The EU is facing a so called “European Paradox”

This is an article written for the MOOC “Understanding Europe: Why It Matters and What It Can Offer You” by HEC Paris.

Used to define the loss of popularity among its citizens, the European Union is losing momentum fuelled by myths and “yellow media”.

The numbers speak for themselves. The European Parliament elections of 2009 had a 43% turnout compared to the one in 1979 with 65%. And although according to the Eurobarometer, citizens are aware of some of the greatest accomplishments of the EU, such as maintaining peace among its member states after WWII and the free movement of people, goods and services. Clearly the EU has lost touch with the people it governs.

As a young European with double nationality (Venezuelan and Spanier) I have been able to enjoy and thus appreciate some of the benefits brought by the EU.

My EU passport allowed me to move from Spain to Germany and to acquire full rights as citizen. I was entitled to reside, work and study like any other national from the moment I arrived. As well I gained access to social security and welfare. The free movement policy has allowed me among many other millennia to enjoy a multicultural society enriched largely by the experiences, history and traditions of 28 different communities.

However, the shift isn’t easy. It was not so long ago that Europe was devastated by war and social hatred. Today the scars of history remain in the minds and hearts of many citizens, and the rise of nationalism and far right parties seem to be reappearing in the political landscape. How can we fuel a European consciousness without forgetting our national and regional values? Is globalization coming at the costs of disrupting national identity? Are we able to forgive our past in order to build a better future?

I think that these are questions that academics, politicians and the people should start addressing in order to move forward.

Is Catalonia part of Spain, part of Europe or both?

The Catalonian people is one of many communities in the European continent striving for independency. Partly due to historical and social reasons but also due to a justified political discontent. The people want change and independence is presented to them as one of the alternative, but is it a better alternative?

While our global challenges call for global solutions, I see ourselves way too entertained thinking about the small problems. I think it would be sad to deny the many values and traditions that today Spaniers share with Catalans and vice versa. It would also be a great loss for me to feel less of a local from Barcelona because I wasn’t born there.

The people of Catalonia strive for decentralised power and the recognition, as well as promotion of a set of values that were oppressed for many years. This is a fight for integration, not isolation.

Is the Catalan community ready to assume a European consciousness when basic matters of their regional identity haven’t been solved? Is the EU addressing these issues?

Becoming a Citizen-Driven Institution

The EU has a unique opportunity. Regardless of its popularity problem within the European continent, the EU is most probably the strongest among similar associations such as the Arab League and UNASUR.

A revision of its policies and processes for a better integration and promotion of active citizenship is required. Providing real decision-making power to the people by updating their communication infrastructure.

A branding or marketing campaign is not enough. Making more people aware of the EU isn’t useless, but it’s insufficient.

As a European citizen I want a direct line of communication with those acting on the policies and regulations that will later affect my life and the lives of my love once.

The young population has little interest in the EU because the EU cannot move at the pace we operate, cannot talk the language of technology and social media we speak and it’s not represented by people like you and me.