News

"Bringing people closer to the Single Market"



Starting by reminding the Members of the European Parliament (MEP) of his European convictions, Michel Barnier expresses his aim at relauching the Single Market in promoting innovation and creation. He intends to bring people closer to the EU through the setting up of social elements within the Single Market. The concept of a 'social impact assessment' is one of these ideas which will be considered by the new Commission. The former European Commissioner for Regional Policy in the Prodi Commission (1999-2004) concludes about the internal market in strongly affirming its will not to link his name with social decline in any way.



"Turning the page of irresponsibility"



On financial regulation, Mr. Barnier makes the commitment to put the principles of transparency, ethics and responsibility in the heart of the financial system: "No company should be able to escape relevant regulations because regulation is a chance". His programme will mainly be based on the work done by the previous Commissioner, Mr. McCreevy, emphasizing some reform initiatives on supervision, derivatives and Capital Requirements. The regulation will be put first, although Mr. Barnier strongly requires time to know better all the dossiers connected with the financial services. The close future will show whether or not the European Commission is capable of bringing new rules within the financial sphere.