EU's mission:
In spite of EU's "undeniable success" as a "peace-community", Merkel urged a rethink of Europe's mission saying that the post World War Two rationale was no longer enough to inspire people in the post-Cold War world. "I don't want to dramatise things, but I believe a new rationale is more necessary than ever. We must, and I am deeply convinced of this, critically review the state of the European project."
Merkel underlined the need to "put people at the centre and explain what Europe means for their jobs, their prosperity, their social security, their healthcare and their old age."
Growth and employment
Politicians would have to prove to the citizens that social market economy – “a European idea” - would be able to survive. Europe would again have to become a success story in terms of economy, employment, education, research and innovation. She, therefore, supported the Lisbon agenda for jobs and growth.
Merkel added that political leaders needed to understand that many citizens are sceptical of whether the EU is capable of dealing with crucial problems like unemployment and weak growth.
As concrete measure, she applauded the efforts by the EU institutions to get rid of superfluous laws, and proposed to go even further in its deregulation effort. 25 % of EU laws should be cut, according to Merkel.
Germany being the biggest EU economy, she underlined that the country itself had to set an example in these areas - and the same applied to the EU stability and growth pact, which it would have to be able to respect.
Enlargement and neighbourhood policy
Without drawing a line herself, she reiterated her demand for clear EU borders and emphasised that not all countries wishing to become members could be accepted (see also EurActiv 11 May 2006). Therefore, EU neighbourhood policies needed to be “further developed”. Referring to Romania and Bulgaria, she emphasised current promises would be kept.
Constitution
Merkel underlined: “We need the constitutional treaty” to ensure that the EU could work more efficiently and democratically. Furthermore, containing a "catalogue of European fundamental values", it would help to define Europe’s cultural identity.
She promised that Germany would “deal with” the constitution during its presidency, but too hasty actions should be avoided. After all, there were many different interests that needed to be reconciled.
