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"The outcome of the European elections is not a given", warned McAllister. He referred to the new three per cent threshold, which could facilitate that more small parties got into parliament. "Europe needs a strong democratic control. The election is too important to give a voice to splinter parties", he said.
McAllister noted that many people are currently looking at Europe with a certain degree of unease. Among the reasons for this, he cited the increasing dominance of European issues in the domestic political debate. Unfortunately, Europe was often seen as an example of excessive bureaucracy, long negotiations and a disregard for the principle of subsidiarity. "The people, however, expect their concerns to be taken seriously", said McAllister. Against this background he predicted that the CDU would benefit again in 2014 from the fact that they are an established European party in the consciousness of the people.
As possible key issues in the election campaign McAllister cited the completion of the Banking Union and ensuring financial stability by maintaining budgetary rules. Under the motto "More Europe in the large and less Europe in the small", all measures should aim for the same result: promoting growth and competitiveness while adhereing to austerity principles.
Regardless of what the new parliament looks like, it is clear that it will be facing an exciting but equally challenging legislative period. Along with the newly-defined relationship of the euro area Member States to the other 10 members of the EU, he mentioned the possible "two-speed Europe" as just one challenge amongst many.
Full event report (in German)