Time for humility

Daniel Cohn-Bendit wants Nicolas Sarkozy to show a little humility in trying to steer Europe out of its current crisis

The French presidency of the EU gives Nicolas Sarkozy centre stage. He must show more humility and respect as president of Europe than he does as president of France if ways forward are to be found in the face of the energy crisis, Lisbon Treaty debate and wider context of globalisation.

These are immediate questions that need long-term answers. Europe’s leaders must work collectively, and better engage with their people if they are to find them.

The Irish people, including commissioner Charlie McCreevy, found the Lisbon treaty unreadable. Among the confusion and misinformation, it is no surprise that people voted ‘no’.

But one country must not hold back 26. Countries that have not yet ratified Lisbon must be granted the opportunity to do so in the coming months. The Greens have long called for a clear text on Europe as a social, environmental and democratic project.

If Lisbon fails, the French presidency could pave the way for this to be put to citizens in a Europe-wide referendum to coincide with European parliament elections next year.

The EU climate and energy package is on the table. France must deliver it whole and resist any attempts by member states to pick it apart at the eleventh hour. EU policy should favour consumers and the environment, not energy giants and car manufacturers.

Europe also urgently needs to step up its commitment to renewables. This is not the time for yet another Sarkozy sales pitch for France’s pseudo-green nuclear technology.  

The EU must also show a global conscience as the Beijing Olympics are held this August. Instead of participating in the opening ceremony, I would like to see Sarkozy and other European leaders go to Sichuan province and visit victims of the earthquake.

This would show that Europe’s solidarity is with the Chinese people, not the repressive system that governs them.