Dear Friends,
It is a pleasure to be with you today in Zappeion on the occasion of the YEPP Seminar on the “European Elections 2009, Youth Participation, Youth Campaigning” hosted by ONNED.
It is always a pleasure to find myself among young people from all over Europe who want to take part in the development of their societies and the shaping of the destiny of our continent. This is particularly important in the times we live in; when citizens are particularly distrustful of politics in general and skeptical of the European Union.
The European mood is one of vocal pessimism in face of a new reality of economic difficulties. We are living through a harsh winter with deep wounds inflicted by the economic crisis and the pain felt across our continent. The latest figures show the eurozone economy to be shrinking by 1.9% in 2009. Unemployment in the eurozone is expected to exceed 10% in 2010. We are not alone of course; the rest of the world is not spared.
In addition to our financial woes, in August the conflict in Georgia showed us that war in Europe is not a memory of the past. The recent events in the Gaza strip confirmed the explosive nature of the Middle East with their tragic loss of human lives. Climate change is taking its toll at an alarming rate. The recent energy crisis hit several European countries. Social unrest in our societies has followed the economic crisis.
This is a period that constantly soldiers us into action to face these grave challenges.
I am pleased to see that the European People’s Party is rising to the occasion. Being the largest European-level party on the continent and engaged in all major EU institutions with its 288 members of European Parliament; the EPP is in a unique position to influence the European agenda and policy-making. Its own agenda tackles all the major issues Europe is facing: immigration, climate change, security and the fight against terrorism, demographic change and a prosperous Europe among others. Politicians who are part of the EPP political family lead the work of the European Union with President Sarkozy such an example.
For every party its youth represents the most hopeful sign of things to come. The Youth of the European People’s party is no exception. It has succeeded in unifying more than one million members coming from 50 political organizations. A remarkable achievement based on shared ideals for a strong, democratic and liberal Europe.
The youth of political parties is also a better receptor of fresh ideas and stimulus from the enviornment. I have seen this in ONNED and I am certain you are just as dynamic and motivated. YEPP is successful in encouraging through its activities, seminars and councils the most vibrant element of European societies to reflect and envision the Europe of future.
After all what are we without vision?
The time has come to look back and remember the vision that brought the EU into existence. The Union did not come this far in its evolution on auto-pilot. As all experiments, the European experiment is unique and unprecedented but far from miraculous. There was a vision and determination; there was commitment, political will and extraordinary boldness in words and deeds that paved the way for the confidence we have today in our common identity.
A vision that grew into the successful Europe of today. A vision that lead to exemplary achievements such as a common currency, a single market, a space without border controls, a zone of peace and freedom. These success stories that are sadly taken for granted in the inwardness and pessimism of our times.
But if there is one conclusion that comes out from the developments within and outside the Union is that we need more Europe, not less. In the summer during the conflict in Georgia, more recently in the events in the Gaza strip, throughout the global financial crisis and the disruption in the flow of energy between Russia and Ukraine we saw this need for a Europe right at the centre of events. A strong Europe which uses its influence to do greater good, whether in the Middle East or the energy crisis. A Europe that is a leader in our unpredictable world during this time of crisis.
Despite these global challenges our Union is overwhelmed by a euro-skepticism. European citizens feel cut off from the Brussels elite and alienated from their governments. They blame both for failing to understand their every day plight, their concerns on rising unemployment and their worries about the future amidst the global financial crisis. We saw this negativity in June when the Irish voted in a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
If there is one lesson to be learnt from the Irish referendum is that the heart of the European project is its citizens. To them we must connect again and to their problems the Union must offer concrete solutions. The past few years have seen an alarming wave of anti-Europeanism. Those who oppose Europe do not do so out of principle but because they feel disconnected from what is happening. It is those who are the most vulnerable and fear being left behind. In Ireland it was the young who said “no”, the women and the unemployed.
2009 is a big year for Europe. The European elections invite us all out of standstill and into action. It is the time to stand up for Europe, for everything we have achieved so far and for the potential that is inside us for more. Our initial idea of building peace on the continent, prosperity for all and a better, more egalitarian world is now more relevant than ever. We must stick together and bring practical solution to the table for the whole of Europe.
To mobilize Europeans to vote in the coming elections for Europe, our message must be clear. We must drop the “Euro-speak”, the constructive or deconstructive ambiguities and the diplomatic jargon that stifle communication. We have to be sincere as we talk about the scores of European achievements we made and continue to make with direct impact on our daily lives. We must come together as one, bring our problems to the table and find viable solutions. We succeeded in doing so during recent crises under pressure. We can also do so in the coming months, convincing our societies that our national interests are better served under a single European roof. We have to prove that the sum of our joint efforts is greater than the parts. Especially now that we find ourselves at a critical crossroads.
The vote comes at the right time to determine what kind of Europe we want. Our choice is between isolation which, events have shown us, is not what today’s international arena needs or greater engagement with each other and the world.
A united Europe that takes care of its people but also has a global presence whether it is by sending humanitarian aid or leading diplomatic efforts where needed. A Europe adapted to the needs, protecting the interests and meeting the expectations of its citizens. A Europe that breaks down barriers whether barriers to trade and investment, free speech and democracy or more generally barriers to progress.
A Europe that leads by example by showing that it can be done. This is the Europe that we deserve.
Every crisis presents an opportunity if there is vision and commitment from the parties involved. We are going through a period of change, of transition which could lead to Europe becoming stronger and adapting itself to give our citizens what they need. Before anything else we need to stop contributing to this environment of pessimism and motivate our societies once more. The elections of June 2009 provide us with a powerful incentive to work together.
Dear Friends,
The inauguration of a new popular President in the US showed us that people can still be excited by politics. Young people in particular hold the key to unleashing a wave of popular support. They make a difference through their ambition and passion. They encourage participation and become involved through their organizations, their social networking websites and their clubs and societies. They open their minds and motivate each other.
I see around me young people who make a difference. I would like to congratulate you all, YEPP and in particular your President Yannis Smyrlis for your hard work and determination.
I hope you enjoy your stay in Athens and your Seminar is a success!
Thank you.