In need of joint answers

As often happens in the days of the European Parliament plenary (September 20-23), the seat of Strasbourg becomes the "heart" of the EU. In the hemycicle, in MEPs’ and Political Groups’ offices, in the press-room, in the corridors or inside the coffee-shop, debates focus on financial supervision, on the Roma’s presence in the various Member States, of the outcome of the first European Council and of the legislative provisions under way. MEPs’ remarks help identify the hot issues.European rights and regulations. "Until we find common answers to common problems these things will continue happening and populism will keep growing". French MEP Joseph Daul heads the EPP Group at the European Parliament. When SIR asks him to comment on the outcome of Sweden’s elections he gives a partial answer: "It’s not up to me to comment on the electoral results of another State. We do acknowledge common difficulties and problems and we insist that they be addressed separately. There are approximately 12 million Roma in Europe who are at risk – he adds –. They are often socially marginalized; "It is a question of seriously addressing the issue at EU level". Daul refrains from explicitly mentioning Sarkozy, his national President with whom he shares the same political orientation. However, his remarks are straightforward. "Each EU State must respect the Treaties, and the Commission ought to ensure that" European regulations "are adopted", he added referring to European citizens’ freedom of movement in the EU. Roma’s situation recalls "emblematic EU values", he points out. For this reason "it must be addressed together", along with "the integration" of itinerant populations. Daul explained that the EEP established an ad hoc group chaired by MEP Livia Jaroka, Hungarian of Roma origin, which "is due to present proposals within the next two months". Financial supervision. Daul does not hesitate not even when asked about the EU27 budget: "We must start planning the main investment strategies and future interventions. Member States oppose increasing Community budget allocations. Thus Brussels’ financial resources will have to be increased with apposite taxation". Liberal-Democrats (ALDE) are always on the front line when in comes to economic and financial issues. ALDE Belgian leader in Strasbourg Guy Verhofstadt, said: "A legislative package on financial governance must be urgently adopted. President Barroso said that he will present the Commission’s proposals on 29 September and we’re still waiting. One thing is clear: the problems we indicated months ago", upon the outbreak of the global crisis, "still remain". "I disagree with the financial experts who forecast the implosion of the Eurozone. Indeed, our systems are exposed to instability". Verhofstadt continues: "We need European governance to transform monetary union into true economic and political union".Skepticism towards the Union. "Commissioner Viviane Reding may have used the wrong form, but the substance is correct" said German MEP Martin Schulz leader of the Socialist and Democrats Group. Although he considers her wording too strong, as relates to Roma repatriation, he said he agrees that Commission must "demand the respect of Community rights" along with the citizenship rights of the Roma. "For once – Schulz remarked – I acknowledge Barroso’s defense of Reding’s message, namely to file an infringement procedure against France, reaffirming EU regulations which all States, whether large or small, are called to comply with". She pointed out: "No economic, social or political problem with a European bearing can be solved by fragmenting the EU in 27 pieces. We must undertake joint action, promoted by the EU Parliament and Commission". Finally, Schulz declared: "We agree on taxing financial transaction. The Socialist and Democratic Group is preparing a proposal that we hope will be adopted by Europarliament majority so that the Commission may launch legislative initiative in that direction". German co-President of the Greens Rebecca Harms, said: "A number of national politicians raise the bogey of alarm over foreigners, thus fomenting xenophobia. Instead, concrete measures must be sought aimed at solving the thorny migration problem, protecting all citizens." She underlined: "European citizens grow increasingly skeptical towards the EU, this is a weakness that we ought to be concerned by".