Capable of a future” “

Mass abstention, especially in the ten countries of enlargement, the growth of the “eurosceptic” political groups, and the defeat, sometimes crushing (as in Great Britain), of the parties in government, seem to be the main characteristics of the recent European elections of 10-13 June. For many commentators the elections were supposed to be the test bed for the new 25-member Europe. But the return to reality was brusque: Europe has still a long way to go before it becomes a true Union. The words of the Pope in his Exhortation “Ecclesia in Europa” (2003) are more relevant than ever: “Today’s Europe, at the very moment it is in the process of strengthening and enlarging its economic and political union, seems to suffer from a profound crisis of values. While possessed of increased resources, it gives the impression of lacking the energy needed to sustain a common project and to give its citizens new reasons for hope… To give new impetus to its own history, Europe must recognize and reclaim with creative fidelity those fundamental values, acquired through a decisive contribution of Christianity… It is of capital importance to remember that the union will lack substance if it is reduced to its merely geographic and economic dimensions; rather, it must consist above all in an agreement about the values which must find expression in its law and in its life” (nos.108-110). We asked the bishop of Trier (Germany) Reinhard Marx to give his comment on the elections. I am glad we had the chance to vote for the European Parliament. It’s one of the positive features of a democracy in which a political responsibility limited in time exists. What is disappointing was the low voter turnout, here too in Germany. I don’t think it should be interpreted as contempt for democracy; I think it was due, on the one hand, to a lack of information about the significance of Europe for our everyday life and, on the other, the still scarce importance of this Parliament in the European institutions. I hope the representatives elected by the European peoples will have the courage to assume their own responsibilities, but I also send them God’s blessing, that they may recognize what is important. I don’t think it’s right always to speak ill of politicians. It’s important that we accompany them in their work in a critical but constructive way. Their work is necessary for us all. A democratic community is unthinkable without active citizens. The commitment of many in society and culture, and public dialogue, also in the media, are indispensable for a free and open society Two things are particularly close to my heart in speaking of Europe. The first is this: let us not forget our roots and our foundations! Even in an open society it is possible to recognize the Christian foundations of our European community. What I expect from a European Constitution is that it should not shamefully pass over these foundations in silence. Without the Christian faith, we shall never be able to understand our civilization and our common image of man. Why not say so clearly? My other concern is that of the growing division in our society. This is the result of the diffusion of a form of capitalism that is not subordinated to a strong political, juridical and social order. The question of justice and compensation is not just regulated by the markets. It requires structures of solidarity instead. Jean Monnet, one of the great fathers of Europe, once said that Europe must be a contribution to a better world. This may also refer of course to economic development, but only if we take into account the poor in our own country and elsewhere in the world. In any case, I wish for a Europe that never loses sight of the objective of social justice both at home and abroad not just on great occasions, but as an inseparable part of its everyday political action. In this context, the overcoming of unemployment in Europe represents a fundamental goal if we want to continue to be capable of a future. Otherwise, how can we encourage people to form a family with positive values, if opportunities for work are not offered to them, and to the young in particular?