Proposals that place parliaments behind unelected fiscal councils and force governments to submit budgets to the EC before submitting it to their own parliaments will undoubtedly lead to less democratic influence by the voters. The fact that these policies can be accepted by elected representatives does not change their consequences. The proposals of the EC also imply that the decisions of non-elected financial and economic experts are non-ideological but this is a position the ECPM does not share. These decisions will also be choices based on ideas regarding the economy and thus political decisions that need democratic checks and balances. The ECPM is concerned that the proposed processes lead to a loss of influence of national parliaments without new democratic control mechanisms to repair this democratic deficit. The consequence of these proposals is a loss of involvement and responsibility of Europe’s citizens. 

The reverse is needed to get Europe back on track. People need to feel more responsible, not less, in dealing with the challenges Europe is facing. For this they need to have the real opportunity to be responsible. To change the economic situation in the long term real ‘ownership’ is needed in the broadest sense of the word. Real ownership in politics, economy and society is necessary for a responsible society. Real ownership and personal responsibility in terms of property and personal economy is in our view the best medicine against debt and irresponsible behavior. For this it is important that the feeling of powerlessness towards the political and economic processes is addressed effectively in order to empower people and restore responsibility.

"While understanding the need for the European Commission to act, ECPM believes that more, not less, responsibility to the people is the long-term solution for the crisis. "

European co-ordination is required to prevent new excesses in the financial markets and to find ways that make financial markets return to their original supportive role to the real economy of entrepreneurs, workers, production and families. Starting in Europe, the EU can take up its global role and look for global allies to restore sanity to the economy. We believe that this direction will restore confidence in the European project and restore democratic responsibility.