Member News
Business secretary Lord Mandelson has called for greater efforts to boost the economy and employment in the European Union.
Speaking in Berlin, Lord Mandelson urged business leaders to implement 1,600 rules to forge the single market in the fight against protectionism.
He spoke against bunker mentality in the UK during the economic downturn and against an increase in euroscepticism.
And he proposed measures including allowing the European Investment Bank lending 50 billion euros to aid companies and fund infrastructure projects, tackling global competitiveness.
In addition, he called for clear strategies to be set out for renewable energy, and in the services and digital industries.
Lord Mandelson stated that EU states should not allow the recession to excuse "resurrecting the protectionist and state interventionist" arguments of the past.
"We have too often acted as if we have nothing to learn from the rest of Europe, or gain from closer European co-operation," explained Lord Mandelson. "After the crunch, that attitude is simply no longer credible.
"No matter how badly a downturn might tempt us to think and act in national silos, the next five years will in fact demand an even greater Europeanism from us."
The warning followed gains from eurosceptic parties in the European Parliament elections last weekend.
He added: "But I believe our reaction to this crisis, if we get it right, can make Europe stronger for the future."
Today's speech comes as the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills publishes its report on the future of European competitiveness.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd