Eyes on the summit

A polycentric European week marked by the plenary meeting of the European Parliament (February 4-7), the European Council (February 7-8), the close negotiations on the multiannual financial framework and the focus on international issues: in the past few days EU politics has been divided between Brussels, Strasbourg, the capital of EU27 Member States, Tunis… On the internal front the main knot is the definition of the Financial Framework 2014-2020, along with the theme of the summit of Heads of Government or State.Jobs for the youth. "It is indeed becoming urgent for the MFF to be adopted if we want future EU policies and programmes to run smoothly", so as to "deliver their potential for growth and jobs as of next year". Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, thus conveyed in the official letter of invitation to EU leaders for the summit of February 7-8, his will to reach a budgetary agreement for the next seven years. He recalled the negotiations that ensued the failures in November’s summit, the requests of individual Countries and the need to keep under control the overall budget. Van Rompuy said Member should pledge not to cut budgetary items regarding economic development, employment, innovation, research and formation. The president recalled the tragic situation of youth unemployment that requires "a new initiative, supported by a strong financial commitment".Investments and solidarity. In view of the EU27 summit, the MFF (amounting to approximately one thousand billion euro) has been the object of lively discussions during the plenary at the EU Assembly. The European Parliament, along with the Council, is the body responsible for developing EU budget: all political groups, except for eurosceptics, have asked national governments – on which depend the transfers for the budget – not to cut funding for territorial cohesion, agricultural policy and environmental protection, security, citizenship, science, innovation, infrastructure, sustainable energy, culture, youth… Speaking at the EP in Strasbourg, José Manuel Barroso, president of the EU Commission, said: "The heads of government or state should try to overcome differences and divisions, bearing in mind not only personal interests but also those of Europe" so as to reach "an acceptable deal" during the Council. "If the MFF failed – Barroso warned – we would be sending a negative sign to citizens, thus prompting rigid political stances". Barroso explained: "The European Union budget is around 1% of EU GDP, the most important instrument at the European level for investment for growth. There are some Member States which do not even have the means to take care of the most deprived. The budget is also a means to show solidarity. Do we want these people, do we want these societies to turn their back to Europe?".The progress of Tunisia. During the works in the plenary, the Parliament addressed a set of issues that will concretely impact citizens’ lives. These include the proposal for a new fisheries policy, with stricter regulations for sustainable fisheries that respect the ecosystem. MEPs also voted a proposal for quicker access to cheaper medicines; and backed a law to tone down harmful traffic noise. Feelings of sympathy were conveyed during the speech delivered by the president of Tunisia Moncef Marzouki, on February 6, a few hours after the inhumane murder of Chokri Belaid, head of the lay and democratic opposition in the African Country, followed by violent clashes in the streets. Visibly moved, Marzouki, a trained physician who was exiled to France for 23 years for opposing Ben Ali’s regime, said: "Today a friend has been killed maybe also because of my presence here today". "We will not give in to intimidations and shall continue pursuing Tunisia’s path of democracy, fighting to unmask the murders and the enemies of the revolution".Stepping up democracy. The Tunisian president added: "The Western world has nothing to fear from the revolutions" that stemmed from the Arab Spring. "Arab revolutions are social revolutions, calling for rights and democracy, voiced by people oppressed for too long". "Now we have to step up democracy" (a long and troubled constitutional process is under way while legislative and presidential elections are due to take place in the coming moths), "and keep watch on the enemies of the revolution". "We need Europe’s understanding. The establishment of the Rule of Law takes time. We hope that the European Union will support us politically and economically" in order to "strengthen democracy" on the Southern shores of the Mediterranean.