Notre Europe's viewpoint
| 07/05/2010
When six European states decided in 1951 to integrate two key sectors of their economies to create a Community, their purpose was to replace conflict with cooperation and antagonism with prosperity. Energy was one of the sectors, and almost sixty years later, energy is still at the top of the political and economic agenda. However, the rules that ensured equal access to common resources no longer exist. In this new decade of the 21st century, Europe faces several major crises - in the field of energy, environment, and above all the economy - which call for new priorities and reduce the available options. These challenges also offer us opportunities. The development of sustainable and affordable alternative energy sources is the key to a new industrial revolution that will contribute to Europe's emergence from the economic crisis. To meet these challenges, Europe needs a stronger, deeper, common energy policy, based on more ambitious goals and deeper integration. This was called by the EP President, Jerzy Buzek and Jacques Delors, Founder President of Notre Europe, in a common Declaration during the presentation of Notre Europe's report proposal "Towards a Energy European Community" on 5th May at the European Parliament. Both Presidents suggest reinventing those common rules, altogether, and to match the new challenges that Europe must face. A response to the European citizens' preoccupations - that call for a common political project in the energy field- will have to be given. Rhetoric and declarations with no follow-through will not suffice if Europe's citizens are to continue to believe in the European ideal.
In the context of the 60th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, and in order to celebrate Europe, Notre Europe will make a public presentation of the third Europe Forum - that took place in Strasbourg on April 17th 2010 - on the square outside of Paris Hôtel de ville, on the occasion of the celebrations "Faites l'Europe". We kindly invite you to the presentation of the proposals on 19 EU news' themes, that were discussed during the Europe Forum and notably, the proposal made with European Commissioner for Energy: Gà¼nther Oettinger. You are also invited to meet us on a stand - organized in partnership with Europanova and the Mouvement Européen France - and on the occasion of two debates on May 7, 8 and 9 2010.
Finally, Notre Europe publishes its report on "Regional Integration in the Mediterranean: Moving out of the Deadlock? " written by Timo Behr. This research report is the last of a series of case studies conducted by Notre Europe on contemporary trends in political and economic regionalisation. The study takes stock of current trends in regional integration processes in the Mediterranean.
