Debate on the achievements that Wales has made in engaging with the European Union since devolution

  Senedd, EU debate 5th May 2009

The task of engaging Wales with the European Union since devolution has been, and remains, a uniquely challenging and vital task. Forming the Common Market was the response of Western European Governments to the threat of another great war. With that threat mollified the EU now tries to define its purpose in other terms, but no compelling European identity has so far arisen. It is crucial that Wales engages with an open, flexible Europe in which countries work to achieve shared goals rather than any further centralisation of power in Brussels. Devolution presents the opportunity to meet problems in a way focused towards the needs of the citizens and businesses of Wales, in this case tackling the democratic and trade deficits that exist between Wales and the EU, while remaining committed to being a constituent part of the United Kingdom.

Although foreign policy issues are non-devolved, the UK Government’s willingness to engage the Assembly Government as directly as possible on EU matters in the ten years of devolution has been a positive step. It seems right in view of Wales having a number of the deprived areas and farming communities that have been historically targeted for support by the EU. Almost 80% of the total agricultural land in Wales is classified as a “less-favoured area”.

It was unfortunate that the first major headlines that linked the Welsh Assembly to the EU were created in 2000 over the then First Secretary Alun Michael’s failure to achieve match funding from the UK Treasury for the £1.2 billion of Objective One money that Tony Blair was proud to announce when he returned from the Berlin EU summit. Few involved in Assembly proceedings then will forget the circumstances that lead to Mr. Michael’s departure, with the three Opposition parties uniting in support for Plaid’s motion of no confidence. As the now Deputy First Minister said at the time ‘Mr Michael should have made the case for Wales to get the money it deserves much stronger. We need a First Secretary who, in the best interests of Wales, will have the bottle to challenge Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, even when they say ‘no’. This was devolution in action in a way that its architects in London had not anticipated. 

With funding secured, one must question the effectiveness of the Assembly Government’s spending. Despite eight years of top-level European aid, deprivation and a lack of opportunities has stubbornly endured in the Valleys and parts of North and West Wales. In the Republic of Ireland, Objective One money was used to greatly improve the country’s transport infrastructure. In Brittany, which has received lower levels of European aid, money has been used to develop new tourism and leisure facilities in fishing ports. However, today’s debate is about the nature of Wales’ relationship with the EU rather than this Government’s spending priorities.

The accession of new member states has changed the EU forever, presenting new opportunities and challenges for Wales. Future aid will be much reduced and where available competition will be fierce in view of the considerable need expressed by the leaders of collapsing economies in Eastern Europe.

Welsh Conservatives are keen to see Wales succeed in the EU, taking better advantage of markets for our businesses and produce and ensuring that our needs are met in a representative and innovative way. The innovative use of funds available under the EU’s Rural Development Policy to work towards creating green jobs and assist in the start-up of micro-enterprises is to be welcomed -  We need more of the same if we are to have a living, working Welsh Countryside in the Twenty First Century and beyond. It is encouraging that Wales was chosen by the European Investment Bank to pilot the JESSICA project. But the Welsh Government must do more to convince business leaders that the major share of European aid money is not reserved for public sector projects.

Despite progress made in Wales, there are concerns about the United Kingdom’s relationship with the EU. The question of democratic legitimacy continues to linger as long as the UK Government refuses to deliver their pledge to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. This Treaty is hugely significant. That is why it is vital to raise the question of referendum - it should be an important theme in the European elections. The people of France, the Netherlands and Ireland have made clear their objection at the ballot box. I urge the Welsh Government to appeal to their colleagues in Westminster to hold the referendum they promised in their manifesto. A Conservative UK Government would hold this referendum while remaining committed on issues such as climate change, energy liberalisation and the single market.

Wales must continue to engage with EU bodies ensuring that the opportunities that devolution offers are fully capitalised upon. Issues such as areas of deprivation, our large farming community and the unique Welsh language and culture combined with a small but relatively healthy economy make Wales an ideal location for piloting future schemes. We must ensure that the private sector in Wales capitalises on the opportunities that the EU presents. The global recession and the news yesterday that EC analysts have warned that the 16 euro-zone economies will shrink 4 per cent this year has made people question the benefit of EU membership to Wales and the United Kingdom. This Government must do more to help Welsh businesses reduce the UK’s trade deficit with other EU member states, which accumulated to 2007 stood at £383.7 billion.

With the 2009 European Elections rapidly approaching – the dividing lines between the parties are clear. We must be wary of allowing Nationalists to create the impression that a strengthened relationship with the EU is a compelling argument for independence from the United Kingdom. Finishing on a positive note I would like to thank the staff at Wales House. Their assistance in arranging trips for the Welsh Conservative Group and diligence in addressing our queries have ensured that we have felt benefit of visiting Brussels.