EIN: Europe needs political union, joint policies and decisions for the common good

In future European Elections, our citizens have to make clear and informed choices. We need a political union. We do not want a Super State, but shared sovereignty. This was the vision of the 11th annual Summer University of the EPP Group's think-tank, the European Ideas Network (EIN), held in Berlin.

It was significant that the meeting took place in Berlin, one day after the 22nd anniversary of the reunification of Germany. The Head of the German Delegation (CDU) of the EPP Group, Herbert Reul MEP, pointed out that it is important to keep in mind the lessons learned from history as it is always easier to divide than to unite, but the latter is the way of the European Union. From their unification, Germans have experienced and learned the importance of solidarity and taking responsibility. Solidarity and responsibility are crucial in helping to foster new economic growth, which was also one of the central themes of the meeting in Berlin.

The main discussion focused on the future competitiveness of European industry and its role in promoting growth and stability in Europe. Many different opinions were expressed, but the main theme of fostering growth was common.

The EPP Group and its Chairman, Joseph Daul, emphasised that "we have avenues for sustainable growth, and sustainable growth means stability for our continent and our single currency and an exit from the crisis. To be really effective, we have to work towards fiscal and social harmonisation, as long as harmonisation doesn't mean standardisation. Our political family has always been at the forefront of Europe. Let's rise to the challenges that face us. Europe is the answer."

The President of the European People's Party, Wilfried Martens, stressed that the EPP has strengthened and improved economic governance in the European Union and the Eurozone. However, much remains to be implemented and agreed upon. At the EPP Congress which starts in two weeks in Bucharest, the EPP Group will consider draft Resolutions on the need for monetary union to be completed by economic and political union.

The EIN Summer University provided a forum for intense debate among stakeholders in European policy-making. A range of other major topics was also discussed - transatlantic relations, the European agenda after the US Elections, new ways of creating employment in a post crisis society and redefining true social dialogue to prevent populism and anarchy. There was also a debate on the aftermath of the Arab Spring, focusing on promoting democracy, the debate on Europe's energy market and the policy of Green Growth, and a discussion on the challenges of combining fiscal discipline and growth measures in the EU. Participants also debated the deepening of the Eastern partnership, free trade and capacity building, BRICs countries in the new world architecture and an agenda for the transatlantic digital market.

Speakers included Wolfgang Schäuble MP, the German Minister of Finance, Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group responsible for political strategy and the EIN, Herbert Reul MEP, Head of the German (CDU) Delegation of the EPP Group, Antonio Tajani, European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy, Algirdas Šemeta, European Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud, Asunção Esteves, President of the Portuguese Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, Heinrich Hiesinger, CEO of ThyssenKrupp, delegates from associations and high-level representatives from corporations and enterprises.