PES Manifesto

manifesto2009 barometer: EU in the world II

Published Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 09:57
by Editor (1202 views and 0 comments)

The debates on the theme 'EU in the world' continue on a speedy track. During the last month a lot of progressive view-points and ideas have been aired - also on the international responsibilities of the EU and of each and every European citizen. Here’s an account of the debate since the last 'EU in the world' barometer:

A more transparent and accountable EU foreign policy
A new debate has been started by social democratic European foundations on the need to have a more transparent and more accountable EU foreign policy. The aim is to ensure that European citizens are aware that, besides the gaps that are always highlighted in the news headlines, the EU is quite successful in its external policies. More democratic control is also required, including through the European Parliament.

Development - a focus on brain drain and decent work
Participants are concerned about development as a crucial aspect of the EU’s external activities. Brain drain is a key issue, with Scandinavian PES activists considering that knowledge sharing, education, and brain drain must be given a lot of thought in EU development and foreign policies. The PSOE proposal to finance the education and training of new professionals in their home countries was also highlighted. Also, participants recommended that decent work should be at the heart of the PES manifesto. Socialists should indeed make it a priority to ensure a lot more decent jobs. The PES is already working on this issue through the Global Progressive Forum. But, as Ania noted, more can be done: the EU needs consistent and coherent policies, for instance by ensuring that European trade relations take into account decent work and fair trade. It is also essential to engage with NGOs working on those issues.

EU as a peace force
Issues related to the role of the EU in international peace and security are still at the centre of the debates. Social democratic European foundations noted that the PES has to ensure that the EU has the capacity to act militarily without the support of the United States. Together with MEP Richard Howitt, they argue in favour of defence spending for peacekeeping, conflict prevention and humanitarian issues. PES activist Cafeneua nevertheless recommends to focus on preventive and diplomatic approaches and use force only as a last resort.

Outside Europe
Once again, participants debated the need to develop partnerships with global actors and regions. Many considered crucial to focus on the European Neighbourhood Policy, including on the Balkans but also on the Middle East. Relations with Russia were again passionately discussed. Finally, Corinne noted the importance of working with Mediterranean countries.

Does this sum up the last month’s debate on ‘EU in the world – or is anything missing? Let us know what you think in a comment!

The manifesto2009 Barometer
Right now the Yourspace team is taking the temperature of the PES manifesto debate! We proceed theme by theme and sum up the debate on a monthly basis.

Tags: barometer, decent work, defence, democracy, fair trade, Russia, UN, USA