Post photo: Refugee boat in the Mediterranean | © Pixabay
For a few weeks now, the more than tragic situation of the refugees who are trying to get to the European Union via the Mediterranean has been widely reported in the media and our European societies are also beginning to address this issue. In addition to "defensive reactions" from many parts of the population, there are repeated demonstrations of solidarity with the refugees and individual attempts to help.
In addition, many established "aid organizations" as well as politicians, recognizing their chance to strengthen their own position with this topic, are trying to make a profit on the backs of the drowning. The refugees get caught between the most diverse interests and must now hope to be among the lucky few who can escape this catastrophic situation alive.
Contrary to popular belief, the Mediterranean drama is neither new nor does it come as a surprise to all those responsible and interested. I am firmly convinced that our responsible politicians have deliberately brought about this situation for decades, and this according to the motto: "Once the cart has hit the wall, quick and cheap solutions are sufficient to help our own population in the face of the catastrophe to be able to wring a few concessions".
In view of the "time pressure" and "tragedy", those responsible are no longer required to offer well thought-out, sustainable and long-term solutions. Ultimately, this makes it a win-win situation for politicians and their voters. That is why we will also see a lot of "cosmetics" in the coming weeks and months, but only until other catastrophes cast a spell over the populations of the European Union.
As early as the 1950s, visionary politicians in Europe and beyond were aiming for the “United States of Europe” in order to achieve a better future for as many people as possible. They were already thinking one step ahead. Because the end of the World War also meant that the former European colonies in Africa were now on their own, not only had to struggle with European legacies, but also had to face global competition.
In view of this looming difficult situation and aware of Europe's responsibility, politicians such as Robert Schuman a “Eurafrica[1]”: in addition to the unification of Europe, the African nations should also come together and both communities should benefit from the advantages of the other in close cooperation with each other. This would have at least severely restricted migration movements, but they would definitely have made it possible to coordinate them.
With the revival of the nationalists, the unification process in Europe was slowed down, and on the other hand, Africa continued to be Europe's backyard and a cheap supplier of raw materials for the entire world. This strengthened the migratory pressure on Europe and some nations (e.g. France) already started planning larger reception camps within their country. National development aid programs were also started again and again, which admittedly had a mitigating effect on the worst catastrophes, but without ever combating the causes.
In the course of the further unification of Europe, the European Union was not only fortified, which now makes it almost impossible to flee to the EU legally, but the European-minded forces have also tried again and again since the 1970s at the latest , in order to at least find a viable solution to the migration movements.
This new pragmatic approach envisaged the formation of a “Mediterranean Union”. This idea was based on ancient experiences (Mare Nostrum) and the fact that you cannot control any body of water without the opposite coast. The strengthening of all Mediterranean countries should not only advance the respective countries economically, technologically and socially, but also prevent the Mediterranean from becoming a border that is difficult to control. The economic upswing that is to be expected for the whole of Africa will weaken migration movements and also lead to the immigration waves being able to be controlled as early as at the height of the Sahara.
Since the Arab Spring at the latest, it has unfortunately become clear that the nationalists in Europe will not support this approach either. And by now, at the latest, it had to be clear to everyone that the migratory movements would unstoppably roll towards Europe. The Mediterranean has thus turned from a holiday destination for Europeans into a death trap for those seeking help.
That's why I personally can only describe as scandalous the solution that is currently popular, using a few warships to fish a few refugees out of the Mediterranean and doing this as effectively as possible with the press.
Nevertheless, a few days ago I put together initial thoughts on the recently called for operation "Mare Europeaum" as a possible basis for discussion and I hope that our politicians will be able to provide the necessary funds and resources in the billions so that our European values do not join the African refugees in the Mediterranean lost.
————————————————————————–
[1] Robert Schuman: "For Europe" (2nd edition 2010: 104)
"Créer le navire ce n'est point tisser les toiles, forger les clous, lire les astres, mais bien donner le goût de la mer qui est un, et à la lumière duquel il n'est plus rien qui soit contradictoire mais communauté dans l'amour."
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Citadel (1948, LXXV)
