Memory is commitment

Images coming from Oslo – Europe summoned through the representatives, heads of States and government to receive not just any award but the Nobel Peace Prize brought us back to the past and into the future.The past to remind us all of so called Old Continent peoples, from where they come from; the future because this award shows that united they have a great future ahead.Where does Europe come from? It comes out of wars, hatred, suffering, nationalism, divisions, and totalitarianism. However on May 9, 1950 a revolution occurred. A peaceful revolution, with the decision of some far-sighted statesmen, who decided to oppose themselves to a destiny, that had repeated itself for years and centuries, a destiny of hate, war, suffering, traced by nationalists and dictators. It seemed to be an unavoidable fate. The political will changed it all. "We did not build Europe, we had the war", Robert Schuman said. Then Europe started its long process with common steel and coal, two necessary war products. The idea was brilliant, brave. But back then Europe was at its year zero- from "Germany, Year Zero" the title of Roberto Rossellini’s great movie. Europe was materially, economically and spiritually over. Reduced to its western part, it quickly became, thanks to its union, an economic development area, rather an economic miracle, a democratic model, where the principle of free market was combined with social justice.This is how Europe showed the entire world that reconciliation is possible, according to a unique process in history, based on peoples free will, democracy, trust and friendship. Relations between France and Germany have been completely reorganized to build their common future. In the same way, Greece, Spain, Portugal have come out of dictatorship. Peoples under Soviet hegemony due to the consequences of war have been supported by hope in democracy, and have been able to peacefully come out from a terrible dictatorship, and unite their lives to the European Community, in building the Union. Achieving another reconciliation, that of Germany and Poland. The Nobel Prize helped our fellow citizens remember all this history they seemed to have forgotten. Not to look back and feel comforted with pride of having built a positive reality. But to give Europeans and the rest of the world a warning of hope.The Nobel is telling Europeans not to be tempted by pessimism. Times are certainly difficult; there is an economic and social crisis. But are they tougher than one hundred years ago, when Europe was getting ready for a terrible war, a massacre for its youth? Are they worse than seventy years ago, when the Europeans were getting ready for an even fiercer massacre? Of when the Jewish peoples were destroyed in Europe? The Nobel in this case is an appeal: do not give up, do not fear, but continue building, together, without neglecting social justice, solidarity, and needs of living together.To the world, to the many peoples who dream of a true democracy, to those who hate themselves and are in war, and say their hatred is hereditary, the Nobel demonstrates that peace and reconciliation are possible, and a message of courage and will. The message is too important to give way to euro-pessimism fuelled by fear in the future and ignorance of the past. (*) Sir Europe (University Lione – France)