eu problems and solutions. Today's failure in Brussles is a perfect opportunity to point to Lousewies van der Laan's reccomendations for a stronger european parliment, that contains several easy to read, understand and implement solutions that will solve many of the EU's 'growing pains' and structural issues.
I've met Lousewies twice and am very impressed with her knowledge and drive. She was a memeber of european parliment for 5 years and is currently in the dutch national perliment. She wants to be elected president of Europe. If she combines her writing with a weblog then I guarantee her a real shot. I've taken the liberty of converting her essay into a web page as the original is available only in print or pdf.
An excerpt from the press release:
The EU urgently needs a stronger and reformed European Parliament (EP). With 60 per cent of all legislation affecting citizens' lives discussed in Brussels, EU decision-making must become more democratic. The current negotiations on the EU constitution offer a unique opportunity to make the necessary reforms. In this CER working paper Lousewies van der Laan analyses the democratic failings of the EU – and sets out a cohesive agenda for reform. She argues that the EP should have full control over the EU budget; the powers to amend and reject all EU legislation; the ability to sack each individual Commissioner; and a single seat in Brussels. [Adam Curry's Weblog]