In Germany, the age-old debate on data retention is back. In France, discussions have started regarding new monitoring tools. The usual suspects promptly stepped in to make their voices heard - the recovery period following the horrific attacks in Paris didn’t even last a week.
For us Liberals, it is clear that rather than falling for Pavlov’s reflex theory and collecting data, we should carry out a realistic analysis of the situation and act calmly. Specifically, this includes improving the exchange of information between intelligence services.
While more and more information is being collected about citizens, the competent authorities continually fail to share important investigation results. Consequently, the EU now needs a secret service worthy of the name.
In this regard, we also need to keep our values in mind - after all, the European Union is more than just a common internal market. Above all, it is a union of values and solidarity. This common groundwork is Europe’s core brand in the world.
"European economic policy must be aimed at promoting job creation and bringing prosperity to as many people as possible"
As a result, the Liberals have proposed a 'democratic governance pact' which, by setting general, objective and binding standards, will ensure that our core values are strictly and fully respected. When it comes to common norms in terms of human rights, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against despotism, we must not make compromises within the EU.
Besides protecting civil rights, we need to focus on establishing the appropriate conditions for growth. European economic policy must be aimed at promoting job creation and bringing prosperity to as many people as possible.
The new commission has recognised this, and is launching a promising work programme. Instead of losing itself in detailed regulations, Juncker’s team wants to finally fulfil its promise of dropping unnecessary laws. Withdrawing overcomplicated regulations with new requirements for businesses and instead focusing on growth and employment will bring good news for Europe.
For the Liberals, it is clear that the EU needs to be 'big in big things and small in small things'.
We also have a very clear idea of what the economic policy agenda should be - a strict stabilisation policy, market economy reforms, completion of the banking union, a common energy market, and extensive free trade.
One thing is clear - Europe needs growth to create more opportunities for people. What is often overlooked is that sustainable growth cannot be achieved by debt-financed government spending or an overflow of cheap money. What has helped EU economies achieve growth and prosperity is the internal market and the opening of new markets. Yet this internal market is still far from complete.
There is a huge amount of unused growth potential, especially in the expanding services sector and the digital agenda. We need to achieve considerable progress in the coming year.
Our objective is also to promote free trade worldwide and remove all kinds of trade barriers - after all, free trade ensures progress and growth, promotes cultural exchange and creates peace. In particular, we will uphold our commitment to the successful conclusion of negotiations regarding a transatlantic free trade area with the US.
Well-founded civil rights and sustainable growth in Europe - this must be the priority for 2015.