N°62/March 2018 EPFMA BULLETIN Former Members Association www.formermembers.eu

Cultural Heritage

FMA Activities FMA Activities

EP to Campus Co-operation with Programme the EUI Page 22 Page 28 2 FMA BULLETIN - 62

IN THIS ISSUE

03 Message from the President FOCUS LATEST NEWS 04 EP at work 14 European culture 31 New members viewed through the ages CURRENT AFFAIRS (Pedro Canavarro) 32 Activities In memoriam 05 1948: Start of the 15 The economic value of 33 European Constitutional Cycle cultural heritage (Manuel Porto) (Andrea Manzella) 16 The humble rural architecture 06 Democratic conventions´ of (Nikolaos Sifounakis) (Nicole Fontaine) 17 Unesco (Brigitte Langenhagen) 07 United in diversity 18 Cultural property in the event (Jean-Marie Beaupuy) of armed conflict Monica( Baldi) 08 The point of view of a Former 19 Lux Prize (Doris Pack) Member (Ursula Braun-Moser) 09 Every five minutes... (Karin Junker) FMA ACTIVITIES A ceremony took place on 24 January 2018 at the European 10 AMAR Programme 21 Democracy Support Parliament to mark the upcoming (Emma Baroness Nicholson of International Holocaust Winterbourne) 22 EP to Campus Programme Remembrance Day on 27 January 11 Observation mission in 28 Co-operation with the EUI in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Catalonia (Jan Dhaene) 30 FMA Annual Seminar 12 The French Federation of Cover:©iStock Houses of Europe (Martine Buron)

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS:

The Editorial Board would like to thank all those members who took the time to contribute to this issue of the FMA Bulletin. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the decision to include an article lies with the FMA Editorial Board and, in principle, contributions from members who are not up-to-date with the payment of the membership fee will not be included. Due to the long time lag between the call for contribution and the publication, some articles may be outdated. The FMA Bulletin is published by the European Parliament Former Members Association (FMA) with the assistance of the Europe- an Parliament. However, the views expressed in articles represent the views of contributing FMA members or guest writers and do not necessarily represent the views of either the European Parliament nor the FMA. Similarly, any advertisement does not imply an official endorsement by the FMA or Parliament.

EDITORIAL BOARD PREPARED BY CONTACTS Brigitte LANGENHAGEN Elisabetta FONCK [email protected] Andrea MANZELLA Lisseth BRAVO Tel.+ 32(0)2 284 07 03 Edward McMILLAN-SCOTT Valeh NASIRI Fax.+32(0)2 284 09 89 Manuel PORTO Teresa RIERA MADURELL Message from the PRESIDENT

Dear colleagues, of Parliament and is one of our Roberto Gualtieri MEP, Chair of most high-profile programmes. the Committee on Economic and legislators have The feedback from students, Monetary Affairs on 2 May. We chosen 2018 as the European universities and colleagues who will commemorate current and Year of Cultural Heritage. have participated is always former MEPs who passed away Throughout this year, the aim will positive. Students are able in 2017 and 2018. Hans-Gert be to highlight the challenges to benefit from constructive Pöttering, former President of the facing the sector, such as the lack dialogues and exchanges of views European Parliament, will hold the of funding or the illegal trafficking which allow them to develop their closing address. of archaeological remains; a own opinions on European issues. The next FMA visit – on 4 and further aim will be to leverage the • Another of our flagship 5 June – will be to , the economic potential of this sector, programmes, under the country holding the Presidency which is directly responsible responsibility of Monica Baldi, during the first half of 2018. for the creation of about 7.8 is the co-operation with the Registration is now open – please million jobs. Our colleagues and European University Institute contact the FMA secretariat for experts who have contributed to in Florence. The programme further information. this issue have stressed the rich involving secondary students heritage which we enjoy and was much appreciated by all I look forward to seeing as many the importance of maintaining the colleagues who participated of you as possible at our annual and taking care of our cultural and by the pupils who had the assembly in May. heritage. In this issue you will find opportunity to learn about the a series of different articles on the workings of European institutions subject. and about topical issues such as In the ‘Current Affairs’ section Brexit, migration and the rise of you will find articles on a variety nationalism in Europe. of fascinating subjects, courtesy • The FMA annual events held on of our former colleagues. I should 29-30 November were extremely like to thank the colleagues successful and in this issue one involved in producing this of the students who participated bulletin, making it possible for our in the FMA Annual Seminar tells Enrique BARÓN CRESPO association to serve as a forum of her impressions of the seminar FMA President for ideas and the exchange of which was graced with the views, and I should equally like to participation of Sir Julian King, encourage all those who have not European Commissioner, Michael yet participated to do so in future. Gahler MEP and Ivailo Kalfin, This issue also includes a section former MEP and member of the devoted to the activities of the association. FMA. As far as forthcoming events are • The ‘EP to Campus’ programme concerned, our General Assembly under the responsibility of will take place on 3 May and will Lord Balfe continues to go be preceded by the European from strength to strength. This Parliament Research Service (EPRS) programme allows Universities Information Seminar, Annual to benefit from the experience Memorial Service and Dinner and expertise of former Members Debate with the presence of Mr. 4 FMA BULLETIN - 62

EP AT WORK

KEY FACTS EP adopt new EU rules on who bears A special committee to look into the EU’s banks’ losses (November Session - P8_TA- authorisation procedure for pesticides will be set PROV(2018)0025) up. (February Session - P8_TA -PROV(2018)0022). MEPs decided in favour of clear rules on the order The special committee is a response to concerns in which troubled banks’ creditors are liable to raised about the risk posed by the herbicide substance cover losses. The rules require banks to set aside glyphosate. enough funds to absorb losses and recapitalise. Parliament votes to end barriers to cross-border MEPs approved a report on combating sexual online shopping. (February Session - P8_TA- abuse of children. (December Session - P8_TA- PROV(2018)0023) PROV(2017)0501). Online buyers will have wider and easier cross-border EU member states must work more closely with access to products, hotel bookings, car rentals, music each other and with Europol and the IT industry festivals or leisure park tickets in the EU. to fight sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Size of Parliament to shrink after Brexit. MEPs voted in favour of a resolution on the state (February Session - P8_TA-PROV(2018)0029) of human rights worldwide in 2016. (December The European Parliament should shrink from 751 to Session - P8_TA-PROV(2017)0494). 705 MEPs when and if the UK leaves the EU. Some EU must act to halt persecution based on religion and or all of the 46 seats in the reserve could possibly be protect migrants. reallocated to new countries joining the EU.

Other main dossiers discussed in the plenary sessions were: December 2017 January 2018 of their concerns when adopting • MEPs endorsed the mandate to • MEPs adopted new fisheries their proposals to change EU start talks with EU governments on rule, a ban on electric pulse laws on resolving international new rules for online TV and radio. fishing was added. (16.01.18) divorce disputes. (18.01.18) (12.12.17) • MEPs acknowledged that February 2018 • MEPs prolong and expand the progress has been made in Brexit • Climate: MEPs pass law to cut European Fund for Strategic negotiations, but cautioned the CO2 emissions and fund low- Investment up to €500 billion. UK government not to take a Brexit carbon innovation. (06.02.18) (12.12.17) transition deal for granted, and • MEPs adopt Commission • MEPs advocate stronger highlighted the need to formalise the blacklist of countries at risk of EU foreign and defence withdrawal agreement. (16.01.18) money laundering. (07.02.18) policy. (13.12.17) • MEPs said that EU export • MEPs approved proposed changes • More transparency on EU controls should be extended to to the Framework Agreement on decision-making: A new online cyber-surveillance tools to avoid relations between the EP and register will make it easier to find human rights violations. (17.01.18) the EC. Serving EU Commissioners and track EU decisions taken in the • MEPs set ambitious targets may run as “lead candidates” form of delegated acts. (13.12.17) for cleaner, more efficient or run for election to the EP • MEPs back recommendations of energy use. (17.01.18) ahead of EU elections. (07.02.18) special inquiry into tax crimes: • MEPs endorsed Irish Tony James • MEPs call on to lift Open registers of beneficial owners, Murphy and Swedish Eva Lindström state of emergency (08.02.18) effective whistle-blower protection candidates for the European For more information, please visit : and rules for intermediaries. Court of Auditors. (17.01.18) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/ (13.12.17) • MEPs put children at the forefront news-room/plenary FMA BULLETIN - 62 5

CURRENT AFFAIRS

1948: START OF THE EUROPEAN CONSTITUTIONAL CYCLE

70 years ago, on 1 January 1948, and Nazi concentration camps and in a society in which respect for the the Italian Constitution marked also to racism and anti-Semitism, rule of law and pluralism prevail. the beginning of the cycle of homophobia and discrimination The primacy of European law is also democratic constitutions that were against women. recognised and supported by the to come into being, one after the The second primacy was that of dialogue of national constitutional other, after the Second World the constitution, over any other courts with the European Court War in Europe. In 1949 came the law. Constitutions were to act as of Justice. Although restricted to German Constitution, followed – in barriers against arbitrary measures matters that are of EU competence, the fast-paced chapter of peace and abuses of power by governing its symbolic significance as a bulwark on our continent that began parliamentary majorities in the name against any form of legal or statutory afterwards– by the new constitutions of the perpetuity of values on which, absolutism is huge. of all the states that currently at the constituent stage, there was a These are primacies which, although make up the Union. national consensus. declared 70 years ago, are constantly That European constitutional cycle Last but not least, there was the being undermined by threats and immediately took the shape of a primacy of supranational law open violations. break with the past consisting of over individual national legal The value of dignity is being preventing any government, using systems. Therefore, since 1948, challenged by new forms of slavery, the instrument of law, from being for the first time in the world, trafficking in human beings and the able to repeat, in any form, that national constitutions have allowed situation of stateless migrants, both near past of wars, dictatorships limitations on national powers and at our gates and internally. and attacks against the individual. transfers of state sovereignty so as The value of the constitution is being The will to introduce that legal to enable a supranational order to challenged by hostilities towards instrument was expressed in a be established. This was to be the the curbs placed – by the courts of variety of ways and was based on common constitutional order in the law and the independence of the the national traditions of each state, European Union, where those three judiciary – on governments abusing but each constitution went on to primacies, as transposed into each their powers. establish, in its own different way, ‘new’ constitution, would receive The value of European law is being three primacies: common recognition. challenged by ‘legal nationalisms’ First and foremost there was the The European legal order would that are looking to denature the primacy of dignity over every thus be seen not as something reciprocity of each country’s rights other aspect in the sphere of the foreign or as an addition to national and duties in respect of the EU. individual and which represented constitutions, but as a manifestation It is therefore fair to say that the the ‘never again’ to Soviet gulags of the combination of things that European constitutional cycle that united them. began in 1948 has not really been We thus have the Charter of completed. There is much to be Fundamental rights of the European done every day, and many mistakes Union that opens with the simple to be counteracted, in order to and solemn formula: ‘Human dignity ensure that our very European is inviolable. It must be respected Union can continue to survive with and protected’. Nothing more than its global identity and those three that, but everyone understands primacies intact. what it means. And thus we have the primacy of constitutional values established in Article 2 of the Treaty as values that Andrea Manzella PES, (1994-1999) are ‘common to the Member States’ ©European Union [email protected] 6 FMA BULLETIN - 62

DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONS

Europe: half-hearted reforms will and narrow self-interest, Islamic However, these risks do not no longer do. terrorism, Europe’s inability to outweigh the potential benefits; The ‘democratic conventions’ that offer a coordinated response to it is time to embrace these new will be held in 2018, proposed by the unstoppable flow of migrants communication technologies, for President Macron as part of his plan forced to endure unspeakable they are having as revolutionary an to relaunch the European project, are conditions while fleeing misery, impact on society as the advent of by no means ground-breaking. To war and dictatorships, and mass the printing press had in its day. think otherwise would be to ignore unemployment condemning millions I personally believe that the most the many thousands of diverse of young people to the margins important thing - with a little democratic initiatives that for more of society. In the face of these resourcefulness from local politicians- than 60 years have pushed forward challenges, half-hearted EU reforms is for these democratic conventions the debate on how best to achieve just will not do. to include all citizens rather than peace and solidarity in Europe. ‘We need to look ahead focusing on the management What is new this time is that, by of Europe. We have far bigger reaching out beyond the politically to a future in which problems to deal with than that. engaged community and mobilising solidarity, in the interest We need to look ahead to a future as many European citizens as of Europe, is not only in which solidarity, in the interest possible, these proposals have European but universal’ of Europe, is not only European the potential to spur on Europe’s but universal. Europe needs a new leaders to take actions that meet the In this age of uncertainty, we need contract based on clear vision and a challenge posed by the dangerous to find a better balance between the commitment to the common good. disillusionment felt by a growing two means of democratic expression: This is the only way to restore the number of people towards the EU. representative democracy and direct European dream that the founders We are confronted by a lingering democracy. The latter can no longer yearned for and made a reality scepticism towards European be confined to the simple act of after the war. integration, the risk of the Brexit voting in elections and referendums, To achieve this and rally support phenomenon spreading to other for there is no denying that social for this new ideal from our entire countries, a continuing 30-year media have an important role to continent, we need to place our faith slump in the turnout for European play, even if in their relentless stream first and foremost in the younger elections, the rise of populist of confusing, often anonymous generation, who have not lost their movements thriving on fear information they present both the enthusiasm for life, who know best and the worst of humanity. how to stand up for what is right, Some fear that these democratic who believe in making the world a conventions are not the best means better place and who are capable of of understanding the expectations of selfless acts. the European population as a whole, for three main reasons: those who feel most passionate about European issues are usually well-off, older and live in cities; generally, the people most likely to speak up in these kinds of discussions are those with strong or sometimes radical views; Nicole Fontaine and due to the lack of face-to-face Former President of the interaction, an online forum would European Parliament Emmanuel Macron, President of the only produce a fractured dialogue. EPP-ED, (1984-2009) French Republic ©European Union [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 7

‘UNITED IN DIVERSITY’

Using our motto as a new way of promoting democracy The European flag can be found in many places across the EU, from the official buildings of its Member States and the signboards of construction sites that have received EU funding to the administrative documents produced by its institutions. It is a symbol that has truly entered Rainbow over the flags of the EU member states in front of LOW building in the collective memory of Europe’s ©European Union 500 million inhabitants. Another symbol is Europe Day on 9 which has an analogy in the body Against this backdrop, it is clear that May, an occasion that is celebrated of every sentient creature, including our motto must be brought to the to varying degrees depending on the human beings, as our bodies can fore. country and the year. only function properly when all of It was first introduced by Nicole Our anthem ‘Ode to Joy’ is still only our organs are working in harmony Fontaine and the European used on rare occasions. with one another. Parliament on 4 May 2000, then And our motto ‘United in Diversity’ • ‘United in Diversity’ is the basis for later relaunched on 9 October 2008. seems to have been forgotten all human organisations to operate I should like to see Parliament, the altogether! effectively, from orchestras and Commission, the Member States And yet: football teams to businesses and and all pro-European organisations • ‘United in Diversity’ is a principle NGOs. print it alongside our flag on their • ‘United in Diversity’ is the reality documents. of politics at all levels: in our local Let next 9 May be the chance to parishes, districts, cities, regions, show what a great asset the diversity nations, and of course in Europe. of Europe’s cultures is for each one The rise of narrow-minded, inward- of us and our common future. looking attitudes and the refusal And, with the support of many other by many to engage in dialogue - at initiatives, may our motto become an individual level as much as for just as popular as our European flag the planet as a whole - is turning is today. ‘diversity’ into a weapon to undermine the unity that binds our societies together. We are coming into the period leading up to the European elections in June 2019. There will be lively debates at every level, and different ‘diversities’ will often launch attacks on one another. Yet the interest of each one of us, the common Jean-Marie Beaupuy interest, must surely lie in seeking ALDE, France (2004-2009) Poster 9 May 2005 ©European Union harmony, not discord. [email protected] 8 FMA BULLETIN - 62

THE POINT OF VIEW OF A FORMER MEMBER

Since I know that the President widely differing ideas about students in whom I was able to instil is supposed to act as an arbiter democracy. an enthusiasm for the European between the different mentalities, Those of us who were politically Union which lasts to this day. Those I hope that the new President active on behalf of the European students placed a great deal of of the EP may have an influence Union now fear that our hope in their countries’ membership to help achieve a consensus on achievements may be short-lived. of the EU. European affairs. I myself devoted all of my efforts How can it be that the intransigence Former Members like me took after leaving the European of the EU-bureaucracy and its failure on responsibility for bringing the Parliament to the development of the to understand the history and enlargement of the European economy and academia in traditions of the new Member States Union to fruition in the 90s. For and . should have generated so much example, as a member of the “Brexit should have been mutual antagonism? European Parliament’s Delegation Brexit should have been a wake-up for Relations with Poland, I met with a wake-up call – after all, call – after all, we older Europeans do Polish dissidents and Walesa as long we older Europeans do not want to trigger any other exits. ago as the 80s. not want to trigger any Having suffered under foreign rule We also organised the first meetings other exits.” and oppression, countries such of trade associations in Budapest as Poland and Hungary have had back in the 80s and hoped for Having obtained a Polish post- to wait 80 years to build their a liberation of the people from doctoral qualification to lecture nation states. decades of oppression by the Soviet and a chair at the University of They are therefore more attached system, inter alia through a Europe Szczecin, I participated in the to their national autonomy without borders. development of the Faculty of and sovereignty than, say the For me, as a German well acquainted Economics, focusing on information Luxembourgers who, much like the with the situation of my compatriots technology in business. Germans, are willing to cede many and relatives in East , it was At the same time, I lectured for 12 powers to Brussels. clear that it would take decades years on ‘Hungary as an example Can the European Parliament, until we came to speak the same of European Economic Integration’, not use its authority to act as a language and have the same and acted as an examiner under more effective counterweight conception of the world around us, the Monnet Programme at the to the Commission? of our historical context. Etvös-Lorand-University in Budapest. Even now, many Europeans have There I encountered many ERASMUS

Ursula Braun-Moser EPP, Germany (1984-1994) Meeting in the European Parliament in 1986 ©European Parliament [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 9

EVERY FIVE MINUTES...

Every five minutes a girl dies as a It is in its mutual interests of both and Time’s Up campaign for the result of violence parties to monitor population world’s girls? The 2017 World Population Report growth, especially in Africa: it is also Over fifty percent of girls still live in has again corroborated something our joint humanitarian responsibility. Asia, but the trend is downwards. In that we have long known, but that It should be recalled that the UN has Africa, however, the proportion of can hardly be said to determine our set 17 ‘Sustainable Development girls will probably be one-third higher development agenda: Goals’ to be achieved by 2030: in five years’ time. poor girls have three times as defeating poverty and hunger, Life expectancy is steadily rising, many children as rich ones. This providing good health and quality and girls born in 2015 currently applies above all to the countries education and achieving gender have an average life expectancy of of sub-Saharan Africa. According equality. Whether these goals 74.1 years. Girls live longest in to the United Nations, 43 percent can be achieved will depend very Hong Kong (87.3 years). They of all pregnancies are unplanned. much on what assistance is given have the lowest life expectancy in The German Foundation for World especially to girls, who still suffer Sierra Leone (52 years). This, too, Population expects a further increase multiple disadvantages. In order to must be a wake-up call to Europe and also an increase in abortions as raise public awareness worldwide to make a major contribution to a result of the reduction - instigated about their plight, in 2012 the UN improving living conditions in Africa. by US President Trump - of funds for designated the first International Day This is especially true of access to international organisations that also of the Girl Child. education. In Africa, twice as many provide information on abortions in On the International Day of the Girl boys as girls attend at least primary the context of family planning. The Child in 2017, there were around school, and boys are 83 percent probable effect of these cuts will be 1.1 billion young women and more likely than girls to reach upper not to reduce, but rather to increase girls under the age of 18, many secondary education. In other words, the number of abortions, because in emergency and crisis situations, there are currently some 130 million girls and women will have less threatened by violence and sexual girls worldwide who are unable to access to advice on family planning exploitation and with no chance of attend school. and contraceptive methods. It is an adequate education. According to And when Africa’s poor girls are able now up to the EU and its Member Unicef, every five minutes a girl dies to go to school, they often stay at States to match their vocal support as a result of violence. Worldwide, home for several days every month, for Africa by taking action to close 120 million girls and young women because they cannot afford sanitary this gap and making further family have experienced sexual violence towels when they have their periods. planning efforts. in their lives. Where is the #MeToo Governments have already made promises during election campaigns to supply them with sanitary towels, but these promises have invariably been broken; in Uganda, an activist who had criticised this failure was even sent to jail. Some pupils now make their own, as best they can. Surely the EU can step in here!

Karin Junker International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women:- ‘ Orange your world ‘, PES, Germany (1989-2004) UN campaign to end violence against women and girls ©European Union [email protected] 10 FMA BULLETIN - 62

AMAR PROGRAMME

Sajjad and Marwa were obviously in Discrimination) programme Baroness Nicholson of love. Sitting close together on the across Iraq. Winterbourne launched AMAR sofa in the AMAR International office Its aim was to tackle all forms of Foundation in 1991. They work in Basra, Iraq, Marwa could not stop discrimination on the grounds of across Iraq and Lebanon, ensuring talking about how happy she was, religious belief - or indeed non-belief that vulnerable families have and Sajjad just gazed, adoringly, into - in order to reduce ongoing social, access to healthcare, educational his new wife’s eyes. economic and political division and services and emergency aid. Just like millions of other couples conflict. All religions were included in www.amarfoundation.org around the world, they were both the programme. enjoying those first few precious Iraq is a multi-ethnic country. They sustainable approach guaranteed months of married life. are a nation not just of Muslims but that skills were maintained by Iraqi Things could have been very of Christians, Yazidis, Chaldeans and activists, CSO members, teachers different though for this young Mandaens too. and professors who could then couple. From the moment they first Having worked in this troubled continue to spread the message of met they already knew they had a region since 1991, always with tolerance throughout their careers. big problem. Sajjad was a Shiite, and an entirely indigenous workforce, Over the course of the three-year Marwa, a Sunni. AMAR was acutely aware of the programme, our staff taught more So this would have been a need for CRD. Our staff in Iraq have than 10,800 people. Ten CSOs relationship that would normally had first-hand personal experience were also fully trained, as well as 36 have been doomed to failure. The of the problems that are caused religious and community leaders, schism between the two Muslim by religious intolerance and are representing all the faiths in Iraq. sects dates back 1400 years conscious of the desperate need to Thanks to this ground-breaking following the death of the Prophet address the root causes. scheme, we were able to offer help Mohammed. They still share many The specific objective was to reduce to Sajjad and Marwa. We contacted fundamental beliefs and practices sectarian conflict, violence and their community leaders, both of but there are many differences which the potential of violence between whom had trained on the AMAR have led to countless deaths and differing religious communities scheme. Initially, both families were much misery for both peoples over in Southern Iraq and to ensure against the relationship, but the the centuries since then. equitable and fair access to social, leaders used all their new knowledge Sajjad and Marwa were forced economic and political life for to persuade them to allow this to to keep their love for one religious minorities. happen and now they are married. another secret, even from their AMAR worked closely with local It’s was a small breakthrough of closest relatives. Fear stalked university professors to develop a course. Centuries of animosity is not their relationship. curriculum on religious tolerance, going to be solved overnight. But Thankfully, they approached AMAR human rights and gender equality at least we took the initiative and and asked for help. They came to which was then taught to civil we are now desperately seeking us because we have been running a society organisations (CSOs), more funding to continue our unique programme to teach religious religious and community leaders, CRD programme and expand it tolerance to thousands of people in teachers and university professors across Iraq. the south of Iraq. in Basra, Maysan and Thi Qar in It was thanks to a one million Euro Southern Iraq. Emma Baroness Nicholson grant from the European Union, These CSOs and religious leaders through the European Instrument then taught the curriculum’s of Winterbourne for Human Rights and Democracy, message of tolerance throughout Chair of AMAR Foundation that AMAR was able to expand their communities through different ALDE, the CRD (Combatting Religious activities and lectures. This inherently (1999-2009) [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 11

OBSERVATION MISSION IN CATALONIA

The European Free Alliance (EFA) Catalan Parliament and call new stations (in two groups) in ten Group in the European Parliament elections to it: Prime Minister sociologically different districts of decided at the last moment to Puigdemont fled to Barcelona. Everywhere there was send a group of observers to these with part of his government. a huge turnout – more than 80 important elections. The elections The members of the Catalan percent: in terms of democratic were very important not only for the Government who remained in participation it set a real example for future of Catalonia but also for the were imprisoned. Europe continued the rest of Europe. Spanish Government led by Rajoy to take the attitude that the law People queued in a disciplined and for Europe. had to be obeyed (the referendum manner for the opportunity, once What preceded them, in a nutshell, was unconstitutional). inside the polling station, to take was this: on 1 October, after several The Spanish Government had not an envelope within which they vain calls for dialogue in order invited any international observers: could indicate their preferred party to obtain a better autonomous this was a further reason why we list, before identifying themselves status, the parties which backed should not hesitate to go and have a by means of their passports: their independence called a referendum look, and to support democracy. names were both noted and in Catalonia. Madrid considered the We went with a delegation of MEPs, crossed off a copy of the electoral referendum to be illegal and sent former MEPs and representatives roll. There were observers from all the Guardia Civil, the Spanish police, from Flanders, Scotland, Corsica, the parties that were participating to intervene. The police did so, South Tirol, Northern Ireland, in the election. making a great display of force and Yorkshire, Galicia, Wales and the At 20.00, the polling stations closed, using a good deal of violence: the Basque Country and of course also and the votes cast at each of them pictures were seen around the globe. with Catalans. were counted on the spot. Ballot boxes were seized in order to On the evening of Tuesday, 19 In the evening, we were then able sabotage the referendum. Even so, December we attended the closing to see the results, which made many people voted, and on the basis event organised by the ERC (left- it clear that the parties seeking of the result of the referendum the wing nationalists), whose leader, independence had once again parties proclaimed an independent former Deputy Prime Minister Oriol secured a majority. Decision-makers Catalan republic on 27 October Junqueras, is still in prison. in Madrid must now accept that in the Catalan Parliament. They Wednesday was a day of reflection negotiation is the only way to sought to remain members of the and briefings, including with the break the stalemate. The European EU, but the ANC party, whose leader Jordi Commission too can no longer did not respond... Sanchez was also in prison, as ignore the fact that a political Although the Catalans had expressly was Jordi Cuixart, president of solution will have to be found. sought dialogue, Madrid invoked Òmnium Cultural. Europe must not abandon the Article 155 of the Constitution On Thursday, the election itself duly Catalans, nor must it allow the to punish the region, dissolve the took place: we visited 20 polling violation of democratic values to continue: pressure must be brought to bear for the political prisoners to be released and for the elected representatives to be allowed to take their seats in the new Catalan Parliament.

Jan Dhaene Greens/EFA, Belgium (2002-2004) Group of observers in Catalonia [email protected] 12 FMA BULLETIN - 62

THE FRENCH FEDERATION OF HOUSES OF EUROPE

The French Federation of Houses of are intended to be places of education can also relate to the founding values Europe is an association set up in about Europe, where information is of the European Union and the 1961 by six founding Houses. It is provided and debates are held on the functioning of its institutions. Mobility independent of political parties and of realities of Europe – whether it be workshops are organised to present national and EU institutions. the Europe of the Council of Europe the mobility opportunities in Europe In 2018, there are 34 Houses of or of the European Union – as well through the Erasmus+ programme Europe throughout France. Together, as on EU institutions and policies. (studies, European voluntary service). the Houses of Europe and their Fifteen of our Houses are ‘Europe The Houses, together with their Federation aim to help build a Direct information centres’, providing many partners, organise debates on united Europe based on peace, a liaison between the European topics relating to European current sustainable and inclusive development institutions and citizens. Each of our affairs, and contribute everywhere and democracy by promoting Houses, from Brest to Strasbourg and to the success of the Europe Week active European citizenship for all from Dunkirk to Montpellier, is an commemorations in May. sections of society. association born of the commitment All this work is particularly necessary The Federation’s principal task is of European civil society actors, in the current climate, when all too to support and coordinate the elected representatives and ordinary often Europe serves as a scapegoat actions of the various member citizens. Together, they have around for populists. The Houses of Europe Houses around unifying projects, 4 000 members. Their members will engage fully in the public to defend their interests in dealings may be individuals or legal entities: consultations launched by President with the authorities and to establish local authorities, universities, schools, Macron ahead of the elections to partnerships with other European trade unions, companies, cultural, the European Parliament in 2019. networks of associations. educational or sports associations, Only the clear-sighted commitment Most of our Houses belong to the twinning committees, etc. of large numbers of citizens can European Network for Education ‘The Houses of Europe provide Europe with the cohesion and Training (EUNET), which has 70 and strength it needs to face the members in 22 countries. and their Federation aim challenges of globalisation while The Houses of Europe are associations to help build a united respecting its values. which emerged from a citizens’ Europe based on peace, The Houses of Europe stand ready to movement in the late 1940s. sustainable and inclusive contribute. Historically, rather like the twinning For the past few years our Federation relationships created between French development and has been presided over by Catherine and German municipalities, their aim democracy by promoting Lalumière, a great European and was to facilitate reconciliation after active European former Vice-President of the European the Second World War. Today, they Parliament. It is an honour and a citizenship for all pleasure for me to take over this sections of society.’ responsibility from her. The House of Europe teams – employees and volunteers – work with young people in schools and in informal education activities. The aim of these activities is to bring home to young people the reality of Europe and its geographical and cultural diversity, for example through stories Martine Buron Logo ©Fédération Française des Maisons and legends, the origin of languages PES, France (1988-1994) de l’Europe or Europe’s monuments. But they [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 13

FOCUS

CULTURAL HERITAGE © Shutterstock 14 FMA BULLETIN - 62

FOCUS EUROPEAN CULTURE VIEWED THROUGH THE AGES

European culture, to my mind, is first introspection and extroversion. Since revolutionised itself and which it has and foremost a way of life! the days of Greek culture it has been sought to impart to far-flung parts of Whereas some interpretations, calling itself into question, refusing the continents. divorced from context, confine to be satisfied with simple answers The great cathedrals, the themselves to a simplistically unless these raised implicit new Renaissance ‘open house’ – open negative perspective, looking, for questions. It set out from the agora to that which was different – are instance, at the Crusades, the on its Peripatetic wanderings and humanist spaces to the extent that extermination of indigenous peoples, carried that way of living through there is a willingness to understand slavery, and colonialism, others see the Aegean Sea as far as the vast the rights of others, both physical Europe as light, there to guide those Mediterranean, the Mare Nostrum of and spiritual. Later, Baroque festivals, seeking to bring greater quality of Roman civilisation, which extended sacred liturgies and the opposite, life both to their situation and to the frontiers of the Europe of that led Europeans to reflect languidly their being, in terms of values. time, northwards and eastwards, but in 19th century cafés, addressing ‘European culture is a in so doing overreached itself and themselves to notions of decadence thus brought about the decline of as opposed to industrial progress symbiosis of secular and its empire. Once Judaeo-Christian and social movements. That was the religious thought’ ideology, which had come from situation in which both individual Europe, as we all know, is one of the the nearby Middle East, had been and collective existence proceeded, smallest continents in the world in allowed to take root and officially in a way that had no parallel in which we live. Its eastern boundaries sanctioned, Europe came to define any other culture, in that particular are difficult to determine, since its itself in the Christian mould. cognitive state, giving rise to a northern, southern, or western European culture is a symbiosis power which from the 20th century boundaries are stretched forward as of secular and religious thought, to this day has continued to attract soon as Europeans move, act, and which together shaped the medieval migrants seeking a reference point make their mark on the many and period and, as they separated, with which to identify. varied eras in human history. created a divide, sharper than in In my opinion European culture in Beyond anything that it might be any other of the world’s cultures, the world is above all a welcoming able to impart, or even ‘impose’, to these being trapped within their culture, enabling us, through be European means essentially to existential monolithism and which, interculturalism, to soar aloft, be set apart from what others see although they are developing and asserting ourselves and emphasising and the standpoints from which have their own spheres of influence, our difference from those who know they view it. have never managed to equal that it is difficult to take flight, and European culture finds expression or affirm liberty, fraternity, and even braving cultural adversity, for in interplay between opposites, equality, concepts with which Europe the greatest beauty lies in going beyond dreams and seeing what they might engender for human development. We are Europeans and as such, with our cultural and historical dimension, we can turn our gaze on others in the 21st century.

Pedro Canavarro PES (1989-1990) Map of Europe RBW (1990-1994) FMA BULLETIN - 62 15

THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Over the centuries the world has been enriched by contributions to cultural heritage testifying to aspects of the generations that have followed one after another. There are, sadly, many deplorable cases in which heritage values have been lost. That said, particular attention is being brought to bear today with a view to preserving and promoting them. Stewardship of this kind often involves considerable financial costs. Those costs are, however, justified, Passengers ready to board aircraft.©European Parliament since they create jobs in major industries and, more importantly, them go to beaches in summer and stopping or delays at borders, it would be intolerable to lose travel to the mountains in winter. and the adoption of the euro by cultural contributions handed By contrast, cultural heritage values, 19 countries removes the need to down by preceding generations. as well as frequently being found exchange currency when moving History would judge us harshly if we in disadvantaged areas, remote from place to place. neglected our heritage, whatever hinterlands, are such that they Given that the preservation of the financial return to be had attract tourists at all seasons of the cultural heritage imposes substantial from promoting it. year, thus making it possible to financial burdens and countries Taking stock of values has to go capitalise on local activities every naturally have to meet a whole hand in hand with strong protection, month.To give the example of the range of social needs, from including severe penalties for city where I live, Coimbra, the main education to health, it is easy to those who fail to comply with the tourist attraction is the university, see that any revenue generated safeguard measures. Secondly, a UNESCO site, which receives can make quite a significant the utmost efforts must be made, more than half a million visitors contribution. The proceeds from continuing what has already begun, throughout the year, 93% of whom monument admission fees often to promote the values embodied are foreign tourists. The economic exceed maintenance costs many in cultural heritage, reaching out value of cultural heritage is in this times over. But the economic everywhere in our countries and instance highly significant, given that advantages go far beyond this in other parts of the world to all the numbers of visitors arriving every immediate return. There are gains population groups, whether young day are greater than they would be if to be made for related activities, or not so young, well educated the heritage were not there. from hotels to catering services or otherwise. The aim should be to exploit the and popular entertainment, and, That is the desirable way to promote economic potential of cultural moreover, in terms of values that culture. But attracting large numbers heritage, which in Europe’s case has likewise deserve to be promoted. of people to places – many of which been greatly enhanced because the are disadvantaged – where cultural market has been opened up for the values are imparted does much to benefit of European citizens and Manuel Porto enhance those values. citizens of other parts of the world, Portugal Tourists are often attracted for who can also take advantage of the ELDR (1989-1996) reasons other than culture, for it resulting facilities. In the Schengen EPP-ED (1996-1999) naturally happens that more of area, for example, there is no more [email protected] 16 FMA BULLETIN - 62

THE HUMBLE RURAL ARCHITECTURE OF GREECE

Rural architecture in Greece, the Gironde in France or the Tyrol in areas must take into consideration especially on the islands, has . In Greece, the diversity of the following principles: developed a unique character over rural architecture is revealed in its • a sustainable balance between the centuries. patchwork of thousands of islands population and environment, It was called ‘unknown architecture’, and we urgently need to find ways • an integrated approach to the architecture of shepherds, who of preserving it. traditionally agricultural areas, keep their sheep and goats in pens. But the European Union also needs • participation by the local populace On the islands of the North Aegean to adopt rules to protect other in the drafting and implementation –Lemnos and Lesbos for instance- aspects of folk art. of policies and alignment between this folk architecture, which differs In order to preserve the remaining their views and decisions made by from that of the Cyclades, has largely examples of rural architecture, on the central authorities; survived, and thousands of these 20 July 2006 the plenary session of • ongoing dialogue with social, stone buildings are scattered over the European Parliament adopted private and voluntary organisations the islands. the report I had drawn up on: actively involved with the cultural Equipped with a tape measure and ‘The Protection of the European heritage, a camera, I wandered around the natural, architectural and cultural d) European Union, the Member islands sketching and photographing heritage in rural and island regions’ States, the local authorities and the rural buildings. When I began (2006/2050(INI) which proposed cultural, non-governmental to make my first sketches, I realised inter alia that: organisations (should) take action that I would also have to study (a) The cultural heritage must be to protect and rehabilitate Europe’s the Cyclades; and having done regarded as an indivisible whole cultural heritage, particularly small so, I understood the architectural requiring the adoption of joint traditional communities, and raise interactions, as on Tinos, an island protective measures; public awareness of its importance; with a similar rich rural architecture. (b) Particular attention should e) the Member States and regional If we are to preserve this heritage, be given to the protection and and local authorities (should) we need a new type of revolution in promotion of the natural and provide where necessary incentives education. Schools must at last teach architectural heritage of Europe’s for the demolition or modification the local architectural history of each island areas; of buildings out of tune with and region, such as that of Liguria in Italy, (c) Action taken in rural and island detracting from, the particular architectural character of the community or locality in which they are situated or with the natural environment and surrounding buildings. Approximately 14 years have since elapsed, and the implementation of the proposals made by the report has not yet even begun.

Nikolaos Sifounakis PES, Greece (2004-2007) Fourni Island ©iStock [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 17

UNESCO

Peacekeeping by means of policies about mutual understanding, about world, comprising monuments, such as disarmament and dispute cultivating and thereby preserving historic towns and landscapes. resolution - by strengthening all the wonderful cultural, social, It also manages a major online peoples’ desire for peace through architectural and spiritual treasures encyclopaedia, focuses on the educational and cultural measures. of humanity. world’s documentary heritage as Is this even possible? We must be able to do that. The part of the Memory of the World At least it’s worth a try, and there’s UN’s practice-oriented programmes programme (1992), lists not only no end in sight, since it will always and initiatives have played a the material but also the intangible remain a work in progress: constructive role in this respect and cultural heritage such as dance, UNESCO (The United Nations continue to do so. theatre, music, oral traditions, Educational, Scientific and Cultural For example, UNESCO has customs, festivals, crafts. Organisation) is an international coordinated the UN global All of this, it believes, is so valuable organisation and one of the 17 programme ‘Education for All’ that protecting it should be the legally independent specialised and the ‘Decade of Education task of all humanity and not just agencies of the United Nations for Sustainable Development’. individual States. (UN). It is based in Paris. It It publishes an annual World But dark storm clouds are gathering. currently has 195 members and Education Report and promotes The organisation cannot act alone. 11 associate members. lifelong learning. This is in line There have been several serious The founding treaty was signed in with international cooperation in disputes between the United States London in 1946 - and was born of the natural sciences, humanities and UNESCO alone. The United the experience of the Second World and social sciences. In the field States stayed away for 19 years and War. The preamble states: of communication, a major focus the United Kingdom for 12 years. A ‘Since wars begin in the minds is on promoting press freedom resolution adopted on the cultural of men, it is in the minds of and developing independent heritage of Palestine led in October men that the defences of peace media in the developing countries 2017 to the United States again must be constructed’. and conflict regions! declaring its withdrawal. Donald This is why UNESCO advocates This is in line with its Constitution: Trump has also criticised the unfair democratic education on the basis of ‘to contribute to peace and security distribution of the financial burden, human rights. They are the subject by promoting collaboration among stating that the organisation has not of a Universal Declaration of 2005, the nations through education, achieved its goal, but that the US which, although not binding under science and culture’ as well as wished to retain observer status. international law, is nevertheless - in communication and information. And there is the appalling and brutal my view - irreversible... This challenging task is not only destruction of Palmyra in Syria, the UNESCO is about highlighting ethically demanding - it also needs ancient oasis city in the centre of the the achievements of the peoples, money. This comes mainly in the highlands of Aleppo. Since 1980 form of the mandatory contributions it has been a World Heritage Site. of the Member States. It is now on the Red List of World Even on our own doorstep, we Heritage in danger. It is also at risk can often see practical impact from looting. This is an extremely of UNESCO. alarming development. UNESCO aims to protect the cultural and natural heritage, preserve Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the cultural diversity and promote Brigitte Langenhagen UNESCO and Federica Mogherini, High cultural dialogue: since 1976, it EPP-ED, Germany (1990-2004) Representative of the Union for Foreign has been compiling a list of the brigitte-langenhagen-cux@t- Affairs and Security Policy and Vice- cultural and natural heritage of the online.de President of the EC ©European Union 18 FMA BULLETIN - 62

CULTURAL PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF ARMED CONFLICT

The European Union has declared prevention and security in all and symbols of identity from 2018 the European Year of Cultural high-risk situations, such as armed barbarous destruction. Heritage with the intention of conflicts and natural disasters, were ‘A proposal was made promoting cultural diversity, promoted, and the International intercultural dialogue and social Committee of the Blue Shield, to establish a rapid cohesion. At a time when cultural which brings together knowledge, response task force treasures are being jeopardised and experience and specialised to protect the world’s destroyed in areas of conflict, it international networks and works has never been more important to with military authorities and artistic heritage called promote European cultural heritage emergency services, was charged the ‘Blue Helmets for and uphold it as an essential element with coordinating them. in EU foreign relations, and this is The protection of cultural heritage in Culture’ also an aim of the Year. areas of crisis and the fight against The process of democracy and “The Hague Convention illicit trafficking in artworks were peace can be restored not only [...]was a milestone in both high on the agenda for the by military missions but also by first G7 Culture Ministers’ meeting using appropriate and coherent the development from held on 30 and 31 March 2017 instruments and international 1902 to today of the legal in Florence. As part of UNESCO’s operational means. The restoration framework surrounding Unite4Heritage campaign, a and safeguarding of cultural proposal was made to establish a heritage, as a testimony to our ‘cultural property’ and of rapid response task force to protect history, civilisations, cultures, the very concept itself.” the world’s artistic heritage called the identities, religions and traditions, ‘Blue Helmets for Culture’, which can be one of the most fruitful It is common knowledge that the would comprise highly specialised and ground-breaking fields, and if protection of cultural property in the civil and military personnel, with a preserved correctly and promoted event of armed conflict is governed core team made up of members of well, cultural property can be an by international conventions and the Carabinieri’s Cultural Heritage important economic and social individual state laws. Protection Unit, art historians, resource and can serve as the Drawn up following the tragic scholars and restorers. Not long foundation for democracy. However, events of the Second World War, before, on 25 March 2017, the this can only happen through the Hague Convention of 1954 with United Nations Security Council continuous collaboration between its Regulations and Second Protocol unanimously adopted Resolution the political, cultural, academic and of 1999 was a milestone in the 2347, an initiative of France and Italy military sectors and civil society. development from 1902 to today to employ the Carabinieri’s expertise There is no doubt that in of the legal framework surrounding in the ‘Blue Helmets for Culture’, international relations, ‘cultural ‘cultural property’ and of the very intended solely for the protection of diplomacy’ is a vital tool that is only concept itself. The concept of cultural heritage at risk in situations strategic in nature if ‘culture’ is key ‘universal cultural heritage’ first of armed conflict. to diplomatic relations between appeared in this Convention, which In the past 20 years, Italy has states, as is already the case for concluded that damage to cultural taken important steps to protect several countries that consider it a property belonging to any people cultural heritage in areas of conflict. ‘prerequisite of foreign policy’. whatsoever constitutes damage to Last November, during Italy’s UN the cultural heritage of all mankind. Security Council presidency, it Under the broader concept of ‘world proposed appropriate measures heritage’, the principle of reciprocity Monica Baldi to safeguard cultural heritage and in the safeguarding of property was EPP-DE, Italy (1994-1999) protect historical-cultural diversity established. Measures for protection, [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 19

LUX FILM PRIZE

11 years ago the LUX FILM PRIZE of pave the way for an intercultural community that shares a common the European Parliament started to dialogue. With an educational pack ground, a platform where our explore new ways of crossing borders we reach even schools. opinions and visions of life can and overcoming barriers, building This is exactly what the LUX Film evolve. The spotlighted by the bridges paved by the emotions Prize is about. LUX Film Prize are an instrument to brought by films, through a common “The LUX Film Prize has arouse our curiosity, to learn about sense of sharing a building-yard our diversities and similarities. For which binds our European created a community that reason, we are very proud of identity and diversity. that shares a common the simultaneous screenings we have Most European films are only shown ground, a platform organised for three years around in the country where they were where our opinions very hot topics, involving audience, produced and are rarely distributed film directors and members of the across borders. The contrast is even and visions of life can Parliament during LUX Film Days. bigger when we see that more than evolve.” And last year again the three films 60% of released films are European, of the LUX Film Prize Competition The LUX Film Prize does not just but account only for one third of the were simultaneously screened all provide a distinct space in more cinema audience. over Europe, together with the than 20 festivals across Europe The European Parliament created the Creative Europe Media Desk of the every year via the LUX film days. It is LUX Film Prize to enhance both the European Commission, in addition to much more than the 250 screenings distribution of quality European films the usual screenings. and debates about the topical and the European debate. And also Over time, the LUX Film Prize has subjects raised by the films, be they to support European talents and the proved to be a unique and powerful migration, violence against women, European . tool for the cultural diplomacy of the gender or economic inequalities, Distribution of LUX films across European Parliament. The films are identity and sexual orientation. It Europe is made easier through requested more and more often by is not just about giving the unique Parliament´s support to the subtitling the EU embassies around the world, opportunity each year to 28 young in the 24 official languages and a from South Africa to Argentina, from cinema lovers to be part of the film copy produced per country, to Texas. Jury of the Giornate degli Autori in thus enlarging the audience and Films and the LUX Film Prize are and then to turn into LUX market chances. ideal vehicles for spreading values, Prize Ambassadors once back to Culture and films should be seen as connecting people, debating their country, thus strengthening a ‘keys’ which could potentially unlock and reflecting on Europe and feeling of European citizenship and dialogue between communities. its future. It could be a perfect developing new audiences. Culture and films are ideal tools to tool for establishing a strategy of The LUX Film Prize has created a address stereotypes, prejudices, to international relations outside the European Union, starting from the Balkans and the Mediterranean area. Culture and cinema as one of the most powerful ‘vehicles’ should remain a pillar in mutual respect and understanding. (www.lux-prize.eu)

Doris Pack EPP-DE, Germany (1989-2014) Lux Prize trophy ©European Union [email protected] 20 FMA BULLETIN - 62

FMA ACTIVITIES

European Parliament Former Members Association Association des anciens députés au Parlement européen FMA BULLETIN - 62 21

DEMOCRACY SUPPORT PATICIPATION IN DEMOCRACY ACTIVITIES

During the past few months, election observations. This year of former MEPs in its Capacity the Association has engaged in for example ODIHR’s website lists Building, Mediation and Human constructive dialogue with the 19 separate missions, from the Rights activities. These follow EP European Parliament and others Russian and Azerbaijani presidential election observation missions. The in order to make use of the elections to the mid-terms European Parliament is now ready valuable experience and expertise in the USA. to invite former MEPs as speakers of former MEPs in democracy The European Parliament has agreed and experts to seminars and training support, election observation and to do its utmost to encourage sessions organised either in Brussels, related activities. In association with and support the candidatures Strasbourg or in third countries. In Brigitte Langenhagen and the FMA of experienced former MEPs in 2018 EP democracy support activities Secretariat, I have followed the the core teams of OSCE/ODIHR will cover several countries such as approach I took while Vice-President Election Observation Missions. Moldova, , , , for Democracy & Human Rights, Such experts will continue to be Morocco, Peru, and Nigeria, and namely that former MEPs should selected following a strict and through the Pan African Parliament. be considered as a priority in well-established procedure, but the In order to respond effectively these activities. political experience and expertise and quickly to possible requests I have participated or led many of former MEPs – for example for experts from the European such missions since I set up the EU’s their involvement in previous EU Parliament and to make €190M Democracy and Human observer missions - is considered a OSCE/ODHIR fully aware of the Rights Initiative (EIDHR) after the fall particular asset. enormous human capital in the of the Berlin Wall, still the world’s Former Members are urged to FMA, we are updating our database largest dedicated programme. register in the OSCE/ODIHR Election to highlight the specific competences The EIDHR finances all the Expert Database, which remains a of those members interested and EU’s observer missions. precondition for being able to apply willing to contribute to these It is good to report that the for positions in the core team. The fields of activities. international Organisation for FMA Secretariat is at your entire For reasons of insurance, lines of Security and Cooperation In Europe disposal should you need any political responsibility and other (OSCE) and its connected Office assistance and further information is issues, it has not been possible to for Democratic Institutions and available on the FMA website. engage former Members in EP Human Rights (ODIHR) is willing In addition we have negotiated observation at this stage, although and ready systematically to involve with the European Parliament we have had very constructive talks knowledgeable former MEPs in (EP) a comprehensive involvement with key personalities. We hope that the systematic and positive involvement of former MEPs in the above programmes may remove current objections.

Edward McMillan-Scott Chairman FMA Democracy Working Group. Vice-President for Democracy & Human Rights 2004-2014. United Kingdom EPP-ED (1984-2009) Edward McMillan-Scott, Abu Zayyad at the Observation Mission to Palestine’s parliamentary ALDE (2010-2014) poll in January 2006 [email protected] 22 FMA BULLETIN - 62

EP TO CAMPUS PROGRAMME CAN UKRAINE LEARN ABOUT CONFLICT RESOLUTION?

On 20 and 21 October I spoke at establish democracy at local level. He list of instances of Nordic countries the Ukrainian European Studies also agreed that it is a problem that accepting the loss of parts of their Association in Kharkiv on the EU’s the Association Agreement between territories could be used to illustrate tools for conflict resolution. Kharkiv the EU and Ukraine forced Ukraine to the EU principle that, rather than was proposed as the capital of leave the former Soviet republics’ free be altered, borders should be made the separatists’ ‘New ’, but trade area. unimportant. At that point someone although Russian is the language Reports from Kiev suggest that the asked, rather indignantly: ‘Are you spoken by residents of Kharkiv in Baltic and Scandinavian countries advising us to give up Crimea and their day-to-day lives, they did not are the hawks when it comes to the the Donbass, then?’ I said I was not. approve of the secession. Ukraine/Russia situation, whereas Of course regions have a democratic In Kiev, too, Russian is the language a number of countries in southern right to go their own way: look at you are most likely to hear on the Europe are calling the sanctions Scotland, Quebec and Catalonia, streets. The students at Vernadsky into question. They are supported for example. But the democratic University breathe a sigh of relief in their view by the UN rules have to be followed. That when their lecturers allow them to Idriss Jazairy, who has pointed out has not been the case in Crimea switch from Ukrainian to Russian. that the sanctions are costing EU and the Donbass. History professor Mikhail Stanchev countries USD 3.2 billion per month, And Ukraine is not without blame: is one person who has continued and are having more of an impact on the language law shows a level of to lecture in Russian, in spite of the innocent Russian citizens than they insensitivity that could make Russian- new language law, which stipulates are on the country’s leaders. speaking Ukrainians doubt their that all teaching should be done The audience at the conference Ukrainian identity. If – where in Ukrainian (on 12 October 2017, listened with interest as I spoke about around five percent of the population the Council of Europe criticised the the EU’s peacemaking tools, from are Swedish speakers – can have new law as ‘an infringement of association agreements to sanctions. Swedish as an official language the rights of national minorities’). And they nodded in recognition alongside Finnish, why can’t Professor Stanchev gave me a copy when I spoke about Nordic conflicts Ukraine give Russian official status of his Russian-language book, World and the peaceful ways in which they alongside Ukrainian? War Three – the Battle for Ukraine, had been resolved, such as in 1658 At a demonstration in front of the in which he accuses Putin of being when took over Skåneland, parliament building in Kiev I was a carbon copy of Hitler. In a private which had held for 300 given a little booklet of poetry conversation with me, Professor years. Some 150 years later, in 1809, entitled ‘Our fears went up in smoke Stanchev acknowledged that Ukraine Sweden accepted the loss of Finland on the Maidan’, apparently written did bear some responsibility for to Russia, following the Swedish in Russian by a Moscow-born poet. the conflict, owing to its failure to poet Esais Tegnér’s exhortation The first poem, ‘Ode to Ukraine’ is for ‘Finland to be won back from the only one written in Ukrainian. within Sweden’s borders’. ’s It features the refrain: ‘We shed secession from the union in 1905 our blood for our freedom, and was also agreed to by Sweden, and it showed that we are of Cossack Finland was allowed to retain Åland nationality’. That booklet is on the basis of an international the Ukrainian identity dilemma decision taken in the 1920s, despite in a nutshell. the population’s wish to stay with Sweden. In the 1990s, Boris Yeltsin offered Finland the chance to buy Karelia back, but President Koivisto Per Gahrton declined. I pointed out that that Greens/EFA, Sweden (1995-2004) A moment of the conference [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 23

CAN THE EU SURVIVE BREXIT?

I was extremely pleased to receive a second invitation to the Euroculture Centre at the University of Göttingen which I first visited in November 2016. I suggested an update on my last year’s title ‘Can the EU survive Brexit?’ Not simply an example of English ‘tongue-in-cheek’ humour, but a warning that Brexit is not only an existential question for the UK, but also one for the EU. Certainly the mood among the Masters Students in the three seminars I participated in was A group of students from the Georg-August-University puzzlement and sadness about the UK leaving. There was some of Chancellor Angela Merkel, widely home and on FMA guest lectureships anxiety among a couple of UK seen as a stabilising force in the EU, don’t share this pessimism. So students about their future status has become an anxious question. We many of them have benefited from and questions from other EU are entering an increasingly uncertain European wide programmes, they students about their potential period. The eastern EU states are travel with ease and confidence. They status post Brexit. increasingly sceptical, even hostile to are prepared to rise to the challenge My last year’s visit coincided with EU policy made in Brussels; witness of competition and opportunity the news that Donald Trump had the widening resentment against EU offered by the EU. won the Presidential race in the asylum policy. However, doubts remain and indeed USA. That news was met by the ‘Europe’ is increasingly seen as the grow as to whether the EU is there same sadness and puzzlement as problem for nation states, not the for the benefit of all and not just for the Brexit decision. solution to national problems – a the quick, mobile, talented elite. This year’s visit came in the wake of point the ‘More Europe’ advocates Serious work ahead for the EU which the German general election which from Brussels fail to grasp. demands less self-congratulatory saw a sharp decline in the popularity The gap in perceptions of ‘Europe’ propaganda and more applied of the two major parties (CDU/ looms large. In my experience of reasoned persuasion. CSU and SPD) and the rise of the young people, like the students I met anti-EU nationalists, AfD. The fate in Göttingen and others I have met at Michael Hindley PES, United Kingdom (1984-1999) @HindleyLancs [email protected]

Michael Hindley with the students during the seminar at Georg-August-University in Thanks to Candriam for supporting our Göttingen co-operation with the EUI 24 FMA BULLETIN - 62

EUROPE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Programme encompassed generating waste and pollution, was and our work in the E.P. and one two components: in the centre of the presentations. In was an interview conducted by 1) Lectures and discussions at the particular interesting was the concept a retired scientist. University of ‘Circles of Sustainability’ presented We were able to talk about 2) Participation in the first meeting by Professor Paul James from Sydney programmes, budgets and in of the international network of University. In this framework the particular about legislation and how Michelin cities. sustainable development of cities is we see the future development. This was a clever combination of assessed in four domains: ecology, As the participants came from academic work and a big public economics, politics and culture ; each different countries (Spain, Belgium, event and the organiser Arnaund domain being sub-dived into 7 fields, Ukraine) there was particular interest Diemer did a great work. such as materials & energy, water & in questions of autonomy of regions • The participants at the lectures at air; production & resourcing, labour& and participation of regions in Clermont University were mostly welfare; organisation & governance, policies of the EU, and questions of students (often on Erasmus or other communication & movement; accession and geopolitics; of course EU programmes and from various engagement & identity, gender & Brexit was an important issue. European countries) involved in generations. Assessment is made on I believe, that still after so many projects or writing their thesis, thus a nine-step scale starting with critical years it is important and necessary providing an opportunity to present sustainability to vibrant sustainability. to explain the development and some of their work and discuss it Part of the seminar was dedicated functioning of European legislation with peers. to the future development of cities, even to participants with very high The fact that all presentations and showing scenarios of towers with levels of education. discussions at the university were in vertical gardens and forest-like • As part of the seminar was English added to the international buildings, giving as well a chance to the first day of the 1st meeting atmosphere of the seminar. discuss the philosophical background of the international network of The issue of circular economy and of sustainble development of cities. Michelin Cities ‘Sustainable City’, which methods and tools could My colleague Zofija Mazek Kukovič all participants and speakers were be used to develop a fair and and I took part in the discussions invited to the Polydome congress encompassing system, providing and there were two special sessions centre. Zofija Mazej Kukovič and I for a growing world population dedicated to EU issues. were taking part in the programme without abusing resources and One was a presentation of ourselves as experts. This gave the chance to speak about supportive European legislation and projects/programmes for sustainable cities and underline the importance of working together in Europe. It has to be noted that there were representatives from all around the world, though I would suggest that the EP and the Former Members Association keep in touch as to encourage further co-operation.

Ilona Graenitz Participants of the first meeting of the international network of Michelin cities on 1st December 2017 © Town Hall of Clermont Ferrand PES, Austria (1995-1999) [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 62 25

DO WE CARE ABOUT FUTURE GENERATIONS?

It was with great pleasure that I took which focused on mobility and is a key aspect for sustainable cities. part in the University of Clermont- sustainable use of world resources. Digital Europe, the internal digital Ferrand Jean Monnet Programme The conference with PhD students market and big data also present and in the International Symposium examined the issue of sustainability new technological opportunities to ‘Michelin Network of sustainable in cities. Given that there is no clear connect people whose needs are met cities’. There we looked at what answer to the problem of population by advances in mobility. steps would be needed to achieve a growth in cities, with some experts We should be thinking not only sustainable city, and a sustainable EU. predicting that by 2040 some about people’s needs, but also Former MEP Ilona Graenitz from 70% of the world’s population will about people’s feelings. All of us the European Parliament Former be living in cities, my talk focused would like to feel safe, while still Members Association (FMA) on the need for further research having privacy. Mobility could also took part. into how to motivate people and improve people’s safety, especially More than three years ago I wrote in create the conditions necessary for in cases of accidents, natural my book ‘Start up Europe’: people to choose to stay in rural catastrophes or health emergencies. ‘Sustainable economic growth, areas. A connection to the land Mobility and accessibility are where we use fewer resources and and an intimate relationship with important for sustainability and for produce more products, is more nature foster within us a sense business development.’ realistically achievable in times of of inner happiness. World-renowned photographer Yann crisis than in times of plenty. History Researchers and professors presented Arthus Bertrand used photography has taught us that times of plenty in challenges for sustainable cities on and film to present the world’s nature themselves limit creativity. issues ranging from culture and and people to the participants. His The most important areas that will the environment to energy and new film ‘WOMAN’ shows the require major changes are mobility, impact on our economy and society. misery of women in poverty and calls food, health and housing.’ In two roundtables, we discussed for political action. These points were still pertinent in European legislation pertaining to Cécile Coulon, a young and very the discussions that took place at these matters and future trends. The successful writer, also presented her the two events at Clermont-Ferrand, students asked about this unique latest award-winning book ‘Trois ‘sense of belonging to the EU’. For saisons d’orage’. She spent her them, as students from all over the childhood in a village and today world, that was the most impressive writes and encourages young people fact about the EU. Their criticisms to live more in harmony with nature. concerned issues such as Brexit and As a participant in the FMA the migration crisis. Campus programme, I must At the conference organised by say that the organisation by the the Michelin Network, I gave a University of Clermont-Ferrand presentation on mobility. and Professor Arnaud Diemer was ‘As a former health minister and a excellent. It was also clear that former member of the European the students were really engaged Parliament’s Committee on the and keen to participate in our Environment, Public Health and discussion. I would therefore like to Food Safety, my activities have thank all participants. focused on the health of people and of our planet. The European Parliament’s work Zofija Mazej Kukovič has also focused on the legislation EPP, (2011-2014) needed as a basis for mobility, which [email protected] Poster of the conference 26 FMA BULLETIN - 62

MEETING WITH THE YOUNG GENERATION

For a number of years now, I have Chatham House. It is designed attitudes. A source of optimism, committed to the EP to Campus to probe the attitudes in the EU however, is stemming from the EU’s Programme largely due to its main towards the perceived effects of advantages compared to those of objective to continue delivering migration, the refugee crisis and other parts of the globe – not only expertise that builds up the students’ how it has been managed since that some of the EU MSs economies knowledge capital. 2015. The specific issue of Islam in are among the most competitive in The process enjoys reciprocity – as European societies is also in the focus the world, but they also enjoy some guest speakers, we benefit from of the survey. of the most equal societies. The the analytical approach and critical The second survey is produced by the challenge for the EU is to utilize these thinking of the young generation. EU Agency for Fundamental Rights strengths and to build on the historic This December, I focused on EU (FRA), based in Vienna, and it throws achievements of integration. Migration Insights 2017 and the light on the experiences of Muslim To bring the international group of role of the EP in the UK’s withdrawal refugees and their children born around 60 students closer together, I from the EU. in EU MSs. threw light on the refugee solidarity The first lecture shed light on the We could make two general concert series Give a Home that unprecedented global movement conclusions: took place in cities all over the of people. We discussed migrant • Populist movements will continue world last September. The English integration public policies of the to find resonance among the public singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran MSs. We also approached migration when they seek to amplify such joined, too, a lineup of 1,000 artists from the perspective of identity and concerns into a broader opposition performing at the places of their populism. I briefly commented on the towards the EU. So, wide-ranging music fans in support for the cause reform of the Dublin system and the strategies will be necessary to of the refugees. EU return policy. engage more authoritarian-minded The second topic concerning The As concerns over migration and voters and to re-frame debates Role of the EP in the UK’s withdrawal identity are central to European about migration in such a way as to from the EU provoked many politics, we devoted generous time reduce perceptions of a cultural or questions under the mantra ‘Nothing to discuss two surveys covering two identity threat. is agreed until everything is agreed’. opposite aspects. • Over the longer term, the We discussed in detail the citizens’ One of the surveys belongs to the leadership of the EU institutions, civil rights, Good Friday Agreement and London-based Royal Institute of society and business will need to single financial settlement. We had a International Affairs, known as invest efforts in attempting to change brainstorming session based on the public opinion in the post-Brexit era. Our Friday session had its peak: a small creative project. Students from Syria, Ghana, , Ukraine, and I came together to call for empathy in a song titled Race to Freedom, dedicated to 18 December, International Migrants Day and 20 June, World Refugee Day.

Mariela Baeva ALDE, Bulgaria (2007-2009) mariela.baeva@nanotech-oecd- Mariela Baeva with a group of students from the Mendel University partner.eu FMA BULLETIN - 62 27

CRISIS AND THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY

At a seminar in Paris on ‘Crisis and the world: Militant Arabic Islamism transforming democracy. And we the Future of Democracy’, chaired seeks to crush it as a product of have yet to fully understand the by former French Prime Minister Western civilisation. Russia and China consequences of this transformation. Jean-Pierre Raffarin and attended by tacitly mock it as an exhausted model But one thing is clear: For the Members of the National Assembly, that is ill-adapted to the demands electronics sector democracy is no senior officials and representatives of of the modern world, and treat us more than an outdated technology. civil life, I had the honour of giving openly in this way. Around 150 of It needs to be saved by drawing the concluding speech. Here are the countries in the United Nations together in the Union. some of my remarks. cannot be classified as democracies The nation state is weakened but Some of the continent’s great minds in the strict sense. For most of retains the affection of its citizens. have argued that democracy, the them, democracy is clearly not the The European Union did not descend political system of a free society, is preferred choice for the future. If we from the stars, nor was it born of facing an existential crisis. It appears needed to strengthen the unification revolution; it was created by its that a certain pessimism is inherent of Europe in order to assert its Member States. It needs them for in any socio-philosophical analysis. political, economic and cultural its legitimacy, and to implement its Personally, I prefer the optimism of place in a globalised world, we need decisions. Let us, therefore, reform political will: Even if many citizens to do so even more to maintain the institutions and procedures of seem unconvinced by the practice, it as a safeguard of sovereignty the Union with caution, so as not to the principle of democracy remains and democracy. undermine it. And we must never highly regarded in all our countries. Important decisions for our national forget that its democracy does not Democracies in Europe share the societies are increasingly being flow from new institutions and same principles but apply different transferred to global organisations procedures but from the citizens’ procedures according to their and conferences where the source of hope of finding in it security, cultural traditions and historical democracy – the sovereignty of the participation, justice and solidarity. experiences. This is not something people – disappears into a void. The Democracy in Europe is far from which separates us though; it unites European Union can and must serve being an old and outdated political us. However we must not ignore as a vessel in which to nurture it. It system, but it is not immune to certain serious deviations: In Poland, is the only one of the supranational people’s irrationality and error. It is where the government is on the organisations in which citizens are by definition inconsistent, plural, point of curtailing the independence represented by a parliament elected incomplete and still ‘a work in of the judiciary. In Hungary, where a by universal suffrage; the only one progress’, but always linked to the particular form of authoritarianism in which decisions are taken by a image that Europeans have had of is developing. And not forgetting majority of states representing a free man since the Enlightenment, other countries where democracy majority of citizens; the only one and to the optimism that has been has clearly been undermined by in which national parliaments can part of the almost genetic makeup of corruption and criminality. In almost intervene directly at supranational democracy since Athenian times. all our countries democracy is level. In a pragmatic way, we are being challenged by nationalism, in the process of developing the isolationism and rising xenophobia. first supranational democracy Let us hope and work to ensure in the world. that the obligation to justify oneself All of Europe’s nations find it in the EU institutions can serve as difficult to transfer certain sovereign Klaus Hänsch protection against going too far. powers to the Union. Yet every Former President of the European Surveying the situation in Europe day we all casually give them up to Parliament must not mean we take our eye off the algorithms of privately-owned S&D, Germany (1979-2009) the state of democracy elsewhere in Big Data. By doing that we are [email protected] 28 FMA BULLETIN - 62

CO-OPERATION WITH THE EUI PROGRAMME FOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Co-operation with the European University Institute (EUI), and in particular with the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU), has continued with the much- appreciated participation of our members in educational programmes for students. Our members, with their experience and extensive knowledge, continue to make this From left: Marco Cervioni, Roberto Parenti, Monica Baldi, Vitaliano Gemelli and Dieter collaboration a success. Schlenker This year, the Historical Archives Parliament Liaison Office in Italy. The have developed a programme for Democratic Opposition in Venezuela high schools focused on three main have been announced as this year’s themes: Brexit, Migrations and laureate, following Rising of nationalist movements a decision by Parliament President across Europe. The topics were well Antonio Tajani and the political received by students from secondary groups leaders. Dr. Hans-Gert schools who showed great interest. Pöttering, former President of the Numerous meetings were held in the European Parliament (2007 – 2009) prestigious Villa Salviati in Florence to participated in the award ceremony discuss these highly topical issues. in Florence and one hundred and Sir Graham Watson during his intervention The meetings were attended by our twenty high-school students could members Monica Baldi, Luciana engage with him in a question and Castellina, Vitaliano Gemelli, Gisela answer session on human rights and Kallenbach, Niccolò Rinaldi, Riccardo freedom of thought. Ventre, and Sir Graham Watson. In regard to the Prize, Hans-Gert Monica Baldi, FMA Board member Pöttering said that we must “support responsible for relations with EUI, those who fight selflessly and participated in an event celebrating courageously for the rights of others the award ceremony of the Sakharov […] as if we stop fighting for the Prize 2017 jointly organised on rights of others, we will one day lose 13 December 2017 by the Historical our own.” Archives of the EU and the European Vitaliano Gemelli during his intervention

From left: Marco Incerti, Director of the Communications Service at the EUI, Monica Baldi, and Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering Ricardo Ventre during his intervention FMA BULLETIN - 62 29

BUILDING THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

I had a wonderful time working with a hundred or so secondary school pupils from Florence at the European University Institute in Fiesole. The boys and girls seemed very interested in what we were doing, to the point of even being too keen to please. By ‘too keen’ that I mean that, despite the dramatic decline in the popularity of the institutions, there was a remarkable lack of critical remarks about the EU. Most of the pupils displayed intelligence and skill in amending the proposals discussed in their working groups. Maybe they felt pressured by the very Monica Baldi, Dieter Schlenker and Luciana Castellina during her participation formal setting, but I just wondered if they were holding back, keeping I should make it clear that overall Take trade unions, political parties their deeply held reservations the initiative was very beneficial and media outlets, for example. to themselves. and that the pupils who organised They may be European in theory, it did a great job. What I took from but in reality they remain resolutely “What I took from it, however, and this is something national. I think we need to draw on it, however, and this I think we should all bear in mind, the knowledge of how each Member is something I think is that rather than focusing solely State is organised, how each on what the institutions do, these society expresses itself culturally and we should all bear in meetings should also be about politically, as the basis for building the mind, is that rather than debating and analysing the issues European community that has yet to facing European society. I still believe take shape. This is why it is taking so focusing solely on what that the main weakness of the long for solidarity to replace rivalry as the institutions do, these European project is that after 50 the founding principle of the EU. meetings should also years there are still no intermediate bodies working at European level to be about debating and bridge the gap between the people analysing the issues and the institutions - bodies of this facing European society.” kind are the backbone of democracy.

Luciana Castellina ALDE, Italy (2007-2009) Luciana Castellina during her intervention [email protected] 30 FMA BULLETIN - 62

FMA ANNUAL SEMINAR

THE 2017 FMA SEMINAR - 30 NOVEMBER

What form will the EU global security and defence strategy take in the future?

Cross-border threats and cooperation The exchange of views with the Commissioner for the Security Union, Sir Julian King, highlighted the need to step up joint security and defence efforts in the European Union. A moment of the FMA Annual Seminar on 30 November 2017 Member States are confronted with an increasing number of cross- Making the most of the single fits into the framework for future border threats, such as terrorism market relations. and organised crime, which call The EU has one key advantage Cybersecurity for a collective response. More when it comes to optimising security In addition to progress in the area of specifically, the interoperability of and external action policy: its single military cooperation, cybersecurity national information systems needs market. This powerful lever enables was a key topic at the conference. to be enhanced and the exchange the EU to present a united front to Improving network and information of information between intelligence the rest of the world and develop security is one of the priorities of the services improved. tools that can be used in all 28 Commission, which took measures The debate also provided an countries. intended to do just that in late 2017. opportunity to remind everyone that The best example of this is the ENISA’s mandate was revised to closing borders is no sort of viable joint system for external sanctions: give the agency fresh impetus and response to the increase in migratory Member States simultaneously apply new legislative proposals are due flows and the threat of terrorism. A the same sanctions in the fields of to be considered over the course of far more effective approach would defence and trade, thus enhancing 2018. For this project to succeed, be to improve the way in which their effectiveness. By employing this all the Member States will have countries share information on the method, the EU sends out a very to be on board. Information that profiles of newly arrived immigrants. strong message to the international is sensitive and that has a bearing community, and it should serve as a on national security needs to be model for stepping up its joint action shared among the Member States in the area of security and defence. in order to combat cybercrime. This The Brexit hurdle is yet another reason why priority The prospect of the UK leaving the must be given to intergovernmental EU has, however, thrown a spanner cooperation to ensure the collective in the works of closer European security of the Union. cooperation. Many questions on future cooperation with the UK were put to Commissioner Sir Julian King, who is himself British. He believes that a pragmatic approach is needed, as it is in the interests of both parties Constance Barbou des to continue cooperating to ensure Courières collective security. However, only EP Trainee Constance Barbou des Courières time will tell whether and how this [email protected]. FMA BULLETIN - 62 31

LATEST NEWS NEW MEMBERS

Maria da Assunção Esteves was member of the European Parliament from 2004 until 2009. Through her time in the European Parliament she served in the committee on Constitutional Affairs, the subcommittee on Human Rights and the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Maria da Assunção ESTEVES (Portugal, 2004- 2009, EPP)

Ivailo Kalfin was member of the European Parliament from 2009 until 2014. Through his time in the European Parliament he served as Vice-President in the committee on Budgets, and as a member in the special committee on the policy challenges and budgetary resources for a sustainable European Union after 2013 and the delegation for relations with , , , and Kosovo. Ivailo KALFIN (Bulgaria, 2009- 2014, S&D)

Cora Van Nieuwenhuizen was member of the European Parliament from 2014 until 2017. Through her time in the European Parliament she served as vice-president in the delegation for relations with India and as a member in the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, committee of Inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion, Cora VAN the special committee on Tax Rulings and Other Measures Similar in Nature or Effect. NIEUWENHUIZEN (Netherlands, 2014-2017, ALDE)

Beatrix von Storch was member of the European Parliament from 2014 until 2017. Through her time in the European Parliament she served in the committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Committee of Inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to money laundering, tax Beatrix VON avoidance and tax evasion and the Delegation to the Euro- American Parliamentary STORCH Assembly, Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee. (Germany, 2014- 2017, ECR/ EFDD) 32 FMA BULLETIN - 62

LATEST NEWS

ACTIVITIES 31 2 May 2018 2 May 2018 2 May 2018

EPRS INFORMATION SEMINAR ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FMA COCKTAIL AND DINNER From 3.30 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. Current and former MEPs will DEBATE European Parliament, Brussels. commemorate their colleagues From 6.30 p.m. in Members’ who passed away in 2017-2018. Restaurant, European Parliament, From 5.45 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. Brussels. European Parliament, Brussels.

3 May 2018 4-5 June 2018

FMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY VISIT TO BULGARIA AND ANNUAL LUNCH Registrations are open. At 10.15 a.m. followed by the Annual Luch at 1.00 p.m. The vote will open at 9.45 a.m. and will close at 12.30 p.m.

NEW PUBLICATION

‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ by Alasdair Hutton, published by Luath Press Ltd, 224 pages, £14.99, in English only. Available through Amazon or from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo website: www.edintattoo.co.uk

NEW TRAINEE

The FMA has a new trainee, who will work for the FMA from 1 March 2018 until 31 July 2018. Ms Alessandra Perna is of Italian nationality and she holds a master degree in Neuroethics at the Sapienza University in Roma. Members can address her in Italian and English. FMA BULLETIN - 62 33

IN MEMORIAM

† 29 October 2017 Didier MOTCHANE SOC, France (2007-2009)

He served as a French member of the European Parliament from 2007 to 2009. During his time in Parliament, Mr Motchane was a member of the Socialist Group. At the national level he represented the ‘Parti socialiste’.

† 21 November 2017 Pol MARCK EPP, Belgium (1984-1994)

He served as a Belgian member of the European Parliament from 1984 to 1994. During his time in Parliament, Mr Marck was a member of the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian-Democratic Group). At the national level he represented the ‘Christelijke Volkspartij’.

† 28 December 2017 Jean-François HORY SOC, ERA, France (1989-1999)

He served as a French member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1999. During his time in Parliament, Mr Hory was a member of the Group of the Party of European Socialists and the Group of the European Radical Alliance. At the national level he represented the ‘Parti radical’.

† 2 January 2018 Paulette DUPORT SOC, France (1981-1984)

She served as a French member of the European Parliament from 1981 to 1944. During her time in Parliament, Ms Duport was a member of the Group of the Socialist Group. At the national level he represented the ‘Parti socialiste’. 34 FMA BULLETIN - 62

IN MEMORIAM

† 10 January 2018 Horst SEEFELD SOC, Germany (1970-1989)

He served as a German member of the European Parliament from 1970 to 1989. During his time in Parliament, Mr Seefeld was a member of the Socialist Group. At the national level he represented ‘Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands’.

† 17 January 2018 Luc BEYER DE RYKE ALDE, Belgium (1980-1989)

He served as an Belgian member of the European Parliament from 1980 to 1989. During his time in Parliament, Mr Beyer de Ryke was a member of the Liberal and Democratic Group At the national level he represented Parti réformateur libéral.

† 1 February 2018 Edouard FERRAND, MEP EFN, France (2014-2018)

He served as a French member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2018. During his time in Parliament, Mr Ferrand was a member of Europe of Nations and Freedom Group. At the national level he represented Front national.

† 4 February 2018 Etelka BARSI-PATAKY EPP-ED, Hungary (2004-2009)

She served as a Hungarian member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009. During her time in Parliament, Ms Barsi-Pataky was a member of the European People’s Party and European Democrats Group. At the national level he represented the ‘Fidesz-Magyar Polgári Szövetség’.