French president François Hollande said an increase in EU legitimacy could only be achieved by "completing the European project", including tax harmonisation, closer economic policy and a eurozone "government".
Hollande said he would also oppose "countries continually asking for cheques and rebates", adding, "I am going to look for an agreement because we want to protect growth policies. But we cannot allow a deficit in the EU budget."
With some such as UK PM David Cameron advocating a repatriation of powers from Brussels, Hollande also spoke of the merits of the "European project", saying it was a "movement which we should promote". But he conceded that "doubts" existed about the EU because, for example, decisions "took too long" to take, the single currency was "vulnerable" and it was "still to learn" from past mistakes.
But he set himself against those, like Cameron, who favour what some call an 'à la carte' Europe, adding, "Europe cannot just be about markets or a set of treaties and rules. "I want a Europe where everyone accepts a balancing out of rights and obligations. I do not want a two-speed Europe, a cherry-picking Europe and an à la carte Europe. I want enhanced cooperation which is open to everyone who wants to join."
He also admitted there "will be no respite" with 24 million people out of work across Europe and one in two young people unemployed in some Member States. Looking ahead to next year's European elections, Hollande said he hopes the EU-wide poll will generate a "great debate" about the future of Europe, adding: "I hope that from this debate will emerge a greater legitimacy for the EU".
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