In view of this, The European Movement organised a timely briefing on the topic involving a number of important stakeholders, notably representatives of the three largest European political parties. ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP was flying the flag for the European liberals in the debate with PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and the EPP representative, Swedish MEP, Gunnar Hökmark.

The briefing, EU 2020 – Raising the game!, enabled the representatives to outline their visions, thoughts and priorities for the coming decade, but also to envisage whether this actual strategy would be the best way for the EU to realise these visions. For a larger understanding of what the EU 2020 Strategy is really all about, look no further than the ELDR Bulletin, where we provide an in depth analysis on the issue.

In her clear-sighted and very concrete speech, President Neyts-Uyttebroeck highlighted many of the conclusions in the Bulletin and did not mince her words. Starting off by reviewing the Lisbon Strategy, she concluded it to be “nothing but a dismal failure” largely due to “aims and strategies that were unreadable and boring … and clearly featured small pet projects of all fifteen leaders”.

With such a failed ten-year strategy fresh in the memory, it is therefore not particularly encouraging to hear about a new, seemingly very similar strategy being initiated. The challenges that Europe faces now and over the coming years deserve concrete and achievable action and cannot be fooled around with: “It is only by leaving this kindergarten mentality (and stop prioritising pet projects ahead of coherent action plans) that we can be successful”, Neyts-Uyttebroeck concluded.

Looking towards the future, however, she drew on her vast experience and called on European leaders to be bold and optimistic and refrain from doubting the European potential: “Over the last thirty years, I’ve heard predictions that Europe would have to change in order to avoid being overtaken, where the only thing changing over the years are the countries that are supposed to overtake us. People have been mentioning Japan and China for years. Now more and more people are mentioning Russia and India. Yet it has not happened. The EU needs to concentrate on what we are good at – and be optimistic about the potential of Europe”.

Therefore, whether or not the EU 2020 Strategy is the optimal way ahead, it is the way that has been chosen by the European Commission, and the most should be made of it. The financial crisis clearly highlighted the urgent need for reform and increased cross-border cooperation. It has also shown potential doubters how interlinked our Member States really are at present, which is why protectionist and nationalist sentiments, as liberals long pointed out, simply do not work. This is also why the Single Market is essential in turning the tide and reaffirming growth.

The inherent problem with ten-year strategies is however that they imply diffuse political responsibility. Therefore, it would be most logical if the Commission would be held accountable during their first term to ensure that proper progress is being made. The mandate of this newly established Commission runs until 2014. It would be appropriate to have at least one, but preferably two major follow-ups during their term, in order apply pro-active success adjustments rather than mere re-active crisis management strategies.

Whatever the over-arching format, we namely need to start working immediately. The EU cannot afford another ten years of political and economic stalemate – nor can it afford its Member States to start so modestly that there is a need for re-launch after five years as was the case with the Lisbon Strategy. In view of that, the topic of the briefing could hardly have been more apt: Europe indeed needs to raise its game. One can only hope that the European Commission has picked the right strategy to do so. We cannot afford malfunctioning re-runs.