Liberal Democrats back Commission on Growth, Jobs and Environment

12.47.24pm GMT Thu 24th Feb 2005

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, now playing the decisive role in forging the strategy of the new Parliament, is voting today to support the Commission's work programme for 2005.

Speaking for the Group, Andrew Duff MEP said: "Liberals and Democrats want a strong and progressive Commission dedicated to building up the European Union at home and abroad. With the Constitution and after the events of last autumn on the appointment of the European Commission, the EU executive is now more accountable to the Parliament. At the same time the Parliament has got to show itself a constructive partner of the Commission too. "

Mr Duff, who negotiated the joint resolution with the PPE and UEN groups, regrets the withdrawal from the negotiations of the Left-wing parties: "Socialist hostility to President Barroso's Commission shows an excess of ideology over common sense. The fact is that the Commission has an ambitious programme for growth and jobs which a large majority of MEPs who believe in Europe should be able to support."

"Our Group backs the view that the Union needs the financial resources to match the scale of its political, economic and social ambitions. We insist on expanding the single market into the services sector to enhance Europe's competitivity, while recognising the need to protect universal access to public utilities and to respect the European social model."

"Ratification of the Constitution remains our top priority along with making serious progress on the Lisbon Agenda. We put great emphasis, as does the Commission, on boosting Europe's effort in science and technology. We will also focus on meeting our Kyoto commitments, and simplifying the regulatory environment in which business has to work."

ENDS