ELDR President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP speaks on the European way for Russia - a delusion or natural choice?

Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner

Yesterday MEP Kartika Liotard asked me to do more to adapt computer technologies to the needs of people with low literacy levels. I am writing here to say that I fully support the principle, and that is why digital literacy issues form one of the seven pillars of the Digital Agenda for Europe. I want to assure you that I take digital literacy seriously. Your background, current lack of skills and other factors like a disability should not be a permanent barrier to enjoying the benefits of the digital era.

Having said that, lack of literacy often does exclude people from the digital world. The difficult question is not whether to take action, but who is best placed to address Europe’s digital literacy deficit. And how do we mobilise the resources to make real changes, and not merely nice promises? (more…)

Liberal Member of the European Parliament, Sophie in ‘t Veld on equality for LGBT people.

UD Leader Kyriacou with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and FNF's Joerg Denhert

“Political will is what is at need for the attainment of an agreement for the reunification of Cyprus and for the normalization of relations between Greece and Turkey,” said Prime Minister Papandreou during his recent visit to Cyprus.

“We also need to create conditions of trust between Greece and Turkey and between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, for without trust no legal form of an agreement will survive through time.” He also emphasized that without the prospect of accession to the European Union, Turkey will have no incentive to move towards the resolution of the Cyprus problem.

Prime Minister Papandreou said that time is of the essence, since the nature of a problem gets more complicated as time progresses. (more…)

LYMEC Vice President Alexander Plahr

On 29 March, Commissioner Cecilia Malmström published proposals for a directive to block access to websites that show images of child abuse. While the fight against this cruel and loathsome crime deserves the support of every righteous individual, this recent initiative of is deeply worrying. The approach of blocking websites is counterproductive and outright dangerous. (more…)

Dr Gashi MP (right) and Shpend Kallaba

The importance of this topic is crucial and a challenge to any democratic regime, whether it is well-consolidated or transitional, therefore we would like to bring in mind one sensational proverb by Napoleon Bonaparte: “I fear from the newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets.” Apparently, in politics this concept remains prevailing even today, but in a much more sophisticated manner. (more…)

ELDR Vice President Van der Laan and Commission Vice President Kallas and Finnish Europe Minister Thors

The Netherlands will have a snap general election on Wednesday June 9, following the collapse of Prime Minister Balkenende’s fourth government since 2002. Whereas changing governments on average every two years is generally not something I would applaud, the early demise of this Christian Democrat - Labour coalition (with protestant conservatives thrown in for the majority), is probably a blessing in disguise. This coalition has achieved very little in their three years in office. (more…)

Hans van Baalen MEP, President of Liberal International

Europe and the US should show their support for protesters in Iran, says European parliamentarian Hans van Baalen and make their opposition to government violence there known.

Since the elections of last June Iran has descended into chaos. Protestors out on the streets have not wavered in the face of unrelenting violence from government militia and riot police. In demonstrations last Sunday, fifteen were killed and hundreds injured when troops shot at protestors, aiming to kill.

This violence against innocent civilians is unacceptable. The Iranian regime has shown its most heinous of faces. The free West has not responded decisively and has been loath to express unconditional support for the opposition. Instead, the US and the EU have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. This is morally unacceptable and also runs counter to Western interests. (more…)

Cecilia Malmström, Minister of European Affairs (Sweden)

The year is coming to its end and so is the Swedish Presidency. It has been a fantastic year with so much fun, hard work and a lot of results. It has really been a privilege to be able to move the European agenda forward for six months. Apart for some rest over Christmas, this week has been dominated by the entering into force of the service directive and the demonstrations and arrests in Iran.

The service directive is good for Europe, it will facilitate for service providers, create new jobs and improve for consumers. (more…)

Cecilia Malmström, Minister of European Affairs (Sweden)

Finally, it’s Lisbon Day. Just a few hours ago, the Lisbon Treaty entered into force. The process initiated by the European Council in December 2001 has now finally resulted in a clear and comprehensive set of rules, which will be governing the European Union for the foreseeable future.

I dare to say that the Lisbon Treaty is the result of the most transparent and democratic process in the Union’s history. Member State governments, national MP’s and the European Parliament were all part of the European Convention that tabled the proposal for the Constitutional Treaty back in 2003. Although the outline is different, the actual contents of the Lisbon Treaty is very similar to the Convention’s original draft.

With the Lisbon Treaty, the EU will be able to take a great leap forward. New provisions will pave the way for more effective and transparent decision-making, a more democratic Union, and a clear focus on citizens.

The discussions on how Europe should be governed has gone on for years. This debate has been important, but it has also prevented Europe from delivering on important policies. As from today, we will need commit all our efforts to take on the great challenges currently facing Europe. It’s climate change, it’s creating conditions for jobs and growth, it’s the fight against cross-border crime and it’s the challenge to turn the Union into a stronger global actor.

Cecilia Malmström is Minister for European Affairs of Sweden