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Introduction
‘Enlargement presents an historic opportunity and an unprecedented political and economic challenge for the ever-evolving institutions of the European Union’.
This statement by Gunter Verheugen ‘EU commissioner for enlargement’ is not yet shared by all people in Europe. Only 1 out of 5 EU-citizens believes that the EU should be open to all candidate countries. Citizens of the candidate countries are in majority enthusiastic about joining the EU, but their support is partly based on unrealistic expectations about short term substantial economic benefits of accession to the EU. Some disappointment after accession can probably not be avoided.
In this contribution, I will present some first thoughts about what can be done by NGO’s and governments to ensure that citizens in the EU will be more likely to welcome their fellow Europeans and to ensure that citizens in candidate countries will keep their enthusiasm for Europe when economic progress is not achieved overnight. My underlying assumption is that enlargement contributes to a more prosperous Europe without new borders.
The mood in EU-countries
There is a wave of enthusiasm for Europe after the introduction of the euro. Many people collect euro coins from different countries and those returning from holiday are pleased to have noticed that prices are easy to compare and changing money is no longer necessary. Polls in January 2002 in non-participating countries like the UK and Denmark showed a majority of people in favour of the euro.
However, this positive wave will disappear when people will get used to the euro and will see that the impact on the economy and their purchasing power is at most limited. The main economic weekly in the Netherlands concluded in the beginning of February that the euro will not equalize all price differences in Europe, that it will not necessarily lead to political unification and that it will never beat the dollar (in the sense of becoming the world’s most dominant currency).
Hence, it is not realistic to assume that the very fact that we have one currency now, is sufficient to increase support for enlargement of the EU. In 2001, the enthusiasm for enlargement was still only weak in the EU. Although more people are in favour of enlargement than against it (43% versus 35%, all percentages are taken from the Eurobarometers published by EC), it is not a good sign that in big countries as Germany and France more people are against than in favour of enlargement. Giving more detailed options, 21% of EU citizens think that the EU should be open to all candidate countries and 44% would only allow some of them.
The critical mood also exists when it comes to the internal functioning of and confidence in the EU. Many people tend not to trust the EU (40% versus 41% who trust the EU) with considerable suspicion in countries like UK, Germany, Sweden and Denmark (trust in the EU in these countries ranges between 20% and 31%). Of the citizens 46% fears the loss of national identity and culture. Interest in European politics and awareness of European institutions is low, despite all efforts to inform the public. It is no surprise that turn-out for elections of the European parliament is in most cases (even) lower than for national parliaments and local governments.
Concluding, despite the success of the euro introduction, the mood in the EU-countries with respect to enlargement and the functioning of the EU is rather critical and to some extent even indifferent.
The mood in candidate countries
Citizens of candidate countries are as yet more positive and even share the wave of enthusiasm for the euro. In many of the countries, the euro can already be used for some payments (at least in the tourist sector). When asked what the EU will have brought about in ten year’s time, 61% of citizens in candidate countries mention the use of the euro as a single currency. Support for enlargement is still substantial. Of the citizens, 59% considers membership a good thing and only 10% regards it as a bad thing.
As to confidence and trust in the EU, the 2002 Applicant Countries Eurobarometer shows that 62% of citizens of candidate countries trust the European Union. That is higher than the level of trust found among EU citizens (41%). People in candidate countries are also more inclined to be ‘very or fairly proud to be European (66% versus 62%). Of course, they have also their national pride (86% are very/fairly proud of their nationality), but that does not prevent high levels of European pride. Moreover, this positive mood in the candidate countries is obtained even before accession has taken place and with a relatively low level of knowledge about the EU and its institutions.
However, looking a bit deeper, the figures also show that the positive mood is strongly based on economic expectations. When asked what the candidates expect from the EU in ten years time, people hardly mention social and cultural factors. Freedom and economic prosperity is what really counts. The freedom to work, study and live within Europe is mentioned by 70%. The use of the euro is mentioned by 61%, followed by quality of life (57%) and more opportunities to work (43%).
Hence, the real danger is that the positive feeling about Europe and the EU will decrease after accession has taken place. Economic prosperity is not achieved overnight. The freedom to travel in Europe is still restricted to the happy few who can afford it and labour mobility is hampered by language problems and labour market rigidities. For most candidate countries, the introduction of the euro will not be feasible (and/or useful) in the first years after accession. It is possible to conclude already now that what citizens from candidate countries expect from the EU in ten years time will not be (completely) fulfilled.
Lessons from the US
With a rather gloomy mood in the present EU member states and the expected more negative mood after accession in the candidate countries, it is necessary to find ways to revive the European spirit in the coming years. To my opinion, the EU should use its strongest advantage – that it is European – more often. It should do this, rather than focus on the political and economic challenges. These challenges are important, but can only be realised in the long run. What now counts is the European feeling ; pointing out all ties, roots and common values we already have in Europe.
The best example of such a national feeling can be found in the United States, a country that is also large and made up by the different states (with which US citizens identify themselves first of all). So, what makes an American feel American, as most are proud of it. A recent survey in Wisconsin (by the University of Wisconsin survey center) showed that over 80% of people is extremely proud to be American. Without being able to precisely indicate what is behind this feeling, the answer can probably be found in the cultural elements that Americans share. Citizens from the US share a common language, a common currency, the history (European roots, going west, civil war), the flague, fast food, sports and entertainment with fellow Americans. And although sometimes over the top, the US is one of the few large countries that understands the importance of cherishing the national symbols and heritage.
The FLESH of Europe
Is there also something like a shared European identity that makes us feel European ? The Eurobarometer shows that some 49% of EU-citizens slightly or completely disagree. Perhaps they deny, because the examples are too obvious. With the example of the US in mind, I will briefly and with some modesty discuss five aspects (but there are more). They symbolise the European ‘FLESH on the bone’ and can be used to show that the candidate countries are partners in Europe.
Food : Where Americans are famous for their fast food and Kentucky Fried Chicken, Europeans also have so much (more) to offer. Italian, French, Greek and Spanish restaurants can be found all over Europe (and the world), while also the smaller countries have a surprisingly wide range of specialities. The candidate countries promise to add to the already rich variety with for example Balkan grill, Hungarian salami, Polish wodka and Bulgarian wine. Language and literature : The variety of Europe is also reflected in the many languages and rich literature. The fact that there are so many different languages in Europe may perhaps be one of the most serious obstacles for real integration and labour mobility, but it also has much to offer and there are many common roots here as well. Franz Kafka en György Konrad are well-known in Western Europe. Famous Russian writers such as Dostojevski are also part of the European literature. Entertainment/culture : Europeans do not only share the Eurovision Songfestival to entertain themselves. Performances of classical music, opera and ballet by famous European composers can be found in EU and candidate countries alike. The old European cities have much to offer for the visitor. Already before enlargement, many people have come to admire the splendour of Budapest and Prague. Sports : Sport and in particular football is one of the most powerful engines for European integration (when not spoilt by hooliganism). There are numerous European competitions and there is no better example of labour mobility than in sports. And who does not remember Hristo Stoickov and Gheorghe Hagi ? History : The Greeks and the Romans had an impact on all or almost all European countries. After that, many historic events took place on a European rather than national scale. The common history of Europe still determines to a large extent our shared roots, culture and values.
What to do next ?
In order to avoid disappointment among new member states of the EU and to renew enthusiasm among the old member states, we (EC, governments and ngo’s) should try to focus more on promoting Europe and its common culture. Knowledge of European food, literature, entertainment, sports and history is already widespread and should be promoted in an integrated way in order to make new and existing European citizens more aware of their common roots. Information about the literature, history and cuisine of the new member states should be included in the regular curriculum in schools in present EU-member states. Initiatives such as ‘European Schoolnet’ (www.eun.org) can also be very instrumental in making young people more European than their parents. Other examples are more European television programmes, an EU newspaper, more initiatives in the field of University education (perhaps initiated by the newly elected European Student Council) etc.
At the same time, the European Union has the challenge to take away the elements that has made so many people sceptic about a European government and that has even affected the level of trust and confidence in Europe as a whole. Enlargement without reorganisation of the EU’s internal structures will not work. Solutions have to be found soon for the perceived lack of democracy and the unjust common agricultural policy. Of course, there is some hope that the European convention now taking place (and with participation of the candidate countries) will lead to concrete improvements in the functioning of the EU. Perhaps then the pride to be European will also extend to the realm of politics.
(This article is based on personal views only)
