Priorities of the EPP-ED group 2004-2009

This is an executive summary of the EPP-ED group's priorities for 2004-2009. In future editions of "Our Europe" we will be covering the priorities of the other main political groups within the European Parliament.

Building a prosperous Europe for our citizens over the next five years is at the heart of the EPP-ED priorities. To achieve high growth and economic performance - and thereby create jobs.

The group wants Europe to develop a dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy. By prioritising research as a key element of Europe's competitiveness, focusing on education and new technologies, and ensuring a stimulating business environment, the EPP-ED group wants to enable Europe to adapt to the global economy.

This is a precondition for achieving long-term sustainable development and of building Europe for the future. To make Europe an agreeable place to live in, the EPP-ED group wants to implement a comprehensive policy based on a social and environment-friendly market economy.

This policy will strengthen the link between a healthy environment and a strong economy, as well as influence all areas of legislation, whether environmental, economic, energy, transport, regional or agriculture policies.

European citizens want to live in a Union in which they increasingly feel their rights are safeguarded and their security enhanced. To respond to this growing need for security on the street, as an individual or as an employee, stability and safety within our societies need to be ensured. To achieve this, the group aims at strengthening European police and judicial co-operation, as well as at providing for greater food, health and consumer safety in everyday life.

To meet tomorrow's challenges and live up to our responsibilities in the field of international security, an effective Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) needs to be established. Therefore the shortfalls in military capacity need to be overcome. A partial integration of CFSP into the Community structure should enable Europe to gain a high profile internationally and deliver on its commitments.

As a part of this policy, strengthening Europe's strategic partnerships will be of great importance. At the same time, Europe should maintain a strong financial commitment to help the developing world and ensure that the current WTO Round is based on fair trade and development.

Sound management of resources and transparent spending of EU funds will give European citizens the feeling that a properly managed EU is in their own interest.

In this context, the EPP-ED group wants increased accountability of EU expenditure. To vigorously combat fraud, the group wishes to strengthen OLAF (the fraud fighting office) by seeking its total independence from the Commission.