Self-questioning, thus never stopping

The economic and social crisis – which is also a crisis in values – is causing a hot debate across Europe. If the coexistence and development model, created with fatigue on after the Second World War, and which witnessed the fall of the Iron Curtain, is starting to creak, then we ought to reflect on what happened and on future developments. This was the leitmotiv that characterised endless discussions in Strasbourg during the plenary of January 16-19, which can be summarized, emblematically, with the words of some of its protagonists. Hungary and Europe. "What’s happening in our country is an exciting process of renewal. We have given the country a new Constitution that replaced the country’s Communist Constitution that was still in force when we won the national elections. In one and a half years the government implemented reforms that involved the judiciary, education, health, taxes… In this period we acted in the full respect of Community values. This is why I believe that the Commission’s objections can be rapidly solved", said Hungarian premier Viktor Orban in his address at the European Parliament, in which he defended the initiative undertaken by his government (centre-right coalition), and replied to official criticism by the EU Council and Commission, which on January 17 opened three infringement proceedings against Hungary (Central Bank independence; judicial independence, mandatory retirement age for judges and against data protection). In the ensuing debate, marked by moments of tension, two opposite factions of MEPs took the floor: those in favour and those against Orban. Most MEPs claimed that in Hungary "the pillars of European democracy are at risk", media freedom, the respect of minority groups; another stance, upheld by the EPP Group in particular, defended the measures taken by the Hungarian government. The role of the Commission. "The Commission wants to ensure the full respect of European Union law by the member States. This should not be a debate against Hungary but for Hungary and with Hungary". EU Commission president José Manuel Barroso reiterated the positions on the Hungarian question. In his reply, Orban underlined "ungrounded accusations by MEPs", saying he is open to a debate with the Commission – scheduled for January 24 – to overcome problems related to EU law. "If you should have doubts come to Hungary – he said – come to known about the Hungarian people and speak with Hungarians". The Hungarian premier mentioned the "Christian values" which his politics draws inspiration from. The newly-elected president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, pointed out that even in a Christian-majority country, democracy "is tasked with ensuring pluralism" and the secular trait of its institutions, as well as ensuring the "respect of all faiths and religious diversity". The Danish Programme. "I am a European at heart and, most of all, I am a European for my children". Danish Premier Helle Thorning-Schmidt, (centre-left), left a sign in Strasbourg. It is a necessary step in view of the presentation of the programme of the Danish six-month presidency of the EU Council. MEPs received the address with a warm welcome. "We need a European Union that is united in meeting and overcoming the challenges facing us today. First of all – the premier said – we must rely on EU institutions and on clear rules, namely, on Community method. Secondly, we must be convinced that the EU is part of the solution to the ongoing problems. That’s why we need more Europe. Lastly – she added – it is necessary to exit the crisis while strongly reaffirming our values". Most of the address focused on five areas: responsible economy (budgetary discipline, shared governance); "Dynamic" Europe (supporting growth, employment and enterprises); "greener Europe" (climate action; energy); security; common voice of the EU in the world (support to the High Representative for Foreign policy and the European External Action Service). Among the words most frequently mentioned by the premier figure "solidarity", "youth" and "rigour". The position of Spain. José Manuel García Margallo, Spanish foreign minister (centre-right coalition) was also present in Strasbourg for meetings with EU institution leaders. "Spain wishes to revitalize its name in Europe", ha said. "We are at work to reformulate Spain’s economic policy" within "a European framework". Among the commitments assumed by the government led by Mariano Rajoy, added Garcia Margallo, figure fiscal measures, budget recovery, reforms to boost employment and the economy. "We must save the euro currency at all costs, with facts and not with words. And we must save Greece". The head of the diplomacy in Madrid thus reflected out loud on Eurobonds, calling for the rapid approval of the "fiscal compact" and the reinforcement of the Financial Stability Facility.