THE UNITED STATES OF EUROPE
Looking back on post-war Europe anno 2018, we can establish with reasonable objectivity that the member countries that make up the European Union, are doing well.
Unfortunately there is still a much too high degree of inequality and so there is still enough work to be done.
Thanks to the European Union, we have been free from wars and armed internal conflicts for many decades.
Thanks to the European Union, there is economic cooperation and exchange which has bore a lot of fruit.
Thanks to the European Union, we have open borders making it easy for every European to travel and trade without unnecessary checks and paperwork.
Thanks to the European Union, it is possible for everyone of the member countries to live, work and trade anywhere in Europe.
Thanks to the European Union, there is a Eurozone that makes it very easy for the associated countries to do business and pay without currency loss.
Thanks to the European Union, there is European legislation and judiciary available which applies to everyone.
Thanks to the European Union, there is an increasing high level of protection for citizens and businesses.
This way we can make an even longer list of achievements by the European Union.
” Thanks to the European Union, it is possible for everyone of the member countries to live, work and trade anywhere in Europe “
Of course nothing is perfect and the European Union certainly can not be called an ideal state, as far as we would like to create one.
Despite the still unfortunately large differences between the various member countries, it can also be said that it is still wonderful to live within the boundaries of the European Union.
Certainly if you compare it with the United States of America with a much greater degree of inequality, discrimination, exploitation of employees and violent riots in all shapes and forms, including terrorism and other types of attacks.
In Europe things are not that bad, even though there is still plenty to work on, such as in the area of security and immigration.
In the opinion of the writer of this op-ed piece the idea of a less Europe, less integration of the member countries in the European Union, is therefore a genuine possibility of a divisive element which will bring more misery than good.
It is better to strive together for more Europe for all member countries in all areas where this is more than desirable, to maintain peace, to promote prosperity for all, to achieve equality of rights and obligations and to ensure mutual solidarity.
This is possible, if the noses finally point in the same direction, in the areas of defense, foreign relations, the economy, health care, education, social affairs, security, development aid, etc..
This vision of a more instead of a less Europe is not unique and through a real step-by-step implementation it will unfortunately encounter a lot of resistance.
” Those who fully support Europe must continue to move forward on the path of more European Union for all “
Especially from the extreme left and right wing populists in the member countries, but also from those member countries which are more nostalgic for the glorification of the Soviet era with the associated form of dictatorship.
Countries such as Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and, to a lesser extent, Romania and Bulgaria, are very susceptible for this.
Yet we should not lean too far in our sympathies for these influences.
In fact, those who fully support Europe must continue to move forward on the path of more European Union for all.
It includes a guarantee for peace, security and prosperity.
Well, that takes money, a lot of money. But without total integration of the member countries, Europe is not strong enough for the (near) future.
Then Europe will remain a newborn, hardly viable child with all kinds of defects.
And of course there will be many people who feel threatened by this.
Gut feelings will certainly be played by all kinds of populists and others in the affiliated countries.
Undoubtedly, those populists and others will appeal to their own identity, their nationalistic feelings, the preservation of their own culture, norms and values, etc..
The story that every country can provide the best for its own people and interests will also begin to circulate.
They do not need other countries to do that.
Back to the old, safe and above all transparent past!
For the sake of convenience, it is easy to forget that the “old” was not, in fact not at all, so safe and certainly not transparant.
A citizen did not have the power and influence which he now has.
Own people, own country first, is not only outdated in this global world, but also literally life-threatening.
Moreover, an elected President of Europe with the necessary, also elected, specialized ministers, will be a guarantee for peace, more prosperity, more integration and a better preservation of national identities, cultures, norms and values.
A United States of Europe can also maintain their own national parliaments, including legislative, judicial and executive power, including the necessary institutions for integration and culture, such as the royal family, etc..
” To be open to others, to literally and figuratively shift the boundaries in a right way, is the performing of Christian stewardship in optima forma, including sharing together, joining together in a united diversity “
To convert the thoughts described above into an actual movement in that direction, it is of great importance that the inhabitants of the member countries in the European Union become more and more aware that we need each other very badly and that we do not just live for ourselves and our own interests.
In this, Christians and those who endorse Christian thinking to a greater or lesser extent, can be important catalysts.
Promoting more unity is an important Christian virtue, starting with Christians among themselves.
Remember that the origin of the Canon, created in the fourth century, is also the beginning of evident division and ultimately mutual bloodshed.
In their wisdom the literate scholars of the then above-ground church, declared letters and writings sacred and inspired, with suffering Christians as a religious consequence.
The law of the church became increasingly the determining factor and not the way of Christ Himself. The Spirit of Christ was taken prisoner and caged in commandments and prohibitions.
That is the fundamental error of the followers of Christ!
Christ showed us that to Him there is no difference towards others.
Sameritans, Jews, Zealots, Romans , Saduccees, Pharisees or anyone else, all were people to Him, whom He treated equally from wherever they came in the world at that time, including what they stood for and what they believed.
To be open to others, to literally and figuratively shift the boundaries in a right way, is the performing of Christian stewardship in optima forma, including sharing together, joining together in a united diversity.
United we stand, divided we fall.
The Spirit of Christ sets us free and also liberates people from nationalistic and cultural blindness.
Christ is the first real world citizen.
Release the grip and give Him space.
A good example to follow. Christians as Europeans will then be a good start!
