Post photo: Dutch Parliament | © Pixabay
The process of European unification was successfully launched more than 70 years ago by private initiatives by committed Europeans. The path led to the founding of the Council of Europe (1949) with the European Court of Human Rights (1959), further via the Montan Union (1951), Euratom (1957), EEC (1957), EG (1993) to the European Union (2006 ). In 1979 we were also able to directly elect the first members of the European Parliament, which had been created in 1952. Since the Treaty of Lisbon came into force in 2009, our representatives have been able to exert more and more influence on national governments and the European Commission and thus continue to shape our common future in a democratically legitimized manner. Our idea of the "United States of Europe" (1946) - an economically strong and politically independent, democratic and federative peace Europe is not outdated despite all prophecies of doom and existing problems up to very great challenges!
Significant goals have seldom been achieved in a short period of time. There are always challenges or even setbacks to overcome. And if you already involve more than 500 million people with their respective characteristics and interests in the achievement of goals, you can confidently speak of a Herculean task.
Due to the current financial crisis in Europe and the surprising complaints about European ideals from our southern neighbors and the associated or emerging conflicts, it is not easy these days to find the necessary political understanding among our fellow citizens or even among less informed politicians, to further advance the European idea.
Despite this, we, professing Europeans, are sticking to the European project for that very reason – or to put it more precisely. The alternative would be decay, destruction and the demise of our European civilization. No society in Europe would survive a second "1945" and the effects on the entire world would be unpredictable.
That is why we are all called upon more than ever to push ahead with the European unification process and to face all crises together - Europe and its citizens will emerge stronger.
The Heilbronn district association of the EUROPA-UNION Germany will therefore continue to provide information about our Europe, its people and institutions. With our information and education offers as well as the offer to exchange ideas with other Europeans, we want to do our part to ensure that the "United States of Europe" can become a reality.
We are organizing this year's meeting point Europe for the 22nd time together with the city of Heilbronn, Europe-oriented associations and partner cities on Kiliansplatz in Heilbronn. This year we would like to show all Heilbronners and their guests that one can live, work and celebrate together peacefully and for the benefit of all.
We, avowed Europeans, call on our politicians, especially in times of economic and global difficulties, to meet these challenges with well thought-out and coordinated solutions and also to review existing laws and treaties in this regard and adapt them if necessary.
The Heilbronn District Association will continue to accompany the European unification process, promote it and do its part to ensure that future generations can also develop as best as possible in a free Europe.
To this end, we call for further educational efforts and initiatives, because we are like Pierre Bertaux firmly convinced of the following: “You are not European by birth, you become one through education.”
editorial Note: In the original version I had mistakenly way Robert Schuman a quote attributed, but which by Pierre Bertaux (Mutation of humanity 1963: 166, “You are not European by birth, but you become one through education.”)
"Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't."
Pete Seeger, in the The Washington Post (January 28, 2014)
