Belgian Prime Minister risks becoming a missionary without a mission
Strasbourg, 7th July 2010
The Belgian Presidency's focus on 'More Europe' as the solution to the Eurozone problem risks creating a Tower of Babel effect, Derk Jan Eppink MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists bureau member from Belgium, said today.
He made his remarks during a European Parliament debate with the Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, whose country has assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
Mr Eppink said:
"There is a risk that the Belgian Prime Minister becomes a missionary without a mission. Mr. Leterme's government is after all outgoing, awaiting the formation of the new government coalition in Belgium. But that clearly doesn't stop him from spreading out his vision over Europe.
"We are creating a Tower of Babel effect in the EU where we build ever-larger structures for the sake of the builders but not for the citizens. The Eurozone is not out of the woods yet and we need to focus on creating a more stable Euro with smaller government, more competition and more reform.
"The Belgian Presidency says that we need 'More Europe', which is code for more money and more government. However, the commission already has to deal with the problems of under spending so clearly a budget of one percent of GDP is quite enough.
"Germany cannot continue paying for the EU. They could become the World Champions of football but they shouldn't become champion payers."
Notes to editors: Mr Eppink's recently published book, "Bonfire of Bureaucracy in Europe" features the Tower of Babel on its cover.
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