European Identity - Individual, Group and Society - HumanitarianNet

WHAT WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY EUROPE 45ends up being mere formulism. In this respect, it is advisable to insist thatit is not only Community institutions that have power. We are verymuch aware that there is no shortfall in angry reactions to what areconsidered impositions from Brussels. By the same token measures thatare not satisfactory are called into question, or else, and this is serious,a broad demobilization takes place, running contrary to a committedparticipation in Community issues.The condition of the European citizen presupposes, as we have seen,becoming involved in the task of promoting “conscious Europeanism” towhich we aspire and whose scope goes beyond the interests of the EU inorder to cover the interests of a world in constant and growing conflict.It is not our intention to detail the “worldwide systemic problems [thatexist and go hand-in-hand with] a moral gap.” 20 However, we wish to atleast attempt to point out how the existence of unfair inequalities callsfor new rules of exchange and a genuine cooperation in world trade;how multiculturalism encourages respect on an equal footing with otherideas, other customs, “in the framework of the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights […], and with the pros and the cons of a new situation” 21 ,and in the context of a religious pluralism implying “a culture of dialogueand of peace-building; of recognition of specificity and the wealth ofeach and every religious tradition [in which] theological exchanges delveinto their own spiritual traditions.” 22When Nicole Fontaine still held the post of President of the EuropeanParliament, she supported what is now one of the Community’s mostsolid aspirations: how the Union, in the space of few years, must become“the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in theworld, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and betterjobs and with a greater social cohesion.” 23It is advisable to remember that such a situation must take place atthe heart of an enlarged Europe, one that shows solidarity vis-à-vis thenew members from Central and Eastern Europe, the great Europe that“finds its raison d’être in the two major objectives that the foundingFathers assigned to European construction: peace and prosperity.Expanding the EU means expanding their objectives to those countriesnot only for reasons of solidarity but also on account of realpolitik. […]20Held, D. (2002): “La globalización tras el 11 de septiembre”, en El País, 8 julio.21Miret Magdalena, E. (2002): “El reto de la inmigración islámica”, en El País, 9julio.22See editorial: “Pluralismo religioso” in Novamerica, no. 93, the magazinepublished in Brazil.23Editorial of the journal: “Europa a debate”, no. 1/2001.