Jim Murphy

EU-Ukraine Summit

The Foreign Secretary visited Kiev two weeks ago, to show our support for Ukraine in the wake of events in Georgia. Today in Paris the EU and Ukraine agreed to take our relationship a big step forward by agreeing to conclude an Association Agreement.  This will help Ukraine to integrate further into the European economy, co-operate on tackling organised crime and trafficking, and improve the prosperity and security of the EU.

Ukraine is a European country, the Summit today explicitly recognised that fact and acknowledged that one day Ukraine might apply for membership.  David Miliband set out our approach towards Ukraine in a speech he delivered in Kiev.  We believe that the door to EU membership should be open to Ukraine.  EU membership will take time and effort, but the goal should be clear.

This success makes it all the more important that Ukraine can handle effectively the domestic political challenges we have seen over the past couple of weeks.  I've been heartened by the firm commitment which all sides in Kiev have made to tackling those challenges constitutionally and democratically.  Ukraine's democratic record, as well as its impressively free media, have the shown that the country can be a leader and - as the Foreign Secretary said in Kiev - a model to others in the region.  They also underpin Ukraine's strong case for membership of the EU and NATO in due course.

Posted at 17:48 09 September 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[3]

Serbia's ambassadors reinstated

You may have heard last week that the Serbian government has decided to reinstate its ambassadors who were withdrawn from the EU countries that recognised Kosovo's independence. This is good news. It is only by having regular contact that differences can be reconciled and relationships strengthened. This decision will allow us all to work together to achieve our shared objective - Serbia in the EU.

The new Serbian government has shown in the last week that facing up to the past is the only way for Serbia, and the region, to secure lasting peace and prosperity (see my blog on Karadzic arrest). I am pleased that the new government is seizing opportunities to move Serbia closer to the EU.

Of course there is still more for Serbia to do to fulfil its EU ambition and  I  hope they continue to progress with the same pragmatism and drive they have shown this week.

Posted at 10:05 29 July 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[4]

After the Final

I spent yesterday in Berlin - the day after the German team was beaten by Spain in the Euro 2008 final, and the day before the start of the French Presidency of the EU.

I passed the buses taking the team to meet Mrs. Merkel and hundreds of thousands of supporters. Everyone I met was proud of the German team's performance, though they all agreed that the better side had won. It makes you realise what you miss when none of the home teams qualify for these major football finals, but hopefully it will be different for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

As well as meetings, my friend the German Europe Minister Günter Gloser and I both spoke at a conference called Global Europe: An Anglo-German Agenda . All our relationships in Europe are important, but I left Berlin even more convinced that a continuing strong relationship with Germany is vital if we want to make progress through Europe on things that matter to people in the UK.

Posted at 14:51 01 July 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[0]

French Presidency Preparations

With just a week to go until the French Presidency of the EU kicks off (and the Slovenians get a well deserved summer break) I'm off to Paris this afternoon to see French Europe Minister Jean Pierre Jouyet. We've spoken by phone over the last couple of weeks, as I have to a number of my European counterparts following the Irish No vote, but it's good to see him face to face, and reinforce the UK's support for the French government's work on climate change, migration policy and European defence.
 
I left for Paris straight after Oral Questions from MPs to Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers in the House of Commons earlier today. After a debate on the European Council last week, and the PM's statement on it yesterday, it was good to focus on some questions about what the UK and EU are doing to actually help people - tackling human trafficking for example. See what was said in Oral Questions, and other debates in the House of Commons.

Posted at 18:43 24 June 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[3]

Royal Assent

I spent this afternoon helping my old school, St Louise's Primary, in Glasgow, to celebrate its 50th anniversary.  Just beforehand I received the welcome news that the Bill for the UK to approve the Lisbon Treaty had received Royal Assent.  This marks the end of the Parliamentary process, during which the Bill has won support from majorities of both Houses of Parliament.   

Having spent much of my time since I became Minister for Europe reading the Treaty, discussing it with officials and explaining it to public, Parliament and press alike, it feels a little strange having it done and dusted (and now an Act of Parliament).  With the Irish people having voted 'no' to the Treaty in a referendum I'll still have plenty of work to do as we discuss with the Irish Government and our other European partners where we go from here. ( I discussed this with the Economist in an interview for their Certain Ideas of Europe podcast, yesterday. ) But I am also looking forward to having a bit more time to attend to the rest of my ministerial portfolio - there are a lot of pressing issues including relations with Russia, developments in the Balkans and what I hope will be significant progress in the Cyprus process.

The other recent welcome piece of news was that I won the "Minister of the Year" award last night at a ceremony organised by House magazine (the Parliamentary magazine).  The awards are voted on by all MPs and members of the House of Lords from all of the political parties in a secret ballot.  I was really pleased even to be nominated to the shortlist.  But to win is really lovely.  I also "wound up" (summarised) a debate on European Affairs yesterday in the House of Commons and it was a bit of a flashback to the many days spent debating the Treaty.  I think my award is also a testament to one of the fine qualities of Parliament - that even when we are debating issues that divide us and generate quite a bit of passion (like the EU) we can still  respect each others views.

Posted at 18:24 19 June 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[7]

Human Rights and the Global EU

This was one of many questions posed yesterday in the latest seminar in the Delivering Global Europe series.

My answer was that Europe needs to be bolder in support of these universal values.

Europe is at the forefront of international efforts to promote a raft of human rights issues: On the abolition of the death penalty; in establishing a productive human rights dialogue with China, Russian and the African Union, and increasingly with countries in central Asia. And the EU spend millions of euros each year on projects to tackle racism , human trafficking, torture and child labour and to promote the rights of women, minorities and indigenous people.

If the EU, with its economic, political and strategic influence doesn't use all the means at its disposal to advance human rights worldwide, it cannot credibly demand the same of others.

So the challenge we face is to make sure that the EU has the capacity to act coherently and decisively as a champion of fundamental rights, both at home and internationally.

The discussion yesterday raised many crucial questions, and I want to continue the conversation through our ongoing seminar series. I'd welcome your thoughts and questions here, through this blog, or through our website at: www.fco.gov.uk/globaleurope

Posted at 17:30 20 May 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[4]

Better regulation, more innovation

Prague has changed so much from when I came here as a tourist years ago. I saw an advertisement which reminded me just how much it has changed. It was a tourist poster for the Museum of Communism - and if that wasn't enough, the poster added helpfully that it was situated above the McDonald's restaurant!

The Czech Republic will hold the Presidency of the EU in the first half of next year. I was in Prague to discuss 'Better Regulation' with the Czech Deputy Prime Minister Vondra and representatives from Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and Estonia.

In a nutshell, 'Better Regulation' is about the countries in the EU reducing unnecessary bureaucracy to encourage competitiveness and making sure any new EU legislation is justified. That might sound obvious. And in recent years we have made progress. But as always there's more to do, and the new economic challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of economies such as India and China make the need for action even greater. We need to make sure that our approach to regulation across the EU supports innovation and job creation and drives a green agenda.

So I was delighted that the representatives from all seven countries signed a commitment to work together on this.

As I said in my speech this afternoon, quoting a former Professor at Prague's famous Charles University, Albert Einstein, "Any fool can make things bigger and more complex. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction".

We've a long way to go. But the UK Government is determined to work with the Czechs and others to improve the EU's competitiveness.

Posted at 11:00 15 May 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[1]

Towards a Green Collar Europe

What would a high-growth, low-carbon economy look like?

I was delighted to have the opportunity to discuss this and other questions with my colleague, the French Europe Minister Jean-Pierre Jouyet, and a panel of speakers from business, trade unions and civil society at the fourth Global Europe seminar today. As we approach the incoming French Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2008, I welcome the strong leadership that the French Government has shown on the climate change agenda.

It's clear that a low-carbon economy depends on more than a shift to new, cleaner technologies. We also need skills, expertise in research, innovation, carbon finance, construction and many other sectors to support the new economy. In short, we need green skills as much as we need green energy. Across Europe a 20 per cent increase in energy efficiency would create a million jobs. The UK's environmental industries already employ some 400,000 people - by 2050 that could rise to well over a million. These are the 'green collar' jobs of the seminar title, and in future we want the UK economy to offer a mix of good blue collar, good white collar and good green collar jobs. As participants around the table agreed, getting us there will require a transformational shift in the way our economy is structured. The EU Budget and the Lisbon jobs and growth strategy both have important parts to play.

There were many insights to be taken away from the seminar, and I will be following these up with all the groups that joined us for the discussion today.

Posted at 17:04 08 May 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[2]

Spain

There are 17 million UK visitors to Spain every year. This week I have added to that number. Looking back at a day in Madrid, I am really struck by the opportunities there are for UK-Spanish cooperation. We have a tradition of strong relations with Spain. But we can do more because we're natural partners within the EU and beyond. At a speech I gave at an event hosted by Nueva Economia Forum I outlined our shared thinking: on tackling climate change, on building a high performing European economy with a low carbon output, on working with countries in Africa to develop effective migration policies. And throughout the day, I felt the buzz and energy of the new government (I think Deputy Foreign Minister Lossada's meeting with me was not only his first in his new job, but the first time he'd even been into his new office!). There is a real appetite to push forward and get results.

Posted at 11:14 24 April 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[3]

Turkey

On Monday evening I travelled out of Heathrow's new Terminal 5. I did so with a degree of trepidation due to its well publicised problems last week. But I was relieved that it went well. My destination was Istanbul. I had been invited to speak at a conference of academics, politicians, officials and journalists about Turkey's future in the European Union. I wanted to take the opportunity to put forward our case for something that the British government is firmly convinced of.

The point I wanted to make is that Turkey joining the EU is in our shared interest.

The importance of Turkey to the EU could not have been more obvious to me as I drove from the airport last night. Istanbul is a massive and impressive city. From the Byzantine walls to the Ottoman mosques and bazaars, it's a rich fusion of arts and cultures, of old and new. A gateway between Europe and Asia. Between Christianity and Islam.

The Bosphorus, which takes its name from Greek times when it had an important role as an east-west crossing point (Bosphorus means "ox crossing"), is now a vital north-south passage for thousands of ships from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. I was impressed by the hundreds of ships, lit up in the night sky, waiting to make the voyage just last night.

But equally, the EU is important for Turkey. It will gain influence. After joining the EU, Turkey's voice won't just be the voice of one proud nation, but will influence and speak on behalf of many nations - all members of the EU.

And I haven't even touched on the economic arguments.

I am convinced that when Turkey completes its process of reform, its destiny lies in the EU. But for its part, Turkey needs to be clear of its motivation for reform. Turkey shouldn't reform to please the EU, but because democratic and economic reform are in the interests of the Turkish people.

I've just met Turkish Foreign Minister Babacan and we discussed a great variety of issues, including Cyprus. Turkey must play its part in making progress on the UN process for a comprehensive settlement. Not because it will ease the accession process, but because it is in the interests of all Cypriots.

Posted at 11:34 02 April 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[5]

Visiting Sarajevo

Today I'm visiting Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzogovina - a hugely historic city both in the recent and more distant past - at both ends of the 20th century (read more about the country's history here). I hope to be able to see some of that history during my 3 day visit, but my priority will be to communicate the message, to politicians and the public, that the UK is absolutely supportive of BiH's European ambitions. As you know, BiH is not a member of the EU, but it is very keen to join. We are committed to providing the support needed to help ensure the necessary conditions are met, but I'll also be making clear to all of the politicians I meet that making a European future a reality depends on delivery of key reforms, and following the Dayton Peace agreement. You will recall that that agreement was to help reconcile Bosnian Serbs, Croats and Muslims after the dreadful civil war in this part of the former Yugolslavia. BiH's political leaders have a real chance to make a hugely positive contribution in writing a new chapter in their future, by allowing the citizens to enjoy the benefits of full European integration. I will keep you posted.

(PS I 'm also looking forward to playing football for the British Embassy's team, against the BiH All Stars. Watch out for footage later in the week!)

Posted at 16:24 18 March 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[0]

Meetings in Paris

At the end of last week, less than 24 hours after having voted against a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in the House of Commons, I was in Paris to talk about how we can get Europe to do more on climate change, the economy, security and many other things that we and the French are working really hard on.

I also visited the Equitess community project in Val de Fontanay, a Paris suburb, which is aimed at giving people the skills they need to get back to work. It's been put together with some European money and a lot of goodwill and determination. It's an inspirational project, and there are ideas here that we could possibly learn from.

I talked to the French Europe Minister, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, about this and many other issues when we met on Friday. You can see a video taken during our meeting here:

Written transcript

JM

Here I am in Paris with Jean-Pierre Jouyet, my good friend and French Minister for Europe. We have had lunch and just had a press conference to go through all the big issues facing Europe and France which is so important to the United Kingdom.

President Sarkozy will be in the United Kingdom later this month and also France will be the President of the European Union later this year and that's why I was here with Jean-Pierre.

We had such a detailed conversation about things like Climate Change, International Security and the Economy. But you have heard enough from me on this by this diary I just want to pass over to Jean-Pierre to give his reflections on what we have spoken about.

JP

Yes I think that it was a very good meeting it's always a pleasure to have a meeting with Jim in Paris.

I want to tell you before that I'm very happy of the outcome of the debate in the House of Commons about the ratification of the Treaty and we were very appreciate of the role that Jim played in this vote in Parliament, it's very good news for UK, it's very good news for Europe and I am also to tell that I am very happy between French and the United Kingdom now we act in the spirit of confidence we share many common goals about the fight against Global Warming, about the International Security, about also the role that the member states have to play in Europe and to play to have Europe stronger in the globalisation and last but not the least spoke about football because we have common appetite for football. I know that Jim had no time to see the match because he was very busy with the parliament during this week but we want also to try to work on the sport and the impact of sport in social cohesion for the youth and so on and very good as usual to have this kind of very friendly meeting with Jim.

JM

Thank you

JP

Thank you, thank you.

Posted at 14:36 12 March 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[0]

Turkey (Again)

Just to pick up some of the points raised in response to my earlier blog on Turkey:  Mike asked how far I thought the EU could expand, as Turkey was pushing the geographic boundaries.  I am against setting any pre-ordained limit on EU expansion - enlargement has been a huge positive both for the countries already in the EU, ourselves included, and those that have joined more recently.  Certainly the countries of the Balkans belong in Europe, along with countries to the EU's east like Ukraine.  Linked to this is an answer to Simon's points regarding the economics of EU expansion and the issue of values.  I strongly believe that Turkey joining the EU would be a real boost to British business.  Turkey has a strong economy, growing at around 7.5% per annum in recent years, so it would benefit the EU's single market and British jobs and growth. This is something I was asked about on a radio phone in for Radio XL last week.

Simon writes that he hasn't seen the EU doing much inter-faith outreach work.  Of course there is a lot of activity carried out by EU countries on an individual basis - for example Spain has played a leading role - with Turkey - in establishing an "Alliance of Civilisations" (more info at http://www.unaoc.org).  There are also some good EU-level initiatives.  For example the President of the European Parliament was recently in the UK and included in his visit talks with British Muslim leaders and a speech on intercultural dialogue at the London School of Economics.  If people have ideas on what the EU's role should be in this then I'm keen to hear them. 

I disagree entirely with the comments made by 'Lord Truth' - but it gives me the chance to point out that the entry of a reformed Turkey into the EU would be an excellent symbolic rejection of the idea that Europe is exclusively a "Christian club".  Turkey is a democracy, and it is making further reforms on its path to EU membership.  In recent years Turkey has abolished the death penalty, significantly reduced torture, ensured constitutional rights for women and improved the cultural rights of minority groups.  The EU accession process will continue to be a catalyst for reform.  To answer Richard's question - every indication I have seen suggests Turkey very much wants to join the EU, and is making progress towards doing so.  It's a balance - Turkey needs to keep going along the reform track, and the EU needs to reassert that membership is the destination.

With most of the House of Commons debate on the Treaty over, I am looking forward to having some more time to focus on issues like Turkey, Cyprus, Kosovo and the Balkans, and our relations with Russia, as well as things like inter-cultual dialogue.  I am the Minister responsible for the UK's "public diplomacy", and I'll be blogging about that in due course.  In any case, you'll be pleased to know this may mean a wider range of blogs!

Posted at 09:54 10 March 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[3]

Turkey should be in Europe

Last week I spoke at a Rotary Club dinner in my constituency.  The questions were interesting (and so were some of my answers!).  I was asked "was Turkey in Europe and should it be able to join the EU?".

The simple fact is that Turkey always has been a major European player. Europe itself is made up of many different cultures, histories and religions, but it is this diversity that gives us strength. The only realistic foundations for Europe are common values; no-one believes in a Europe defined by geographical boundaries alone. The EU has accepted since 1963 that Turkey is in principle eligible for membership, and in Helsinki in 1999 we all agreed that if Turkey complied with the rigorous conditions that all candidates must meet, it should become a candidate for full membership.

We believe that it would be in the best interests of Britain and Europe as a whole for Turkey to join the EU. Turkey is set to enter the top ten global economies within the next twenty years, and is already the EU's sixth biggest trade partner.  It has a young, well-educated population, and double the average growth rate of mature EU economies.  And modern Turkey proves that democratic values are compatible with a Muslim majority state. It makes no sense for the EU to be a closed Christian club. Its membership must demonstrate that diversity of religious beliefs is compatible with common values, and common institutions. EU membership will maximise Turkey's valuable and unique role between East and West, as a key player in Europe, and on the global stage.

Turkey should be in the EU was my answer.

Posted at 10:50 22 February 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[8]

Straight Banana Syndrome

For some the European Union is a plot which exists solely to enforce unnecessary regulations on the British public and businesses, from straight bananas to hard hats for tightrope walkers.

In the past couple of weeks I have read that the EU is going to ban patio heaters, ban fireworks, and force customs officials to ask illegal migrants for signed permission to X-ray the lorries that they're hiding in!

In November I was asked in the House of Commons what we were doing about proposals for an EU food-labelling regime that would reduce customer information, not increase it.

What do all these statements have in common? None of them are true.

(Neither, for that matter, are any of the dozens of similar examples compiled by the long-suffering staff at the European Commission's UK office. )

I ask myself why these stories crop up with such tiresome regularity. If one MP in the UK has an idea, the press does not report that his or her proposal is about to become UK law.  But when an MEP has a half baked idea, it’s claimed that Brussels has a new plot.

Scare stories will come and go, but Europe will remain a source of additional prosperity and security for the UK.

Posted at 14:06 21 February 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[5]