Europe needs strong leadership on Europe - Watson

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 14th Apr 2005

In a major speech this week in the European Parliament with European Council President-in-Office Jean-Claude Juncker and Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Graham Watson, Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, appealed for stronger leadership from Heads of State and Government in the wake of flagging enthusiasm for Europe's Constitution in several Member States.

"What has happened to Europe's leadership? Where is the common sense of purpose?" asked Watson, ahead of a major televised debate in France tonight where President Chirac must make a defence of the Constitutional Treaty.

"Is it any wonder that French, Dutch or British citizens show little enthusiasm for a new Treaty when their leaders fail to communicate the European project effectively and inspire their citizens with a positive vision of a united and vibrant Europe?"

Debating the outcome of the Spring summit at the end of last month, billed as the 'relaunch of the Lisbon Strategy - Europe's bid for greater competitiveness and prosperity, Watson highlighted the contrast between the fine words and rhetoric of the written conclusions and the reality. "Europe's leaders seem to be sleep-walking on the Lisbon Agenda" declared Watson. "They reiterate every year their commitment to raising competitiveness and job creation yet consistently fail to follow it up with appropriate action."

"We had more of the same this time at the mid-term review stage where fine political promises were agreed on paper but the message back in many national capitals pandered to domestic fears and manifestly failed to explain properly or fairly certain European initiatives," said Watson in reference to the draft Services Directive which is being closely examined by Parliament as co-legislator with Member States. He also criticised the Italian Prime Minister for attempting to use the greater flexibility introduced to the Stability and Growth Pact to justify big tax-breaks ahead of a general election.

"The revised Pact makes several improvements on its predecessor but its loose definition of 'other relevant factors' in determining an excessive budgetary deficit presents us with a risk of irresponsible governments relaxing their fiscal policy for short term domestic interests at the expense of long-term stability in the euro-zone."