European Affairs

Issued : Sunday 4 September, 2005

European Affairs

1. Labour Youth notes with concern the neo-liberal economic policies and attitudes currently held by many European Union officials. The concept of the 'four freedoms' of the European Union is that of free movement of-
1) People
2) Goods
3) Capital
4) Services
Because of this, under current EU law and under the proposed constitution, closed or regulated services i.e. public services are illegal. Member states will gradually be forced to privatise, open up and deregulate Public Service sectors such as Transport, Energy, Postal services and even Education and Health.

Furthermore, Labour Youth notes evidence from privatisation and deregulation around the world have led to a sharp decline in the quality of the service, steep price increases and neglect of Health and Safety e.g.
1) 1980's New Zealand where privatisation of the energy market led to price hikes and blackouts
2) Privatisation of Railways in Britain, neglect of health and safety, drop in quality of service.
3) Deregulation of Energy market in California led to regular blackouts & erratic price hikes.

We strongly believe: public Services should be kept under government control and regulation for the common good of society so that quality of service delivered can be upheld and not sacrificed to profit margins; public Services are not commercial industries like any other; and privatisation of public services leads private companies to neglect health and safety in relation to those services.

2. Labour Youth notes with alarm and condemns the homophobic, misogynist and xenophobic views expressed by Mr. Rocco Buttigilone the former Italian commissioner designate to the Justice and Security portfolio.

Furthermore, Labour Youth notes that while everyone has a fundamental right to freedom of speech, the expression of such outdated and offence views must preclude Mr. Buttigilone from holding a public office, especially as a Commissioner of the European Union.

We believe: that the European Union in accordance with its draft constitution must continue to reflect the universal human rights values of a secular European Society; that the challenge posed by the nomination of Mr.Buttigilone is one of a democratic nature; and the success of the European Parliament in blocking Mr. Buttigilone's appointment, reflects the majority view of European citizens and illustrates the future direction in which the EU must continue to develop in order to bring itself closer to the people and become more democratic and secular.'