Blogging about Reflection Group

Recently I have been appointed the secretary general of the Reflection group. Chaired by Felipe Gonzales (ex Spanish prime minister) and co-chaired by Vaira Viķe-Freiberga (ex Latvian president) and Jorma Ollila (of Nokia fame) it was given the task to "identify the key issues and developments which the Union is likely to face and to analyse how these might be addressed. This includes, inter alia: strengthening and modernising the European model of economic success and social responsibility, enhancing the competitiveness of the EU, the rule of law, sustainable development as a fundamental objective of the European Union, global stability, migration, energy and climate protection, and the fight against global insecurity, international crime and terrorism." These are perhaps the most important issues to address about the future of Europe.

I was quite hesitant, should the Secretary General of the group blog about it or anything, for that matter? Any misplaced word, opinion, idea could be given the weight it does not deserve or perhaps even discredit the end results of the Group. The issue for the members is, should they keep quiet in public, should the group deliberate in the locked room until it comes with a carefully worded final report.

But the goal of the group is also to "Particular attention should be given to ways of better reaching out to citizens and addressing their expectations and needs." There are few better ways but to use the internet. So I plan to write something from time to time. And I hope so will the members of the Reflection Group.

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