Euroopan yhteinen etu: menestyminen globalisaation aikakaudella (keskustelu)
14.11.2007
Madam President, I think the Commission???s contribution to the globalisation debate is a very valuable one.
I think globalisation is not a threat but an opportunity. Europe is well placed to rise to the challenge. We have highly developed infrastructure, education systems, technology, capital markets, and vibrant home markets in the making.
It cannot be emphasised too strongly that Europe???s strength lies in an internal market that is a springboard for our companies globally. Business innovations are born all around Europe. Their proliferation, which brings well-being to Europe, should not be burdened with red tape. I especially look to Commissioner Verheugen on this. Reducing red tape in Europe is a key issue for globalisation and the competitiveness of Europe. We have to focus on SMEs in particular. They are the right focus for the Commission???s attention. Much has been achieved but, for example, tax barriers still hamper business in Europe.
Strong businesses do not exist without a workforce, which threatens to be a scarce resource in Europe very soon. Europe???s demography requires immigration. Here, other world regions are far ahead of us, which shows in their economic performance. This is a difficult issue requiring balanced consideration of all interests, not least those of employers. It is an EU issue, of course, because competitiveness does not come about without a mobile workforce. Plans such as the ???Blue Card??? are welcomed to this end.
Another element that should move freely but steadily is capital. Financial stability is a sine qua non of a competitive and economically safe Europe. Financial markets are, globally, one of Europe???s strong sectors, one of our new winning industries. Innovation thanks to market-led regulation, which does not equal ???laissez-faire??? ??? here, also, making it easier for the sector to function across Europe is vital.
As for the outside world, Europe should establish itself as a strong global actor. We need unity from European Union Member States, and the Commission can also contribute to bringing that unity. |
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