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The Constitution? Imperfect, but still a step forward towards a united Europe. The enlarged Union? An intuition of Schuman. The role of Christians? That of thinking and acting to achieve a continent of peace. Jacques Paragon , French engineer, has for years been general secretary of the Institut Saint Benoît Patron de l’Europe. The association’s members include personalities from various countries. Founded in 1988, it supports the process of beatification of Robert Schuman, considered one of the “founding fathers” of European integration. Interviewed by Gianni Borsa, SIR correspondent in Brussels, he discusses some “hot” issues of the political situation in the EU today. We are approaching the signing of the Constitutional Treaty of the EU, approved by the European Council in June. Is it really a step forward for the Twenty-Five? “I would say that this treaty is to be considered a milestone. The 29 October is a date to remember, even though we must already turn our attention to the process of ratification in the individual member states. I hope that all countries approve the Constitution and that it may soon enter into force. Unfortunately I see various obstacles on the horizon… In France, for example, the parties are divided on this question. In fact, the treaty has various limitations, but it still remains a necessary foundation for so wide a community”. What do you think of the failure to cite the “Christian roots” of Europe in the preamble of the Constitution? “I am convinced that it was a mistake not to have recognized what is inscribed in the history of our continental civilization, which has been formed, has grown and been strengthened by resting on solid Christian and religious roots”. In recent days authoritative figures in the Church have denounced a climate hostile to Christianity in European society and even within the EU institutions. Do you share this concern? “Yes, I share it. Having frequent contacts as I do with the institutions of the Union, I have had occasion to ascertain the existence of what has been called the ‘anti-Christian lobby’. The term is a strong one, but it is justified. It has to be said, however, that even in our own environments a climate of scepticism or opposition can be felt. Despite that, I say that if this is the context in which we are called to work, there is all the more reason for us not to retreat or limit ourselves to denunciation. We must on the contrary step up our commitment to build a united Europe that has as its objectives peace, the pursuit of prosperity, the rule of law and the opening up to the international community”. It’s also the task to which John Paul II calls believers in Ecclesia in Europa … “The Pope’s words invite Christians to contribute to the realization of European integration, bringing to this task their own values, deep conviction and a culture inspired by the Gospel”. Robert Schuman himself worked in this direction. His famous Declaration of 9 May 1950 opened the way to the ECSC and then the EEC… “Schuman dedicated his life to the European project. He had in mind a community of peoples that had turned their back on violence and conflicts and would work together for a future of peaceful co-existence and economic, social and civil progress. Today we are faced by the same challenge”. Would Schuman have been in favour of EU enlargement to Eastern Europe? “Already in 1959 Schuman spoke of a united Europe that would overcome the ‘iron curtain’ and place the countries of Eastern Europe, finally liberated from Communism, alongside those of the West. That was his ‘ambition’ and he had prophetic words on the matter”.
