Model European Parliament; 10 februari 2017

Transcription

1 1 Model European Parliament; 10 februari 2017 Welcome to Maastricht, the fourth city of Europe. And it is true that, after Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg, Maastricht is the most European city. That is why people sometimes refer to it as the smallest metropolis in Europe. It is also referred to as the balcony of Europe, given its central location within easy reach of Brussels, Paris, London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Perhaps you are wondering whether these splendid descriptions are the result of excessive chauvinism or smart public relations. But I can assure you they are not! Certainly when you remember that the European Union was created in this city. On the seventh of February nineteen ninety-two, representatives of the twelve governments of the then European Community signed the world-famous Maastricht Treaty in the Council Chamber of the Provincial Government Buildings. That resulted in the removal of European interior borders, the accession of new Member States and the introduction of the euro as a single currency. But you already know that of course. Because as the Model European Parliament, it s no accident that you are here. Your meeting is focusing on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty.

2 2 The Maastricht municipal authorities are therefore honoured to receive you as Europeans of the present and future. Those were exciting times: the ninth and tenth of December nineteen ninety-one. Because that was when the negotiations were held in the Provincial Government Buildings during the six-monthly European summit. The Treaty was officially signed two months later on the seventh of February nineteen ninety-two. At the time, the unification resulted in an unprecedented optimism. Needless to say, reservations were expressed, particularly regarding the introduction of the single currency. And there were, of course, eurosceptics. But the atmosphere was generally euphoric. Certainly with regard to aspects such as peace and security. Old enemies like Germany and France entered into close collaboration. That explained the euphoric response. And perhaps, looking back, we all made a big mistake in Europe. And when I say we all, I mean politicians, the public and the media.

3 We thought that this treaty was a conclusion, that matters had been settled for years to come. But the treaty was only the beginning. It was just a starting point and a great deal of effort would be needed to tie up the many loose ends. What we need to ask ourselves now is whether we carried out the required small and large-scale maintenance on time. The zeitgeist changed, but the European house received a brush-up only now and then. Politicians involved at the time now say that the creation of the EU in nineteen ninety-two was simply a political event. A symbol to show the world that Europe was changing course. But had that course been properly charted? Had it been properly thought out? No, that would happen only en route. But those who signed the unification treaty now say that nothing more was done. Or at least too little. And slowly but surely the giant European tanker began to drift. It is now two thousand and seventeen, and the European Union, which prompted so much optimism and positivism throughout Europe twenty-five years ago, is experiencing turbulent times. 3

4 4 Brexit, the refugee crisis, debts; one problem follows another. The question is whether the European Union is experiencing an existential crisis or a crisis of confidence. But there's no denying the fact that 'the great European experiment', as it was called twenty-five years ago, still exists. Peace in Europe in two thousand and seventeen is just as self-evident as the sun and the stars. And Europe is still the most prosperous part of the world. Let s not get dejected. However, we must not be blind to reality. The confidence of people in the power of European cooperation is melting faster that the ice cap at the North Pole. Optimism has vanished. It is therefore not a matter of whether the EU continues, it is a matter of how it continues. That is the major issue currently facing us in Europe. The re-arrangement of our European home; the creation of a new European sense of belonging. In order to try and solve that issue, we have organised a programme named Europe Calling! It is a dialogue about the Europe of the future. And that is also the aim of the Model European Parliament at this conference.

5 5 I have a great deal of respect for the efforts you are making for the future of Europe and the fact that you have come from thirty countries to Maastricht to engage in this dialogue. Do you realise just how important you are for Europe and the future of Europe? Do not underestimate your collective strength. The future of Europe will be determined not only in Brussels and the national capitals. It will be determined mainly by you: at schools and universities, in clubs and associations, at meetings, at festivals and during conferences like this one. The EU that was established twenty-five years ago this week in Maastricht is not a project rooted in the past, it is an ongoing project. It was established to guarantee peace and prosperity in Europe for the younger generations. It is good to know that you are pursuing that aim. Keep up that spirit. I thank you on behalf of all Europeans. I hope you have a very productive conference. And don t forget to take time to enjoy the European atmosphere in our city.