Yesterday, most member nations of the European Union went to the polls to elect Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), following four other nations that had voted late last week. Normally, these elections every five years are something of a snoozefest — this election, however, comes at a critical juncture for Europe as it faces a series of threats. We can only hope that voters across Europe chose wisely, electing a parliament that can tackle with unity the issues facing the EU.
Alarmingly, across Europe, far right parties seem to have garnered support for their anti-Europe platforms, preferring to roll back the clock in favour of their particular brands of fervent nationalism that are counter to the very notion of a united Europe. And let us not forget that the pan-European movement grew out of the ruins of the Second World War, a calamity that occurred because of extremist right-wing political thinking.
The EU has survived its debt crisis, with four member nations having to be bailed out by the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and EU states. The euro has survived, and MEPs must ensure that the currency is strengthened by measures that allow the European Central Bank to issue Eurobonds. They must also not let up in providing tough oversight and regulatory conditions for financial institutions across Europe.
Together, the MEPs need to tackle stubborn unemployment figures, particularly in the Mediterranean economies and in the under-25 age bracket. This stagnation needs to be resolved through innovative apprentice and retraining programmes where new skills can be taught to match changing needs of companies.
To parties such as France’s National Front or the United Kingdom Independence Party, there must be a realisation that Europe is greater than their individual political agendas, that open borders are here to stay, that the free movement of labour is a principle to be enjoyed by all, and that all nations and peoples in Europe are equal, regardless of their creed or ethnic origin. And there can be no turning back the clock to national policies that discriminate against foreign workers. Some are not more equal than others.
