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EDITORIAL “HAVE A BITE? IT IS NOT FOR YOU, IT IS FOR SNOW WHITE. WHEN SHE BREAKS THE TENDER PEEL, TO TASTE THE APPLE IN MY HAND, HER BREATH WILL STILL, HER BLOOD CONGEAL, THEN I WILL BE FAIREST IN MY LAND!”
HISTORY OF THE EU EUROPE DAY VOTE! DEAR DIARY EU INSTITUTIONS FROM PROPOSAL TO LAW FROM IDEA TO PROPOSAL 751 FAIRE LA BOUM EN EUROPE CROSSING BORDERS
1951 THE TREATY OF PARIS
The European Coal and Steel (ECSC) was created with this treaty. It was ratified by Belgium, France, Italy, and Luxembourg and by Netherlands, and was terminated in 2002. This treaty created a common policy on the production and consumption of coal and steel for the states involved. It was the first international cooperation that tried to bring European countries together.
THE SCHENGEN AGREEMENT 1985
This treaty was signed on the 14th of June 1985 by five of the ten Member States the EEC consisted of near the town of Schengen, in Luxembourg. The treaty would gradually bring border checks at the signatories’ common borders to a halt and is still seen to be responsible for free movement we enjoy nowadays.
1957 THE TREATY OF ROME
This treaty was signed on the 25th of March 1957 by Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg. This international agreement founded the European Economic Community (EEC). The treaty became effective on the 1st of January 1958. Moreover, the treaty created the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), helped stabilise Member States’ economies and improved living standards.
During the London and Paris Conferences representatives discussed the full sovereignty of West Germany, ending its occupation there and its admittance to NATO. Moreover, West Germany and Italy joined the Brussels Treaty, which was signed in 1948. The countries that ratified the modified treaty were France, the United-Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, West Germany, Italy, Canada and United States of America.
The Merger Treaty created one institutional infrastructure by combining the ECSC, the EEC and the Euratom
THE MERGER TREATY 1965
THE MODIFIED BRUSSELS TREATY 1954
IRAZ'S EUTOPIA We are not just another brick in the wall
In my EUtopia, we would all be heard. Community would not lose its trust in the European Union (EU) year by year. Mem by its government, as the foremost purpose of the EU is to include society in decision making. Furthermore, people would has taken. In order to achieve this, conferences would be held, lectures would be given and all forms of media would be us pean Citizens Initiative’s would make more legislative proposals to the European Commission. A person would no longer n more people would share their projects and resulting in a more democratic EU. Additionally, the EU would employ staff fr Council in their field of work. Consequently, decisions would be taken more rationally. Finally, every Member State would same opportunities. Our Member States should not be just another brick in the wall. They should be unique and necessary
EU
HISTORY
THE TREATY OF NICE 2001
The cooperation between Member States gained a social dimension in the Treaty of Nice. It amended the treaties of Maastricht and Rome. Furthermore, it reformed the institutional structure of the European Union, which was something the Treaty of Amsterdam had failed to do. Member States also discussed the conditions of becoming a member of the EU. In the Maastricht Treaty, a political and economic union with a single currency was created in Europe. The union was called the European (EU) and the currency the ‘euro’. Furthermore, all EU citizens gained the right to free movement throughout the EU.
1992 THE MAASTRICHT TREATY
The Amsterdam Treaty made amendments to the Treaty of Maastricht and was accepted on the 1st of May 1999. Its goal was to improve the efficiency of European institutions and treaties. With this treaty, Europe became an area of liberty, security and justice. An international tribunal that would judge Member States was established.
THE TREATY OF AMSTERDAM 1997 The Single European Act (SEA) was the first major revision of the Treaty of Rome. Twelve countries ratified the SEA: Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, United-Kingdom, Greece, Spain and Portugal. The main objectives of the treaty were creating a European single market and political cooperation.
1986 THE SINGLE EUROPEAN ACT
The Treaty of Lisbon, otherwise known as the Reform Treaty, is an international agreement that amended two treaties, which had formed the constitutional basis of the European Union (EU). The goal of the treaty was to redefine the articles of every other treaty, so they would meet the standards of the 21st century. The treaty, most notably, led to a stronger European Parliament.
THE TREATY OF LISBON 2007
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA LEBRUN
mbers of the European Commission (EC) would be elected by its citizens and not d be informed and be aware of the reasoning behind decisions that European Council sed so that decisions and regulations can be implemented effectively. Moreover, the Euroneed a million EU citizens from at least seven different countries in order to do so. Thus, rom different working backgrounds that would attend and observe meetings of the European d have an equal vote in the Council of Ministers and therefore, all Member States will have the y elements of an unbreakable and extraordinary wall, bounded tightly by a united EU.
EUROPE DAY Every year we celebrate Europe Day on the 9th of May. On this day, almost 54 years ago, a historical speech was made by Robert Schumann, the at the time French foreign affairs minister. In his speech, he proposed the establishment of a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which would lay down the foundations for the EU as we know it today. He pleaded for increased solidarity between countries in order to create a merged Europe in the long run. He was convinced that this could only lead to peace, an increase in production, economical cooperation and thus, higher living conditions for all Europeans. It was on the 9th of May 1950, that important steps were incidentally taken towards the creation of the EU.
asing gradually, it is even more important to have an occasion that reminds society about the advantages that the EU has provided us with. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity to make people aware of the ideals we, as European, share in order to increase a feeling of solidarity within Europe
The celebrations of Europe Day take various forms throughout the EU. In Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg, the EU institutions open its doors to its citizens. Moreover, local EU offices organise various activities and events for its citizens. However, this day is not celebrated as enthusiastically as it could be. Activities should be more attractive and more thought trough. Nowadays, we still celebrate this declaration, Hopefully, we will one day willingly and as it is a moment that should be remembe- enthusiastically attend these celebrations. red. As the citizens’ trust in the EU is decre-
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Nowadays, the European Union (EU) mainly focusses on kee on to create the EU in the first place, it does not come to much I would like to see Member States not only being economically, ments should contribute to this shift, instead of solely keeping their respe Part of the responsibility rests upon the citizens with educational opportunities abroad. The school- and grading systems sho both pro mote the scholarships the EU already has to offer and create new When youngsters study abroad they meet people from different nationalities with diff might have thought. Moreover, our youth would see that small cultural differences we do
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: ANNE LAINE
VOTE!
The European elections on May 25th are coming up. This is the moment when every citizen will have the opportunity to express his or her opinion by voting. The elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are the legislative power of the European Union (EU), which means they are able to pass European laws. However, European citizens do not always take interest in these elections, especially in France where the European elections are poorly covered by the media. It is time to realise how important Europe is. It has power over the matters that are constantly influencing our lives. Why should you vote? Because the elected MEPs will decide a big part of our future. Furthermore, the radical rise of the right wing parties in several countries of the European Union (EU) is a wake-up call for European citizens to engage in political affairs. Today, the economic crisis is influencing the political system. Having Member States cooperate is a difficult task, as each country has its own interests. Although, Member States disagree on a various number of subjects, the vote of European citizens is reflected in the composition of the European Parliament (EP), and therefore, the outcomes are product of the European public opinion. Moreover, there is a daily overflow in the media of EU issues, such as the economic crisis spreading in the southern Member States or the high unemployment rate. These issues are another motivation to vote. The European Union can impose legislation that is equal in all 28 Member States and its power lies in the action 503 million people will make on May 25th. The economic and political context should encourage voting at the European elections. Moreover, it is the right and responsibility of each European citizen to express their personal opinion, as the EU can only then properly represent its citizens. Finally, the European elections are an opportunity to improve the coordination between Member States and to reinforce a European identity.
MIRJAM'S EUTOPIA
eping our economy as strong as possible. When realising that this was actually the motivatiof a surprise. Nevertheless, when I picture my perfect EU, I want the EU to go beyond mere economics. but also culturally connected. European citizens should feel European and their national governective national interests in mind. This would create a stronger sense of solidarity between Member States. as well. Their mindset needs to change and the easiest way to do so is by providing the youth ould be less diverse, which would make it easier to study abroad. To encourage this we should w ones, keeping in mind that six out of ten students decide not to study abroad due to a lack of funds. ferent cultural backgrounds. They would realise that their cultures do not differ as much from each other as they have are something to be proud of. This would help us become a real union of people, instead of a union of wallets.
dear 6:00 Dear diary, I just woke up. It is Wednesday and I wanted to stay in my Swedish bed for a bit longer, until my mother started shouting “Hurry up, you are already late for school!”. Please let me sleep, I thought, while my French mattress was crying “No, do not leave me…”. The choice was difficult: my mother or my bed. I decided to choose for my mother. 6:20 Maybe a shower will wake me up. My shampoo, made in London, is so perfect. It makes my hair beautiful and smell of strawberries. Delicious! Also, my grandmother brought me a magic cream from Poland, which makes my skin golden. Now I’ll just put on a bit of make up, from London, once again and I will look beautiful. 6:50 I do not have much to wear. I chose to wear my favourite jeans from Portugal and a simple t-shirt that was made in Romania, after long consi-
deration. I left the house after putting my books in my school bag. It was orginally made in Italy, but I bought it in Barcelona, Spain. 7:00 I am hungry. Some chocolate cereal from Finland accompanied by French milk and I am ready to go to school. 7:15 “Is the bus that is currently taking me to school made in a EU country?”, I thought while listening to a One Direction song, which also happens to be European music! 8:15 My English teacher, who is from Ireland, is absent today, so I finish school at 10 a.m. First, however, I have a foreign literature class. We are studying Primo Levi, an Italian writer, at the moment. In my pencil case I have pens from many European countries, such as France, Spain, Italy and Germany. 10:05
Laura'S EUTOPIA
The European Union (EU) was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which was signed in 1992. In the 22 years the Treaty has existed, the EU has taken significant steps forward as a union. Important agreements, such as th such as the economic crisis, have been dealt with both effectively and collectively. The EU has been able to do so, because of the growing power of its institutions. The EU consists of many institutions, but the and the European Commission (EC). The European Commission is the institution that has legislative power. Its members pre Parliament and the European Council choose to either adopt them, amend them or decline them. If European Parliament an sion acts as a supervisory body that monitors the implementation of laws within Member States’ respective national legislatio On the 25th of May this year, all EU citizens that are eligible to vote may do so for the European Parliament elections. Almos States. With the upcoming European elections we have the both the responsibility and the power to build upon the existing
diary After I finished class, my dad picked me up from school with his German car. “Deutsch Quality”, as he would say. At home, I watched Goodbye Lenin which won a prize at the European Film Awards! 12:30 My mother cooked my favourite meal for lunch today: Greek moussaka. For dessert I had a waffle covered in the Belgian Speculoos spread. 14:00 I was so bored. There was nothing I wanted to watch on TV, so I flicked channels until I found a documentary on ARTE,a French-German TV channel. It was a horrific documentary on the exploitation of the children. Did you know that 153 million children are exploited in Asia each year? 15:00 It is time to hang out with my friends. One of them from Germany, one from Italy, two from England, one from Ireland, two from Spain, one from Netherlands and I am French. 17:00
When I got home, my mother told me I had received a postcard from a friend, who currently travelling through Europe on Interrail. I was happy to receive the postcard, as I had previously asked her to send me a postcard for each country she would visit. 18:00 My step-father just announced that we’re going to have dinner with his parents on Friday. They are from Portugal and I look forward to enjoying some of their traditional dishes. After this good news, I continued reading my Harry Potter book. I have probably read it 5 billion times already, but it still my favourite book. 19:30 Dinner time! Perfect, I am very hungry. Tonight we are going to have Italian pasta. 21:30 Going to catch some sleep in my Swedish bed, as another European Day is waiting for me again tomorrow. Good night dear diary. XOXO
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: ALIZEE MAZEL
he Schengen Agreement, have been signed and implemented while different issues,
e most important ones are the European Parliament (EP), the European Council (EC) esent new laws and the European nd European Council agree on adopting a law, Member States must comply, while the Commison. st 380 million citizens will elect 751 Members of Parliament (MEPs) from all 28 EU Member foundations in order to one day achieve our EUtopia.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: THEO WARNIER & ANNE LAINE
EU
INSTITUTIONS The European Union (EU) is a very complex organisation. Many people do not know what kind of institutions there are. This also affect on voting turnouts. If you are not aware of the existing institutions, your interest in European affairs decreases and the likelihood of you voting decreases as well.
THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
The European Council (EC) consists of the Member States’ heads of states, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council. It is the highest level of political cooperation in the European institutions. The current President of the European Council is Herman Van Rompuy, who first took office in 2009 and was appointed again in 2012, by European Union (EU) countries’ heads of state. The EC does not adopt any law. Instead, it is responsible for the start of the legislative process. The EC meets at least four times a year and discusses major issues the European Union is facing or opportunities they may seize. They have to reach a consensus and phrase their ‘conclusions’. These conclusions set the political direction of the EU and the priorities of the Council of Ministers.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
The Council of Ministers (the Council) is the institution where ministers of each Member State meet to discuss European topics in their respective fields. If an economic issue is being discussed, for instance, the ministers of ‘Economical and Financial Affairs’ would be present. During Council meetings, ministers have the power to commit their governments to actions agreed on. These ministers are elected at national level, which ensures the democratic legitimacy of the Council’s decisions. Furthermore, the Council has a president, the President of the Council of Ministers, which supervises the Council’s work. The President also organises and chairs the different Council meetings. However, it is important to note that the Council does not propose laws. Instead, the Council votes in favour or against motions for a resolution by the European Commission. Moreover, the Council is responsible for the coordination of Member States’ policies, developments in the EU’s common foreign and security policy, concluding international agreements between the EU and non-EU countries and the adoption of the EU’s budget
L’Union Européenne (UE) a pour but de ras té où le brassage des mœurs et des traditions permettra un ac ques, financières mais aussi sociales. Force est de constater que l’Union Une Union parfaite n’est pas uniquement une Union économique pérenne. La visée de l opposés. C’est cet aspect si cher au projet européen que ses détracteurs oublient le plus Dans l’optique de progresser, il nous faut aller au delà des problèmes en nous unissa chant cet équilibre que les peuples se rapprocheront. Nous, citoyens européens, avo
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
The European Parliament (EP) has 766 members, which are all directly elected by European citizens. The Parliament consists of a number of fractions that the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) belong to. The fractions and their respective MEPs represent the interest of the European citizen. The biggest fractions are currently the Progressive Alliance of Democrats (S&D) and the European People’s Party (EPP). Furthermore, Member States are allocated a number of seats in European Parliament for MEPs to fill, based on the population of their country. Although the Seat of the European Parliament is located in Strasbourg, MEPs are often found in the European Parliaments’ other places of work in Brussels and Luxembourg. The EP , together with the Council of Ministers, vote in favour, against, or amend proposals of the European Commission by majority vote. The Council of Ministers and the EP also decide on the EU budget and can influence its spending. Furthermore, the European Parliament supervises what goes on in different EU institutions. For instance, it can reject a nomination of the President of the European Commission, or commissioners.
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
The European Commission (EC) is the executive power of the EU and consists of commissioners from all 28 Member States. The EC has the right to intiative to propose laws, policies, and agreements. After the EC make a proposal, they forward it to the European Parliament (EP) and European Council (EC). Furthermore, the EC attends all sessions of the EP to clarify its policies. It is up to the President of the European Commission to decide which commissioner will be responsible for which policy area. The President can also demand the resignation of commissioners.
Paul'S EUTOPIA
ssembler des peuples de cultures très diverses afin de construire une communauccueil optimal des étrangers. Mais cette construction est aujourd’hui fragilisée par les crises économiEuropéenne rencontre des difficultés pour rassembler les peuples des pays autour d’un idéal commun. l’UE va au delà d’une simple entente économique. Elle rassemble mais créer aussi un lien entre des pays diamétralement s souvent en prenant uniquement en compte les aspects négatifs tels que l’échec des politiques économiques ou fiscales. ant et non par la division des opinions. Un consensus est indéniablement difficile à trouver mais c’est en recherons la possibilité de pouvoir créer et développer cette communauté de demain. Une Europe pour un peuple.
FROM PROPOSAL ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: THEO WARNIER
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Last month, the EU decided that all new phones need to have the same charger. Not only because of the user friendliness, but also because of environmental reasons. This means that companies like Apple will have to take an effort to change all of their chargers or offer an alternative method. How was this law made?
Firstly, a member of the European Commission (EC) proposes a law. After the members of the EC have decided to publish the legislative proposal, the EC sends it to the European Parliament (EP) and the Council of Ministers (the Council). When the EP has done the first reading of the proposal, it becomes the subject of debate. The members of the EP have the right to make amendments and the right to vote on whether the proposal passes or not. During that time, the new proposal also goes to the Council. If the Council approves the amendments of the EP and the EP has agreed on the conditions of the Council, the proposal passes. If not, the law goes back to the EP, where a second reading will be done. The EP recognises the position of the Council on their first reading and EP members will again propose amendments. If the Council approves the new amendments on the proposal, it passes. Otherwise the proposal goes to the Conciliation Committee, that will rewrite the law. When they are finished, the proposal goes back to the EP and the Council to approve the proposal. If both institutions give their approval, the proposal is adopted.
ALIZEE'S EUTOPIA
Since its creation, the European Union (EU) has undergone many changes. Each time these changes have brought European the future of the EU once again and I hope this is a future, in which my dreams for the EU come true. My main dream is a EU of peace and freedom. I want the EU to be a place, where citizens can live peacefully, freely and as eq example harmonizing minimum wage. I dream of a EU, in which it is possible for Bulgaria to have the same GDP as Denmark disappointing citizens. Furthermore, the EU should become more democratic. Citizens of the EU should feel powerful and be and help create a stronger European identity among citizens. I do not want people to feel either occidental or oriental. I want them to feel European.
While most people only know of the European Council (EC) proposing legislation, the European Union (EU) actually has an initiative in place for citizens to propose legislation. This initiative was established in the Treaty of Lisbon and was named the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI). The ECI allows the European Union citizens to directly contribute to EU policies, by giving you, citizens of EU Member States, the opportunity to make legislative proposals to the EC. Such a proposal, however, must meet certain requirements, before the EC will take it into consideration. Firstly, it is important that your proposal is acceptable. Proposals may cover any field, where the EC has legislative power, ranging from economy to fishery. Unfortunately, this means that you cannot make a proposal concerning the deportation of One Direction from Europe. Secondly, you need to set up a citizens’ committee consisting of citizens that supports your proposal. This committee has to include at least seven residents from at least seven different Member States. After setting up a citizens’ initiative, you need to register your initiative on the website of the ECI. From there on, you can start gathering support, collecting statements and the signatures of other EU citizens. To have your proposal discussed in EC, you need a million signatories from seven different Member States at least. To make things more complicated, you only have one year to collect these signatures. Thirdly, if you do somehow manage to gather a million votes within a year, the EC will examine your proposal. Representatives of the Commission will meet with the founders of the initiative, so that they can explain their proposal. Moreover, this gives the founders an opportunity to present their ideas to the European community. Subsequently, the EC will respond within the next three months. The EC is, however, not obliged to adopt a proposal deriving from a ECI. If the EC does decide to adopt a proposal, normal legislative procedure is followed.
FROM IDEA ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: IRAZ KUÇUKER
TO
PROPOSAL
citizens’ hopes and dreams closer. The elections on the 25th of May will change
quals. Moreover, the EU should help its fellow Member States develop further, by for k. A EU, that keeps it promises, both nationally and transnationally. I want politicians to stop e concerned about what is going on. This would help fight the currently rising Euroscepticism
Alliance of Democrats for Europe group (ALDE) – Liberal democrats With 84 MEP’s from 21 different Member States, ALDE is the third biggest political fraction. Their vision on the EU is one where personal freedom, tolerance, a free market, social solidarity and care of the environment are key words. One of the campaigns by ALDE is a fight against homophobia and to promote the LGBT-community in Europe, which is a great example of the tolerance they pursue. The ALDE also supports a renewal of the European institution. Their aim is to make the EU more transparent, more effective and more democratic.
Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/ NGL) – socialists What binds the 35 MEP’s of GUE/NGL is their vision of an international solidarity between the Member States and a socially equitable and sustainable European integration process. This is based on the believe that Europe can make a big contribution to improving living conditions of many people. To realise that the GUE/NGL wants the EU to focus less on market-oriented competition, which is orientated both within the EU and third countries. Instead the GUE/NGL wants to create better jobs and educational opportunities. Their goals are to have social security and social solidarity while dealing with our earth and its resources in a respectful way.
Europe of Freedom and Democracy (EFD) – Eurosceptics In the EFD eurosceptical parties from 12 different Member States are united. The EFD rejects the thought of a centralised and bureaucratic EU but prefers a transparent and open co-operation between sovereign European States. The EFD states that the government should follow the will of its citizens. But since the EFD also states that the European citizen does not exist, the EFD veto further European integration in the form of treaties or policies. Although the EFD disapproves xenophobia and discrimination they believe it is a Member State’s right to protect their borders from other cultures and strengthen their own.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: MIRJAM PIETERS
75
Unlike a national parl Parliament (EP) does n parties. Instead, Memb Parliament (MEP’s) gro tions. In total there wi after the e
The European Conservatives
The ECR is founded in 2009 founding ideals are based on for a EU of openness, tran It is the eurorealism that distingu While believing in a different EU th Instead of a European feder ganisation that respects the
The European Union (EU) is a beautiful union. It is a Nevertheless, some people are convinced the EU has already reached its sum cause we as EU citizens do not know what the EU and its institution exactly At the previous EP elections, only 43% of the EU citizens casted their vote. If less than tizen. The problem is that people do not know enough about the EU and the EP in part voting for. I think that if we would ensure that people understand how the EU work
The European People’s Party (EPP) – Conservative Christian democrats
51
Centre, centre-right and pro-European parties are brought together in the EPP. Their goal is to create a more competitive and democratic Europe. The EPP believes Europe should be closer to its citizens. The EPP’s priorities are a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable social market economy in Europe. Additionally, they promote the principle of subsidiarity, which means that tasks should go to smaller political organs when possible. According to the EPP more Europe is the answer.
The Greens/European Free Alliance (The Greens/EFA) – The Greens The Greens/EFA focus on the environment and believe climate change can be stopped with the help of politics. The Greens/EFA set 2050 as a goal to have an energy supply through 100% renewable sources. The Greens/EFA main theme is to act on climate change. Their goals are to create new, green jobs, build a social Europe, to let the youth reclaim their future in a clean environment and strengthen citizen’s rights.
liament, the European not consist of political bers of the European oup themselves in fracill 751 MEP’s in place elections.
and Reformists (ECR) – Conservatism
to urge a reform of the EU. Their the Prague declaration, which calls nsparency and especially eurorealism. uishes the ECR from the other fractions. hey do not aim to destroy the organisation. ral state, they want a flexible ore citizens of each Member State.
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats (S&D) – socialist Freedom, equality, solidarity, diversity and fairness are the principles S&D wants the EU to stand for. Committed MEP’s battle against social injustice and unemployment. S&D’s main focus is creating jobs and reform the financial market in an attempt to make it fairer. The S&D strive to bring people hope for their future and give citizens their trust in the EU back. Martin Schulz, the current president of the EP, is also member of the S&D.
theo'S EUTOPIA
union where countries can cooperate, while simultaneously maintaining their national identity. mmum and that there is no room for further growth. I too am losing my faith in the EU and I think that is beare. We can vote for the members of the European Parliament (EP), but the voting turnouts are disappointing. n half of the people that live in the EU do not vote, then the EP will, thus, not be a correct reflection of the EU citicular. If you do not understand what the EU is, you simply cannot vote properly, as you do not know what you are ks, the voter turnouts would increase. That is my EUtopia. To make sure that our democracy is worth voting for.
FAIRE LA BOUM EN EUR Depuis sa création, l’Union Européenne (UE) a mit un point d’honneur à rassembler les peuples européens, afin de créer une communauté culturelle composite et unie. L’Union s’est attachée à rendre accessible ce patrimoine culturel commun. Elle soutient, développe et subventionne divers événements européens. L’UE n’a pas seulement développé cette culture mais l’a renforcé. En effet, la ratification du traité de Maastricht en 1992, a officialisé l’identité européenne. Bien que l’U.E se soit construite au fil des dernières décennies par les traités rassemblant les représentants des pays membres ; cette initiative n’aurait pu aboutir sans l’engagement des citoyens pro-européens. C’est également à travers diverses associations européennes telles que les « maisons de l’Europe » que la culture européenne se développe. L’UE l’a bien compris, la culture lie les individus entre eux. Il n’y a pas de meilleur moyen de se cultiver que de partager ses expériences. La Culture européenne s’exprime travers ses citoyens. C’est notre détermination qui permet à cette « machine » culturelle de fonctionner. On peut facilement l’illustrer par quelques grands événements tels que les « capitales européennes de la culture ». Chaque année, deux villes européennes sont nommés afin d’y accueillir
un grand rassemblement sur la culture européenne et la culture national ainsi que régionale de la ville concernée. Ce projet fût lancé à l’origine par les hautes sphères de l’UE et impliquant de nombreux bénévoles, des citoyens comme vous et moi s’investissant dans un projet européen. Par conséquent, celui-ci ne pourrait voir le jour sans les citoyens européens. De plus la Fédération des Maisons de l’Europe, repartie dans toute la France, a pour but d’informer et de répondre aux questions des citoyens et cherche à les impliquer dans l’œuvre culturelle de l’Union. Cette fédération est uniquement présente en France, mais peut toutefois être considérée comme un parfait exemple d’une initiative européenne. On célèbre le 9 Mai de chaque année la création d’une communauté européenne. Pour se faire, les différentes associations européennes et collectivités locales organisent des événements dans le but de promouvoir l’UE à travers la citoyenneté, la culture et le rassemblement. L’UE nous permet aujourd’hui de voyager à travers l’Europe. Cet aspect si simple en apparence reste néanmoins l’un des plus grands attraits de l’UE. Le « couchsurfing », fréquemment pratiqué par les jeunes, est très développé en Europe. Mêlé à l’espace Schengen, ces deux initiatives permettent à de nombreux jeunes de voyager à travers l’Europe avec un minimum de ressources. Les formalités de transport
maena'S EUTOPIA
I dream of a European Union (EU) that welcomes migration within the EU and migration to the EU. Many foreigners view th should take advantage of. The EU being considered as a place of refuge brings skilled workers to the EU and contributes to a In my EUtopia the term ‘have-nots’, a term resulting from the current disparity between rich and poor, would not exist. Altho zens with social security, many others do not. I fully encourage other Member States to do so as well, so every EU citizen ca Furthermore, my EUtopia would never be compared to the United States of America. Our transnational community is a coa que way of running their country. Moreover, many religious and cultural traditions exist in the EU, unlike the US. Consequent Finally, in my EUtopia resources would be pooled. That way, countries would actively contribute to the transnational commun
ROPE
ont été considérablement assouplies et rendent la découverte de l’Europe accessibles à tous ces jeunes citoyens. De même, « Erasmus » a permis de faciliter les voyages à l’étranger, et il est fort probable pour vous de trouver votre propre auberge espagnole. Aujourd’hui, la culture européenne passe par la jeunesse, c’est à travers nous que va se développer cette culture mixte, si riche dans sa diversité.
Au fil des années, la jeunesse européenne semble attacher davantage d’importance à cette culture commune. En effet, l’Union Européenne nous permet d’agir et elle a également la capacité de soutenir nos actions et de les mettre en valeur, alors contribuons à cette culture commune !
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: PAUL ROUSSEAU
he EU as a safe and peaceful environment to move to, which is a position the EU a better distribution of labour force within the transnational community. ough some Member States, such as France, try to help the have-nots by providing citian enjoy their life within Europe. alition of 28 countries. It should be acknowledged that each country has a authentic and unitly, it would be impossible to elect one president for the whole EU. nity and help the EU become more united.
CROSSING BORDERS
“Act, react, impact�.This is the slogan of the upcoming European Parliament (EP) ele in debates concerning European issues and ultimately, to have EU citizens make an im However, many citizens do not understand how the EU works nor understand w at regional level. Of course, the European Union must keep the interests of national go ther on behalf of their national interests. As a result, there is not enough common EU po assigned in each region to promote the EU and its institutions to the inhabitants.Moreover, ready allocates the number of Members of the European Parliament per country based o
Since the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, the situation in Europe has changed significantly. While the ECSC consisted of only 5 European countries, the European Union (EU), which has its origins in the ECSC, consists of 28 European countries. Furthermore, the population of the EU has rapidly increased and reached a grand total of 500 million inhabitants in 2013. Accompanied by the Schengen Agreement, which permits free movement within the EU, the population growth has lead to groups of citizens seeking job opportunities in fellow Member States. Citizens of these Member States are often scared that these foreigners will take their jobs, which has lead to an increase in xenophobia within the EU. However, it is important to consider the benefits of migration flow within the European Union as well.
when the Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992 and the European Union was created, the situation totally changed. The European Union introduced the concept of European citizenship and made free movement within the EU possible for all EU citizens without a visa. Having European citizenship and a European community is of great importance in our vastly aging EU, as it stimulates immigration within the EU. Immigration is an effective measure to face up to the aging population. Especially the immigration flow from the central and eastern European countries looks promising. The number of immigrants in the EU is actually estimated between 5 million and 40 million people. Even if they are not always skilled, they can still contribute to the national growth in other ways. Furthermore, immigrants can help increase the GDP of the countries they move to by working there. For example in Italy, migrants produce 11% of the GDP, while they do not even have the right to vote. They are not thanked for their contribution and find it hard to take part in society. What kind of society do we live in? What is more, by working in their host country, they contribute to the health care system, while they cannot even take advantage of it.
Since the 70’s, the conditions of migration have gradually evolved. At first, the free movement of workers was primarily protected, while it is now the free movement of all EU citizens that is protected. The term “workers” only used to include short-term employment in the industry sector and short-term education. In the early 90’s, free movement was possible for students, unemployed people and families as well. However, Migrants and their descendants WRITTEN BY: MAENA DE LA COCHETIÈRE
are usually considered as threats to national economies. This feeling, in combination with high unemployment rates in host countries, undeniably triggers xenophobia and hate towards migrants. The xenophobia rate was 12.0% in December 2013, while ethnic minorities actually have worse working conditions than natives. Integration into society seems impossible for many immigrants at the moment, making it hard for Member States to become socially cohesive. Living outside of society limits both their job and educational opportunities. This is a vicious circle. No one can escape from this situation, unless they get the chance to go to school. In a nutshell, the European Union is a young community that needs time to get used to its trans-national governing. As in any organisation, the leaders need to consider every single aspect of the globalisation. Keeping in mind the state Europe is currently in, migration can only be seen as an advantage. In fact, every western Member State should probably be more welcoming an opened-minded towards migrants.
ANNE'S EUTOPIA
ections.With this slogan the European Union (EU) hopes to involve more citizens in EU politics and affairs, hopes to engage citizens mpact on legislation by voting.This would help citizens to not only feel that they are Frenchman, for instance, but also a European. what this enormous and complex organisation can do. This is mainly caused by the low amount of interaction of the EU overnments in mind, which makes this very difficult. Many Member States often do not act on behalf of the EU, but raolicy and therefore, many citizens do not believe that the EU is an effective institution. In my EUtopia, a person would be r, each Member State should have the same number of votes in the Council of Ministers, as the European Parliament alon the size of Member States’ population. This would strengthen the influence of smaller Member States on legislation.