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FOCUS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREATY OF ROME: TOWARDS THE NEXT 50 YEARS AND BEYOND
This established the European Economic Community (EEC), or “common market”, with the idea of achieving integration via trade with a view to economic expansion by allowing free movement of people, goods and services across borders. Francesca Vella looked into the main stages that shaped the EU as we know it today and the challenges for the future A growing European family: achievements and challenges The EEC, which started as an agreement between six countries 50 years ago, has grown into a union of 27 member states, with possibilities of future expansion. While close integration between member states has created excellent opportunities, particularly in areas such as trade and mobility, Europeans remain diverse in culture, language and traditions. European unity is based on the common values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and equality. As a result, many refer to the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome as an occasion to celebrate peace, stability and prosperity. The EU has become a major force for peace in the world following the decision to end conflict in Europe after World War II. Europeans may study, work, or live in any other EU country and travel across the EU with minimal trouble. The European single market being the world’s largest free trade area with a single currency shared by the majority of EU citizens and common standards of environmental protection and product safety, meant the creation of jobs, allowing for growth and a wider choice of competitively-priced goods and services. While such unique achievements are worth celebrating, the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome is not just about celebration. It is about better understanding the present and looking towards the future, to discuss the Europe that we would like to shape for the next 50 years and beyond. It is for this reason that celebrations are not concentrated on this weekend alone, but will run during the next few weeks until Europe Day and a wide variety of events will also be organised all over Europe throughout the year. Globalisation, immigration, global warming, Europe’s position in the world and encouraging EU citizens to participate in the democratic process are among the challenges that must be kept in mind when thinking about the future of the EU. Sustaining prosperity achieved by EU citizens during the past 50 years in today’s globalised world is undoubtedly one of the EU’s main roles. EU leaders will have to keep in mind job security and growth, fostering economic competitiveness and improving social welfare. Looking forward to such achievements, the EU will need to invest heavily in technology and scientific research. One of the major threats to the world’s economy being global warming, this is high on the EU’s agenda and it is putting a lot of pressure for international action. Internally, the EU is making an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2012, according to requirements established by the Kyoto Protocol. Among the solutions that must be implemented before it is too late, are better use of renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and biomass, and better use of clean energy from sources other than oil and gas, which are slowly diminishing. The EU’s aim is to use energy more efficiently, saving up to 20 per cent of energy consumption by 2020. As regards future enlargement of the EU, this tends to be a cause of concern for several citizens. How far can we grow? Will the EU have to define its limits, doing so with the full involvement and consensus of citizens? Responsibilities will only grow as the EU expands further in this ever-changing, complex and unstable world. While war between EU countries is unthinkable in this day and age, the EU will be called to spread peace and stability beyond its borders. The EU will need legal and management tools to become more involved in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, humanitarian and development aid during the coming years. While the EU Constitution will be able to provide such tools, “no” votes from French and Dutch citizens two years ago prompted EU leaders to acknowledge the need to address the issue of the EU being distanced from citizens and launched a number of initiatives to give citizens a better understanding of the EU and a bigger voice in decision-making processes. First-ever EU Youth Summit in Rome this weekend: Back to our roots to discuss our future More than 200 young people from the 27 member states – including a Maltese delegation brought together by the national youth council (KNZ) – will be meeting at the EU’s birthplace this weekend to discuss the future of Europe and send a message to its leaders regarding their aspirations. The first-ever EU Youth Summit, which starts today and draws to a close on Sunday under the motto “Your Europe – your future”, will be held at Campidoglio in Rome. The summit will run parallel with an informal summit that will bring together EU heads of state and government in Berlin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. During this meeting, EU leaders will be issuing what has been tagged as the “Berlin Declaration”, setting out Europe’s values and ambitions for the future. The Youth Summit is being organised jointly by the EU and the European Youth Forum. It is intended to involve young people and youth bodies in the ongoing debate on the future of the EU. Preparations started in January, with a pre-summit meeting held in Brussels, during which participants identified difficulties faced by young people in areas such as education, employment and social rights. The meeting also showed that the effects of globalisation and the worldwide threat to the environment are also among the areas of concern for many young people. Six main issues were established during the January meeting for discussion at this weekend’s summit: the future of the EU Treaty, the EU’s social and economic model, sustainable development, the EU’s role in a globalised world, democracy and civil society, as well as youth and education. Following the pre-summit meeting, preparatory work continued with national debates in each EU member state. A number of EU VIPs will officially open the summit tomorrow. These include Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, vice-president of the European Parliament Alejo Vidal-Quadras, vice-president of the European Commission Margot Wallström and European Commissioner for Education, Culture and Youth Ján Figel. On Sunday, a round-table debate will give young participants the chance to put forward their views directly to representatives of EU institutions. In no way is the summit being considered as a conclusion in itself, but as an opportunity to begin a new cycle of sustained dialogue on European integration, which will influence the discussion on the future EU Treaty and lead to European Parliament elections in spring 2009. Celebrating half a century of peace, stability and prosperity A war-torn continent until the mid-20th century, Europe is now celebrating half a century of peace, stability and prosperity. As is fitting, various entities in Malta, like the rest of Europe, have planned a number of activities for the next month-and-a-half, in the run-up to Europe Day, which falls on 9 May. Anyone visiting the Maltese capital between now and Europe Day will notice that the European Parliament information office in Valletta has set up a number of banners along Republic Street, depicting various founders of the European Union. The EP representation will also be setting up an exhibition on the history of the EU in Great Siege Square. Among the activities that will be organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, is a weekend of celebration in Nadur, Gozo. The Nadur Local Council, together with the European Parliament information office in Valletta and the Gozo Ministry, have been working hard to prepare a memorable weekend of educational, social and cultural activities in the little Gozitan town, the centre of which will be bubbling with entertainment, as well as educational and cultural activities. Various local artistes will be among the participants, while Italian music icons Riccardo Fogli and Matia Bazar, will also be brought to Malta specifically for the occasion. Other activities that will be organised in Malta this weekend include a cake-cutting ceremony at Freedom Square in Valletta tomorrow. No less than 27 cakes, representing each of the EU member states, will be prepared for the event, which will be accompanied by a display of lights and fireworks. THE PAST 50 YEARS 1957: Building on the success of the European Coal and Steal Treaty – which was signed in Paris in 1951, entered into force in 1952 and expired in 2002 – France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg, signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957. 1963: The EU signed its first big international agreement – a deal to help 18 former colonies in Africa. By 2005, it had a special partnership with 78 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The EU is the world’s biggest provider of assistance to poorer countries. 1973: Britain, Denmark and Ireland join. 1979: EU citizens directly elected the members of the European Parliament for the first time. Previously they were delegated by national parliaments. MEPs now sit in pan-European political groups (Socialist, Conservative, Liberal, Greens, etc.) and not in national delegations. 1981: Greece joins. 1986: Portugal and Spain join, bringing membership to 12. 1990: Germany unified. 1992: The EU Treaty signed in Maastricht. It was a major milestone, setting clear rules for the future single currency, as well as for foreign security policy and closer cooperation in justice and home affairs. By way of the treaty, the European Community was officially replaced by the European Union. 1993: The single European market and its four freedoms established: free movement of goods, services, people and money. 1995: Austria, Finland and Sweden join. 1997: Signature of the Treaty of Amsterdam. It built on the achievements of the Treaty of Maastricht, laying down plans to reform EU institutions, to give Europe a stronger voice in the world and to concentrate more resources on employment and citizens’ rights. 1999: The euro was introduced in 11 countries for commercial and financial transactions only. Notes and coins were circulated for the first time in 2002. At present, eurozone countries are Belgium, Germany, Greece (joined in 2001), Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland and Slovenia (joined in 2007). Denmark, Sweden and Britain have decided to stay out for the time being. 2004: Eight central and eastern European countries join the EU together with two Mediterranean countries. The new member states are the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. 2005: French and Dutch voters reject the treaty establishing a European Constitution, following which EU leaders declared a “period of reflection”. 2007: Bulgaria and Romania join, bringing membership up to 27 states; Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey are also candidates for future membership. Slovenia joins the eurozone, while Malta and Cyprus await the go-ahead to join in January 2008.