20 December 2005
With the EU Budget deal concluded Tony Blair has urged Europe to reconnect with its citizens.
The Union also needs to face up to the challenges of the 21st century such as globalisation, illegal migration, terrorism and climate change, he said.
Reflecting on the Budget deal European leaders reached last weekend, and the promise of a review of finances in 2008, he said in time "this will come to be seen as of critical importance - we really do need a seriously reformed budget for the future.”
But the PM told MEPs it was now time for Europe to move forward.
Enlargement of the EU is "not something we should fear" the PM said, as it only strengthens Europe. He welcomed the progress on accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia during the last six months and the offer of candidate status to Macedonia.
"It was necessary to get the Budget cleared but now we have got to return to those issues of how we reconnect Europe with its citizens.
"For those of us who believe in Europe, this is a good moment for us to take Europe forward."
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