8/9/2007
José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission: Romania: Reforming further to reap the benefits of Europe Romanian Parliament
Bucharest, 6 September 2007

President, Honourable members,

Thank you for inviting me to address this joint meeting of the Senate and the House today. It is a great honour to be here and to speak for the first time to the members of the two houses. Since I began my mandate as President of the Commission, I have been particularly interested to develop exchanges with national parliaments across Europe.

Let me first extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the flood victims.

It is a particular pleasure to be here with you today, just nine months after Romania joined us on the European adventure. There is no place better than a parliament to celebrate what it means to join the European family. It underlines how the European Union is not about technical regulations or diplomatic talks – it is about a unique experiment in different sovereign states working together in an unprecedented way. An experiment which fifty years on, has proved its effectiveness, its durability – and its attractiveness to the European nations who have joined the EU's quest for solidarity and freedom.

Let me briefly outline the four main messages I bring to you today:

1. Romania's accession to the European Union has been a success story - both for Romania and for the EU.

2. Romania, however, still needs to implement crucial reforms to reap the full benefits of all the changes taking place in Europe and in the world.

3. National Parliaments, including yours, will play an increasingly important role when it comes to shaping Europe's future.

4. The European Parliament elections offer an important opportunity in terms of spreading the message about Romania's place in Europe.

Let's take a look at my first message. Enlargement has proved to be a major source of strength for Europe.

It has enhanced the political and cultural dimension of European integration and enriched both, your country and the EU itself. Sibiu as European Cultural Capital 2007 has already attracted thousands of people from all over Europe, who thus have had the privilege to get a foretaste of the beauty and cultural richness of your country, and I am particularly pleased to have visited the town of Sibiu during today.

Romania's (and also Bulgaria's) accession has enriched the cultural landscape of the European Union also insofar as two countries with an important number of people of orthodox belief will contribute to the enhancement of the much needed ecumenical dialogue in Europe, and I am delighted that the 3rd European Ecumenical Assembly, at which I participated myself today in Sibiu, together with Commissioner Orban and Figel', takes place in Romania.

The Europe of 27, today, counts for much more than in the past and speaks with true authority. When I meet leaders worldwide, I can tell you that it makes a real difference to be speaking on behalf of a Union with continental scale with almost 500 million inhabitants.

This reminds me of the words of the ‘Hora Unirii’ [Unity Dance], written in 1855 by the great Romanian poet Vasile Alecsandri and sung on the occasion of the unification of the two principalities of Moldavia and Walachia in 1859 and on all occasions when the Romanians aspired to union and harmony among themselves: It says "Where one alone stands is no strength; where many stand, it grows’.

This authority will soon be reinforced still further through the Reform Treaty. The political consensus reached at the last European Council in June, thanks also to the support of the Romanian government, confounded those sceptics who argued that Europe at 27 would never find a common direction and a common vision. It showed in contrast how Europe was determined to equip itself with the tools it needs to meet the expectations of its citizens: not to match some abstract political model, but to modernise Europe so as to face up to new challenges with confidence.

This agreement is now being translated into legal language. I believe that the Reform Treaty is grounded in a deep consensus about what Europe is trying to achieve. I am therefore confident that it will be possible to agree a Reform Treaty by October, and for it to be ratified before the European elections of June 2009.

But I also believe that citizens across Europe will be able to recognise the Reform Treaty as a real step forward. It will bring real progress in terms of democracy and accountability, in terms of external coherence and in terms of an increased capacity to face the great challenges of our globalized world. With the treaty behind us, we will be able to concentrate even more energy on delivering concrete results for citizens: making them more prosperous, boosting security, preparing Europe to give a lead in tackling climate change, promoting energy security and supplies for the future, spreading European values worldwide.

Romanian accession has benefited Europe in many ways. To take one example, strengthening Europe's Southern and Eastern dimension. The potential for co-operation and growth in the area is huge. Romania has a crucial role to play, in the front line of issues concerning energy, migration and security, key challenges of Europe today. There again, Europe stands supports Romania in preparing to join the Schengen area and contribute to our joint security and prosperity.

Let me also recall very frankly to you that another key challenge facing the enlarged European Union is the need for a coherent and effective approach for the integration of (ethnic) minorities, built on equality, non-discrimination and respect for fundamental rights. Roma being the biggest ethnic minority in the EU, it thus deserves a particular attention.

My second message goes toward the current reform processes taking place in Romania. Romania has made genuine efforts and progress during its accession process. As we all know, the process of integration is a long road. Legislation is essential, but it is not the end of the story. The focus should now turn to implementation, notably in the field of judicial reform and the fight against corruption and organised crime. A sustained political commitment and implementation on the ground are still needed in order to show EU citizens and member states that the benchmarks set will be met and concrete measures implemented. You can count on the continued support for institution building from the Commission as well as assistance from other Member States. That is the essence of the cooperation at the heart of how the EU works.

In the economic sphere, I also very much welcome Romania's commitment to the Reformed Lisbon strategy. The national reform programme, adopted by the government at the end of July, is a good strategy. I am convinced that if properly implemented this strategy can and will be Romania's platform for economic and social development for the next few years and will play a crucial role in setting the priorities for the Structural Funds. Improving administrative capacity and cutting red tape are two crucial areas were additional and concrete measures could unleash the huge business potential in Romania. In many member states, national parliaments are playing an increasingly key role in monitoring progress on National Reform Programmes and in spreading the message of economic reform to citizens. I am sure that this is an area you will be looking at in depth in the months and years to come.

Finally, let me turn more directly to the role of National Parliaments and to the upcoming European elections in your country, which on 25 November will put Romania in the spotlight of European attention.

The European Commission believes that national parliaments play a key role in the fabric of European democracy. We have been keen to see the role of national parliaments given more prominence in the treaties, but we have also been working in a pragmatic way to open up better lines of communication. We see national parliaments as an important way of boosting the dialogue on European policy. As a result, last year we set up a system to send Commission proposals directly to national parliaments, encouraged national parliaments to respond, and committed ourselves to give a response to such comments.

Since October 2006, the Commission has received 118 opinions from 23 National Assemblies on 59 of its legislative proposals. As yet, the Romanian Parliament has not taken advantage of this opportunity, but I hope our dialogue will build up in the coming months and years. This is a real opportunity for you to have a direct impact on the European debate.

The mandate for the Intergovernmental Conference decided upon at the June European Council foresees an important strengthening of the role of the National Parliaments. For example, if reasoned opinions on a proposal's non-compliance with the principle of subsidiarity represent at least one third (or a quarter in the case of proposals in the area of freedom, security and justice) of all the votes allocated to the national Parliaments, the draft will have to be reviewed. The Commission could decide to maintain, amend or withdraw the draft but is obliged to review its proposal. This mechanism is called by many a 'yellow card'.

There will be also a second complementary mechanism introduced, which is limited to proposals falling under the ordinary legislative procedure (current co-decision) and is commonly called an 'orange card'. According to this mechanism, if a draft legislative act's compliance with the principle of subsidiarity is contested by a simple majority of the votes allocated to National Parliaments, the Commission will have to re-examine the proposal. If it chooses to maintain the draft, the Commission will have to justify its position by a means of a reasoned opinion. A reasoned opinion of the Commission and the reasoned opinions of the National Parliaments will be transmitted to the EU legislator, for consideration in the legislative procedure.

If, by a majority of 55% of the members of the Council or a majority of the votes cast in the European Parliament, the legislator is of the opinion that the proposal is not compatible with the principle of subsidiarity, the legislative proposal will be abandoned.

Moreover, I should stress that National Parliaments will also take part in the revision procedures of the Treaties, in the evaluation mechanisms for the implementation of the Union policies in the area of freedom, security and justice, in the political monitoring of Europol and the evaluation of Eurojust's activities in accordance. You will be also notified of applications for accession to the Union. These new procedures come in addition to your primary task of scrutinising your governments on EU matters.

The Commission is on its way to the first evaluation of our new mechanism of direct dialogue with the National Parliaments. In view of a new institutional settlement to be agreed by the Intergovernmental Conference, the Commission will also consider adapting its procedure to new Treaty provisions from the date of their entry into force.

Turning now to the first European elections ever held in your country, let me say that this will be for all Europeans another solemn moment of our common history, which will remind us of the pictures we saw on New Year's Eve 2006, when millions of people in your country, and in Bulgaria, celebrated full of joy the fulfilment of their ambitions - their full membership in the European Union.

This election is an excellent opportunity to involve Romanian citizens directly in the European debate. The elections offer citizens a chance to get to know their future representatives in the EP. But it also gives them a chance to understand more about Europe, how it touches their lives in so many ways and how it can help to meet their aspirations for the future. A lively political debate is often the best way to spark citizens' imaginations and promote their understanding of Europe.

Let me tell you that the 35 Romanian MEPs, which we had the pleasure to welcome of 1st January 2007 in Strasbourg and Brussels, have very quickly integrated into the fascinating rhythm of the European Parliament, bringing a valuable contribution to its works and enriching its political and cultural diversity and the discussions and reflections lead within the political groups, the committees, and in the plenary.

European politicians, and in particular Romanian MEPs, but also you as national parliamentarians, we all have an enormous responsibility vis-à-vis the people in Romania who attached so much hope to the accession of their country to the EU. We must do our utmost to live up to people's expectations and to prove that their belief in European integration will bear its fruits for each of them and make Europe stronger as a whole.

I know that with all the enthusiasm for Europe we've witnessed during the last years in your country, there is also fear and scepticism among some Romanians; You, honourable Members, as well as your colleagues in the European Parliament, you will have the difficult and challenging task to explain why things sometimes are not going as quickly as people would like to, why European integration does not mean the surrender of sovereignty, and why it is only TOGETHER that we can face the challenges, such as globalisation, international terrorism and climate change, TOGETHER, which is the motto of the celebration of the EU's 50th anniversary.

The role of parliamentarians, whether national or European, is crucial in making your countries' membership a success, and communication is the key to everything. I am sure you will take the time to isten to your citizens and show them how you can take their views and concerns into account. Take your time to explain to them how Europe works and how our policies affect their everyday lives. Don't whitewash reality or make promises Europe can't hold, but try to do away with the many stereotypes and popular beliefs that are circulating and give people a realistic picture of what Europe means and why being a European matters.

These first European elections, which I hope will see a strong turnout in your country, are a fantastic chance to bring Europe closer to the Romanian citizens. I call on you to encourage people to vote on 25 November, thus making use of their unique right to help shaping the future of Europe.

Domnule Presedinte, onorabili membrii,

Vă mulţumesc pentru atenţie.