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A Citizens’ Agenda

I had better make some progress, as other hon. Members want to take the opportunity to contribute to the debate. The June European Council also welcomed the citizen’s agenda communication and its proposal to produce a 50th anniversary declaration. It is right that we should celebrate the anniversary of the treaty of Rome and 50 years of European achievement, including the spread of peace, security, prosperity and democracy. The Government look forward to engaging constructively on the declaration setting out Europe’s ““values and ambitions”” next March. Following the successful model of an autumn informal summit a year ago at Hampton court, the European summit at Lahti on 21 October provided a welcome opportunity for EU leaders to take forward the ““delivery agenda””. Discussions at Lahti focused on tackling the twin challenges of climate change and energy security, improving Europe’s record on innovation and addressing our citizens’ concerns on migration. EU leaders also discussed the grave situation in Darfur, and had a working dinner with the Russian President Putin. The Lahti summit provides us with a good basis for further delivering the policy agenda outlined at Hampton court. It is central to building an EU that continues to make life better for its citizens. Our vision is of an EU with a fully liberalised energy market and a strong dialogue with key energy-producing states, leading the way globally in tackling climate change by exporting ideas like the emissions trading scheme. Our vision is of an EU that is more prosperous, because it will attract investment and compete effectively with the new economic giants of India and China. Our vision is of an EU where businesses can work across borders without red tape and be the home of European champions; an EU that is more effective, with a powerful voice in the world, working to eliminate poverty and promote development; and an EU that has successfully enlarged to include the western Balkans and Turkey, and has supported reform in neighbouring countries to bring them closer to European standards. Above all, we want an EU that is more relevant as it continues to make life better for its citizens, and one that enables Europeans to take advantage of, rather than retreat from, a changing world. This Government are at the forefront of that European agenda. The Commission’s commitment to delivery is entirely welcome. This Government are a long-time advocate of a modern European Union, assertive in tackling and responding to the challenges of the 21st century. We have an unequivocal and proactive engagement in the EU, working with our European partners to push for progress in those areas, such as climate change, terrorism and globalisation, in which"““by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone””." Only by tackling those issues confidently and collectively can we build an EU that our citizens recognise as adding value to their lives. I commend the motion to the House.