Open to the East” “

“Europe today is characterized by a certain ambivalence, due to the presence, in the same phenomena, of elements both of hope and anxiety”. The observation provided the cue for the report presented by Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini to the Conference on “Europe open space”, promoted in Milan by the Bocconi University on 28 January to mark the university’s centenary. “The phenomenon of politico-institutional transition, the expansion of the migratory influxes from Eastern Europe, the globalization and acceleration of the process of integration, reflect a profound yearning for freedom. On the other hand, – explained Martini – resurgent impulses towards new forms of nationalism or fragmentation are not lacking either”. In the view of the archbishop of Milan, “the goal to be achieved is that of an undivided Europe, that may once again learn to breath with its two lungs, that of Eastern and Western spirituality and culture; a Europe able to present itself as a ‘family of nations’, open to the other continents, a ‘common home’, the creator and promoter of peace, and capable of forms of intelligent and mature openness, welcome and hospitality”. Such a role is particularly urgent today, according to the cardinal, who in this regard pointed out: “In the struggle against terrorism, as in response to the ever more tragic conflict in the Middle East, Europe cannot remain absent, or in a supine position. Together with the whole international community, it must take the initiative and play an active role”. It is here, according to Martini, that “the main cultural challenge for Europe” arises: “that of reviewing the idea itself of nation, distinguishing between nationalism and patriotism, and overcoming the immediate identification between State and nation. Only in this way can a genuine co-existence of cultures and persons be achieved”. In his address to the conference, the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, predicted that Europe “will live a magic year in 2002”. “We want a Europe – he said – that is the place in the world where life is less harsh for everyone, especially for the weakest. That’s why it’s important not to inflate disparities in income in an uncontrolled manner”. Pointing out that competitiveness and social protection are not mutually incompatible, Prodi stressed that if the aim “is only to dismantle the welfare state and destroy the environment, our model will remain abstract”. Tackling the question of the enlargement of the EU, “that responds to the profound instincts of the European population”, Prodi declared that “this [enlargement] is what history is asking of Europe today”. “No one is excluded from the construction of Europe – concluded Prodi – still less the contribution of religions and the Churches; indeed they are explicitly identified by the Commission as partners in the process of integration. When the American pioneers went West, they found Iowa and the Rocky Mountains: we have Prague and Warsaw, splendid civilizations and histories which we cannot fail to take into account”.