Are we lacking “architects”?

We need political leaders of European stature! It is a recurrent phrase when speaking of the building of the “common home”. That complaint is often followed by the reminder of the role models of the past, starting with the “fathers of the Community” Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, Alcide De Gasperi, Jean Monnet, Paul-Henri Spaak… But do politicians of their calibre exist even today? Are they instead engaged at national level and thus their skills are not being acknowledged on the international plane?National and European leaders. With no pretence to provide “technical” details, it is possible to mention the names of some of those who for different reasons have gained public attention over the past months, confirming the view that “highbred” politicians still exist, and that they are even capable of implementing successful projects in the interests of their own countries and for the cause of integration. After the summer break they will be called to cross new frontiers, to address further problems, in the hope of renewed efforts aimed at “Europe’s common good”, critical to the stability of the Old Continent and to the reaffirmation of Europe’s role on world scenarios. Indeed, it’s undeniable that among European politicians German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy deserve a special place. At the head of two leading and financially sound EU States – despite the price paid to recession by Berlin and Paris -, the two leaders have taken over the helm of the Union’s response to the ongoing economic crisis, marked by momentum and by unexplainable rearguard positions. National interests always prevail in “Sarkò” and “Angela”, but they have certainly been capable of being in tune whilst providing guidelines to EU27. It should be acknowledged to the French president the ability to impose the intervention against Gaddafi to the international community, be it a good or bad decision.EU institutional roles. Among Brussels’ and Strasbourg’s institutional leaders stands out the primary role of Portuguese statesman José Manuel Barroso, at his second mandate as president of the EU Commission. The first five years undoubtedly passed on the sidelines of national governments, notably large country governments. This is his last mandate in these capacities, and now Barroso’s action is marked by greater autonomy. Indeed, he was probably the first who launched a cry of alarm on the financial crisis and urged to close ranks, to undertake “joint action” since “in the era of globalization our economies are interdependent”. Thus Lisbon’s former Premier’s initiatives were directed at providing the tools for economic governance, reiterating the need to support countries with budget deficit such as Greece, Ireland, along with his native Country, Portugal. Alongside with Barroso special mention should be made of Herman Van Rompuy, the “stable” Belgian President of the European Council, (the new post stipulated by the Lisbon Treaty). Although he is not a brilliant communicator Van Rompuy interprets his mediator role amongst national leaders, seeking to bring to the Council those decisions considered more useful at continental level. In Brussels the European External Action Service, namely, the EU “Foreign ministry” led by Catherine Ashton (UK) is gaining grounds with diplomatic seats in extra-EU countries (another item envisaged in the new Treaty). After a rather disappointing mandate, criticized by all sides, Ashton now appears to have clicked into gear. But her weak spots are due to the fact that she is called to represent a currently non-existing “unitary” EU foreign policy, which is opposed by several member states.ECB, Euro-group, Euro-parliament. Other personalities are presently holding the European flag, whether with greater or minor conviction. The President of the European Central Bank, French Jean-Claude Trichet, (due to be replaced by his appointed successor from Italy Mario Draghi in November), and the President of the Euro-group Jean-Claude Juncker (Luxembourg), carried out their respective assignments with rigour and determination, although perhaps with too much imagination and overestimating their innovation abilities as relates to specific economic issues. The president of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, from Poland, is giving the impression that he is representing with dignity and political intelligence the Assembly both in the European inter-institutional meetings and before EU27 citizens. Mention should equally be made of those MEPs who are standing out for their remarkable proposals as relates to the budget or the defence of fundamental rights inside and outside EU borders. Indeed, beyond the common European borders attention occasionally focuses on two leaders that EU27 is sometimes called to address: Russian Premier Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Prime minister Tayyp Erdogan. But that’s another story.