Reactions to President Macron’s proposals on reforming the EU

President Macron proposes adeep reform of the EU less than 3 months ahead of the EP elections

Mihai Pelin, 06.03.2019, 12:25

Creating a ‘European preference’ line in terms of competition, protecting the political life from external interference and cyber attacks, setting up a European Security Council that should also include Great Britain and revising the Schengen agreement are some of the proposals made by the French President in an op-ed called ‘For a European renaissance’ which was published in multiple European newspapers on Monday evening.

President Macron suggests that, by the end of 2019, a conference should be organized together with representatives of the European institutions and of the member states, which should tackle the changes necessary for the new political project. As regards Brexit, President Macron believes that the main problem is not the UK’s membership to the EU but the lies and irresponsible statements made, which might destroy the European project.

In another move, Emmanuel Macron believes that a ban should be put on the funding of the European political parties by foreign powers as well as all on the online incitement to hatred and violence. In relation to migration, President Macron says the Schengen free movement Agreement needs to be revised. He also advocates the creation of a European defense and security treaty meant to define the obligations of each state in terms of defense, in close relation with NATO, which should entail an increase in military expenses, the activation of the mutual defense clause and a European Security Council which should also include Great Britain. On social rights, Macron proposes a ‘social shield’ guaranteeing the same pay in the same workplace and a minimum wage appropriate to each country and discussed collectively every year.

Reactions to Macron’s proposals were not late to appear. In Bucharest, PM Viorica Dancila said she was eager to read President Macron’s plan which Romania, as president of the Council of the EU, welcomes, given its concern for the future of Europe. The leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party in Romanian Liviu Dragnea said that Romania should support the organization of a Conference for Europe, a project in which it should take an active part. The proposals of the French President were received with reticence by the Romanian MEPs.

The Liberal Norica Nicolai claimed Macron’s message was an electoral move, while Marian Jean Marinescu representing the European People’s Party group believes Macron’s project is nothing but a publicity stunt. In exchange, the president of the European Council Donald Tusk hailed the reforms that call for an enhanced cooperation for what Macron termed as the ‘renaissance of Europe’ and the president of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker praised Macron’s firm commitment to identifying and meeting the European challenges.