FRONT PAGE" "
The enlargement of the European Union to 25 states was hailed with understandable enthusiasm on 1st May. After the perhaps excessive hopes in rapid integration, various difficulties are now beginning to emerge. In the current political and social climate, no innovations can be seen on the horizon that may mark the life of the new European citizens, at least in the near future.The rules fixed by the European institutions, which ought to be binding also for the citizens of the new member states, are giving rise to some misgivings. Now, we note that the non-identification of the citizens of the Central European countries with the decisions of the European Parliament is very strong. Even if represented by their own MEPs, these decisions are perceived as a constraint, imposed from above. The result is that the particularist (or eurosceptic) forces are being rallied against the decisions of Brussels. Two spheres within which some problems need to be solved are thus becoming very important. The first is the need for growing awareness of a mature and balanced national identity, far removed from any form of nationalism, and based on the recognition of and esteem for one’s own cultural, historical and religious roots. If the current vacuum remains, we run the risk of fuelling unhealthy forms of extremism and futile tensions.No less important is the social field. The globalization of the inequalities between rich and poor is felt far more in the countries that have just entered the EU.These countries have an average monthly income that fluctuates between 200 and 400 euro. Paying taxes, fines and common revenues to other European countries creates forms of inequality. One of the consequences of this inequality is the brain drain of the best-trained professionals from our countries to the ones of the Old Europe. This is a defection that could in the long run create further imbalances. Less felt in Central Europe is the problem of immigration and more specifically the influx of Islam. It is the local mafias, new structures for the old members of the secret police, well exercised in dishonest enrichment, that are disturbed by a climate of serenity and dialogue. Lastly, it should be emphasized that Central European citizens await a great effort of “cultural enlargement” by the Europeans of the West, whose knowledge of the language, literature, art and history of the countries of Central Europe is still rather meagre, nor are they perceived as European.It is worth recalling, as a positive example worthy of imitation, the fact that the languages of other countries were taught, even during the darkest years of Communism in the countries of Central Europe: English, German and French, together with Russian, were compulsory subjects on the curriculum in all schools.In this superimposition of positive and negative features, the need for a maturation of European thought is emerging in every field religious, cultural, economic and political.The welcome that is being given to the Year of the Eucharist in the local Churches may provide help in this direction. It invites us, and not Catholics alone, to anchor our own life in strong and enduring values and to seek in silence and in prayer the maturation Europe needs if she is to grow.
