Publication

This paper highlights the importance of genuinely engaging the public in an EU-wide political debate. It has been written in the context of the debate following the disputed designation of members for the new European Commission. According to the author, the Union is in a delicate transition phase in institutional and policy terms. Therefore, it is necessary for the Commission to define its goals and policies in order to make the Union a competitive global player. Stressing several of these policies, the author concedes some major successes such as the monetary union, the single market and the enlargement of the EU. But he also emphasizes the necessity to concentrate on creating a new model of society for Europe before striving for new challenges such as higher economic performance. The latter will be more effective if EU politicians connect with society as a whole.