Insights and reflections on the occasion of Europe Day provided by MEP Roberta Metsola for Corporate Dispatch.
Today marks the 68th anniversary of the day in 1950 when Robert Schuman, one of the founders of the EU, made his ‘Schuman Declaration’, outlining his vision for a peaceful, prosperous Europe. He understood the process would not be instant: “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.”
This is what Europe is all about, a constantly evolving organisation of proud nation states who are stronger together.
On Europe Day, I am grateful for the European dreamers who have ensured that our generation does not know war. I am also grateful for the Maltese visionaries Eddie Fenech Adami, Guido De Marco, Censu Tabone and Lawrence Gonzi who gave everything in order for Malta to join the EU and take its rightful place at the table as an equal with 27 other nations.
We are equals. We have proved time and again over the last 14 years that Malta can punch above its weight and influence EU legislation. We are not afraid to disagree nor are we afraid to insist on points we needed, be it a sixth seat in the European Parliament or the 1.12 billion euros negotiated in the early hours by Lawrence Gonzi.
In 14 years as EU Members the face of Malta has changed. Our people stood up to defy the naysayers and Labour’s doomsday scenarios and our businesses and our people proved that they could compete with anyone in Europe if they had a level playing field. We did not get eaten up, we boomed. And that is down to the reliance and adaptability of Maltese and Gozitans
Europe today is not without its challenges, we are still feeling the aftermath of the global economic crisis, with Libya and Syria our neighbourhood faces instability, migration has fuelled a rise in xenophobic rethoric and led to a refugee crisis, Britain will soon leave the EU and Cyprus remains divided.
Migration is the key debate in Europe at the moment and is one area where Europe can and must act. In the European Parliament I have advocated for a holistic approach that is humane, reasonable and tackles the emergency situation, the security aspect, the root causes and is pushing for an answer where the responsibility is shared by every Member State equally.
The migration scenario will not be addressed by itself and neither should Europe face it alone. It is a global challenge that needs a global solution. But Malta and the rest of Europe must be the example. That is the story of Europe – we have shown the way for 68 years.
The European Union, is not perfect. It is a political project that must continue evolve. It cannot stagnate and that means it must become ever more relevant for citizens by ensuring that those decisions that are Member State competence must be left up to Member States. The EU has a huge role to play of course, but it cannot become overstretched by over regulation and red-tape. We have to make it easier for people to relate to the EU, to access funding, to defend their rights. These are the internal challenges we must address.
Europe is not just about the internal organisation of the European Union. More than geography it is about common principles and common values. It is about defending common freedoms and facing common threats to our way of life. It is about people coming together for everyone to benefit. That is why the EU can never be silent in the face of threats to its values or to the rule of law. People look to it to act and act it must. To do otherwise would risk putting the entire project in jeopardy.
Today marks the 68th anniversary of the day in 1950 when Robert Schuman, one of the founders of the EU, made his ‘Schuman Declaration’, outlining his vision for a peaceful, prosperous Europe. He understood the process would not be instant: “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.”
