Solidarity and political union

Solidarity and political union was demanded by EU political and economic leaders attending the international summit "The State of Union 2013", promoted by the European University Institute (EUI). The event, held May 9 in Florence, during the Festival of Europe, was also an opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration ratified 63 years ago. In two working sessions participants sought to provide an answer to the delicate, topical question: "What is the future of the EU?".A crisis in democracy. During the first session were analyzed recent instruments adopted to govern the euro and to support fiscal discipline in member countries, that created discontent and scepticism among European citizens. "Democracy is experiencing a crisis and so is the process of legitimization – said Joseph HH Weiler, president-elect of the EUI – but Europe is too large to fail. For David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, to reflect on the phenomena linked to rampant Euroscepticism in Europe is paramount. "The failings of the EU are far more significant than democratic deficit", said the expert. "To combat the crisis in democracy and ideologies we must focus on concrete goals – said Miliband – and on an ambitious agenda that has as its priority employment, energy and policies that support migration". Growth and employment. To cope with this crisis, as serious as that of the 1950s according to experts, it is necessary to take key strategic decisions. "Yes to the consolidation of the tax system and long-term reforms – said Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria – but we also need immediate and decisive actions aimed at boosting growth and at curbing unemployment". His stand is shared by Miguel Maduro, Portuguese Minister for Regional Development, who said: "We need to strike a balance between fiscal discipline and the taxable capacity of Member States" accompanied by "a fair distribution of costs and benefits". The Portuguese Minister believes that the 2014 European Parliament elections will be the key to Europe’s future, while "the proposal to include the election of the new President of the European Commission – he concluded – is a step in the right direction". Short-term reforms. To change reality we must not wait for the 2014 elections, according to European Commissioner Josè Manuel Barroso. Indeed, he said, it is necessary "to evaluate the results of short-term reforms". The current problem of Europe is the lack of "competitiveness" and "confidence". "The ongoing crisis carries with it a unique opportunity to promote reforms awaited for years. We have to promote an agenda for change as the crisis has increased uncertainties in EU". This does not mean that the euro is at risk, and indeed "the threat to the survival of the euro has been averted, although we are not yet out of the crisis", Barroso pointed out. But to safeguard this situation, "sound public budgets and sustainable public finances are needed". Concluding his speech, Barroso said: "there can be no monetary union without economic union". Migration as a resource. Also the union of citizens is fundamental. Whether they are natives or immigrants, the speakers pointed out during the afternoon session. "The phenomenon of migration is a source of enrichment for both countries of origin and countries of destination, when fear and prejudice don’t prevail", said Foreign Minister Emma Bonino. The evolution of the aging population in Europe will necessarily lead to a change, whereby immigrants will no longer be perceived as a threat, but as a resource. At present 25 million citizens coming from third countries live in the EU, but "European politicians fail to recognize this reality, which leads to the poor management of immigration", remarked Philippe Fargues, director of the Centre for Migration Policy. "Europe, however, will necessarily have to come to terms with this situation – said European Commissioner Cecilia Malmström – and combat all forms of stereotyping of refugees and immigrants, notably xenophobia, because migrants are part of our future". "As a matter of course integration and social cohesion will encompass the question of citizenship", noted the Italian Minister for Integration, Cécile Kyenge. "Today we have a great responsibility – said the new minister – to form the new generations that one day might be the leaders of Italy and of other EU, but before anything else, they will be citizens of the world".