Europe is at a crossroads: in this time of crisis, we will either choose a common European path, ensuring security and competitiveness, or we will succumb to the individual egos of member states.
“More Europe” is the answer given by the Polish presidency, which will be ending in the coming days. Unfortunately, we woke up the past two days to bad news. Belgium and Italy have been targets of inhumane attacks, which have claimed many lives. The President of Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, shared a few words before the plenary, saying that “We sympathize with and pray for those affected.” The latter part of that most sincere statement would have possibly been ridiculed in Slovenia. The values of a Christian Europe can be felt in the European Parliament and I feel proud to be a part of this world.
At noon, the European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to representatives of the Arab spring. The award was accepted by the leader of the Libyan spring, who was held in solitary confinement for nine years. Europe is honouring the brave souls of the Arab Spring, whereas regrettably the Slovenian government recently hosted a representative of the totalitarian regime. Ahmi Mahmuz, who had been at the forefront of the resistance against the totalitarian regime in Egypt, also received the award. Her message was: “I am proud of the martyrs of the Arab spring.”
The President of Poland Donald Tusk and the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso assessed the results of the six-month EU presidency. I compared these results with the period of the Slovenian Presidency. One area that wasn’t addressed was health policy, which was one of the most important areas of progress during our Presidency. Though there was great progress in many other areas. Important progress has been made concerning the commitment to democracy and common values, the area of ??regulatory frameworks to enhance a macro-economic balance, further Eastern partnerships, and the enactment of a single European patent.
In the conclusions there was great emphasis on the crisis of confidence, on the systemic and political crisis, and on confidence in European and state institutions. The findings show that Europe is no more united than it was six months ago. Europe is at a crossroads: in this time of crisis, we will either choose a common European path, ensuring security and competitiveness, or we will succumb to the individual egos of member states.
The community did not cause this crisis, and yet the crisis is being fuelled by the danger of European unity collapsing. Not only does the crisis lie in our banks, but also in our hearts. Europe needs fast decisions, and it needs them now. In all areas, the European Parliament actively fosters and supports unity over division, encouraging the responsibility of maintaining the foundations of Europe.
Joseph Daul was re-elected last night as President of the EPP. Good ideas and actions have always found their place in history. From the establishment of the European Community, to the strength of the European People’s Party, of which SDS is a member, and even to the Arab spring. Eventually, the Slovenian spring will also return.
