by
N. Peter Kramer
"Europe needs to become an institution of economic solidarity. It is necessary to democratise the Eurozone and to limit the risks among the Eurozone".
"The recent economic crisis evolved into a political crisis, widened inequalities between states and citizens and postponed decisions. We went from the Europe of citizens to a Europe of vested interests and technocrats," he said. Tsipras explained he is in favour of a strong common budget with strict rules that will be common for all countries, but he criticised countries with "huge surpluses" (read: Germany – EBR) which widen the gap between the north and south of Europe.
"We need to redesign the future of Europe. It is a political obligation of our generation, Emmanuel," he said addressing the French president. It became apparent in his introduction that the Greek PM has made a clear choice for the ideas recently set out by Macron on the future of the EU.
In his speech President Macron stressed the need for a restart of Europe, with bold changes, whilst also speaking of a more democratic Europe and proposing a road map for its future. He warned that the EU would face its demise without a radical overhaul of its governance and institutions. “I believe in a European sovereignty that allows us to defend ourselves and exist”.
Macron mentioned, as Tsipras did in his speech, the current generation. “Our generation can choose to (do this) … we must find the strength to rebuild Europe”.
By: N. Peter Kramer
