More transparency, less bureaucracy, Europe speaking with One Voice

I have been a fervent supporter of Europe since the mid-60s, long before Ireland joined the ranks. I still remain committed, although I sometimes feel frustrated and (occasionally) wavering in my support.

Reason for the latter : In the early days, we were told — and believed — that bureaucracy would be kept to the bare minimum, that transparency would be the order of the day etc. etc. Instead, we have a burgeoning petty bureaucracy, countless quangos, key meetings are still held behind closed doors, and a seemingly interminable list of directives issued with alarming and incomprehensible frequency. The latter may seem unimportant, but — certainly in Ireland’s case — they have spurned a growing army of Stasi-style “inspectors” intent on applying with alarming alacrity the new rules, whatever the circumstances. It’s little wonder that a majority voted ‘No’ in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum.

I would like to see :

More openness
Less bureaucratic bumbling
Transparency
Documents in Plain English (a Daily Mirror type sub-editor would do the job!)
Europe speaking with One Voice — frequently it’s like a Tower of Babel