European Leaders Call for Open Markets

(London, England) Some in Europe are finally coming to realize that socialist policies strangle economies. Twelve European Union leaders have called for an open-market strategy.

"We meet in Brussels at a perilous moment for economies across Europe," the leaders said. "Growth has stalled. Unemployment is rising. Citizens and businesses are facing their toughest conditions for years. "

The letter urges European nations to deregulate their service, research and energy sectors, forge trade ties with growing markets including China, Russia and South America - and even contemplate a free trade agreement with the United States.

"We must act with urgency, nationally and at the European level, to remove the restrictions that hinder access and competition," the leaders said, adding that "above all, we must reject the temptation to seek self-defeating protectionism in our trade relations."

It also suggested that faltering banks could be allowed to fail.

Imagine that, a call for deregulation. I bet it would help the U.S. too.