Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said that the call of the European Commission for the Europe 2020 Agenda should allow sufficient time for proper consultation and analysis.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party has called for the lengthening of the deadline for public consultation of the Europe 2020 Agenda, thus avoiding a rushed process. The public consultation process should be further publicised across the EU and should give enough time for proper feedback and analysis.”

Arnold Cassola, AD Spokesperson for EU and Foreign Affairs, added, “Alternattiva Demokratika agrees with the position of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, namely that the the Europe 2020 Agenda, which will be a cornerstone of EU policy for the next decade, needs to reflect the lessons of the crisis and provide the springboard for the reconstruction of the European economy and society in times of climate change. The revised Lisbon Strategy is currently scheduled to be adopted at the Spring EU Council of 2010. This rushed time schedule will simply not allow for a thorough evaluation of the failed Lisbon Strategy’s weak points. It would be a huge mistake to revise the Lisbon Strategy without careful reflection, honest self-criticism and a genuine process of consultation.”

“It will also be virtually impossible for the European Parliament to conduct a thorough debate and make detailed recommendations by March 2010. Furthermore, with the new European Commissioners likely to take office in February, they should be given ample time to help shape this key strategy. It will after all set the framework of their task ahead for the next five years.”

AD – The Green Party expressed its position in correspondence to the European Commission and the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC).