Barroso 5 year plan: "A need for clear vision and concrete action" says Watson

3.52.25pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 26th Jan 2005

Graham Watson (Leader of European Liberal Democrats in EP), speaking in a parliamentary debate today launched an appeal to President Barroso to select his priorities carefully - even if it means doing less to achieve more. "There is a real danger, as we have witnessed with the Lisbon Agenda, that by attempting to do too many things in too many fields we achieve little of substance and the European public are unable to see the wood for the trees," he said.

He furthermore strongly urged a much greater emphasis on better and simpler legislation that "can have a liberating effect if it is well prepared, properly justified and sensibly costed". He even called on commissioners not to be afraid to "step back, take stock and review that which is already on the statute books to see whether it has worked or added any value. If not, then repeal it or replace it."

There is also an overriding need to improve communication and information to the public about what Europe does and how it is acting to improve their prosperity, solidarity and security. "We have allowed the persistent drip of half-truths and myths propagated by eurosceptics to poison the minds of too many of our citizens who no longer know what or who to believe."

Alexander Lambsdorff (FDP, Germany) also speaking in today's debate offered a contrasting view to that put forward by Socialists and Greens who have attacked the Commission's 'liberal' agenda. "We promised our electorate growth and jobs," he said. "I strongly support the Commission's emphasis on these two themes underlying its strategic objectives and reject the socialist attacks on Barroso's team. Europe needs economic growth to create and sustain quality jobs. It simply does not follow any logic to expect the jobs without the growth. The Commission's emphasis is entirely correct."