European unification over the last fifty years is an exemplary success story. This was uncontested at the WDR Europa Forum held at the Federal Foreign Office. Now, we must actively continue this success story.
Speaking at the Forum, Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that there is a desire in Europe, "to show people that the EU can take effective action". The fact that Europe is willing to act was more than adequately illustrated by the decisions taken by the last EU Council meeting regarding climate protection, she continued.
She once again pointed out that the German EU presidency has the task of presenting a road map for the European constitutional process. The majority of member states have ratified the constitution. Although, we would be well advised to listed to those countries which rejected the constitution in referendums, she declared, we should not lose sight of the other nations.
Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had previously reminded participants that the idea of European integration was a consequence of the Second World War, which today might equally well be termed a European civil war, according to the Minister.
If the European Union is to be seen as something to be proud of in future too, it must become more transparent, he added. This is why it is so essential to grant the European bodies additional decision-making authority.
"Europe will only remain alive and vibrant if we translate solidarity into practice," emphasised Steinmeier. After all the Union is about more than economic statistics and balance sheets. "Europe also means solidarity with the weak. Europe must not allow isolated pockets of prosperity to emerge. We need prosperity for everybody who is prepared to make an effort," Steinmeier declared. He looked back at numerous "older" member states, such as Spain, Portugal and Ireland, which have managed to develop their national economies very successfully with the assistance of the EU. The President of the EU Commission, José Manuel Barroso, expressed similar sentiments. The EU is more than just a common market – it is a political project, he asserted.
One thing was clear for Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Franz Müntefering, "Europe is a brilliant achievement". The way conflicts in Europe can be resolved diplomatically is absolutely exemplary, he stated.
Europe can be seen as an excellent international example, and not only here: the social dimension of business too has made huge progress over the last few years. And this has been one of the concerns of the German presidency. Now it is up to national governments to "do their social-policy homework," and stop pointing the finger of blame at Brussels to cover up for their own inadequacies, he went on. "The citizens of Europe must feel that the EU really delivers on social issues too," explained the Vice-Chancellor. Top European politicians, members of parliament and specialists from EU states and guests from other countries discussed the future of the Union well into the evening.
