THE start of the month marked the one year anniversary of the Lisbon Treaty, or aptly named Paper Anniversary after the Commission’s preferred weapon in the fight for control.
Usually such milestones in Brussels are accompanied by fanfares, or at least a deluge of commemorative propaganda.
Yet instead the day was overshadowed by an undercurrent of discontent across Europe as voters turn their backs on national governments and resist the community spirit needed for a union to work in the light of austerity measures and deep fiscal cuts. Athens burned, Paris went on strike, Dublin ransacked banks and even in London students did their bit.
So as the year comes to an end Europe doesn’t seem to have a lot to celebrate and a rather long list of resolutions to make. At least here in Wales, we do not have the Euro, a currency seemingly in search of a government and market credibility.
However we do have a GVA that remains lower than 75% of the UK average, meaning we are likely to continue to receive recompense in Wales for the billions UK taxpayers pour into Brussels.
This means we are considered on a par with Romania and Bulgaria and should by default qualify for the EU’s highest tier of regional funding.
It is certainly nothing to celebrate as some politicians have tried to spin it, and instead, raises serious questions about what regional development funding has actually contributed for Wales not to have developed at all.
It only corroborates what I have said all along; surely we would be better if we left the EU and kept hold of taxpayer’s money to spend how we see fit, rather than accept only a small slither of what we pay in and be told how to spend it.
The next tranche of regional funding will see a narrowing in policy where the Commission will not only take greater control of the projects that receive funding but issue sanctions against regions deemed not to be abiding by European guidelines. It will see an increase in the proportion of match funding as well as the introduction of loans, effectively meaning more money will have to be sourced from Wales and spent however the Commission dictates.
In the light of recent figures relating to regional development, I cannot see how this will benefit Wales at all.
Recently released figured have also revealed the appalling state of education in Wales. We scored lower than both England and the average international standard in every school subject in the current PISA list, adding weight to the argument that devolved policy is simply not working. Will we see the gap with England widen further? Next year brings with it the referendum on further law making powers for the Assembly. Is this the start of the slippery slope towards full independence? Of course devolution brings with it the possibility of a widening gap with England.
Those supporting the “yes” campaign will lead you to believe that further devolution is best for Wales, yet facts and figures prove them wrong.
Often those on the “yes” side of the fence also talk about deeper cooperation with the EU as a result of greater independence from England.
Perhaps if the gap continues to widen Wales could independently go cap in hand to Brussels and ask to become an economic protectorate like Greece or Ireland. Moves to harmonise tax laws across the EU, including paying direct taxes to Brussels, reveals Brussels’ intent upon levelling wealth across the Union and taking even more control of the lives of its citizens.
Perhaps some in Wales hope that like Poland, we can become a net beneficiary of European funds if we were considered separately from England.
Under the current proposed EU budget increase of 2.9% the UK will pay an extra £450million every year as a net contributor.
If David Cameron holds true to his Referendum Lock promise, then I would imagine there will be cause next year for the people of the UK to be called to vote. If he is true to his word then people in Wales may have the chance to vote upon European issues as well as decide whether to grant the Assembly greater independence from Westminster.
Think carefully about what you choose. If you want to know how your European caretakers would deal with Welsh penury, you would do very well to attend an antipoverty conference in Brussels to see the true face of the EU.
The most recent event saw Eurocrats discussing what to do about the world’s poor at an all expenses paid cocktail party with unlimited champagne and canapés.
If you fancy next year’s event I’m sure there’s no need to make a cheque payable to Brussels, by that time they will already have their hands on your monthly earnings.
But for now, I hope you all have a happy new year and I wish you all a very pleasant Christmas. I look forward to writing my thoughts for you in 2011.