The primacy of ethics

“It’s a great privilege to serve Europe”. “The ongoing crisis demands a strong ethical response”. Human dignity? “It ought to be protected, without limits”. Hence the appeal: “I wish to encourage European citizens to participate in June’s elections and to cast their vote for the renewal of the European Parliament”. Hans-Gert Poettering, outgoing EP President, grasped the occasion of the last plenary meeting in his capacities as President to draw a balance of the past two and a half years of work and of the 2004-2007 legislature. In the meantime, the German politician looks ahead.A stronger parliament. Born in Bersenbrück, in Lower Saxony, in 1945, Poettering never met his father, who perished in the last days of the war. He is a Jurist, and one of the most renowned figures of the European Popular Party. At 64 he is once again listed as candidate for the EP in Strasbourg, where he holds office since 1979, the date of the first elections with universal suffrage. Despite 30 years in the EP, during the May 6 farewell address as Eurochamber president Poettering was moved. “Much work awaits the newly elected Parliament”, said President Poetterring, interrupted by warm applause, “a contribution towards overcoming the economic and financial crisis, the establishment of a European energy policy, the transition to a low-carbon economy, greater security for the citizens of Europe, and worldwide peace and stability”.Poettering thanked his predecessor, Josep Borrel from Spain, he went over “the success of the legislature”, he listed the major Community directives enforced in his five-year term. He voiced his belief that “the Parliament stepped up its role in the EU’s institutional system” he praised internal reform, the new statute of MEPs and of Parliament assistants. Political group leaders along with Commission and EU Council representatives then took the floor. Many speakers had words of appreciation for the institutional efforts implemented by Poettering, while some others raised some doubts. The force of democracy. Poettering will hold the present post until July 14, when the new Parliament will vote his successor. Until then he is called to attend a number of official commitments: EU summits, reunions and international conferences: most notably, the electoral campaign. But the president also finds the time to speak about on his experience, to reflect, to plan. With SIR he lingers on the information gap that distances European Union citizens. “First and foremost I wish to thank TV and radio networks, and websites that spread information on EU initiatives in the 27 Member States. Compared to the past, the EU today is much more present in the information system”. However, much more could be done: “Europe can make it if the press is on its side”, he affirmed. A certain degree of nostalgia arises in the experienced politician. He reiterates that the plenary of May 4-7 has been the last one on the highest chair in Strasbourg. “This is democracy – he claimed with a smile. – It draws its strength from ongoing changes”. As relates to achievements, Poettering points out a number of significant provisions (REACH on chemicals, the service directive; Financial prospects, namely the balance for the period 2007-2013). He dwells into some of the “main battles”. “The EU is reaching world leadership as relates to provisions aimed at fighting climate changes and for human rights defence in the world”. The House of European History. Poettering refers to the Lisbon Treaty various times. “It envisages crucial reforms for Europe, for efficient and transparent performance”. At the news that the Czech Senate approved the bill for the ratification of the Treaty, Poeterring sent a message to reluctant President Vaclav Klaus, to “countersign it with no delays”. The president of the Assembly believes “that the Treaty will come into force”, after the new referendum in Ireland, thus “by next January 1st 2010”. “Also since Ireland, who greatly benefited from EU adhesion, is now experiencing a serious economic crisis from which it will emerge only with Europe’s solidarity. I don’t think that Irish citizens want to risk isolating themselves in this very phase”. As relates to enlargement, Hans-Gert Poettering has an equally clear position: “New adhesions brought advantages to the old and new Member States. However, we now need a consolidation phase, which includes the enforcement of the Lisbon Treaty. Only then will it be possible to consider further enlargement”. As regards future developments, Poettering told SIR that if he should be re-elected he will focus primarily on the realisation and inauguration of the Home of European History” which is taking shape in Brussels and that he launched in 2007. Finally, he expressed his wish for June’s elections. “I hope that the political forces that truly believe in Europe will gain ground”, he declared.