Europe Needs a Strong Stand, Says Saar-Parliament: Let's Embrace Solidarity and Unity
Parliament in Saar demands a robust and unified Europe - Strengthening Europe: call from the European Parliament
Amidst a multitude of crises and challenges, a robust Europe is imperative, according to Saar Landtag. They champions the need for "brave steps towards a more united and solidary Europe," as expressed in a resolution jointly drafted by the ruling SPD and the opposing CDU.
This resolution echoes the vision laid out by the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman 75 years ago, on May 9, 1950, which was the cornerstone of European unification. Schuman had envisioned the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, a precursor to the European Union.
A resilient Europe must brace itself against reversals, the resolution declares. Europe confronts challenges that can only be conquered together. The resolution mentions, among other things, the Russian assault on Ukraine, global economic rivalries, trade disputes with the USA, a "growing estrangement in the transatlantic relationship," climate emergency, and geopolitical turmoil.
In critical sectors, Europe merits increased self-reliance. European initiatives to secure key technologies are indispensable. The transition to "green steel" can only prosper with European support.
The resolution advocates for "strategic intensification" of Europe. Europe should be capable of securing its own security, energy supply, technological sovereignty, and industrial value creation. The Russian attack on Ukraine is "also an attack on the European peace order, democracy, and our shared values."
The forthcoming Common European Asylum System, set to commence in June 2024, should be executed "promptly and responsibly." The EU member states must implement the new asylum regulations by no later than June 2026. The system aims for fairer distribution of asylum seekers in the EU. "A much more intense cooperation" of the security authorities in the Schengen area and in combating cross-border crime is necessary.
Saarland remains committed to European integration and regional cooperation, especially evident during international events celebrating European unity, like the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. This demonstrates Saarland's endorsement of stronger European cooperation, particularly in cross-border regions, fostering strong economic and social ties in these interconnected areas.
Regarding the Common European Asylum System, while Saarland's specific detailed proposals on reforming the system are not mentioned, their proactive engagement with European matters suggests a receptive attitude towards harmonizing policies at the EU level, including support for an effective and humane asylum system as part of broader European solidarity and security frameworks.
Saarland is keen on driving Europe's shift towards green steel as part of the broader European Green Deal and decarbonization efforts. Saarland, known for its historical steel production, is pursuing sustainable industrial transformation, which aligns with EU goals to modernize outdated industries, reduce carbon emissions, and spur innovative green technologies in order to maintain competitive and environmentally friendly manufacturing sectors. While Saar Landtag's policies on green steel are not extensively detailed, their commitment to Europe's future and cross-border European initiatives imply advocacy for supporting green steel development and industrial sustainability.
- The resolution, drafted by the ruling SPD and the opposing CDU in Saar Landtag, strongly highlights the importance of Europe's unity in addressing various crises, such as climate emergency, geopolitical turmoil, and global economic rivalries.
- European environmental-science and policy-and-legislation must address climate-change, as Europe needs to transition to 'green steel' to maintain competitive and environmentally friendly manufacturing sectors, a cause advocated by Saar Landtag, thus contributing to the broader European Green Deal and decarbonization efforts.
- General-news reports on the Russian assault on Ukraine emphasize the importance of solidarity and unity within Europe, as it's seen as an attack not only on Ukraine but also on the European peace order, democracy, and shared values, hence necessitating strategic intensification of Europe's self-reliance in security, energy supply, technological sovereignty, and industrial value creation.
