It’s not just the currency of Europe that is in crisis; it’s its soul, the lack of a sense of common destiny. Moving towards “more Europe” could help the continent emerge from the crisis. But first, Europeans need to be created!
How is this possible? The European history of the last fifty years is generally described as a step-by-step progression towards a common future.
Europeans have prospered in an increasingly common market within a framework of peace and democracy, social protection around a unifying symbol, the euro.
But today, Europe demands sacrifices and solidarity, and it finds itself in decline.
Opinion leaders agree that the continent could benefit from greater political unity, as globalization is organized around continental blocs.
This is why Europe must find a new idea, a new vision, a cement for the future.
How to develop emotional ties with Europe?
This could be implemented by instituting a European civic education program in schools; emphasizing the learning of foreign languages; improving exchange programs; encouraging mobility; harmonizing tax, pension, and health regimes; electing European representatives who are directly accountable to their voters; ensuring equal treatment of foreign workers and immigrants.
This gives food for thought.
So what to do? First, have a vision that goes beyond the next elections and the next economic upheaval.
And then encourage the creation of a common European public and cultural space; offer a horizon to the peoples of Europe, encourage them to dream of forming just one people, achieving the spiritual unity of the continent articulated around its diversity.
