Striking a chord in the public opinion

Our encounters with MEPs who endorse the citizens’ initiative “One of Us” move onward. Polish MEP Jan Olbricht, vice-president of the European People’s Party Group in Strasbourg is one of them. Poland ranks second among those countries with the highest numbers of signatures, and tops online endorsements. Hon. Olbricht, what are the reasons that led you to endorse the initiative “One of Us?” “I didn’t happen by chance. I am the member of a parliamentary group that describes itself as ‘Christian democrat’, which draws inspiration from specific values that guide its political action. For a long time we have been upholding our positions, highlighting the defence of human dignity along with all those elements underlying Christian values, which are at the same time human and universal. There’s nothing new. Each time there is a voting session or a debate whereby it is necessary to take a stand in favour or against life, I am a member of the group that clearly expresses its ideas and its choices”. Do you share the approach adopted by the promoters of the initiative that was recently presented in Strasbourg? “After the debate held at the European parliament at the beginning of July, starting with the initiative ‘One of Us’ on problems related to the defence of life, it clearly emerged that a very important feature is the question of the budget. Other MEPs members of the EPP who undertook the initiative have decided to address the question of the defence of the embryo in very concrete ways: we cannot accept, they said – as European citizens and politicians – that public spending is allocated for projects whose goals we do not share and which may conflict with our own values. We have always upheld specific stands on themes related to life and the family. It should also be remembered that these themes don’t lie within the province of the European Union, but fall within the specific responsibilities of member states. We are also aware of the fact that if we should vote a resolution regarding the definition of life, ours would be a minority vote within the Assembly. The initiative that is being promoted with signature-collections raises a specific problem and invites the EU not to fund research projects that involve the destruction of human embryos. That’s why I have decided to support it”. In your opinion could a legislative proposal follow the presentation of the initiative to the Commission? Will European institutions protect the human embryo and life in various areas of research? “I think that the primary goal of the promoters of this initiative is to raise public awareness whilst initiating a debate on various aspects regarding the defence of life that lie within the field of activity of the EU. It is clear that we cannot use community funding to destroy embryos, nor to support abortive practices (in the field of international cooperation – ed.’s note). It is necessary to highlight this approach. While signatures are collected, it is equally important to show that fundamental issues have not been overlooked. We did not step back and we’re determined to continue our efforts in the support of life also in the cultural and political realms. We consider it crucial to raise public awareness”. How is adhesion to the initiative by the Polish population proceeding? “At the moment the number of signatories in Poland is one of the highest among European countries, so we can justly describe it as a success. I am not personally committed in this initiative in my Country so as not to politicise the debate. The One of Us campaign doesn’t have a purely political feature, but we risk being misunderstood and accused of using this initiative to increase our political and electoral ‘capital’ in Poland”. Which form of awareness have you detected on these themes among your MEP colleagues? “MEPs working on various fronts that have Christian values as their point of reference share this initiative. We are very pleased that this is one of the first initiatives of European citizens and that it is strictly linked to ethical questions. And it will not end here. I think that those who have decided to become part of this initiative are ready to go beyond ‘One of Us’, as they have acquired experience, and established international relations along with a remarkable network of connections”.