Bruges Group
The Bruges Group is "an independent all-party think tank. Our independence is our strength allowing us to be free to follow our own policy agenda and put the national interest above party political considerations. Set up in February 1989, its aim was to promote the idea of a less centralised European structure than that emerging in Brussels."[1]
Contents
Objectives
"The Bruges Group aims to bring together those from across Europe and North America who have an alternative concept to the Federalist model. So that Baroness Thatcher's vision of a freetrading, decentralised, deregulated and democratic Europe of nation-states is realised the Group believes that Federalism is an inappropriate structure for Europe, and that the tide of European integration must be turned," it states on its website.
"Fundamental reform is required of the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy, European Court and European Parliament is required in favour of national sovereignty. There has been no popular agreement to the huge transfer of power, which has already taken place from the people of Britain to Brussels. Membership of the Economic and Monetary Union must be ruled out. If such a re-negotiation is proved to be impossible, the Bruges Group advocates withdrawal from the European Union to prevent Britain's incorporation into a European Federal State," it argues.[1]
Funding
Funding for the Bruges Group came from businessmen, including James Hanson, Lord White, James Goldsmith, Rocco Forte and Patrick Barbour.[2]
Principals
Contact
- TEL: +44 (0)20 7287 4414
- FAX: +44 (0)20 7287 5522
- Website: www.brugesgroup.com
