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

Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner

This is the text of a letter I co-signed with Margot Wallstrom and Diana Wallis, published in the Financial Times this week causing quite a reaction.

As the Financial Times has extensively reported, European democracy will face a moment of truth in the coming days. Two important appointments will be made for the European Union - the President of the European Council and the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission - and once more it is looking more and more likely that only men will be nominated.

A new European Commission will also be appointed in the coming weeks. Though President José Manuel Barroso has urged his fellow-members of the European Council to keep in mind the importance of gender balance when presenting their candidates, it still looks as if the new Commission will have fewer women than the current one.

This would be bad for Europe, bad for democracy and bad for women.

It is time to move from words to deeds on gender equality by appointing women to leading positions in the EU, as Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, also suggested recently to the European Council. There is no lack of names; no shortage of qualities and competence. Many women are active in European politics, working for the benefit of our societies. Vaira Vike- Freiberga, for example, has been mentioned for the presidency; Elisabeth Guigou and Catherine Ashton as potential high representatives.

We need a collective political commitment to ensure political representation of women. Women make up a majority of the population and in the 21st century European democracy cannot afford to use only half of its people’s talents, ideas and experiences.

When women sit at the table, they can help to ensure that the political decisions reflect the needs of the entire population. The right man in the right job is often a woman. Appointing women would make Europe richer and more representative and bring it closer to all citizens. This can happen, but it requires some bold decisions. NOW.

Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the European Commission
Diana Wallis, Vice-President of the European Parliament
Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner

Praxoula Kyriacou, Leader of the United Democrats (Cyprus)

The Germans celebrate these days the fall of the Berlin wall and the reunification of their country. The end of partition in Germany led to the end of the cold war in Europe and to the opening of a brighter future for the new generations of Europeans.

In Cyprus, the prospect of an agreement on reunification being achieved in the near future has given rise to grave concerns amongst certain quarters and has activated neutralizing plans.

It’s obvious that the new ambient atmosphere has been well planned and graciously funded on the basis of the well tried model of recent years. The aim is to discredit both the UN representatives as well as the interlocutors, in an attempt to intimidate them and damage their image among the public. (more…)

Brian Cowen, TD and Taoiseach

Through the last year, I worked hard with colleagues throughout the European Union to develop a comprehensive response to the fears of the Irish people as expressed in last year’s vote.

I believe the response was comprehensive and generous - rooted in a spirit of mutual respect and trust. I was particularly pleased with the warm public and private support of colleagues from within the ELDR. (more…)

ELDR President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP

Although not fully enthusiastic about Barroso’s political programme for the presidency of the European Commission, described by Annemie Neyts, President of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR) as being “a bit wooly”, Neyts admitted that Barroso’s presentation of his priorities for the next 5 years at yesterdays ALDE Group meeting “was excellent, very straight to the point”. (more…)

“Deutschland kann es besser.

Wir von der FDP wollen, dass sich Ihre Arbeit wieder lohnt.

Mehr Leistungsgerechtigkeit durch faire Steuern. Mehr Netto vom Brutto. Bildung als Bürgerrecht.

Gemeinsam können wir es besser. Deutschland kann es besser.
Ab dem 27. September 2009.”

“Germany can do better.

We from the FDP demand that your job pays off again. More performance fairness through fair taxes. Less tax leaves more net income.

Education is a civil right.

Together we can do better. Germany can do better.

As of 27 September 2009.”

By Dr Guido Westerwelle MP, Leader of the FDP