg was elected the new President of the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch Parliament. Previously, Van Miltenburg was Deputy leader of the VVD parliamentary group.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on 3 October announced the extension of the mandate of Anders Fogh Rasmussen as its Secretary General. Fogh Rasmussen is a former Danish Prime Minister and leader of member party Venstre.

Widely regarded as one of the rising stars, Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat, UK) is now the party’s youngest MP and the party’s youngest minister after she was promoted to Under Secretary of State for Employment relations and consumer affairs in the September reshuffle.

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President’s Column The Commission also brought forward proposals to give EU-wide political parties a clearer legal base and I welcomed this. To qualify, parties will have to meet criteria on internal democracy, transparency and commitment to democratic values. We do, of course.

European reflections In September I was involved in the annual ELDR Liberal Academy speaking to an international group of young people. I did two sessions with them and I think I learned at least as much from them as they from me.

I was very pleased to learn the news that the Nobel Committee decided to award their annual peace prize to the European Union. This award not only goes to the founding fathers who played their part in bringing Europe together – Churchill, Schuman, Monnet and others – but to every citizen of the European Union who has enjoyed the longest period of peace by overcoming old rivalries through trade and creating prosperity. The awarding of this prize should be seen as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the reasons why we are a member of the European Union. At a time of resurgent nationalism a reminder of what the EU is for is no bad thing.

Legislative proposals In September, the European Commission put forward proposals on banking supervision which would give the European Central Bank supervisory powers equivalent to those of most national central banks but across the whole eurozone. The proposals put the European Parliament’s nose out of joint because on matters to do with the ECB we are merely consulted by the national governments, whereas on the European Banking Authority (their previous idea) we

had powers of co-decision. But we are set for a prolonged run-in with the national governments in the Council of Ministers in any case, because we have withheld approval of their latest nominee to the ECB’s board in protest against their repeated failure to find a single female candidate for the board.

At a time of resurgent nationalism a reminder of what the EU is for is no bad thing The row over the absence of women from the board of and director-level positions within the European Central Bank was intensified by an open letter from my excellent French colleague Sylvie Goulard MEP to the President of the Eurogroup suggesting that the ECB’s headquarters be transferred to Riyadh or to The Vatican while this remains the case. Under current tenure agreements the situation cannot be resolved before 2018. There can be no excuse for not having women in such positions. Therefore, I was glad to see my British colleague Sharon Bowles MEP join the race to succeed Sir Mervyn King as governor of the Bank of England.

Germany’s foreign minister Guido Westerwelle (FDP) published a reflection paper drawn up with ten other member state foreign ministers calling for direct elections for the top positions in the EU (e.g. President of the European Council and/or Commission). I would not be surprised if the proposal becomes law by 2019, the end of the 2014-19 Parliament and Commission mandate. After leading such a successful public campaign to raise awareness of the deteriorating situation in Georgia and speaking passionately in the European Parliament on the matter, I was pleased to hear that President Saakashvili’s party lost the parliamentary elections last month. They have been in power too long and have become arrogant and corrupt. Worse, political opponents are being tortured in their prisons, as horrific film footage which surfaced during the election campaign showed. Saakashvili’s term as President may not yet be at an end, but he is on the way out. Sir Graham Watson MEP President of the ELDR Party

European

Calendar - upcoming events ELF: Governance in the 21st century, Brussels, Belgium, 27 November 2012 VVD Congress, Den Bosch, The Netherlands, 24 November 2012 LYMEC and ALDE Group Winter Academy, Brussels, Belgium 5-6 December 2012

Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, aisbl Rue Montoyerstraat 31, 1000 Brussels Tel. 02 237 01 40 - Fax 02 231 19 07 Editors: Daniel Tanahatoe, ELDR Andrew Burgess, ELDR Publisher : Didrik de Schaetzen, ELDR Layout and printing : Trinome.be With support of the European Parliament