Εισήγηση κα. Νάσια Μιχαλοπούλου AGORA 2009

AGORA 2009

“WOMEN OF EUROPE AWARD”

RODOS APRIL 3-5, 2009

COMMUNICATING EU VALUES AS A KEY FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES

Nassia Michalopoulou , Journalist, President of EURONEM

The current period is a milestone for all modern societies, because we experience the Great Recession, just a step before the Great Depression we all hope to avoid. EU is expected to play an important role for the resolution of crisis, whose consequences are not limited to few countries or few fields of the economy and the society.

However, EU as a whole appears to suffer from lack of ideological and political strength to lead the efforts to overcome crisis. According to one explanation, EU has not given a clear answer to the question: To which extent are enlargement and internal institutional integration desirable? Are they contradictory or is it feasible to combine the two targets? In any case, the outcome of both processes should be the creation of European consciousness, with the EU having won the hearts and minds of its citizens through visible responsivity to their vital problems.

There seem to be two main approaches as to what should be the “common denominator” in EU: Is EU only a community regulated by rules favouring free trade and movement of capital and labour or is it a cultural community with a core of values fundamental for spiritual cohesion? Having decided to adopt the second approach, we could outline the core values as follows: right to peace and development, democracy, equality, solidarity, rule of law and meritocracy, respect to human/ individual rights, right to education.

We feel rather proud when intellectuals say that EU is the most eminent example of a great power which exerts immense influence on countries in its neighbourhood and beyond , using its soft power, transforming their social, financial and political structures through the  reforms defined as necessary for accession or agreements. For instance, democratization in North-African countries is set as criterion for progress of cooperation with EU. Why do I mention the case of Africa? I mention it because thousands of Africans abandon their countries because of economic crisis, the spread of poverty and mainly due to climate change which is responsible for lack of natural resources. The number of environmental refugees will increase dramatically.

However, EU needs to persuade about the nobility of its intentions, especially in regions such as Africa, where the colo nialism of the past casts its shadow over the EU-Africa relations and competition of great powers becomes more intensive. For instance, the simple transfer of know-how, often with no respect to local traditions, or funding of governments accused at the same time of corruption, cannot guarantee the modernization of African countries. EU in modern age must find the key-policies for the global cooperation. All countries depend on each other. Internet communication and networking is most characteristic example.

In order to return to Africa and communicate EU values as key for development in the Third World countries. EU-African cooperation needs to emphasize more of political dialogue and stabilization of peace, financial and cultural cooperation.

EU funds are dedicated to International Development. Civil society has been reliable partner for development projects. The interaction of cultures requires high sensitivity to issues relevant to exchange of experience, provided that trust is established.

In Zambia, the poorest country in the world, EURONEM, a Greek NGO aided by Hellenic Aid, a department of Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, built the first great European School.

Next month (9/5/2009), we will open the school in a great ceremony and the first school bell will bring the sound of hope in the hearts of thou sands of people.

Why did we take this initiative? First, poverty, inequality and illiteracy are fought through development of education and second, immigration to Europe is made less.

Even if some people from Zambia still want to emigrate to Europe, they will possess the educational qualifications and experience, which are useful for the integration in European societies.

The function of such a school contributes to the Intercultural Dialogue between Europe and Africa through cultural exchanges.

In my opinion, Greece is given a wonderful opportunity to display its contribution to the formation of European values. Also, Greece can connect to a region with cultural diversity and invest in the sustainable development of these countries. The EU idea of “Sustainable Development” can be useful.

The humanistic profile of Europe is actively reinforced and confirms its ability to guarantee Human Development outside its borders, being open to the world.