ve1246c.jpg Chris Van Es

Europe’s Necessary Union

The European Commission is busy drafting a proposal to create a European banking union, with the European Central Bank at the heart of a new system of integrated banking supervision, designed to help restore confidence in the euro. Such a mechanism is essential to ensuring confidence and financial stability.

BRUSSELS – The consequences of Europe’s debt crisis are all too present throughout much of the European Union, as distressed economies attempt to stabilize and grow at the same time. Notwithstanding the important decisions taken over the last couple of years, the reality is that we need to do more to tackle the challenges facing the eurozone.

Reform and consolidation measures are being implemented across the EU. Joint financial backstops have been put in place. And the European Central Bank has consistently shown that it will stand by the euro. Yet experts and partners often underestimate our determination.

All of the steps taken so far have resulted in more European integration, not less. It is true that sometimes decision-making in our democratic system takes time. But do not misjudge us: the negotiations are about the arrangements, not about the final outcome. There is sufficient political will in the EU to do whatever is necessary to protect the euro, because the future of the single currency will determine that of European integration.

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