CC-Villas - Blog

It might sound strange and paradoxical at first sight: the decision of the majority of French voters against the existing EU constitution could be – looked at in longer terms - a good day for Europe. It should make those who strive for a truly united Europe, without being subject to the pressure of quick success like most politicians are, rather hope than despair. Even more than until today we can expect the Netherlands to vote against the European constitution as well. That means – regardless of first reactions from many politicians - the process will be slowed down noticeably. The European idea, however, is certainly not lost but rather will be given a new chance to be pursued with better perceptiveness and the necessary patience. No doubt today’s decision in France reflects also a kind of internal revenge with the governing class of the country, it would however be wrong to seek the reasons just in problems of French home politics, this would be a kind of “eyewash”.
The existing constitution that was subject of today’s voting has simply been forged together too quickly, the need for quick political success of those who promoted it was not able to take weight. We have a common currency, we have noble and right objectives for more political integration, for a common foreign and security policy, but for the time being the thin common denominator is not sufficient. When capitals talk about common values too many are still using their national views. The fact that is has not been possible to incorporate common Christian values, roots and orientation into the constitution as an integral and indispensable part of European culture is one striking evidence to everybody. Of course the European train needs engines – they should however take into account the wagons and the fact that some of these wagons are carrying ever less passengers by now…..
In the United Kingdom people will gloat, Italian newspapers have been writing for days a negative outcome of the French referendum would really not be such bad a thing, they rather saw positive perspectives should this happen. In the new EU member countries people will recall the times when some of them took a positive position with the US just before the outbreak of the Irak war and Chirac commented they “had lost a good opportunity to be quiet” (actually the comment has been somewhat stronger).
One of the promoters of the constitution, better: this constitution, has a piston seizure. It is not up to me to speculate on the possible internal quarrels France might face as a consequence. Remains to hope, however, Paris will start to reflect on the question whether Europe really has to follow French ways of thinking or would be given a chance to develop as a true community on equal footing of all members and at a digestible speed. The axis Paris-Berlin with its disturbing situation in the years of Berlin following “almost to heels” has run into overheat, missing the strategic perspectives and – to remain in the picture – the lubricating oil of the times of Mitterand/Kohl. There cannot be any doubt: the good Franco-German relation is a truly great and historical achievement and one of the cornerstones for any European development; the assumption, however, this would be the exclusive driving factor for developing Europe able to push through everything fails to reckon with the other Europeans – and as we have seen with the French voters, too. It is one thing to “eat à la carte” in NATO and EU, it is another thing to try and decide the menu as well.
Christian occident has taken centuries to develop. Why shouldn’t we allow the Europe of the future the time it needs to develop on a truly strong and reliable basis. Perhaps some should just lean back and apply also for a united Europe the maxim of “liberté, fraternité, égalité”.