Sociaal Progressief Alternatief (SPA)
The Flemish social party is member of the European Socialist group in the European Parliament and of the European Socialist Party. According to the SPA, the so-called crisis the EU is currently undergoing is the result of a protest of the people against wrong decisions that have been taken in the past. Europe has become a free market. The SPA rejects the liberalisation of public services and proposes a universal public service and the increase of support to small companies that have difficulties surviving. The SPA criticises the lack of democracy in the EU and the difficulty in setting up social or environmental measures as they are submitted to the rule of unanimity, whereas, qualified majority applies for market rules.
Concerning enlargement, the Flemish socialists want a period of reflection. All institutional, political and financial conditions have to be fulfilled before accepting new members because enlargement should not occur without taking into consideration the well-being of EU citizens. The EU cannot limit its action solely to growth, jobs and competition; it has to play a bigger role in guaranteeing social cohesion and environmental protection.
In order to resolve the democratic deficit, the European Parliament has to be given the right to initiate laws. The European Parliaments control over the Commission has to be reinforced, and the Council of Ministers should be controlled by national or regional parliaments. Finally, the Central Banks task has to be clearly defined.
On matters of security and defence, the socialists do not want NATO to be transformed into an instrument of foreign policy under an American leadership. It is therefore necessary to develop an administration for security and defence at the European level for it is the only way to guarantee Europes independence on the international scene. A diplomatic service must be created with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European embassies.