In the current economic crisis, and with 78 million people at risk of poverty in the EU, it is more important than ever that the EU in its Member States demonstrate a clear commitment that the social needs and rights of people are not subservient to needs of the economy.

While the rate of development and economic power is not surprisingly disparate between Eastern and Western states of Europe, I would like to see a debate on how our constitution can normalize gender equality, access to education for all and employment rights across the EU. The basic rights of individuals is sanctified in the charter