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The tensions responsible for the serious failure of the Brussels summit are not the result of fundamental issues, on the contrary: it is simply a question of having a little more or a little less power compared to others in the Union’s future Institutions, and this to the detriment of the good functioning of these Institutions. What is more serious is what these tensions reveal: a lack of trust in each other, a persistent fear of losing part of one’s freedom. The governments of fifty years ago had a vision. They were in the real sense ” men of the State “. It is also true that at the end of two world wars effectively above all European wars politicians, just like many ordinary citizens, were aware of the urgent need to build a lasting peace. But is there perhaps less of an urgent need today? What about rising international, interethnic and inter-religious tensions? In today’s open, globalised world, individualistic or identity related reactions urgently pose the problem of ” different forms of cohabitation “; this to the extent that the presence in our countries of “others ” did not question the cultural and religious coherence of a territory, and xenophobic attitudes generally were restricted to a minority. Today the loudest voices heard are the most extremist, often also including those who belong to the monotheistic religions conflicting with the message of universal brotherhood that characterises them. Now, reuniting the people of Europe with mutual trust is within the framework of all we are attempting to promote for the whole of humanity in the name of our values. But trust cannot be decreed. It arises from experience. It must also be incessantly cultivated. It is also a question of communication, conviction, of will. An issue involving communication, hence the responsibility of the media. Inside Europe, we do not know each other well enough to trust one another. To change this situation it is not enough to provide a little news about the numerous member-countries. The media should instead provide us with information, and above all teach us to understand on a daily basis the life, culture, the riches of those whose destiny we share. We should constantly be aware of our neighbours’ views on great common issues, while having a better idea of their positions through their history, mentality and current situation. Great European communications groups do in fact exist. A question of conviction: one expects first of all those who profess to ” love not only those who love them “, to “speak not only to those who are similar to them “, to effectively put into practice their convictions. What would be the point of a clear reference to Christian values if Christians are not the active endorsers of these values? The credibility of our faith is at stake. It is not however sufficient for those responsible to reach agreements between the Western Churches and those of Central Europe. Finally there is the issue of a political will: it is on the basis of their lucidity, their courage, their true sense of politics that one will be able to judge current politicians. Will they be capable of convincing their colleagues from other European countries, and even more so their fellow citizens, of the authenticity of a real European solidarity? Will they have the nobility of opinions and the moral force of their predecessors who, conscious of their responsibilities, proved capable of making history?
