A Call for United Europe: Following the Legacy of Robert Schuman
Strengthening Europe is Imperative, says Saar Parliament - Strengthening Europe: Mandate from the European Parliament
Times are tough, and Europe needs to be tougher, according to Saarland's parliament, the Landtag. They're calling for bold moves toward stronger European unity and solidarity, as outlined in a joint resolution submitted by the ruling SPD and the opposition CDU.
This resolution echoes the words of the legendary French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, who declared 75 years ago on May 9, 1950, the foundation for European unification. Schuman's proposal, the establishment of a European Coal and Steel Community, eventually morphed into the European Union we know today.
Europe must stand tall against adversity. Europe faces challenges that can only be overcome together. The resolution highlights several pressing issues, such as the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, global economic competition, the trade spat with the USA, a deteriorating transatlantic relationship, and the climate crisis.
Europe needs to become more resilient in crucial areas. European initiatives are needed to secure key technologies. The shift towards green steel requires European backing for success.
The resolution advocates for a more robust and fortified Europe. Europe should have the means to ensure security, energy supply, technological sovereignty, and industrial value creation independently. The Russian attack on Ukraine isn't just an assault on Ukraine; it's a direct threat to the European peace order, democracy, and our shared values.
The Common European Asylum System, set to take effect in June 2024, must be implemented promptly and responsibly. EU states must have implemented the new asylum regulations by no later than June 2026. The system aims for a fairer distribution of asylum seekers across the EU. Increased collaboration among the security authorities in the Schengen area and in fighting cross-border crime is essential.
Robert Schuman's Declaration, back in 1950, laid the groundwork for a unified Europe. By proposing the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, Schuman sought to intertwine the economies and foster peace within European nations, making war between them "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible."
The European Parliament, Saarbrücken, Saarland, Ukraine, EU, SPD, CDU—these are the players in this ongoing game of shaping the future of our continent. The challenges we face today serve as a testament to the timelessness of Schuman's vision. Let's continue to build the Europe he envisioned.
- The Landtag of Saarland, in the heart of Europe, has called for a united and bold Europe, advocating strengthening European unity and solidarity, as articulated in a joint resolution by the ruling SPD and the opposition CDU.
- The resolution, reminiscent of Robert Schuman's legacy, proposes the need for a more resilient Europe, emphasizing the importance of securing key technologies, especially in the shift towards green steel, to ensure success.
- In line with Schuman's vision, the Common European Asylum System, set to be implemented in June 2024, should be implemented responsibly, with EU states implementing the new asylum regulations by no later than June 2026, for a fairer distribution of asylum seekers across the EU.
- Increased collaboration among the security authorities in the Schengen area and in fighting cross-border crime, essential for ensuring the safety and security of the continent, is crucial in facing the challenges of the current political landscape.
