Delors, who spoke to EurActiv during his visit in Brussels on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Economic and Social Charter, said there are "too many" strategies already. He referred to the 2030 horizon of the González group (see EurActiv 14/10/08 and 25/03/09), and the 'EU 2020' strategy launched recently by the European Commission, with the aim of replacing the current Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs (EurActiv 19/11/09).
"2020 for some, 2030 for the González group. It is difficult to make sense out of it. What I find most horrifying is reports which have no purpose. Not because they are of poor quality, but because they are soon locked in the closet. And you need a lot of space in a building to make room for all the reports which have not been followed by any effect. The announcing effects, not followed by actual work are the worst enemies of the European construction," the former long-serving Commission president told this website.
Delors said he expected the González report, due for publication during the forthcoming Spanish EU Presidency, to be studied with utmost attention by EU governments, who should organise a debate over it. The González group's work has so far taken place behind closed doors (EurActiv 22/01/09).
Regarding the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs, Delors argued this had helped national governments to compare their performance with their peers. What needs to be improved in 'Lisbon II', he said, was to strengthen what he called the weaker element of the chain "cooperation, competition [and] solidarity": namely, cooperation.
"If countries do not want to cooperate, 'Lisbon II' will be a report which some countries wiil apply and others won't," he said.
The veteran French politician did not hide his bitterness towards his own government, which kept him on the sidelines as the latest European projects were put in place. Although he would not elaborate fully, Delors was critical of elements of the Lisbon Treaty.
Asked by EurActiv if he receives the same recognition in France as he gets in other EU countries, in particular those of the fifth wave of EU enlargement, Delors replied: "No need to add a comment. Anyone would understand."
To see the full text of the interview in French, please click here.
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