Program in three points

Guiding globalization rather than being “dragged” by it, this is the approach upheld by Mario Sepi, researcher and trade unionist, elected President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), an EU advisory body, on October 22. The Committee, that was founded in 1957, offers consultancy services to the institutions by issuing “reflections” regarding bills and community policies. As representative of entrepreneurs, workers, NGOs, consumers, and family associations, it acts as a bridge linking the EU to civil society. You have been holding a post in Brussels since 1994, and you have now been appointed as EESC President, taking the place of Dimitris Dimitriadis. What is your work programme for 2008-2010? “It can be summarized in three main points: consolidation of the European social model through the full implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; promotion of participative democracy on the basis of the rules established in the new Treaty; reactivation of the Lisbon Strategy”. In your youth you were a member of the Federalist Movement. However, federalism doesn’t appear to be very successful in today’s EU… “I hope that at least I’m not the last Federalist still left! I have noticed that in the Union the role of the single States is gaining momentum to the detriment of the Community as a whole. One thing is for sure: today more than ever it is necessary to draw citizens close to the institutions pursuing concrete results and showing that a united Europe can face major world challenges with greater determination, including the economy and the environment. Federalism stems from a principle of participative democracy, on which institutional democracy is based. There can be no progress unless citizens are viewed at the heart of the European project. Given the upcoming elections of the European Parliament (scheduled June 4-7 2009 ed.’s note ), participative democracy must gain primary attention”. After the meeting of the Economic and Social Committee that appointed you as president, you chaired a debate on the topic of “Rights and Solidarity to guide globalization”. Why did you choose this title? “I believe that the financial crisis can be addressed by joining all the forces at stake. However, the spin-off on real economy ought to be envisaged not considering just the stock market and monetary aspects. Moreover, the mission of the European Union in this area is to show that globalization can be guided and that this process entails the promotion of solidarity between peoples and States”. Can you describe some of the initiatives that you intend to implement as EESC President? “I would like to promote an international conference in December on the situation of financial markets, bringing together bankers, industrialists, and representatives of the working environment, the voices of real economy. Today it is necessary that savers are given guarantees. But at the same time, productive investments that will boost the economy ought to be promoted”. Could you tell us something more about this point?“Market mechanisms and self-regulations have proved unable to ensure the qualitative development of the European model. A social response to the present financial crisis can only stem from the true understanding of the problem. The ‘liquidity trap’ must be addressed with growth, and economic growth can be supported only with long-term investments and coordinated economic policies”. As a federalist, don’t you think that instead of the “Community method” the EU is witnessing the gradual affirmation of national States? “This risk does exist. Also in the recent crisis, apart from efforts regarding concerted intervention, each country has decided to act on its own. The same goes for the climate/energy question and the Lisbon Treaty, that is still on the high seas. And the Commission’s interventions are probably not sufficient”.And what about the Treaty…“Here some serious mistakes have been made. A real popular debate never took place, and the symbols of the Union have been excluded. The Charter was “annexed” even though it had equal juridical value. The emotional sphere of the Treaty was eliminated and this draws it away from people. I personally believe that this will also influence June’s elections, preceded – this is the risk – by electoral campaigns focused on domestic issues. It is necessary to believe in Europe, focus on shared values, mobilise citizens, associations, parishes and schools. It is necessary that citizens feel that the EU is close to them and is useful. Only in this way will a true common home be created”.