′The European Union Needs More Honesty′

Greece has been saved and the euro stabilized. Both undertakings were vital -- and the right thing to do. But the two packages -- the first worth €110 billion and the second valued at €750 billion -- have also spread a feeling of unease. Experts have voiced doubts as to the packages' efficiency, politicians have become pensive and the public is downright concerned. Indeed, some have even gone so far as to begin doubting the validity of the European project in its entirety.

But the crisis has presented us with an opportunity as well -- and it is one that politicians must not let pass them by. It is time for the European Union to be established anew -- we need a new foundation and a new justification. Otherwise, European integration, which has progressed so rapidly in recent years, could come to a screeching halt, or even be reversed. For far too long, the project has been in the hands of the elites and the diplomats -- the public has largely been shut out.

When the European Union was founded, Europeans were full of idealism and enthusiasm as they fought for a peaceful, united continent. What remains of this fascination? Not enough, unfortunately.

Siren Song of Pragmatism

In recent years, the European elite have failed to adequately explain Europe -- a major reason that many people are now losing their faith in the EU. Who, after all, still goes out of their way to expound on the importance of the single European market? Who gives voice to the tremendous advantages of the common currency? Who points out the necessity of cooperation in a globalized world?

Yet the evidence for all of those benefits is everywhere to be seen. Mid-sized companies know all-too-well just how important the euro is for their business models. Police value cross-border cooperation, particularly when it comes to battling organized crime. And governments across the EU know -- particularly after the debacle of the Copenhagen climate negotiations -- just how little clout they have on the international stage if they do not act as a bloc. The European Union has become indispensable for the solutions it offers to many of the most pressing problems of the day. And yet, many governments continue succumbing to the siren-song of pure pragmatism.

It isn't Europe that is in crisis. Rather, the problem is the way the elites are handling this unique, once-in-a-millennium project. Commonality, enthusiasm and far-reaching goals have all vanished from European Union summits. One wonders what observers are to think of meetings that are preceded by days of open bickering among governments; that result in last-minute compromises smacking of horse-trading; that produce gigantic bailout packages, the size of which are simply inconceivable.

Even leading members of European governments sometimes learn of the enormously consequential backroom deals from the media -- as happened in Germany following the €750 billion package to prop up the euro. Parliamentarians are forced to quickly agree to such deals, but they must also answer to their constituencies. It is a situation that is destined to lead to failure.

Vague European Patriotism

Critics of Europe, such as the German CSU politician Peter Gauweiler, are right on one point, namely when they demand that light be shed on the process leading to important European decisions. Parliaments are charged with performing checks and acting as a balance to the activities of government leaders, even when it comes to deals reached in Brussels. They can only fulfil that role if they are adequately informed.

But the current situation also presents a unique opportunity. Europe is in the news again. For the first time in a long time, people are engaging in a far-reaching debate on what the European Union stands for. Leaders need to take advantage of that fact. We need to create a new spirit of Europe based on a foundation of common values, lifestyles and accomplishments. Europe's unity has become normality for the continent's youth. Indeed, when travelling in distant lands, many even feel a kind of vague European patriotism.

Why then aren't we talking anymore about common aims like the creation of a European defense force; like the pursuit of a fair global economy; like the protection of the environment and the climate? Why do we forget the strengths that brought peace and prosperity to 500 million Europeans? Why have we forgotten so quickly that just a few short decades ago, nationalism transformed the entire continent into ash and rubble?

All too often, our discussions focus on the details of European bureaucracy with the outcomes swayed by national vanities and domestic political considerations. All too often, diplomatic reserve and misguided political correctness win out over clarity and necessity.

More Honesty

The ongoing EU accession negotiations with Turkey provide an example: No one has been upfront with Ankara that the country's accession to the EU would weaken the bloc as an union of shared values; that it would make the EU even less efficient; that it would dilute the EU and transform it into an alliance of mere economic convenience. Instead, despite the slow progress on reforms in Turkey, it is business as usual when it comes to the accession negotiations. Soon, it will no longer be possible to say "no" without triggering bitter disappointment.

The EU needs more honesty.

People in the EU will no longer accept Europe as a collective project if they can no longer identify the point or aims of such cooperation. They will lose interest if they are not adequately informed about the results of political decisions taken at the EU level.

Now is the time to change that. It is time to transform Europe from a project of the elite back into a project of the people.