“Welcome, dear Manfred Weber: better late than never. For years, we have advocated for a true President of the European Union, combining the roles of President of the Commission and President of the European Council. For years, we have called for the removal of the right of veto. For years, we have demanded more powers for the European Parliament. We put it in black and white in our manifesto for the European elections, the manifesto of the European Democrats. We were criticised at the time. But today it is clear: we were simply thinking ahead.”
This was stated by Sandro Gozi, Secretary-General of the European Democratic Party (EDP) and Renew Europe MEP, commenting on Manfred Weber’s recent interviews.
“One condition must be clear: this leadership must be democratically elected through transnational lists. This is the only way to give the Union visible political leadership and true democratic legitimacy, not yet another compromise between governments,” Gozi continued.
“We want a Europe of political will: a Union in which those who truly believe in deeper integration can move forward without being blocked by the vetoes of those who do not believe in it, and without forcing anyone else to follow. All this is possible even without amending the Treaties. And it is urgent to start with European defence, where hesitation is no longer sustainable.”
“These are not theoretical ideas,” Gozi added. “They are now official positions of the European Parliament. Last October, Parliament adopted my report on institutional reform and enlargement, and it has been calling for a new European electoral law with transnational lists for years.”
“Now Weber must translate words into action, overcoming internal divisions within the EPP and convincing its leaders in the European Council — who constitute the majority — to take clear political responsibility.”
“One point remains obvious: the far right has consistently opposed these reforms, including in the October vote. Chasing extremists in Brussels, Rome, Madrid and other European capitals is not the answer. Europe needs courage and democratic ambition,” Gozi concluded.
