We Need a Europe That is Truly Social and Democratic

The basic values of the European Union and the institutions and processes that it needs will have to be redefined in the light of the lessons learned from the crisis in the euro area. [...] Diversity is not a “problem” that has to be overcome in the interests of the European community of states, but rather the very lifeblood of the Union and the thing that lies at the heart of its identity. [...] Harnessing European diversity: the case of renewable energy One example of how the provision of essential public goods in the EU needs to respect the principle of subsidiarity, despite the importance of action at the European level, is the energy sector. [...] The deepening of the institutions that is now needed could be guided by the principle that a democratic Europe should represent the totality of the citizens from the EU member states, but each individual in his or her dual capacity as a directly participating member of the reformed Union on the one hand, and an indirectly participating member of one of the European member states on the other. [...] The fundamental willingness of the European states to accept joint liability through the ESM or ECB as lender of last resort is necessary in order to ensure the survival of the euro in the face of speculation on the financial markets.