Frattini: "EPP working group can be of influence"
In
an exclusive interview, the former European Commissioner and Italian
minister for foreign affairs talks about the foreign affairs objectives that
will underline the foreign and security policy of the European People’s Party;
including widening relations with the EU’s southern and eastern neighbours, and
strengthening relations with NATO and the US .
Peter Taberner
Former Italian Foreign Minister and Vice-President of the European
Commission Franco Frattini has outlined the five major principles that will be discussed by the European People’s Party’s (EPP) ad-hoc working
group on foreign affairs
In an exclusive interview
Frattini explained: “There are several main priorities which one of them is the eastern dimension of EU foreign policy,
and that is also to increase the focus on the western Balkans and have a
greater role of supervising its development.”
“There is also the southern dimension to
consider of the European neighbourhood, and how to ensure that Europe is a
major protagonist considering the Arab springs, and the situation with Tunisia,
Libya and Egypt, and of course Syria and the emergency situation that exists
there.”
The
working group also wants to strengthen
Europe’s relationship with the US, with cooperation over NATO roles on the
agenda.
“Another
main pillar of the working group will be to relaunch our relationship with the US, and we are particularly
interested in implementing a new NATO strategy, where we should be looking to
broaden the scope of our operations, but this will be discussed at the next
NATO summit.”
“We
should also think about how we can extend
the cooperation between the EU and the US in how we can face the
international economic crises together, and also how we can overcome obstacles
in trade agreements to achieve a smoother path of commerce.”
Religious
and human rights along with more controlled immigration complete the list of
policy areas that the EPP wishes to concentrate on.
“There
are issues related to human rights
and we need to discuss, and how to better protect human rights even outside of
Europe.” Frattini continued.
“For
example in Christian communities like in
Nigeria, we should make it a priority in to protect the rights of Christian
minorities, and Europe need to do more than it has done.”
“Immigration
where it is illegal should also be looked at, they gain employment in
industries such as agricultural, and we need a strategy for this issue in a
human way.”
Frattini is also confident that the
working group can be of influence and produce results.
“The working group will have several eminent personalities there,
and there will be members of national and European parliaments from 16
different member states.”
“Although
what is special is our consultation with civil society, in September there will
be exchanges of ideas where different proposals will be presented and part of a
consultation process. We have also invited the community of bloggers who have
been approached for the first time by the party, so we have a broad range of
opinions to be discussed.”
Without
pointing the finger towards any parliamentary group, Frattini feels that Brussels has not been proactive enough on
foreign affairs, with a more muscular approach needed.
“I
think that Europe needs to take more
stronger positions on international affairs. The weaknesses from Europe
have included how it has dealt with the Arab developments; the Mediterranean
sea is what Europe, Africa and the Middle East all have in common, and we need
to be more proactive.”
“Also
in particular religious rights need to be protected more, and Europe needs to
take the initiative more in the emerging countries such as the BRIC nations,
Europe’s foreign policy should be stronger.”
Despite
several different countries and organisations taking part Frattini believes that the EPP can pull together, and present a united
front in attempting to solve foreign policy issues.
“The EPP will be in the condition to present some original ideas to have a improved strategy in the international arena.” He concluded.
In
October the party will convene in Bucharest for their next annual congress,
where the final conclusions of the working group are expected to be revealed.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Peter
Taberner has previously written for Financial News, Investment and
Pensions Europe, Utility Week, EGOV Monitor, European Pensions,
Suite101.com, PPP Bulletin, Global Pensions Weekly, Tobacco Journal
International, IPS and Seeurope.net
Pubblicato da Franco Frattini
il giorno 26.6.12. per la sezione
PPE,
Press Room,
Ultime Notizie
.
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