Sarkozy urges debate on EU future

STRASBOURG - French president Nicholas Sarkozy says that the EU needs to debate its future to combat the growing identity crisis among citizens.

Speaking to MEPs during November’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Sarkozy said that there was not yet any broad agreement regarding the next direction for the EU.

“The peoples of Europe are going through an extremely deep identity crisis…it is precisely this crisis that unites Europe. It is due to globalisation and seeing everything in trade terms.”

"The reform treaty does not solve the political and moral crisis – it does not say what Europe will be in the future and how it can improve the lives of citizens, it doesn’t say how those who have lost their faith in Europe can restore it," he added.

Part of this reconstruction of national identities, Sarkozy added, involves being more assertive about defending the territory and resources of the EU.

“If other countries defend their farmers, why shouldn’t Europe defend its own farmers? Europe does not want protectionism but Europe has the duty to insure its energy and food independence,” he said.

“How can Europe be independent, how can we assert political influence on a global scale, or ensure peace and equality, if we are incapable of ensuring our own defence?”

"In European democracy, we should be able to discuss the future of Europe...if are only able to debate those subjects about which we are all in agreement, then we are faced with a European crisis."

MEPs praised Sarkozy’s direct approach towards the EU.

Centre-right deputy Margie Sudre welcomed Sarkozy’s call for greater discussion on important issues.

“The president of the French republic is determined to put Europe at the heart of today’s political issues….Nicholas Sarkozy wants a democratic debate, without taboo, on all the political areas in the union,” she said in a press release.

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