The Bled Strategic Forum 2012 gathered economic, political and social leaders from all CEE and Balkans, joined by top officials of other institutions. Prime ministers, presidents and leaders from dozens of countries were invited to discuss on the reshaped global order.
EuCham, the OECD Secretary General, the EBRD President, the EU Environment Commissioner and the Slovakian Deputy prime minister contributed to a discussion on three of the main topics in today’s economic arena: young leadership and entrepreneurship, tackling the challenges of tax havens, taxation of financial transactions.
Mr Michele Orzan of EuCham recalled that there is a growing divide on economic outlook between leading political forces and a young disgruntled generation.
Mr Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary General, answered to EuCham by suggesting to young players to hold the people with power accountable, to stand up and express their view and actively make their opinions heard.
Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Mr Miroslav Lajčák reminded that there is a democratic mandate, a democratic legitimacy that enables the elected officials to govern and that the youth should play according to the rules.
EU Commissioner Mr Janez Potočnik expressed the opinion that the unresponsiveness probably doesn’t come from the youth but more likely from them, the older leaders.
Finally, EBRD President Mr Suma Chakrabarti suggested that the youth should raise their voice or protest because the leaders will notice.
On the second topic raised by EuCham, Mr Potočnik said that the process engaged by the EU concerning tax havens has already started to deal with it and there are fast and noticeable progresses.
Regarding the financial system, Mr Orzan expressed a diffuse opinion that financial activities and speculations grew far beyond an optimal level. In order to regain a balance, some economists say that a tax on speculative financial transactions could be applied. Its revenue could be redistributed or, better, reinvested in the green economy which may help a more sustainable economic development. Speaking to some financial actors who tried to dodge the topic, he observed that maybe small financial regulations of today may avoid the revolutions of tomorrow.
Finally, EuCham suggested to reconsider the real economy for real citizens’ needs.