Heesen on the EU Debt Crisis

Peter Heesen, president of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions, CESI, feels confident that the Euro debt crisis can be overcome. What is needed is for Europeans to stand closely by each other. Courage is now needed but also foresight. Heesen warns against rushed privatisations and cuts in the public services of the EU member states. “There have already been made far too many sacrifices here. Particularly in economically difficult times, functioning public services are essential for survival.”

The economic vibrations can be felt deep into European societies. People have been directly affected by the crisis in one way or another, the CESI president refers to the effects of the financial and economic crisis. Despite strong social protests, many states have opted for considerable cuts in the social systems and in public services. The difficult situation of the youth in Europe is especially worrying. “The economic uncertainty has now also reached the middle classes. Many people are losing prospects they believed were secure as well as confidence in politics,” Heesen criticizes the current situation in many countries in Europe.

“The European Council or an economic government emerging from the Council in whichever form will also be unable to resolve the problems alone,” the CESI president says. In the crisis, Heesen is backing a greater role of the European parliament and stronger co-operation between Strasbourg and the national parliaments: “The forthcoming political decisions carry great weight. They need democratic legitimisation.” The EU Members of Parliament who would have to be involved in the vast majority of legislative procedures, would develop a new self-confidence, which would increasingly be reflected in a strong will for co-determination and the public exertion of influence. “I am pleased that the Members of European Parliament are facing up to their new responsibility. Europe needs openness and a parliament in which there is open and controversial discussion.”

Unlike in the past, when the nation state was always seen as the final authority, a large majority now expects European politics to suggest and implement solutions. The crisis has brought Europe closer together, even if the difficult search for solutions has created the impression of drifting apart. “The coming years will show whether this new perception of the European Union can be turned into a positive and becomes a normality through greater participation in everyday political events”, Heesen says. The further course of the crisis will play a crucial role in this regard.