Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

European Union's golden anniversary

By Ioan Voicu - posted Friday, 30 March 2007


Germany, as current holder of the EU presidency, suggested that a re-negotiated TCE would have to be agreed upon by the end of 2007 or the beginning of 2008, so there would be enough time to ratify it in 2009. Irrespective of the acceptance of such a calendar, a roadmap for further EU institutional reform is a vital necessity in order to adapt it to its new dimensions and the formidable challenges of the irreversible process of globalisation.

Moderate Optimism

Even if the TCE's rejection in two countries led to a diplomatic setback, the EU members might learn valuable lessons from Asean's diplomacy according to which co-operation and decision-making should move forward at a pace comfortable to all participants, without artificial celerity. An authentic consensus is needed to open the way for relevant decisions on how to further improve the function of the EU.

The establishment over the years of official relations between EU with Asean, the African Union, the Organisation of American States, and with many countries, including the USA, China, India, Japan, Russia and Australia, illustrates the universal significance and impact of decisions taken in Rome in March 1957. The European Commission is represented by permanent delegations in 130 countries in all continents (excepting Antarctica), as well as at five international organisations, making it the fourth largest diplomatic service in the world, and epitomising a remarkable new reality in a world of traditional state-centric diplomacy.

Advertisement

The EU works with all United Nations (UN) agencies across virtually the entire spectrum of UN activities, from development policy and peacebuilding, to humanitarian assistance, environment, human rights, culture and fighting terrorism. The EU is the largest financial contributor to the UN system and a strong promoter of effective multilateralism. In 2005 alone, the UN-EU co-operation extended to over 80 developing countries and countries in transition.

Beyond any uncertainty about the future of the TCE, the EU members have voluntarily entered into a intense relationship of mutual dependency more profound than in any international organisation. Collectively, they are determined to ensure a level of prosperity and stability previously unknown on their continent.

The EU is already a prestigious global trading power and an influential factor in world politics. More significantly, it is a community of shared values promoting all fundamental human rights, defending a way of life and a social model without precedent in history. It develops an active co-operation and solidarity, the rule of law and equal rights and obligations for European citizens.

The EU has a well acknowledged reputation for advocating peace, a viable future for our planet, sustainable development, environmental and climate protection. It is now preparing a dynamic partnership with a younger sister - Asean - which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in August 2007.

Meanwhile, the 27 EU members have to look ahead to the next 50 years, to reflect both on their main achievements and failures, while mobilising their efforts around core priorities. Their conclusions are summarised in the Berlin Declaration which is equally a celebratory and visionary document addressing five top European values: solidarity, sustainability, accountability, security and promotion of Europe's values in the world, a task which has never been more topical than today. There will be considerable work for many European generations to give tangibility to these values and make the EU a true success story.

The Berlin Declaration brings additional evidence that the impasse over the TCE cannot push the EU off course. It will continue to be an open and dynamic institution. ''Unity in diversity'' is the permanent motto for the EU. It contains a crucial commitment for the future. It is politically fortified by the assessment that the EU's majority consider that by its spirit the TCE responds to their expectations by showing the way towards a more democratic, more transparent, more efficient and stronger Europe on the world arena. The TCE is not dead. In diplomacy, pessimism is not an option, while moderate optimism is a force multiplier to be re-asserted by a vibrant EU.

Advertisement

The EU's positive balance strengthens the hope that beyond all temporary obstacles this original entity will fulfill its historic mission and will enjoy a universally recognisable political identity.

Asian countries may contribute to it by shaping with the EU a robust intercontinental partnership capable of giving new functional dimensions to the present world order. European and Asian countries are able to conduct complex negotiations leading to a win-win situation. They should further enhance the visibility of their dialogue and partnership. Credibility always demands visibility. The EU is already a winning project. Its 50th anniversary offers invigorating political energy and convincing evidence of its undisputable maturity.

The rest is destiny.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All

First published in the Bangkok Post on March 25, 2007.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

1 post so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dr Ioan Voicu is a Visiting Professor at Assumption University in Bangkok

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Ioan Voicu

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Ioan Voicu
Article Tools
Comment 1 comment
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy