Will the EU stay united and strong?
The Rome Summit marked the start of a serious debate on the future of the Union
Ştefan Stoica, 27.03.2017, 16:43
The EU leaders, gathered in Rome at the weekend to mark the 60th anniversary of the Union, adopted a joint declaration renewing their commitment to a stronger, more resilient Union, capable of facing challenges. According to pundits, it was a call for unity and solidarity, so that all EU citizens may feel positive changes in their lives as soon as possible and regain confidence in the future of the Union. Such a commitment was needed against the backdrop of uncertainties related to Brexit and the seemingly poor capacity of the EU institutions and political leaders to manage such crises as migration, terrorism and development gaps.
The host of the anniversary summit, the Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni, believes that the declaration is a step forward taken by the Union and the starting point for future reforms. In his opinion, the shared values and common objectives were confirmed at the summit, just like the unity of the member states and the importance of going ahead with improved forms of cooperation, when necessary and possible. The 27 heads of state and government were also received by Pope Francis, who drew attention to the fact that Europe was faced with a “vacuum of values” and condemned anti-migration populism and extremism. Earlier mentioned as a possible new paradigm and regarded with skepticism mainly by the eastern countries, the phrase “a multi-speed Europe” has disappeared from the text of the Rome declaration.
Romanias President, Klaus Iohannis: “If we had accepted a two-speed Europe, sooner or later the lower speed would have appeared in the East and, at that moment, some of the East Europeans deep fears would have re-emerged, like the fear of being left behind. We mustnt let the Union reach that point at which the Europeans, instead of being optimistic and confident, start fearing the European project”
Later on, at a meeting hosted by “Accademia di Romania” in the Italian capital city, President Iohannis enlarged on issues relating to the Rome summit. He said that the European Union should stay united and strong, also allowing other countries to join and embrace the principles of the community. The Romanian president is optimistic and says the European project can re-gain its credibility, but only as a whole and not divided into small groups or concentric circles. Klaus Iohannis has reiterated Romanias objective, that of being part of a strong and coherent Union.
Klaus Iohannis: “I think we should communicate better and more often about what the EU means to the people. We should bring to the forefront the advantage of belonging to this big European family, an advantage that is often ignored and taken for granted.”
Fresh from the Rome Summit, Romanias President announced he would invite Romanian politicians to talks on the future of Europe.
