06 December 2005
DUP MEP Jim Allister, today and yesterday, has been attending a Congress of politicians and opinion formers from across Europe for the purpose of discussing an alternative way forward in response to the crisis in which the EU finds itself, after the rejection of the Constitution. The Congress comprised of those opposed to ever-closer union and the relentless centralisation and regulation which have become the manifestation of the EU. In his message to the Congress, President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, said:-
"Europe is now standing at an important crossroad, probably the most important one in the EU history. The French and Dutch rejection of the European Constitution clearly revealed the wide gap between the centralistic and bureaucratic project of "ever-closer" Europe which was pushed forward by the Brussels political elite and the genuine interests and preferences of the EU member states' citizens. It proved that European future cannot and must not be a matter of bureaucratic and elitist decision-making which does not accept alternatives, which is not open to discussion and which does not respect the needs and feelings of the ordinary citizens.
Up to now, the formulation of European vision has been monopolised by one coordinated grouping aggressively rejecting and neglecting all other legitimate opinions of the European future. The result of its dominance is well known - the contemporary European Union is a bureaucracy-driven conglomerate characterised by growing democratic deficit. It is an entity, which has abandoned the initial ambition to eliminate barriers of all kinds. It has a well abandoned space in which the member countries could enjoy freedom and prosperity. Instead, Europe today is characterised by ever-growing regulation of all spheres of life, protectionism, artificial harmonisation and unification of everything and gradual dismembering of the sovereignty of the nations. These tendencies represent a serious danger not only for the future of European integration, but also for the relations between the member countries."
Commenting, Jim Allister said:-
"I entirely endorse President Klaus' pertinent observations believing that they represent a growing view in and of Europe which has been invigorated by the rejection of the Constitution. Creating a permanent network of politicians and opinion makers, sharing a vision of an alternative to the present stultifying and failing EU, is a necessary and important project and something which I am happy to be part of.
I believe the product of the last two days will be a more streamline and effective articulation of a better way ahead for Europe."
EU Constitution
