Three knots for the EU

It’s time for political choices and operative decisions in both Strasbourg and Brussels, while the EU is once again raising questions regarding its own future. The EP plenary session of October 19-22, the activity of the Commission (whose mandate is due to expire at the end of the month), the Council of the Heads of Government and State called for October 29-30, focus upon three major knots. As expected, the first regards the economic and financial crisis. Up to now the EU coordinated single States’ intervention and added some of its own resources to mend ills caused by the recession in the areas of social justice and employment. However, it has been acknowledged that this is not enough. The difficulties affecting enterprises, the scourge of unemployment along with the poverty-risk involving large population brackets, demand EU leaders’ immediate intervention. It’s a global crisis that can be overcome only with a concerted effort. This can be done by closing ranks, supporting consumption and production, overseeing public finances and defining specific rules for capital markets. The second aspect involves climate change. It is evident that scientists’ reiterated alarms were supported by accurate data and, for skeptical observers, by visible environmental changes. The natural disasters that hit the four corners of the world, the increasing pollution, the unrestrained exploitation of natural resources are all issues that require efficient counter-measures and – also in this case – regulations enforced across rich countries, recently developed countries and nations awaiting (what a long wait!) development. A few weeks before the UN Copenhagen Conference, the EU is called to take a joint stand regarding the after-Kyoto, while persuading the United States, China and India to do their share to protect the planet. The third point demanding Member States’ convergence relates to the Lisbon Treaty. If there are no surprises, the last resistance preventing the ratification process will fall with the signature of Czech president Klaus. At that point it will be necessary to prepare all the political and legal aspects leading to the enforcement of the Treaty, needed for EU27 performance. It will be necessary to proceed with the appointment of the two main figures introduced in Lisbon, the ‘stable’ president of the EU Council and the High representative of foreign affairs, along with the new Commission. Needless to say that also in this case convergent views on the personalities to be elected to the afore-mentioned posts will be crucial to unlock the standstill. Thus it is necessary to reflect on the basic criteria to of the game. If each Member State were to carry out ‘negotiations’ aimed at its own personal interest, it would start off on the wrong foot. In such a delicate moment in EU history nobody should expect to make one part prevail over the rest. Solidarity re-emerges as the guiding criteria leading to European integration. In order to continue, it will be necessary once again to refer to our historical past, retracing in the EU the founding principles, the inspiring guidelines for future action. As Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi recalled on October 8 during the opening Mass of the Catholic Social Days for Europe in Gdansk, quoting from the Declaration of Robert Schuman of May 9 1950: “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity”. “The phrase ‘de facto solidarity’ is significant and motivating” – His Eminence pointed out – “since it refers to a form of solidarity that cannot be contented with intentions and feelings. Rather, it needs to be expressed in the concreteness of daily lives”. This concrete solidarity, that draws inspiration from higher values, is precisely what Europe needs.