This summit will be a watershed in the debate on Europe’s economic future; the time has now come to choose between increased integration or eventual disintegration of EU economic policy.   The internal economic conflicts that divided the EU in 2010 created profound cracks in the foundation of the Union; cracks that will only grow larger if the EU proves itself incapable of dramatic and far-reaching reform.

As representatives of a civil society network, European Movement Ireland and European Movement Germany consider it imperative to warn against any erosion in the bedrock of European cooperation and integration. Failure of the euro currency would not only be fatal for European economic development, but would result in a diminished role for Europe on the international political stage, including areas of crucial interest to European countries and individual citizens such as monetary and trade policy, energy policy and environmental policy.  A lack of substantial action at this time places half a century of peace, prosperity and progress on the continent in jeopardy.  Substantial decisions must be taken at the forthcoming summit regarding the future of Europe’s economic integration.  Further delays to set this plan in motion would be the beginning of the end of this political union and would lead, at best, to a mere free trade area.

Signed,

Maurice Pratt
Chairman, European Movement Ireland

Dieter Spöri
President, European Movement Germany

Further information:

http://www.europaeische-bewegung.de/aktuelles/unsere-nachrichten/einzelansicht/news/gemeinsamer-aufruf-von-spoeri-und-pratt-zum-eu-gipfel-integration-statt-aufloesung/

http://www.euractiv.de/zukunft-und-reformen/artikel/integration-statt-auflsung-004081