Neelie Kroes: You can decide the future of Europe
Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner
I strongly believe that the single market has improved Europe’s ability to cope with the current economic crisis. However, in my eyes, this is just one of the many benefits of European Integration. Thanks to European Integration, our fundamental rights and freedoms as citizens are protected by the Treaties. Of all of these rights, I believe that our right to vote is key, as this gives each of us the power to directly influence the future of Europe.
The European Parliament is important as its members (MEPs) are directly elected by Europe’s citizens. They have the power to decide how the European budget is spent as well as to supervise the activities of the European institutions. MEPs also have a significant role to play in protecting the interests of consumers as they have the power to propose and approve legislation.
As Competition Commissioner, I am accountable to the European Parliament, and often appear before committees and full sessions of the Parliament in Strasbourg to answer questions about my role as a Commissioner.
The European Elections will take place in each of the 27 Member States this week, so make sure that you don’t miss out on your chance to help decide the future of Europe!!
Neelie Kroes is European Commissioner for Competition
You can read more about my activities in my personal blog: http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/neelie-kroes/
Tags: accountability, elections, freedom, future of Europe