Where are the citizens, Mr Barroso?

The Young European Federalists (JEF-Europe) are profoundly concerned about the political direction of the EU’s executive, the European Commission.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Commission President Barroso said, "I think we should have 'ever closer union', but the basic legitimacy of our union is the member states." The vacuous Lisbon Strategy backs this up; a plan that mixes hot air and a dearth of supranational substance.

"Barroso seems to have an unclear vision for the role that the Commission should be playing as a European Institution," stated Jon Worth, President of the Young European Federalists.

"The Commission’s job is to defend the Community interest, and work in the interests of the whole of the EU."

"While cajoling member states to make changes to their economies is all very well, that’s not enough of a political vision for the Commission."

Federalists have long argued that the EU system must be based upon the dual legitimacy of the states and the people, with the states’ interests represented in the Council and the citizens’ interests in the European Parliament.

"Barroso seems to have forgotten the citizens," continued Jon Worth.

"Not only is that dangerous with Constitution referendums on the horizon, it also makes us profoundly worried about how Barroso sees the role of the European Commission in the future."

"The EU is already much more than an intergovernmental union and it has proven to be successful. We simply cannot turn the clock back."

"JEF-Europe calls on the European Parliament, representing the will of the citizens, to closely scrutinise the work for the Commission. The Commission cannot be allowed to take sides - it must work for the European interest!"