The peaceful revolution

"Just over sixty years ago, a quiet revolution began that was to change the world forever: Europe has demonstrated that, yes, it works: yes, the successful combination of democracy, justice, freedom and solidarity is possible in our European model of society". The President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, delivered a keynote speech for Europe Day – celebrated on May 9 – that opened the plenary meeting in Brussels. His speech focused on EU’s "united efforts" before world challenges that require "shared answers".Shared values and interests. Schulz reiterated his "no" to populisms and egoistic stances present throughout Member States; he gave renewed impetus to the theme of growth ("austerity and rigour alone are insufficient") calling for investments that will "boost economic growth" and "create jobs". On several occasions the German politician mentioned the young and the importance of solidarity between generations. "The European Coal and Steel Community", adopted in 1951, "as its deviser, Robert Schuman, put it, created a de facto solidarity", between States and peoples that until a few years earlier had waged war against each other. In order to rebuild Europe on the ruins left by the Second World War, it was necessary – and it still is today – to defend common values and t "an understanding that our interests could no longer be viewed independently from those of our neighbours", claimed the president of the Assembly. He highlighted the need to undertake "united efforts" so as to avoid that "the current crisis, like a centrifugal force" may "drive us apart", calling into question "two of the greatest achievements of European integration: the euro and freedom of movement". For Schulz those who question the Schengen treaty (on the free movement of European citizens within EU borders) and the single currency, are siding against European integration which, although it still has its limits and failures, represents, in his view, "the most successful political and social experiment in history". The president’s address thus voiced support to the financial transaction tax ("to provide new resources to the EU" and promote equality), project bonds for investments along with measures against tax evasion. "The true patriots – Schulz added – are those who invest in their home country, not those who export capitals abroad". Federalism yes or no? Europe Day was celebrated with many initiatives in EU seats in the capitals of Member States and in many other cities. Conferences, exhibitions, feasts in schools, open air events, "open doors" for visits to EU buildings and EU agency marked the celebrations. But occasions to remember the Schuman Declaration and the beginning of the integration process will continue also in the coming days, until May 20, with the "open day" at the European Parliament, seat of Strasbourg. During one of these meetings, the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, (BE) underlined the specific feature of community integration: "the EU will never become the United States of Europe" as "it consists of 27 different States". And "each nation has its own history, language and culture. We’re not like the United States of America". Van Rompuy believes that "the creation of a federate state" isn’t a feasible solution for the old continent, although, he says, "more Europe and more community integration" are the best ways to address the problems created by the crisis and by globalization. Guy Verhofstadt, Belgian, leader of the Liberal-democrats at the European Assembly, claimed: "We shouldn’t be afraid of using the term ‘federal’ when speaking of the future of Europe". "It isn’t a divine punishment". No more "right-wing and left-wing", instead, "a renewed commitment to reduce the Community deficit of the EU" are needed. Joseph Daul, (FR) head of the EPP at the European Parliament, highlighted the risks linked to "the delicate times experienced by the economic and political European building". Daul underlined efforts made to "defend this area of peace, democracy, dialogue, solidarity and development", whose foundations were placed by the Schuman Declaration. "Europe – Daul declared – has shown its courage in addressing this crisis. Now it’s important to proceed seriously with rigour and growth, that are two facets of the same coin", to the benefit of EU citizens. Social and Democrats leader Hannes Swoboda, focused on the results of Greek elections, which "have shown that citizens feel there is a lack of social justice" linked to the ongoing economic downturn. "Strong reforms are needed to put Greece and Europe back on track". "Crisis isn’t a divine punishment", he added, "we created it and only we can get out of it, by pursuing the path of solidarity" undertaken by Robert Schuman.