The Europeans: A European debate for a successful EU!
We view the world through different ‘lenses’. These are often shaped by national perspectives and their supposed interests. This is because the media – major newspapers or television stations – can be placed within a national context, be it political or economic. The debate within the European Union suffers as a result. For it usually takes place within 27 national ‘bubbles’ rather than within a shared European ‘bubble’. A not inconsiderable proportion of European citizens can thus be drawn into taking a stance against a neighbouring country or against European integration itself. Political ‘entrepreneurs’ and opportunists on the far right and far left profit from and, for their own gain, fuel these national debates. This poses a major threat to the present and future of Europeans.
And this is the primary reason why a group called The Europeans (1) has come together. They aim to promote a European perspective on current challenges and their solutions. For the European debate is lagging behind the level of integration. The founders of The Europeans oppose “systematically playing European and national interests off against one another” and wish to demonstrate “that in many areas they converge more closely than one might think.” (4) This applies above all to issues of technological sovereignty, defence and energy, where a European approach enables greater efficiency and influence. In the short term, national interests may conflict with European ones, but in the long term they do not.
And because there is a lack of European pressure from below – from citizens – decision-making at European level takes too long and often leads only to half-hearted solutions. The Europeans provide an example based on the informal meeting of European leaders at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium in February. “All start from the same diagnosis: the status quo is failing. Europe is growing too slowly, investing too little, and depending too heavily on external powers for its security, technology and prosperity. Where they diverge – sharply – is on priorities, instruments, and political method.” (3) To highlight one difference, France, given the geopolitical situation, is focusing on Eurobonds and giving preference to European-based companies in public procurement. Germany and Italy, by contrast, emphasised strengthening competitiveness.
The Europeans want robust European political action that goes beyond formulaic compromises and putting things on the back burner. Europe must assert its position in the world. That is why they wish to offer more than just independent analyses, commentaries and interviews. As Europeans, they are directly affected; they have ‘skin in the game’. They are political activists who hope to build a community around their platform and thus spread their ideas among Europeans. The website is therefore to be published in further languages. (4) In this way, The Europeans (like many other initiatives) can contribute to the emergence of a European civil society – the prerequisite for a European democracy. In this respect, one can only wish the creators of The Europeans every success.
Unfortunately, however, we have not yet been told who the people behind it are. One can only speculate. They are likely people who hold positions in a European institution and are very well versed in European politics and its shortcomings. They know what is at stake. Critical comments might potentially cause them professional problems (just as an employee in a ministry or a company cannot publicly comment on their organisation’s political stance). An imprint with an address and contact person is currently missing; only the reference ‘ASBL’ suggests a Luxembourgish ‘non-profit association’. (5) Whether a community can emerge around the content in this way is at least questionable and remains to be seen.
Margit Reiser-Schober
Error in the content? Error in the translation? – eurolandpost (at) gmx.eu - Translated with Deepl
- Webseite The Europeans
https://the-europeans.eu
- Kritik: Why we exist
https://the-europeans.eu/vision-for-the-europeans/
- Drei Sichtweisen europäischer Akteure – plus Draghi – vor dem informellen Gipfel am 12. Februar in Schloss Alden Biesen, Belgien
https://the-europeans.eu/three-visions-for-europe-ahead-of-the-february-summit/
- Antwort auf eine Anfrage der Eurolandpost an The Europeans
- https://guichet.public.lu/de/citoyens/loisirs/milieu-associatif/engagement-benevole/creation-asbl.html