Writing in Le Monde, Simone Veil and Hans-Gert Pöttering, both former Presidents of the European Parliament, call for a boost to the Franco-German engine of European integration.
Europe : relançons le moteur franco-allemand
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Point de vue
Europe:
hurl back the Franco-German
| 15.09.10 | 2:19 p.m. • Updated 15.09.10 | 2:33 p.m.
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Simone Veil, Member of the French Academy and Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, former Presidents of the European Parliament
In the course of unification of Europe, the Franco-German relationship has always been essential. Peace in Europe, as we can appreciate day after day, would not have been possible without the reconciliation between France and Germany.
These two countries, backed to one another, have always been the wing of the building of Europe and the compass of all integration projects. It's always the "Franco-German engine" that opened the way to Europe, because he always made sure to be seen as the point of a process open to other member states.
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In 1979 when we both entered the European Parliament, our election has a smile on our fellow Americans - as was indeed also the case for most of our colleagues of the day in all member countries. The European Parliament now seemed, in fact, meaningless. Who would have thought they could lean against him his political future?
Today, 736 women and men, elected in twenty-seven European states, represent a population of over 500 million citizens. They work in a European Parliament which, in almost all areas of legislation, since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009, an equal partner of the EU national governments. This historic change was hardly imaginable in 1979.
In many respects, Germany and France are marked by different traditions and history. This diversity, whatever the appearances, is a treasure. Differences of opinion in fact necessarily lead to compromises that ultimately constitute the ingredients of a common policy.
The financial crisis we are experiencing is proof: The European Union reacted quickly and well when in May the "Rettungsschirm" as the Germans say, that is to say, the "rescue umbrella", has preserved The euro strengthened since then by the joint supervision of financial markets. Decisions have to express a shared solidarity, a clear signal to capital markets and confidence.
In this context, what is the mission of the Franco-German?Germany is basically stable, while France proposed an "economic governance". Both views are complementary and lead to defend both the stability of the euro and the social market economy (the original term of the remainder, Soziale Marktwirtschaft) as defined in the Treaty of Lisbon, to defendcompetitiveness of our economies and security of our jobs. In this context, France and Germany should formulate joint proposals for political and economic strategy.
President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chancellor Angela Merkel are aware of their responsibility as well, and we hope, together, consolidate their joint action.
The role of national parliaments is also important. We welcome the dialogue initiatives taken by the presidents Norbert Lammert and Bernard Accoyer, Presidents of the Bundestag and the French National Assembly.
The magnitude of the challenges Europe faces today requires more than ever to open more space for dialogue and debate between our two countries.
The cooperation started several years between our two parliaments is part of this political project. Today, for example, at all stages of major reforms, their preparation for their implementation, the Bundestag and the National Assembly have pledged to cooperate closely.
By participating in the creation of consensus, whether major projects on taxation, on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), on structural reforms, but also, for example, defense policy, dialogue between our national parliament brings the support of the democratic legitimacy and thus contribute to the transparency and acceptability of projects by European citizens.
Politicians of the European Union are thus faced with the obligation not only to raise the crisis, fears and difficulties, but also highlight the common values and to mobilize all possibilities of growth. We will affirm our place in the world if we are the bearers of this belief and if we do share our views public.
With the experience of three decades, we must look ahead.What are the new stages of development of Europe? How to tackle them together? The approach of the Franco-German must take into account the hopes nurtured in this regard, in all member countries.
This view appeals to all segments of the policy. Germany and France must do everything so that the Union asserts internationally. Any proposed diplomatic convergence of services can help. Other initiatives are needed. A common defense and security policy, for example, but also a European army, including France and Germany should take the initiative.
There are already military training programs Franco-German. It is high time to take the next step, that of an authentic European army. The EU should also develop a defense policy appropriately, with an identical training for staff and harmonization of arms, which would be a substantial factor in excess savings.
We also call our wishes cultural co-operation between our two countries. Learn more from the other, exchange about subjects clear and important for the other - these are the expectations that arise with each new generation.
The foundation of this cultural cooperation is of course that people learn the language of the other. Both Germany and France, learning the language of the partner is now declining.We must ensure that there is a strong incentive stimulus.
When opening the negotiations of the European Union, which will lead to develop budgets until 2020, France and Germany must specifically ensure that the cultural exchange programs, like those Erasmus, are not neglected. Investment in research, training and development, exchanges between European universities are among our priorities.
Cultural Europe, whose mission is to protect the identities, should be a priority for us, because that's the path can make a Soul to Europe. In short, the revival of Europe, now essential, requires a strong Franco-German leadership.
Simone Veil, Member of the French Academy and Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, former Presidents of the European Parliament
Article published in the edition of 16.09.10
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