14 February 2014

President Barroso: Reforming Europe in a changing world

In a democracy, any reform agenda should provoke debate. In Europe the discussion is not about a lack of reform, it is about the depth, direction and speed of our reform efforts. In a few weeks' time people across Europe will exercise the democratic right to question those changes, put forward their views and decide the outcome. This is a process of constant adaptation.

Personally, I feel further integration of the euro area is unavoidable. It must be designed in a way that complements everything we have achieved so far: that preserves the integrity of the single market, that guarantees the equal treatment of all Member States and free and undistorted trade and competition, that maintains our economic, social and territorial cohesion.

We must continue to find ways to accommodate diversity without undermining the fundamental unity of the 28-member European Union. Flexibility is necessary. That does not mean we should move to a Europe à la carte, nor would it be right to put into question our shared values and principles. But it is clear that some countries are going to go further, quicker, than others. That is something that I think can – if the political will is there – be accommodated in the same way as diversity in areas such as justice and home affairs and defence has been an integral and workable part of European life for decades now.

Last of all, above all, let me say this: This is a collective moment to focus on what you expect from Europe, what can be achieved in Europe and, through Europe, in the wider world. This is your decision, your responsibility, your future.

In all the areas I have just mentioned – the single market, financial services, competitiveness and innovation, enlargement, trade, the way we promote our values and our economic interests on the world stage…In all these areas, successive UK governments have engaged proactively, won over allies, and convinced their partners of the legitimacy of their case. The European Union would not have become what it is today if it weren't for British politicians and entrepreneurs, British thinkers and British ideas. Without the UK, Europe would be less reform-driven, less open, and less international. Less effective as a tool for managing and benefitting from globalisation. For a country so open to the world, it's a paradox that the UK remains so torn on Europe.

The European Union is not some diktat forced upon Member States. It is created by Member States to work with and for them and promote our shared European interest at home and in dealing with the rest of the world. The UK, which is very good at selling its views and promoting its interests in the European Union, is a lot stronger as a result of it.

I know that there are several perspectives on Europe. But I believe the right thing to do is not to turn away but to engage and see what together we can do to make it better. If you don't like Europe as it is: improve it! Talk about it. Explain the practical concerns. Find ways to make Europe stronger, internally and internationally, and you will have in me the firmest of supporters. Find ways that allow for diversity without creating discrimination, holding up the equality of Member States and a shared engagement to preserve our four freedoms, and I will be with you all the way. Because that is precisely what I have been doing from the moment I took up office in Brussels.

And when it comes to the British question... in the end, the British people can judge for themselves. But my very personal, very strong conviction is that the EU is better off with the UK, and the UK is better off in the European Union.

Full speech

President Barroso on the Andrew Marr show, 16.2.14

Transcript of the interview produced by the BBC

See also: EU to Britain: We want you, but tread carefully © Reuters

© European Commission