Efficiency and transparency

The ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the problem of the Continent’s aging population, the situation in Kosovo and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip. The EU Parliament sitting in plenary session in Strasbourg (February 18-21), has been called to address “domestic policy” issues along with new emergencies on the international scene. On the agenda are also debates and voting on economic issues, in line with the popular “Europe of results” motto.Large distribution and consumer protection. A declaration signed in the past week by most MEPs, representing therefore the ‘official position’ of the Assembly, asked the Commission to undertake a survey “on the effects of supermarkets on the revenue of small enterprises, suppliers, retailers and consumers”. MEPs focused on competition distortion which damages consumers who “risk losing product diversity, cultural patrimony and retail shops”. The statement was followed by a request to inquire into “dominant position abuse” in wholesale trade, and to harmonize present legislation in EU Countries. According to data issued by the Parliament, in the food sector only, American giant Wal Mart is the world leader in large distribution, “with a turnover which in 2005 amounted to over 250 billion euro”. At the second place, but much further down the list, is the French chain store Carrefour with a turnover of 75 billion euro. Follow another American chain store and the German group Metro” with approximately 56 billion euro. The International situation is likely to be mirrored in the EU27. “The market guardians” could impose very low purchasing prices to producers thus damaging farms. At the same time, retail sale could no longer compete on the market, leaving consumers without the possibility of purchasing in small shops. “Coordinated fiscal and employment measures. Lithuanian MEP Margarita Starkeviciute presented a report expressing concern for the high exchange rate of the euro. In a context leading to envisage recession , the focus should be “on a coordinate fiscal policy promoting the development and growth of new enterprises and job opportunities”. The document suggests the possibility of integrating the service market, of “evaluating the role of multinationals on financial markets, of ensuring “more equal distribution of growth benefits and greater social cohesion”. The paper intends to establish a series of points as relates to the discussion on the renewed Lisbon Strategy, envisaged for the 27 – Summit of State and government leaders in Brussels in mid March. On that occasion, the European Council will have to adopt the proposals for economic and employment policies of Member States in the next three years. The EU is expected to promote “fiscal measures favouring competition in global economy, so as to encourage the creation of new enterprises along with technological innovation.” Among the different requests, also that of reducing the burden of work “to increase employment and fight underground economy”. Fiscal burden should center on environmental decay, according to the principle “who pollutes the most, pays the most”.Community funding: greater transparency. Spanish representative José Pomés Ruiz presented a report asking greater transparency as relates to the granting of Community funding. The text, presented in Strasbourg, demanded the publication of the names of the recipients and the amounts to be recovered from the “black list” of the frauders. Larger transparency would ensure “greater legitimity of EU institutions”, greater efficiency in fund distribution and greater control on the part of citizens. This would enable the public opinion (through associations, media etc.) to understand where EU budget money goes to. The report – which follows the many reported frauds against the EU – identifies in web pages a way of achieving greater transparency. In the Commission’s website there is the possibility for everyone to monitor ongoing contacts, subsidies, agricultural and structural expenses, financing for social, formative and cultural projects. The initiative is also aimed at a firmer budget control, indicated by President Barroso as the forthcoming priorities of the Executive.