As I write this article, we are only a few days away from the European Parliament elections—elections of great importance for the future of Europe in a world that is rapidly and inexorably changing. This world is evolving at a relentless pace, presenting new challenges that are shaping a future that will require foresight, prudence, a broader understanding of developments at all levels, and certainly the courage to push through the structural changes needed.
The European Union stands at a critical crossroads and must choose the path it will follow to preserve the fundamental principles and values upon which it was built. Yet amid the general confusion and prevailing tendency to question and overturn today’s constants, many either doubt or are even unaware of what these principles are.
In a rapidly changing environment marked by geopolitical upheavals, intense climate phenomena, astonishing technological advancements, widening social inequalities and wealth gaps, and an aging population, Europe is called upon to find its way and forge a new identity in an emerging world. But before this new identity is established, there must be a vision. The question is: Is there a vision for tomorrow? What will make European citizens embrace it, believe in it, and wonder if change is possible?
When I think about Europe, a beautiful song by Roxy Music often comes to mind: “A Song for Europe.” Perhaps somewhat melancholic, it speaks of a Europe that many of us think and sometimes reminisce about. Give it a listen.
So, what can the Europe of today, or tomorrow, be? And how can it relate to the vision of its founders in an era dominated by different conditions? It certainly cannot be the unwieldy, bureaucratic, and sometimes divided Europe that is losing ground in a ruthlessly competitive world and is becoming less and less inspiring. It seems almost a pity, given the many steps forward that have been made through the years. Perhaps the time has come for a different type of governance and operation.
In Greece, discussions on the real stakes of the European Parliament elections have been sidelined by debates on irrelevant subjects of little importance to the average citizen. This may be because most people consider the European Union a given and don’t actively think about its future and our role within it. Yet as history teaches us, nothing is certain and nothing is a given.
It’s high time we truly reflect on the values we want to uphold and the future we want to create—and then act, determinedly, to secure this.
I wish everyone a beautiful, cool, and inspiring summer.
ELIAS SPIRTOUNIAS
Executive Director
