A central role

French-German pacification, the continent divided into two areas during the second post-war period, the role of Pius XII in support of community integration. But also the possibility of Turkey’s EU adhesion, the role of the faithful in the shaping of future Europe and the risk of abstention in the elections of June 4-7. Thomas Brechenmacher, from Bavaria, professor of Modern History at Potsdam University, author of numerous books and with a passion for contrabass, shared his thoughts on the past and future of our Continent.Professor, let us return to the origins of integration. Historians explain that the contribution of Catholic statesmen – Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi – was crucial in the progress towards the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC, 1951) followed by the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC, 1957). What was the global attitude of the Catholic world in Germany? “During the 1950s, the integration process of West European Countries in the realm of economic and defensive policies was followed, evaluated and debated within the German Catholic world, which under certain aspects (the idea of the West, the French-German reconciliation) contributed to its final structure. On the wake of Pope Pius XII’s blatant option in favour of the unification of Western Europe in order to counter the Communist threat, it was easy to develop a common stand. The idea of a more ‘Catholic’ than ‘Protestant’ Christian West, marked by a past, i.e. the Middle-Ages, that was supranational and united also as relates to faith, promoted Catholics’ adhesion to the project, along with the concrete French-German pacification initiative that was developing on both sides of the border thanks to the commitment of Catholic communities. This pacification anticipated a French-German heart that united Europe”.The EU has consolidated a number of successes (peace, democracy, development). However, further developments appear to have reached a standstill. In the government and in the public opinion there are those who wish to increase the level of political integration, while others would rather focus on the implementation of a single market. What is your position? “I believe that the process of European unification is one of the major conquests of the post-war period. In the economic sphere unification is a very important aspect of this process. However, European vision always extended beyond the idea of a simple common market. If the foundations of common values were missing – be these political, social, ethical or moral – integration would be imperfect, and would therefore be at risk”.There are millions of Turks living in Germany and Turkey is an EU candidate country. Do you think there is space for Ankara in the EU? “It’s a complex question since under certain aspects Turkey and the EU share a number of elements in common, while differences do remain in other spheres. This is why German Chancellor Angela Merkel supports the idea of a privileged relationship (Privilegierte Partnerschaft) that could lay the grounds for Turkey’s adhesion in the years to come. I reckon that a gradual process will benefit both sides”. EU enlargement isn’t just a question of “borders”, does it involve the very identity of the European Union? “Certainly. European identity springs from Western socio-political concepts developed in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The founding elements include the inviolable human dignity, the value of the person, freedom, pluralism, parliamentary and social democracy and market economy. Each candidate ought to firmly endorse these fundamental pillars of European identity”. Various surveys have shown increased scepticism in the EU. June 4-7 elections risk being marked by high abstention rates. What is your opinion?“After the experiences of the past years, especially with the failure of the European Constitution, but also in the framework of the ongoing crisis in the economy, this risk does exist. However, we must not be discouraged. It will be politicians’ crucial task to show that the solution to the present problems – in the realms of the economy, migrations, international terrorism, climate changes … – is not to be found within traditional national borders”.What role could Christians play in order to provide a greater contribution to the construction of the “common home”? “The role played by Christians is crucial. The values of their social and ethical code comply with the basic values of European identity. Precisely because of this communality of values, I think that Christians ought to make a special effort vis à vis the construction of the EU. On the background of contemporary crises we need a new debate regarding the foundations of our societies. Christians’ voice ought to play a central role in these debates, seeking new means leading to the establishment of a just and pacific life”.