Danilo Türk sent a letter to the leaders of the European Union, reflecting on the policy decisions that the supranational entity is facing in the immediate crisis and beyond. Türk states the importance of the Conference on the Future of Europe and the need to include all segments of society and stakeholders.
“The Union must be the anchor of stability and prosperity in Europe and a major shaping force in enabling global progress”, says Türk in the written communication available for download below.
The President of Club de Madrid points out the democratic commitment of Club de Madrid leaders, a value also deeply rooted in the EU. Democracy and other core European values are “the foundation of our future”, states Türk, adding that in the face of weakening global governance, a leading global role for the EU is “more necessary than ever”.
“Our future will depend on the adequacy and quality of the decisions that are taken today”, says the former President of Slovenia. Referring to many of the policies currently under consideration to address the economic consequences of COVID-19, Türk urges the “serious consideration” of innovative solutions, such as perpetual bonds.
In the letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President Charles Michel and Parliament President David Sassoli, Türk states that measures should be based on the principle of solidarity, enhanced competitiveness and draw on a rich set of tools: the evolution of the Single Market, the Cohesion Policy, the European Stability Mechanism, among other instruments.
“Simplistic, short-term, cost-benefit calculations should not prevail. A sophisticated and sustainable vision of solidarity is essential”, writes the former President of Club de Madrid. Beyond the immediate policy actions that COVID-19 lays upon us, the EU must lead Europe’s future in many other areas. Türk makes his the words of Ursula Von der Leyen, stating that “Europe must lead the transition to a healthy planet and a new digital world”.
Transformations of such scale require “the broadest possible support among citizens”, states Türk. This is why Club de Madrid is contributing to the Conference on the Future of Europe, a great effort by European institutions to draft new laws and treaties counting with the participation of citizens. Club de Madrid is ready to assist in policy advice and building bridges between citizens and institutions.
