European Solidarity: Why We Need A European Solidarity Union - by Michael Roth:

"Europe is heaven on earth, the promised land, as soon as you look at it from the outside. [...] Europe appears in a different light, but always as paradise, as a dream of mankind, as a stronghold of peace, prosperity and civilisation."

Here, Wim Wenders impressively describes Europe’s promise of hope. He is right, and we are made especially aware of it once more when we look around our neighbourhood. Refugees from beyond the Mediterranean Sea are putting their lives at risk because they hope to be safe from persecution and enjoy a life in dignity in Europe.

Yet, from the inside things are not looking so good at present: solidarity in the EU seems damaged, the sense of justice is shaken and social cohesion is too weak. Many citizens are asking themselves: is Europe going to lose its sense of solidarity and social justice in the face of the crisis?

The most pressing problem is the dramatic rise in youth unemployment. It is through this that the economic and financial crisis has given rise to a severe crisis of confidence. If the young generation comes to think of Europe as part of the problem and not part of the solution, we will not only be depriving people of their prospects, but also driving them into the arms of those who ultimately want to dismantle the EU.

We have to achieve better coordination, also in those spheres within the EU which go beyond financial policies in the narrower sense. It is not enough to merely look at budget figures or public debt. At the same time, let us do away with the myth that we need or want Europe-wide harmonisation of national social welfare systems. 

So, how can we make existing strategies with ambitious Europe-wide goals and guidelines and existing coordination mechanisms more binding? How can we finally implement the commitment under Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union with a view to achieving a “social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress”?

When it comes to solidarity and internal cohesion, Europe will have to deliver even more in future. Europe must finally be seen once more by people as a social corrective, as an answer to people for their everyday life. If we succeed in achieving that, then perhaps more Europeans will soon look to Europe with the same measure of hope as Wim Wenders. A genuine “solidarity union” can lend Europe a new appeal – both within the Community and to the outside world.

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