Apart from the manifesto which, by its very nature is not going to be so detailed, Congress does find time to debate more specific ideas, and there are some interesting proposals on offer. The various Nordic member parties have been particularly active, and here is a quick summary of what will be debated this afternoon.

1. Tackling the shadow economy (Keskusta, Finland) – calls for better EU-wide cooperation against tax evasion, common criteria to define tax havens and greater transparency of company registers
2. Enhancing long term investment for SMEs (Open VLD, Belgium) – seeks dedicated EU markets for small and medium-sized enterprises, the development of securitization instruments and of alternative financing options
3. Sustainable transport (Centerpartiet, Sweden) – focuses on seeking fossil-free public transport systems across Europe by 2050, as well as greater investment in rail
4. Saving the Baltic Sea (Centerpartiet) – high levels of phosphates and nitrates are damaging the ecosystem of this almost enclosed sea, and action is sought to save fish stocks
5. Wood in construction (Keskusta) – Finns in favour of using wood, seeking the promotion of environmentally friendly, sustainable building materials
6. Green transition as the key to Europe’s future growth (Det Radikale Venstre, Denmark and others) – seeks CO2 reductions of between 80-95% by 2050, a legally binding climate change framework and a ‘green tax shift’ (where have I heard that phrase before?)
7. Telecoms Single Market (Open VLD) – urges the abolition of roaming premiums within the EU by next July
8. Voting by secret ballot in the European Parliament (LYMEC) – seeks the removal of virtually all secret ballot provisions from the Parliament’s rules of procedure
9. Increased efforts for sustainable development (Centerpartiet) – pretty much as suggested by its title
10. EU defence: creating a European army (Open VLD) – calls for enhanced defence procurement coordination, a single military planning capacity and organisational headquarters and pooling and sharing of military assets
11. Free movement of workers in Europe (Det Radikale Venstre) – calls for support for the principle of free movement and, interestingly, transparent and fair criteria for the receipt of welfare benefits
12. Internet and data protection (Open VLD) – seeks common standards for internet privacy and a legal framework for the protection of intellectual property rights
13. Legal and safe routes to the EU for asylum seekers (Folkpartiet, Sweden) – refers to the recently enacted Common European Asylum System, and urges more generous temporary provision for Syrians seeking sanctuary
14. Reconciling work and family life (Keskusta) – seeks recognition of diverse family structures, improved opportunities for family life and more flexible working arrangements