Geert Bourgeois: “The Verhofstadt plan would lead to a European superstate and gigantism”

Geert Bourgeois, head of the European Parliament N-VA group, condemns the recent Verhofstadt report that implies an institutional “Big Bang”. In it, Guy Verhofstadt (Open Vld party) and several other MEPs propose to reform the Lisbon Treaty. “This is a centrist liberal, green and leftist pamphlet; an unsubstantiated plea for a European superstate and gigantism, which will lead to a massive alienation of citizens,” Geert Bourgeois states.

According to the MEP, the report wipes out the European foundation, namely, “unity in diversity” and the democratic representation of citizens and Member States. “The report opts for a top-down policy instead of building from the bottom up. Our motto has always been: cooperate if it offers added value; otherwise, democracy decides close to the people in the Member States or federated states,” says Bourgeois.

No need for treaty changes

“The report claims that an adjustment to the Lisbon Treaty is ‘necessary’, but does not provide a substantiated analysis on this. The EU already has all the tools it needs to tackle the challenges and crises it faces. The Lisbon Treaty ensures a sensible balance between all the EU institutions, is flexible and future-proof. It offers every opportunity to ensure the prosperity and security of all EU citizens and is a beacon of rights and freedoms,” Geert says.

No vetoes

In addition, the Verhofstadt report claims that a treaty change can ensure an adequate foreign policy, but Bourgeois says the current treaty offers sufficient room to take quick and targeted decisions on foreign issues with a qualified majority (and thus without vetoes).

Where is the needed policy?

“Of course, the European institutions must reform,” says Bourgeois. “For example, the EU needs the completion of the internal market, which entails a potential growth of 12%, and a migration policy with effective protection of the external borders.” He also emphasises the protection of the rule of law and our way of life. Furthermore, efforts must be made towards more trade agreements and a better distribution of supply lines; towards a comprehensive Competitiveness The extent to which companies in one country can compete with similar companies in another country. A law came into force in Belgium in 1996 to monitor competitiveness. This stipulates that Belgian salaries may not evolve faster than the average of those in the three neighbouring countries. The Central Economic Council (CEC) performs an annual measurement to see if the objectives have been obtained. competitiveness agenda for sustainable growth, jobs and prosperity, and a 21st-century budget with a shift to R&D, digitisation and industrial policy.

No government far from citizens

The N-VA therefore advocates maintaining the three-way framework (the European Commission, Parliament and Council) for balanced decision-making. “The Commission must not become a government far from its citizens, and the Council must not become a second-class chamber in which Member States lose their voice in EU policy and smaller Member States and peoples are no longer involved,” Bourgeois says.