A SOCIAL PACT FOR REFORM AND RE-LAUNCH EU
On the occasion of the Europe Day, the CNEL presented a 10-point planning document "Uniting Europe to change it" which proposes a change towards a new model of Europe, more politically united, more economically stronger to face the challenges with the other global actors and much more attentive to social issues. The document declares that "The European Union must be reformed because today it no longer responds to the needs of citizens and member countries. It is necessary and urgent to strengthen the EU budget, overcome the fiscal compact and free up resources for strategic investments and on the labour front". The 10 proposals ask Europe: more investment and innovation for a sustainable development model; the gradual increase in the Union's resources to 3% of GDP for joint projects on economic and social priorities decided by the European Parliament without entailing burdens on workers and enterprises; a European social compact: contrasting inequalities and poverty, minimum income, European unemployment benefit, the fight against contractual dumping, European management of migration; one year of Erasmus for all young Europeans: study, civil service, job placement; a European plan for continuous and digital training; tax harmonization and common taxation for major strategic projects; an acceleration of the political integration process: attribution of full legislative powers to the European Parliament; strengthening social dialogue and supporting European collective bargaining; the promotion of direct consultation of citizens and recognition of their power of petition to European institutions.
The data shows a situation in many ways positive of the European reality. The economy of the Union, in terms of GDP, exceeds that of the United States; the Union produces around 16.5% of the world product and trade weighs about 15% of total trade. With 500 million consumers and over 20 million businesses, Europe is the largest global area where free movement of people and free trade in goods is ensured. In the EU there are over 240 million people employed, the highest number ever recorded in its history. We live the longest period of peace ever existed, the lowest rates of death from disease and never the protection of individual and collective rights has been guaranteed as in this era.
And yet, in a context that seems to express a high rate of well-being, we are experiencing a decline in confidence in European institutions, growing centrifugal pressures and the spread of anti-European sentiments that have complex reasons but find a common denominator in the "fear of the future" that runs through our society for a decade now.
Only a united Europe can continue to guarantee the individual and collective rights, protections and freedoms we enjoy. Only a united Europe can guarantee the growth, well-being and sustainable development that we need. Only a united Europe can ensure the protection and enhancement of the common cultural heritage that is the root of our civilization.