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A Europe for the people
Fri, 27.10.2006
Photo: REGIERUNGonline/Bergmann
Friendly reception in the Netherlands.
We don't need a bureaucratic Europe, but rather a Europe close to the people. This objective unites the Netherlands and Germany in their European cooperation. Speaking in The Hague, Chancellor Angela Merkel indicated that the German EU Presidency in 2007 will focus on issues relating to bureaucracy reduction, energy, climate change, migration, and the constitutional process.
Given the broad agreement that exists between our two countries on key policy issues "we didn't need to spend any time clearing up problems," Merkel commented after her meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. Fewer rules – faster procedures
Photo: REGIERUNGonline
In 'Cafe Plein'.Merkel noted that Germany has learned from the Netherlands with regard to bureaucracy reduction, having adopted the Dutch standard cost model. The system makes it possible to measure bureaucratic costs and helps reduce the need to compile reports and statistics. 
Photo: REGIERUNGonline/Bergmann
Queen Beatrix and Chancellor Merkel."We will put forward a proposal on how to move forward with the constitutional process," Merkel promised, adding that in view of the situation in Europe it would be good not to make too many predictions and, instead, to work intensively behind the scenes. She acknowledged that a solution is not likely to be found before the end of the German Presidency.
She referred to the Netherlands and its successful reforms as an example for Germany, saying that the courage the country showed in carrying out reforms had resulted in high economic growth rates and a very low unemployment rate. She stressed that the latter is of particular importance for public acceptance of the social market economy system.
Fewer rules – faster procedures
Photo: REGIERUNGonline
In 'Cafe Plein'.Merkel noted that Germany has learned from the Netherlands with regard to bureaucracy reduction, having adopted the Dutch standard cost model. The system makes it possible to measure bureaucratic costs and helps reduce the need to compile reports and statistics."What do we need to concentrate on? Where can a directive be eliminated that is only aggravating people?" Merkel announced that the German EU Presidency in the first half of 2007 will make an effort to promote leaner structures and legislative improvements at the European level.
Europe needs a constitution
The European constitution will play an important role in this connection in that it will be needed to keep the EU capable of acting effectively. The member states have agreed on a window extending from mid-2007 to the end of 2008 to resolve this question.
Photo: REGIERUNGonline/Bergmann
Queen Beatrix and Chancellor Merkel."We will put forward a proposal on how to move forward with the constitutional process," Merkel promised, adding that in view of the situation in Europe it would be good not to make too many predictions and, instead, to work intensively behind the scenes. She acknowledged that a solution is not likely to be found before the end of the German Presidency.Joint responsibility
With regard to international peacekeeping missions Merkel stated that Europe's growing responsibility requires closer cooperation between member states. The Netherlands and Germany are jointly involved in the UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and Afghanistan.
Merkel praised the UNIFIL mandate for being very detailed and specific but noted that if military commanders were to gain the impression they could not implement the mandate fully she would immediately intervene politically.
She indicated that thus far the military has reported back only that the mandate is effective and cooperative in nature. "We are not in Lebanon as an occupying force but rather to help the Lebanese armed forces," she underscored.
Merkel observed that "no country can solve its problems alone any longer" and that this produces an increased need to consult with one another on joint European requirements.
Visit to the Queen
From her meeting at the 'Binnenhof', the center of government in The Hague, Merkel went on to 'Huis ten Bosch' for a meeting with Queen Beatrix. The Queen moved into this official residence with Prince Claus and their children in August of 1981. It is situated in the northeastern part of The Hague in a parkland area known as 'Het Haagse Bos'.
Nieuwspoort International Press Center
In the evening Merkel met with members of the Friends of Nieuwspoort, a foundation responsible since 1988 for financing maintenance and modernization of the International Press Center. The Dutch Prime Minister briefs the press here after every cabinet meeting.
The International Press Center is located right in the middle of the new parliamentary complex and serves as a meeting point for journalists, ministerial spokespersons, and PR experts. Once a year the Friends of Nieuwspoort extend an invitation to a prominent guest, in this case Chancellor Merkel.
