OPINION> Commentary
Europe should uphold four freedoms
By Carl Bildt and Franco Frattini (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-10 07:44

The ongoing global economic crisis is shaking beliefs and approaches long enshrined in European policies. Indeed, the crisis has called into question the very foundation of the European Union (EU).

Hence, there is an urgent need to reassert the core character and identity of Europe. The very nature of our European model - a model that is open internally, externally, and globally - must be reaffirmed.

Internally, Europe should remain both an open society and an open economy. We should fight against protectionist temptations that would shake the very foundation of the European project, a project based on the "four freedoms": free movement of goods, people, services and capital.

But the European economic recovery plan that was recently reaffirmed by the European Council of Ministers is focused mainly on national measures to boost domestic demand. To implement this plan, governments must refrain from the temptation to turn national measures into narrow protectionist schemes.

Such a development would increase unemployment in Europe and elsewhere, and make fighting the crisis more difficult. So a return of economic, social, or political nationalism is simply not an option.

Intra-EU trade today accounts for nearly two-thirds of its member states' total trade. And the EU is the leader in world trade, accounting for 18 percent of the total, followed by the US and China. Even the free circulation of workers and people in Europe is a well-established and positive reality: 2 percent of EU citizens - more than 10 million people - reside in an EU member country other than their native one.

Moreover, in 2006, 57 percent of European citizens declared themselves ready to move abroad for professional reasons, with young Europeans being the most motivated (half a million EU youths are already studying in a country other than their own).

The crisis must not become an excuse to create new institutional formats that jeopardize the delicate balance between different EU institutions, a balance that - through appropriate adjustments - has been proven by the test of time. Of course, the crisis does highlight the need to strengthen EU institutions and instruments for common action and coordination.

We need final and complete ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in order to have the institutionally and internationally stronger EU we need.

Today's uncertainties should not become an excuse to question the need to continue and complete the process of EU enlargement. Extending the EU's area of freedom and democracy, peace, stability and prosperity, especially throughout south-eastern Europe, is in the interest of every European.

We need to send a strong signal to our neighbors in the Western Balkans that their European perspective is still alive, as was reaffirmed by the European heads of state in 2008. And we remain convinced of the strategic and economic benefits of bringing Turkey into the EU. Of course, the process of accession depends on the readiness of the adhering countries, but it should not be halted or slowed down.

Globally, Europe needs to promote an open, inclusive, and effective system of international governance. Through its wide-ranging experience of convergence of national interests and values, the EU has emerged as a model of multilateralism and as the most powerful normative actor in all areas of governance.

The EU is ready to play a major role in building a new system of global governance. This requires further development and deepening of strategic relations with emerging powers such as China, India and Brazil, as well as with regional organizations.

This is precisely what Italy has been promoting during its current presidency of the G8. We need to integrate today's emerging powers into a new system of global governance. The latter, however, should be ready to share the burden with us.

This is also the moment to inject new energy into the Doha Round of WTO talks. A successful conclusion of the talks would be the strongest possible action to counter protectionist tendencies and resume world trade growth.

Finally, in these times of economic crisis we should be guided more than ever by our common democratic values - the inner dimension of our European identity and a crucial unifying factor for our societies.

They are also a powerful tool for European leadership in global affairs. Europe has a special role to play in securing a better world where human rights and individual freedom are widely and fully respected. We must not shy away from our responsibilities.

Carl Bildt is foreign minister of Sweden. Franco Frattini is foreign minister of Italy. Project Syndicate

(China Daily 04/10/2009 page9)