N°60/September 2017 EPFMA BULLETIN European Parliament Former Members Association www.formermembers.eu

FOCUS FMA Activities

Europe of Creativity EP to Campus Programme

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IN THIS ISSUE

03 Message from the President 15 How to build creative 04 Letters to the ecosystems (Tom Fleming) President (Stephen Hughes) 17 A watershed moment for 05 EP at Work Creative Europe (Silvia Costa) 19 Culture in EU external CURRENT AFFAIRS relations (Philippe Kern) 06 European challenges 21 Europe of the Sofia Gandarías and Simone Veil in security and defense research (Carlos Moedas) (Elisabeth Rehn) 22 European Young researchers 07 Compact with (Angeles Rodríguez Peña) In the strong portrait Africa (Karin Junker) 23 Demands on creativity in a cover (1993), the Spanish 08 Notes on Libya 2011-2017 globalised world (Manuel Porto) painter, Sofía Gandarias, (Michel Scarbonchi) FMA ACTIVITIES a very good friend of the 09 Two great figures first female President of (Nicole Fontaine) 25 EP to Campus Programme the European Parliament, 10 The House of European 29 Co-operation with the EUI wants to express in History (Hans-Gert Pöttering) Simone Veil the ‘dignity of 30 Former Members’ Network Concord award for Europe’. More precisely, 11 Europe (Josep Borrell Fontelles) LATEST NEWS ‘the revolt against violence, totalitarianism, racism, 12 Europe’s recipe for education (Johannes Schwarz) 33 Activities against inhumanity became 34 New members banal’ as Ms Veil said in her FOCUS memorable words. 36 In memoriam 14 Politics and creativity (Andrea Manzella)

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 Due to the long time lag between the call for contribution and the publication, some articles may be outdated.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 European 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, yet participated to join in our work. national members of parliament. It You can also find a section devoted was an emotional meeting at which In the past couple of months we to current and future FMA activities. we paid tribute to the memory have suffered the loss of two - The ‘EP to Campus’ programme, of Helmut Kohl, one of the three great Europeans, Helmut Kohl and for which Lord Richard Balfe is figures (Jacques Delors, Jean Monnet Simone Veil, whose example will responsible, continues to be a and Helmut Kohl) recognised as an continue to inspire us and to inspire success. This exchange, where ‘honorary European citizen’. You future generations in defending universities can benefit from can find a report on the event in European values. Nicole Fontaine the experience and expertise of this bulletin. will pay tribute to their memory in former Members of the European As you know, this year’s study visit this bulletin. Parliament, is one of our most will take place in Washington from The best way of honouring the high-profile programmes. The 24 to 28 September. A report on memory of these two exemplary feedback received from participating our visit will be published in the figures is to continue to disseminate students, universities and colleges is December Bulletin along with the European ideals, and so this issue is always positive. Students can benefit report on our visit to Estonia, the devoted to the Europe of Creativity, from constructive dialogues and country holding the EU Presidency one of the basic pillars of progress. exchanges of opinions which enable in the second half of the year. That As Edward de Bono1 once said, them to form their own ideas on visit will take place from 6 to 7 ‘There is no doubt that creativity is European topics. November. Registrations are open. the most important human resource - Another of our star programmes, Finally, I should like to inform you of all. Without creativity, there would led by Monica Baldi, is our that our annual events will be held be no progress, and we would be cooperation with the European on 29 and 30 November 2017 in forever repeating the same patterns’. University Institute in Florence. The Brussels. As usual, we will have The experts we have consulted stress programme involving secondary high-level speakers at our seminar in their contributions that creativity school pupils was very much entitled ‘EU global strategy on is the key to progress and the key to appreciated by the colleagues security and defence’ and at the forging a more united and stronger who took part. It is important for dinner that will follow. You will European Union. In the ‘Focus’ European children to learn how the receive the registration form and section you will find a selection European institutions work, since the more information on the events in of articles addressing creativity, future belongs to them. the coming days. research and the programmes the With a view to continuing to foster EU is implementing to promote our links with other associations, I hope to see you in Washington, these areas. our colleagues who represent us Tallinn and Brussels. In the ‘Current Affairs’ section you at the ‘European Association of will find articles on fascinating former Members of Parliament of Best wishes, topics contributed by our former the Member States of the Council colleagues. I should like to take this of Europe’, Andrea Manzella and opportunity to thank our colleagues Brigitte Langenhagen, took part in who collaborate on this bulletin, the Dublin meeting on 8 and 9 June. thus ensuring that our association You will find Brigitte Langenhagen’s provides a forum for ideas and report on the meeting in this issue. exchanges, and I should like to On 19 and 20 June I had the honour encourage all those who have not of representing our association Enrique BARÓN CRESPO at the events held to mark the FMA President 1 Edward de Bono (1933) is a Maltese physician, psychologist, author, inventor and 40th anniversary of the German consultant psychologist. association of former European and 4 FMA BULLETIN - 60

Letters to the PRESIDENT

While grateful for June’s focus of tackling exploitative or unfair that lead to precarious working “ on Social Europe I find few working practices remained no conditions shall be prevented’. grounds for optimism – social more than words. These two ideas were not policy has always tended to take During 2010 I left a meeting in separated at all in the work we second place. my region where I had spent an did with Commission and Council Back in the early 1990’s, we hour trying to persuade normally in the lead up to the adoption invited President Delors to the supportive trade unionists of of the Employment Guidelines Employment Committee to – we the continuing benefits of EU in the late 1990’s – they were hoped - admonish the then membership but one of them inextricably bound together when Commissioner for Social Policy, said to me ‘You know Steve, for we recognised that the flexibility Anna Diamantopolou, for a lack a long time Europe was seen as businesses needed to be able of progress on social Europe. We part of the solution, now it’s seen to quickly adapt, needed to be thought she was dragging her as part of the problem’. That really balanced with the necessary feet. Instead he admonished us, stayed with me. I often relayed degree of security for workers telling us to grow up and focus that message to President Barroso coping with change. This accord on completing the 1992 internal during the regular meetings he lead to the directives on part-time, market process. Social progress held with leaders of the political fixed contract and temporary would follow, he promised. groups. But he failed to act - I agency work. Economic and internal market suspect because of the perceived Glaring problems remain to be considerations trumped those of a impossibility of getting anything dealt with. Almost a decade after social nature. remotely progressive through the I challenged President Barroso at Following 1992 we did see College of the Commission or, his socialist group confirmation progress in the social sphere even worse, through Council. hearing to give workers posted with legislation on health and There seems little prospect of from one member state to another safety, atypical work, equality, change. The proposed Social the same pay and terms and anti discrimination and worker Pillar recycles the sort of rhetoric conditions as the workers working information and consultation. But I have become tired of reading along side them, exploitation with the approach of enlargement, over the last decade and a half. and unfairness continues on a and then its completion, social In fact, it seems to take us back a huge scale. Meanwhile, zero hour proposals became a trickle and step. For example, in principle 5, contracts continue to trap growing then, with the financial crisis, the it talks of ‘the necessary flexibility numbers of EU workers in poverty tap was turned off. for employers to adapt swiftly and insecurity. These and others I Austerity, public sector cut-backs to changes in the economic could name are the practical, down and wage restraint became the context’. Two paragraphs later it to earth problems that Europe dominant themes and any pretense states ‘Employment relationships needs to solve. These specific examples illustrate a bigger problem. Unless working people are taken along with the project they will be alienated from it. If President Barroso had been able to persuade his peers in Commission and Council of this, Brexit might never have happened.

Stephen Hughes S&D, United Kingdom (1984-2014) March for Europe 2017 ©European Union [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 5

EP AT WORK

KEY FACTS

Plans for new compulsory greenhouse gas cuts quota for certain agricultural products and insisted under the Paris agreement were backed by that the fight against corruption become a condition MEPs, following a debate on the announced for granting Kiev preferential exports. U.S. withdrawal. (June Session - P8_TA- MEPs called on the industry to come up with PROV(2017)0085) products that are easier to repair and to ensure These cuts will help deliver on the EU’s overall target nothing is made with built-in weaknesses. (July for 2030 on all policies - a 40% cut from 1990 levels. Session - P8_TA-PROV(2017)0216) MEPs gave their consent to the working MEPs adopted a report calling for concrete measures priorities for 2018-2022 of the EU Agency for to tackle this waste of money, energy and resources. Fundamental Rights (June Session - P8_TA- MEPs adopted two resolutions on digitising PROV(2017)0129) European industry and on Internet connectivity Priorities include asylum for and integration for growth, competitiveness and cohesion. of refugees and migrants, fighting racism and (June Session - P8_TC1-COD(2016)0031) (P8_TC1- xenophobia, protecting personal data and Roma COD(2016)0031 inclusion. Digitising European industry requires safeguards Further trade concessions to Ukraine (July against a divided society and more legal certainty, Session - P8_TA-PROV(2017)0102) whilst an EU spectrum strategy should boost 5G MEPs approved most of the proposed new trade technology. concessions, but reduced the volume of the additional

Other main dossiers discussed in the plenary sessions were: June 2017 investigation on the violence relief measures. (04.07.17) • The EU’s new overarching in the Kasai region. (14.06.17) • MEPs voted in favour of the development policy, aiming to • MEPs mark 2016 progress in the first-ever EU-Cuba deal, although tackle climate change, migration and Western Balkans: Belgrade and MEPs expressed their opposition to security problems was backed by Pristina must make more effort to any laws or measure that could harm MEPs. (01.06.17) come together and to get closer to the Cuban population. (05.07.17) • MEPs gave the green light the EU, while Skopje should commit • MEPs approved setting up for a simplified tool enabling to robust European reforms, MEPs a special committee for customers to choose products say. (14.06.17) counter-terrorism which will reducing energy consumption July 2017 operate for a year, examining and their energy bills. (13.06.17) • Multinational companies and evaluating the extent of the • MEPs called for an adequate should publicly disclose their tax terrorist threat in Europe. (06.07.17) budget, synergies between funds situation in every EU country, • Accession talks with Turkey and simplification to improve said MEPs. Information should should be suspended if the EU’s post-2020 cohesion include net turnover, profits government proceeds to reform policy aimed at reducing and tax paid.(04.07.17). the country’s constitution, said regional disparities. (13.06.17) • The Parliament called on EU MEPs in a resolution. (06.07.17) • MEPs strongly condemn all countries to use €6.4 billion For more information, please visit : human rights violations in the left over from last year’s EU Democratic Republic of Congo http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/ budget to finance refugee news-room/plenary and call for an independent 6 FMA BULLETIN - 60

CURRENT AFFAIRS

EUROPEAN CHALLENGES IN SECURITY AND DEFENSE

Europe as well as the rest of the cannot be won, and must never led Joint Expeditionary Force formed world is today met by challenges to be fought. But there is the risk by 9 countries from Northern Europe, be rapidly solved. Discussions during for unmanaged and unregulated with specially trained national troops high level or less high level meetings deterrence relationship escalating to ready for rapid action when needed. are not enough. Declarations something nobody wants to happen. An earlier Nordic Battle Group without implementation will not The Nordics have together reacted. formed by almost the same nations solve the problems of European On both political and military level was trained and ready, but met the security and defense. there is a more security cooperation hesitation of decision makers and During the G-20 meeting in July, than before. was never asked to act although some positive signs could be seen. ‘How extremely sad it needed. Political cowards? The one-to-one meeting by the Though, how extremely sad it is presidents of US and Russia was is that a rule of the guns that a rule of the guns has been reported to have been good, with has been so dominant in so dominant in the world, when promising proposals to end the war the world, when the only the only lasting solution is the rule in Syria. They were able to talk about lasting solution is the of the law. serious issues like the North Korea There is a tendency today to rather and free Trade, the importance of rule of the law.’ divide people than to unite them. the Paris treaty, and about hybrid war Especially Sweden and Finland as The growing scale of hate rethoric interfearing in national elections. non allied states have intensified the has poisoned also the ‘good people’, Visiting Poland President Trump military cooperation, up to the line of and the acceptance of a fortress finally stated that US is bound to a Treaty – not passed so far. Europe is sadly widespread. respect the Article 5 of Nato, which Unlike EU’s cooperation on economic Therefore the Hamburg meeting of course has a special importance or agricultural affairs, there is no for G20 was a clear victory for for the Baltic States – and indirectly sovereignty delegation on peace and Chancellor Angela Merkel, who once the non allied states of Sweden and security issues, making EU’s efforts in again showed who is the real leader Finland in the close neigbourhood. this regard purely intergovernmental. of Europe today. This comes at a time when the The security decisions are Of course, they had to partly water airspace of the Finnish Gulf and the still quite scattered. out the declaration, but the unified Baltic Sea have turned to some kind The proposal by Defence ministers view on free trade, the question of of airbound Formula 1 race, where last year to go for smaller like-minded North Korea, hybrid war, truth and close situations and risks are taken groups for security, also establishing alternative truth, cyber-attacks, much nearly every day by different players. more general organisations like more was dealt with. Now we have A war between Russia and NATO standby force, has initiated the UK- to watch the implementation. And the best of all: 19 members declared they want to guarantee our common future by standing strong for the Paris decision about Climate change. Only one left himself outside, the president of the United States. A pity, and sad for the American people. Elisabeth Rehn Hon. Minister of State, Finland ELDR, Finland (1995-1996) G20 Summit in Germany ©European Union [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 7

‘COMPACT WITH AFRICA’

Germany hosted the 2017 G20 journey to Europe. their shared opposition to the Summit. Ahead of the meeting, The G20 pact requires the African Moroccan annexation of large parts of Chancellor Merkel had already sent partners to show that they are Western Sahara. out invitations to take part in a G20 genuinely prepared to implement After she left the European Women’s Summit attended by, reforms, for example in the areas of Parliament, FMA member Michael amongst others, Queen Maxima of political stability, legal certainty and McGowan took over the intergroup, the Netherlands, IMF chief Christine the fight against corruption. Only on but the situation on the ground Lagarde, a Kenyan high-tech that basis can they hope for greater did not change. It remains to be entrepreneur and ‘First Daughter’ willingness to invest. seen whether the appointment of Ivanka Trump. The celebrity quotient ‘The G20 partners, the former German President Horst was important in raising the public Köhler as the UN envoy for Western profile of the summit, and it is also are to provide funds, Sahara will bring a solution. pretty handy when it comes to experts and technical As the economically strongest country fundraising: participants considered expertise to help improve on the continent, South Africa is the a proposal to start a fund to help the infrastructure and only African member of the G20. women secure leadership positions Nelson Mandela’s ‘rainbow nation’ or set up as entrepreneurs, in order ultimately create jobs is not living up to his vision for the to give them a proper role in the in Africa, so that young country, however, a vision he set world economy. African men will no out so impressively in the inaugural A good start has been made, speech he gave in 1994 in Pretoria financially too. Now it is a matter of longer set off on the following the end of apartheid. This putting the good ideas into practice. dangerous, illegal is also dealt with in Barbara’s journal. The German initiative ‘Compact with journey to Europe.’ She was invited to the inauguration Africa’, which is designed to make in recognition of her services to Africa more attractive for investors, Morocco has signed up to this pact the new democratic South Africa was central to the subsequent G20 and it will be interesting to see what and as a friend of Nelson Mandela Summit. The G20 partners, the results this brings. In that connection, (those who are interested in reading World Bank, the IMF and the African it is worth mentioning that the African Barbara’s journal can contact me Development Bank are to provide Union (AU) has accepted Morocco via email.!) Today, many parts of funds, experts and technical expertise as a member despite the ongoing South Africa are struggling with to help improve the infrastructure problem of the Western Sahara. poverty, unemployment, a lack of and ultimately create jobs in Africa, so This development has prompted prospects and frightening violent that young African men will no longer renewed feelings of resignation in the crime, and dissent is rife in the African set off on the dangerous, illegal European Parliament. Things were National Congress. Allegations of very different when Barbara Simons nepotism and corruption against was a Member of the European President Zuma are mounting. Here Parliament, from 1984 to 1994. She again, a whole host of reforms chaired an intergroup which worked are needed which point the way actively to secure the independence of forward for people whose hopes the former Spanish colony and there have remained unfulfilled. Then an were great hopes for the referendum improved investment climate will ordered by the UN, which has still emerge by itself. not taken place. You can read about this in Barbara Simons’ touching journal, in which she describes how Karin Junker a close friendship developed with PES, Germany (1989-2004) ©European Union the Polisario Front activists through [email protected] 8 FMA BULLETIN - 60

NOTES ON LIBYA 2011-2017

During the NATO military intervention in Libya in 2011, several former MEPs – Margie Sudre, Thierry Cornillet1, John Alexander Corrie and I – thought it was wrong that no European Parliament mission had visited that war-torn country, whereas Canadian, African, Chinese, Russian and American delegations had done so. We therefore went to Tripoli via Michel Scarbonchi with Marshal Khalifa Haftar on May 18 in Benghazi Tunisia at the end of June, working together with the African Union caused chaos. terrorism and migration in Africa. ‘Five’2, who had drawn up a specific I recently went to Benghazi Why are we continuing to finance peace plan. and Eastern Libya as part of my refugee camps when we know that Over the course of four days, we consultancy work to observe the Islamist militias are ‘running’ them met representatives of the tribes, in situation in Cyrenaica, following the and trafficking sex-workers, slaves, whose hands political power rests launch in 2014 of Operation Dignity drugs and migrants? in Libya in the absence of a proper by Field Marshal Haftar, deploying a Libya and the painful crisis that it is functioning state, local and European 200-strong force to free the region experiencing highlight three things. NGOs, prominent figures and from Islamists. Firstly, the Mediterranean is our humanitarian associations. After two years of fierce fighting common good, an essential bridge Upon returning to Paris, we and the destruction of many towns between two spaces tightly linked published an article in the online and villages, order has been restored in terms of both history and destiny. edition of the French daily Le Monde, and towns and ports stretching Secondly, it is high time we establish in which we argued that, given the from Sirte to the Egyptian border are a European defence policy so as to entrenched nature of the conflict under control. In short, life is getting protect the European area and to after four months of war, it was time back to normal. deploy forces to prevent or manage to bring the parties together around Over the last two months, conflicts on our ‘doorstep’. Thirdly, the negotiating table to develop a significant progress has been we need to be fully involved in peace plan. made on establishing a Haftar- rebuilding Libya. We predicted that failure to do so Sarraj-Thani political agreement Clearly, in Africa, terrorism and would result in chaos and civil war so that a new Constitution can migration stem as much, if not in the country and would destabilise be drawn up and presidential and more so, from poverty as from Western and Central Africa, speeding parliamentary elections can be held Islamist radicalisation. up the spread of radical Islam and within six months. Rebuilding Libya and restoring terrorism and leading to huge waves The country will thus be able to focus peace is therefore both a of migration. its efforts on establishing a strong problem and challenge for Since then, events have sadly proved state and on reconstruction. EU security and prosperity. us right. Islamist militias have taken There are, however, many over and the break-up of the country, matters which we as Europeans on top of the tribal divisions, has need to address. Michel Scarbonchi We have focused our attention on France, 1. Thierry Cornillet became an MEP once more on 31 May 2017 Iraq and Syria and have shown a ERA (1997-1999) 2. The African Union ‘Five’ was made up complete lack of interest in Libya, a PES (2001-2002) of South Africa, Congo, Mali, Mauritania country just 300 kilometres from our EUL/NGL (2002-2004) and Uganda coasts, caught up in the problems of [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 9

TWO GREAT FIGURES

By the time these lines appear, the summer, which by then will be over, will have dulled the emotions we felt so strongly in July. For my part, I shall never forget the two remarkable events which, by an unlikely quirk of fate, will forever be linked in people’s minds: the magnificent and moving homage which the European Parliament paid Address by Helmut Kohl, German Chancellor in Formal Sitting on the Situation in Eastern to the father of German reunification Europe after the Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) at the EP in Strasbourg ©European Union in the Chamber in Strasbourg on Saturday, 1 July, and, four days much. Like other great figures of themselves in prison. later, that paid to Simone Veil in the history, his last years were marred Her unwavering commitment as a ceremonial courtyard of the Hôtel by a feeling of being denied his minister to the task of defending des Invalides in Paris. Soon, she will due. What history will remember, in Parliament the law legalising be the fifth woman to be laid to rest however, is the decisive contribution abortion, in the face of insults in the Panthéon. he made to the European integration which were all the more disgusting There are more parallels to be drawn, process, through his vision because she was a survivor of of course. and his pragmatism. Auschwitz, made her a public Helmut Kohl wanted a European As for Simone Veil, on 30 March figure in 1974, and she remained Germany, not a German Europe. 1944, at the age of 16, in the one thereafter, admired and loved When the historic opportunity of midst of celebrating the completion by almost everyone. reunification presented itself, he of her baccalauréat exams, she But from 1945 on, for the remaining seized it, in particular by agreeing suddenly found herself on one of 72 years until her death, she made to the introduction of the single the death trains heading from Nice it her life’s work to bring about currency, despite the strong to the hell of the extermination reconciliation in and the unification misgivings voiced by many Germans, camps. Miraculously, she escaped of Europe; her watchword was who had not forgotten the great death, but she lost her father, her ‘never again’. We were close inflation of the 1920s and 1930s. mother, her brother and many other for many years at the European The walk he took, hand in hand family members. Back in France, Parliament. I never heard her utter with François Mitterrand, through she began her professional career an angry word about the Germans. the cemetery in Verdun on 22 as a magistrate; not many people She refused to give in to resentment; September 1984 will never be know this, but she did much to she looked only to the future, to a forgotten, because it stood for so protect the powerless who found Europe whose reconciliation was a prerequisite for peace and progress in a spirit of solidarity. These two great figures, who took very different paths through life, will forever be linked in our memories.

Nicole Fontaine Former President of the European Parliament. EPP-ED, France (1984-2009) Simone Veil during plenary session in Strasbourg in July 1980 ©European Union [email protected] 10 FMA BULLETIN - 60

THE HOUSE OF EUROPEAN HISTORY

Every nation in Europe has a set play its part in this. In the speech I democracy, the rule of law and of myths telling the story of its gave in Strasbourg on 13 February peace, and the principles of solidarity foundation which serve to bring 2007, I made the establishment of and subsidiarity - as achievements its people together. The European such a museum one of the priorities made possible by peaceful Union, meanwhile, seems to have no for my term of office as President of coexistence; it will, as a European such foundation story; no narrative the European Parliament. I wanted museum, encourage the citizens which could bring its citizens closer to create a place in which the story of the European Union to become together. Or does it? Does that of our shared European history could more involved in European decision- narrative perhaps merely need be told - the story of its intellectual making processes. Those citizens to be ‘discovered’? and cultural wealth and the story must be more than just visitors; I believe the answer to that question of its wars and tragedies; a place above all they must play their part in is a resounding yes! What I am which looks to the past and to the the ongoing process of shaping the referring to here is the ‘idea of future, which is conceived, designed identity of Europe. Europe’; the idea of a peaceful union and constructed in such a way as Over a period of years - first as among the peoples of Europe. What to offer not a national, but rather a President of the European Parliament makes the idea of Europe unique is European, view of history; a place and latterly as chair of the Board of that the process of making it a reality which fosters an understanding of Trustees - I was closely involved in the began at a time when our continent the need for a European identity, work of designing and creating the was emerging from a conflict which strengthens our shared House of European History. It was a which had brought unprecedented European values. marathon, and many difficulties and destruction and seemed to be on the Today, even more than 10 years obstacles had to be overcome. verge of oblivion. ago, I am convinced: we need the I make no bones about it: it is the The ‘idea of Europe’ must be a House of European History as a place most difficult project which I have source of solidarity, cohesiveness and which shows us why, despite all its ever launched and, with the help of unity in Europe. The story behind it shortcomings, we can be proud of many like-minded people, brought must therefore be told and become what Europe has achieved thus far. to fruition in my political career. firmly lodged in our consciousness. I say this at a time when European The House of European History is It must have the power to show that unity faces greater threats than ever the fruit of European cooperation lessons can be learnt from the past before: populists, political radicals and provides spectacular proof that and that these lessons can be put and nationalist, sometimes even European projects can and do work. into practice in the present and bear racist, movements are currently It will draw praise and criticism. fruit in the future. rekindling old enmities. The demons Museums are never finished. They The House of European History will of the past, which we thought we need to be corrected, altered, had long since banished, are rearing expanded. That is true in particular their heads once more. We must of the House of European History, stop this from happening! which must reflect future events, The House of European History will because history is never fixed, but help ordinary Europeans face up rather constantly evolving. to a future which currently seems uneasy and uncertain, with courage and confidence; it will give them Hans-Gert Pöttering an insight into the key events in Former President of the European European history, to help them Parliament. understand recent history and the Chair of the Konrad Adenauer present; it will portray the shared Foundation Opening of the House of the European values which underpin European EPP, Germany (1979-2004) History ©European Union unity - human dignity, freedom, [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 11

CONCORD AWARD FOR EUROPE

On 21 June 2017, the judging panel which is truly unique and original in harmonisation prohibitions (labour for the Princess of Asturias Award the history of humanity. The project policies). Social Europe is not possible for Concord 2017 announced that has provided our continent, which is without federation. they had granted this accolade to the the most free, united and democratic ‘The Concord Award, European Union, a nomination which continent in the world, with I had the honour of supporting when 67 years of harmony. synonymous with peace, asked by its advocate, the Spanish Indeed, there is no better example of recognises the value of Socialist MEP, Jonás Fernández. concord than peace. However, this a political integration It is without a doubt the right choice, is not an abstract, rhetorical, ideal project extending beyond given that the Treaty of Rome is or future peace, rather a concrete, celebrating its 60th anniversary and material, routine and everyday type national boundaries and that Europe is experiencing a period of peace, which is something which one which is truly unique of transition in which it seeks to has characterised the European and original in the permanently overcome upsurges Community since 9 May 1950. of nationalism and populism, Is winning this award a reason to history of humanity.’ following the Austrian, Dutch and be complacent? Absolutely not. In My understanding of this award French elections. A time when it the last decade, pivotal adjustment therefore is not just that it recognises aims to make progress on the social policies implemented in the Council what has been achieved positively dimension of the Union, on common at any cost by certain political throughout almost seven decades security and defence, and on majorities have made the social of building Europe – from the single introducing financial and budgetary drama of the economic crisis and currency and the internal market pillars for the euro area, which now inequalities of every kind far worse. to free movement of persons and seem to be backed by the Chancellor At the same time, Member States, workers, through the Erasmus of the German Government herself, despite various major initiatives exchange programme, cohesion Angela Merkel. proposed by the European policy, from which Spain has drawn The Concord Award, synonymous Commission and Parliament such as, so much benefit, and the Horizon with peace, recognises the value of a for example, the system of refugee 2020 research programme – but that political integration project extending relocation quotas, have not been above all it should be understood as beyond national boundaries and one managing to deal with the serious an award which spurs us on to tackle and ongoing humanitarian crisis what still remains to be built, namely, Each year the Princess of Asturias taking place in central and eastern a true political and federal Europe, Foundation convenes the Princess Mediterranean waters, which some fiercely social and green, completely of Asturias Awards which aim consider to be an EU failure. cosmopolitan, multicultural and at rewarding the scientific, What is certain is that, in order to open to the world, which is ready technical, cultural, social and deploy other policies across Europe, to influence global governance humanitarian work carried from policies needed in the social by affirming the best values of out at an international level by dimension to an improved system enlightenment tradition, freedom, individuals, institutions or groups to protect asylum seekers fleeing equality, democracy and fraternity. of individuals or institutions. war and serious violations of human They are granted in eight rights, on one hand it is necessary categories: the Arts, Literature, to forge alternative majorities in Social Sciences, Communication key institutions, and on the other Josep Borrell Fontelles and Humanities, Technical and hand, to reform EU Treaties to Former President of the European Scientific Research, International completely eliminate unanimity in Parliament. Cooperation, Concord and decision-making and the Council’s PES, Spain (2004-2009) Sports. exclusive powers on certain [email protected] matters (taxes), as well as certain 12 FMA BULLETIN - 60

EUROPE’S RECIPE FOR EDUCATION

The European Union is a knowledge readiness to share. kitchen. Everyone who contributes and education union in which Education is, in many ways, like to education helps with the cooking the variety evident in education cooking. We need to be sure we and each is responsible for his or her is one reflection of the variety of have the right ingredients in the own contribution. Where the duty the Member States. Each country right quantities. The ingredients of of the EU lies is in providing robust has its own education policy and education should be selected with and reliable support for education, system, and its own substantial body a view to taking Europe forward. helping to make education a defining of knowledge and ideas. All this Getting the recipe right is the starting characteristic of our continent. implies a range of strengths that we point: we have to be clear about what A dish must be properly served, and need to use and the EU has a duty and how much is needed. The EU the same goes for education. It has to its citizens to make sure we do should be the keeper of the recipe, to be sustainable and it has to give so. Education has never been more with the crucial responsibility of people the qualifications they need important than it is right now, as we handing it on. to get jobs. I and the young people I address the refugee crisis and the And there will always be a place live with believe this is something the task of integration. in education for ‘seasoning’. That EU must do more to address: it needs Education is integral to any human is where the differences come to increase its support for young situation: without it, where would in. Cultural, social and national people, not least to bring down the we be as people? Currently there particularities are what will determine youth unemployment rate. Education is increased demand for language the flavour of the education that is is a fundamental value. It unlocks education. I have seen this for served up. The EU should not take opportunities in people’s lives. It has myself in the residential community over the seasoning role: at most, it become clear to me and the young where I live alongside young Afghan should offer guidelines. In this way, people I live with that, if people refugees. Because they have no diversity and unity in difference are to live together peacefully and German, communication is severely can be ensured. considerately, education is the key. limited. What is the answer? Special Europe needs diversity. Otherwise – if If Europe hopes to stay strong, to language courses aimed at making we set out to ‘get rid’ of nations – we advance and to safeguard unity in integrated living easier. But the end up losing whole swathes of diversity in today’s globalised world, refugees are not the only ones here history, genius and humanity. The EU’s Europe needs education. There has who require education: we need it role is therefore to identify strengths to be scope in that education both too. There is a great deal that we can and to safeguard the nation states for exchange, where we are different, usefully copy from other countries and their cultures, because it is from and for building similarities. And we and cultures. And here, a key factor is its diversity that the Union draws its need a Europe with an appetite for emotional force. Education is a field in education. People of all generations which this diversity is particularly well have a role to play in cooking it up, demonstrated – through, for example, serving it out and enjoying it together. the use of a wide range of media and Only through shared effort can approaches. Europe is powerful when Europe stay strong and fend off its it plugs into its diversity and, at the critics: that is as true in education as same time, it draws solidarity from elsewhere. And Europe’s recipe for unity of purpose. education will determine our future. Recipes are no use without cooks. Similarly, education needs people who can represent it and make it work. Education is a profoundly Johannes Schwarz human process and it concerns Volunteer at German Voluntary Refugees and asylum seekers welcome every one of us in some way. So Service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst) center in Liege (2017) ©European Union the EU is not in sole charge of the [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 13

FOCUS EUROPE OF CREATIVITY

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FOCUS POLITICS AND CREATIVITY

Creativity, or rather the creative Firstly, because it is a sector that application of design techniques industries, is a politically loaded term. employs over 12 million people in to administrative activity to It is a sector of the economy that Europe and accounts for 5.3% of produce public services which are emerged in Australia and the economic value added generated. better tailored to user needs; to United Kingdom in the 1990s and is And that is not all. It is a sector the development of innovative associated with the two leaders, Paul that is growing faster than others regulatory techniques such as Keating and Tony Blair, who were and whose positive influence spills ‘nudging’, which aim to improve the first to recognise that combining over to traditional businesses, citizens’ behaviour by using soft economics and culture could offer a making them more innovative techniques such as communication. way forward in politics. and productive. The drivers of public sector Since then, public sector interest ‘The drivers of public- involvement in the creative in creativity has spread worldwide. industries include promoting new States, regions and cities the world sector involvement in entrepreneurship, creating new over have initiated programmes the creative industries urban spaces, urban redevelopment to support this major sector of include promoting and improving the quality of the economy, which covers fields new entrepreneurship, administrative action. This public- ranging from design, cinema and sector involvement has become applied technologies to cultural creating new urban more widespread in Europe over heritage and the theatre, radio and spaces, urban the last few years, thanks to the software, and much more. All these redevelopment and experiences of and the example different fields involve professions set by a few leading countries and which are based on individual talent improving the quality of the work of the Commission and and on an individual’s creative administrative action.’ Parliament, which are increasingly ability to turn cultural values into making efforts to develop policies in Another reason is that these economic value. this area and which can encourage industries can help to improve the Why does politics need to invest in individual States to act. quality of life in cities, given the role the creative industries? There are There is still work to be done, that ‘creatives’ play in starting urban many reasons. however. The European Union regeneration processes which in turn needs to be the first to take steps to encourage businesses to establish achieve the objective of shared and themselves in the area. Coworking coordinated Member State action and acceleration spaces thus feed in an area which will be a factor into the development of cultural and in the competitiveness of the ‘Old creative districts. What is more, the Continent’ in the coming years and presence of creatives is important fundamental to its ability to remain for a city’s branding and its ranking a point of cultural reference in an in competition between urban increasingly globalised world. areas, which is increasingly the key indicator of a dynamic economy. Lastly, this sector also helps to improve administrative action and ensure that the improvements benefit the public. This approach is leading, for example, to the use of videogames to help treat Andrea Manzella degenerative diseases or in PES, Italy (1994-1999) ©European Union rehabilitation processes; to the [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 15

HOW TO BUILD CREATIVE ECOSYSTEMS

With demonstrable growth and spillover effects across the economy, the creative industries are one of the success stories of the last 20 years. Driven by micro businesses, powered by digital, and mobilised by the ideas and critical perspectives of the arts, the creative industries are also a story of collaborative and often interdisciplinary practice, boundary-crossing work, and a restlessness to generate new types of value which helps catalyse innovation. To be impactful in terms ©iStock- your_photo of employment, GDP and GVA; and to deliver social and of course cultural The most effective creative In our work across Europe and value; the creative industries require ecosystems are shaped by a set of beyond, we have identified five certain kinds of enabling conditions. shared values. For example, they main building blocks for strong, Put simply, they flourish within are expressive of a distinctive local inclusive and sustainable creative what might be termed ‘creative (often city-based) identity, which ecosystems: ecosystems’ where a mix of influences the cultural context for 1) They have arts and culture to infrastructure, support and networks processes of creative production their core. The creative industries deliver the exchange landscape and consumption. They are also are dependent on the ideas, attitude for effective sector development. inclusive, with pathways into the and content provided by the arts and These creative ecosystems, while creative industries available for a city’s cultural sector. The arts and cultural connected globally through digital, increasingly intercultural talent base, sector also has the summoning are often very rooted in place, with as well as offering parity for different power to attract and inspire specific cities and regions providing genders and ages. Plus effective creative talent - offering a curated the intensity of identity, energy and creative ecosystems champion landscape of cultural dialogue and exchange through which creative interdisciplinary collaborative practice endowing creative practice with practice thrives. where different sectors, aesthetics a socially embedded and critical and technologies help generate new perspective. Increasingly, arts and ways of working and in turn new cultural organisations are operating types of product and service. Overall, as producers – connecting the arts the creative industries thrive because to the more commercially driven they generate meaning-laden creative industries, commissioning goods and services. They depend, R&D activities, and providing therefore, on relationships which shared spaces for production and are meaningful which are nurtured presentation. We see this in Bristol, in places and spaces that carry at the Pervasive Media Studio1 in significant symbolic value. Watershed (a cultural cinema and ‘The most effective digital creativity centre), where artists, scientists, creatives and technologists creative ecosystems are converge to develop new work. shaped by a set of shared And we see it in the Quartier de la

Tom Fleming values.’ 1. http://www.watershed.co.uk/studio/ 16 FMA BULLETIN - 60

and championing work of the Nottingham Creative Quarter Agency5 and Oulu Game Campus6. 4) They combine physical and digital platforms, connecting the local to the global. Creative ecosystems balance the intensity of local encounters with access to knowledge, skills and markets which are international. Co-working spaces which are networked into pan-European knowledge exchange programmes; shared research programmes; and international festivals; help to facilitate open dialogue across cultural and physical ©European Union distance. We see this through the work of European Creative Business Creations in Nantes2, where cultural Kulturpark in Košice4. Network7 and European Creative organisations play a hub and anchor 3) They are interdisciplinary and Hubs network8, which connect hubs role for the growing cluster of brokered, with purposeful and creative support agencies across creative businesses in the city. encounters to the fore. The best the European Union. 2) They position universities creative ecosystems are built on a 5) They are generous, inclusive, as critical enablers. Creative blend of trusted partnerships – some open, engaging and in motion. ecosystems flourish when universities formal, some informal. They are richly Creative ecosystems are fluid, agile are open and collaborative networked and have visible spikes of and adaptive. They do not just generators of value: providing talent, activity (e.g. co-working spaces and respond to change, but drive it: expertise and technology. Such festivals). They connect the creative providing opportunities for new universities have a ‘vortex effect’ industries to other sectors and are voices and promoting impact-facing by providing a pipeline of talent motivated by shared civic and / or activities – e.g. with a focus on the for the ecosystem which benefits social values. This does not happen environment or diversity. We see from developing work with creative by chance – every ecosystem has its this across Europe where creative businesses pre- and post-graduation; trusted intermediaries – e.g. arts and ecosystems are vital for progressive cultural managers, specialist creative ‘Creative ecosystems are communities of practice that can industries development agencies, make a difference. fluid, agile and adaptive. and of course those active and They do not just respond responsible creative businesses. This to change, but drive it’ makes ecosystems more legible and Tom Fleming accessible, and it increases efficiency Director by developing research with industry and productivity because individuals Tom Fleming Creative rather than for industry; and by are signposted to and often Consultancy establishing special purpose vehicles incentivised (e.g. via commissions) www.tfconsultancy.co.uk such as incubators, accelerators, to work with partners where most @tfconsultancy and bespoke research centres. We value will be generated. It is by see this, for example, in the UPTEC matching complementary skill-sets 5. www.creativequarter.com Creative Industries Centre at the and interests that creative ecosystems University of Porto3 and Kasárne 6. http://www.pelikampus.com/ flourish. We see this, for example, 7. http://ecbnetwork.eu/ 2. https://www.creativefactory.info/ through the connecting 8. http://creativeconomy.britishcouncil. 3. http://uptec.up.pt/en/corporate/uptec/ org/blog/16/02/24/european-creative- creative-industries-center 4. http://www.k13.sk/ hubs-network-innovative-models-s/ FMA BULLETIN - 60 17

A WATERSHED MOMENT FOR CREATIVE EUROPE

Creative Europe is a programme appointed by the Commission, which and the Member States have been that is needed in order to achieve is to submit the result to Parliament urged to move resolutely towards the goals of encouraging the and the Council on 21 December. the combined used of funds, an movement of artists, creative Meanwhile the management approach commensurate with the talents, and works, carrying out, and committee, bringing together the programme’s ambitions. making the most of, cultural and Commission and the Member States, ‘The objective is to creative ventures, internationalising has set the 2018 programme in careers and partnerships, boosting motion with calls for proposals and afford scope for the competitiveness, and promoting detailed financial allocations. The EU’s ambition to make cultural diversity and tangible innovations will be reflected at the its mark on the global and intangible cultural heritage. practical level in the new version cultural stage and But it has to eliminate the causes of the programme, which is being of difficulty and frustration for eagerly awaited on all sides. We are support the creativity anyone – this applies to smaller only at the beginning of the Loan of its young people and players in particular – seeking to Guarantee Fund process, in which of those entities and take part. To remedy administrative EUR 122 million will be assigned issues, management red tape, and to financial intermediaries selected historic institutions in the lack of transparency, assessment by the European Investment Fund, which our continent’s criteria need to be altered and the the object being to enable players roots lie.’ emphasis shifted towards quality in the cultural, creative, and audio- in the cultural offerings proposed visual sector to obtain financing at Activities related to cultural heritage under Creative Europe, which should attractive rates without needing to are a growing source of new be made to work in conjunction offer personal guarantees. Parliament employment, innovation, skills, with other programmes. is embarked on the complex task of social inclusion, and cultural tourism. Having moved into 2017 Creative reviewing the digital field as a whole, Furthermore, the cultural, creative, Europe has reached ‘middle age’ and which, while affecting all cultural and audio-visual sector now accounts is, in other words, coming up for a sectors, has a more direct bearing for more than 5% of EU GDP – or review. This will take the form of a on the MEDIA strand, which to that 12% if we include fashion and mid-term report, to be drawn up extent is being set apart from the advertising – with 12 million jobs, 2.5 by independent external assessors other sectors, at least in terms of the times more than the motor industry. urgency of the decisions to be taken. The large quantity and high quality of Creative Europe, the only EU the projects submitted is a measure programme as such for the creative, of the great vitality to be found in cultural, and audio-visual sector, the sector, which consists mainly currently extends to 39 countries of non-profit players – especially and is backed by a budget of EUR where the Culture subprogramme is 1.5 billion for the period from 2014 concerned – small and medium-sized to 2020. Over the past seven years enterprises, cultural institutions, the budget has risen by 9%, but and associations. They should all still accounts for just 0.15% of the be supported and helped when it overall EU budget. In late 2016 and comes to the digital challenge, new early 2017 Parliament completed skills development, mobility of artists its mid-term assessment of the and cultural products in support programme, highlighting the matters of co-productions and European to be resolved and the strengths professional networks, and boosting the capacity of the European audio- Silvia Costa to be exploited. The Commission 18 FMA BULLETIN - 60

global cultural stage and support the On 5th July 2017 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on creativity of its young people and of entitled ‘Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations’ those entities and historic institutions (2016/2240(INI)) in which our continent’s roots lie. EP recalled that the EU is an important actor in international politics In addition, the calls for proposals playing an ever-increasing role in world affairs. It stated that culture relating to social inclusion, and hence has an intrinsic value, and the EU’s experience has shown that cultural aimed at immigrants and refugees, exchanges can serve to promote its external objectives and as a have been greeted with enthusiasm. powerful bridge between people of different ethnic, religious and social The programme will need to be backgrounds. In this regard, Parliament considered that culture should reoriented towards quality and the become an essential part of the political dialogue with third countries, artistic value of cultural proposals and that there is a need to systematically integrate culture into projects – as opposed to purely economic and programmes. value, which sometimes seems to outweigh all other considerations. It should be used in combination with visual industry, these being ways to fact of combining ‘Culture’ and other programmes and opened up to promote the internationalisation ‘MEDIA‘ into one programme with encompass partnerships with non- of careers. an added cross-sectoral strand has European countries, especially those ‘Activities related to not yet produced the expected bordering the Mediterranean, with a cultural heritage are a results in terms of sector and project view to advancing the new strategy integration. Creative Europe is a for cultural diplomacy and for the growing source of new victim of its own success: only a very European Year of Cultural Heritage, employment, innovation, small proportion of the applications one of Parliament’s priorities for skills, social inclusion, submitted are actually accepted, 2018. More could be done, for the success rate amounting to example, to strengthen synergies and cultural tourism.’ just 16% of applications under between Creative Europe and Creative Europe has unified the the Culture subprogramme and multiannual programmes such as three programmes that ran during 32% for the MEDIA subprogramme. Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020. Linking the preceding seven-year period From 2014 to 2015 ’Culture’ research, innovation, and culture (Culture, MEDIA, and MEDIA funded 351 projects out of the is essential, as is innovation within Mundus) into a single programme, 1 691 applications received, and small and medium-sized cultural which, while designed to pursue MEDIA – which uses automatic enterprises. shared general objectives, is divided criteria for support to ‘Distribution’ into two subprogrammes and a – funded 4 494 projects out of the cross-sectoral strand, proceeding 8 471 applications received. from an underlying determination to As regards the way ahead for emphasise the points of convergence Creative Europe in the years between cultural, creative, and 2020 to 2027 we have proposed audio-visual sectors, in particular their improvements to programme contribution to smart, sustainable, management and project assessment and inclusive growth. The soundness criteria in order to make the of that choice has been confirmed programme more accessible, simpler, Silvia Costa MEP by economic data on the sector, more transparent, and able to Member of the Committee on which is continuing to grow and support every sector – small and Culture and Education far outperforming the economy in big players alike – while making for Rapporteur on “Towards an EU general, and by the cross-cutting balance between small and large strategy for international cultural dimension of culture, which is Member States. The objective, as relations” important for social cohesion and ever, is to afford scope for the EU’s S&D (Italy) EU external policy. However, the ambition to make its mark on the [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 19

CULTURE IN EU EXTERNAL RELATIONS

External relations remain a challenge for the EU despite the revision of the EU Treaty, acknowledging that international problems would be more efficiently tackled by pooling diplomatic resources and the EU being granted foreign policy competences. Article 167.3 of the Lisbon Treaty calls upon the EU and Member States to foster cooperation with third countries and international organisations in the cultural sphere. Because of Member States’ conflicting past, the EU has credibility Winners of the 2017 edition of the European Union Prize for Literature, launched by the and a special responsibility to European Commission ©European Union 2017 engage globally. A new international order could benefit from European relations, often to underpin lucrative • Fostering artistic and creative experience in mismanaging trade agreements and political collaborations to challenging cultural sensibilities and reconciling alliances. Foreign relations are divergent national interests for a probably the area where culture national stereotypes. common cause. and artists are best instrumentalised • Increasing trade opportunities ‘Art and culture are for national political, branding for Europe’s formidable cultural and trade objectives. institutions and creative industries increasingly recognised In the EU context, the scope of looking for alternative funding as able to make a huge cultural activities is often limited to opportunities and new markets. difference in EU external the expatriate community2. Some • Developing strong people-to- would argue that this is natural, people connections and mutual affairs’ as there is no European cultural understanding between nations In this respect, one can question identity to promote. On the other and civilisations sharing a common whether EU diplomatic efforts hand, art and culture are increasingly destiny. would not be better served if more recognised as able to make a huge Strengthening links between national consideration was given to culture to difference in EU external affairs: cultural institutes, pooling resources help address issues such as the EU’s • Promoting the EU as a community for efficiency and meaningful impact image, conflict prevention, mutual of diverse cultures and languages is essential. However, this is less likely understanding, or fighting terrorism. sharing essential common values. to convince Member States that Cultural exchanges outside the • Building a creative image of the EU external relations need culture EU mainly lie with the nation EU abroad beyond its economic and beyond implementing UNESCO states as culture policy remains (diminishing) trade power. conventions.3 essentially organised at national • Attracting students and foreign Cultural operators provide ideas level1. Language promotion, talents to build long-term and engaging concepts making student exchanges or prestigious relationships with tomorrow’s diplomacy more effective. They artistic events testify strong bilateral leaders. are right to advocate for cultural

1, See KEA study on ‘European Cultural 2, See KEA study: ‘Film Festivals at 3. 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Institutes Abroad’ for the European EU Delegations’, for the European Promotion and Protection of the Diversity Parliament (CULT committee), 2016 Commission DG CNECT, 2015 of Cultural Expressions. 20 FMA BULLETIN - 60

investment to improve foreign of “cultural actors”, amongst others: relations and ultimately achieve EU artists, creative professionals, cultural goals (including in economic and institutions, foundations, universities, trade fields4). They now have to build culture and creative businesses. the case justifying more culture in 2. Include trade negotiations and EU external relations not only calling intellectual property agreements for additional resources, less likely to in external relations. These have be provided in times of budgetary a considerable impact on the constraints, but also mainstreaming diversity of the cultural offer: they ©iStock cultural consideration in EU foreign influence access to “markets” and policy making. Cultural actors should the negotiating power of creators The force of global powers should argue for capacity building at EU with users. This is important as unleash European creative capacities level, associating stakeholders across the EU is essentially an economic to engage citizens worldwide in a policy fields to enable consultation project which institutions defend its disruptive way. Fashion designers, on the way forward. competitiveness in the world. architects, chefs, musicians, writers, Our cultural discourse has to shift to ‘Our cultural discourse cinematographers, painters, poets consider culture as a driving force has to shift to consider contribute to project Europe as of economic and trade exchanges, a creative continent. Education social and technological innovation culture as a driving force and heritage makes European and urban development which of economic and trade cities most attractive touristic and are essential elements in today’s exchanges, social and learning destinations. Europe is not foreign relations. Nowadays, most a means to an end but a way of cultural exchanges happen through technological innovation life. This is the main reason why the technology and entertainment, and urban development.’ EU diplomacy requires culture. The involving media, cultural and creative 3. Advocate that culture is at recently adopted Council conclusions companies in creative incubation the forefront of the technology on an EU strategic approach to centres and cultural districts. Europe revolution and that Europe, as a international cultural relations abroad is perceived as exemplary in major producer of cultural content, mark a decisive step. It is high time nurturing excellence in its creative has to be present in the global Europe’s diplomacy made the most forces and valorising its heritage virtual exchanges among citizens. of the continent’s formidable cultural while remaining open to exchanges. As the Arab Spring showed, resources. EU-produced cultural content is as foreign relations are taking place much demanded as the tools put on interactive participatory digital in place to support diverse cultural platforms using creative content as expressions and identities. much as in embassies. To successfully integrate culture in 4. Show that supporting creativity EU External Actions, I propose the and talents is a powerful means following arguments: to promote freedom of expression 1. Adopt an encompassing concept and intercultural dialogue beyond commercial or state interests. 4. E.g. the Cariforum-EU Economic There should be support for Partnership Agreement (EPA) aims at ambitious projects giving resonance facilitating trade in cultural services by improving market access conditions for to the collaborative nature of the entertainment services suppliers from European project whilst globalisation Cariforum countries. It includes a new requires addressing the existence of Philippe Kern mechanism, the Protocol on Cultural local identities, cultural expressions Director Cooperation which sets a framework for and productions. KEA European Affairs cooperation seeking to promote cultural “Opening dialogues” is not enough. www.keanet.eu and audiovisual exchanges. FMA BULLETIN - 60 21

EUROPE OF THE RESEARCH

Benjamin Franklin once said that ‘an Despite these successes, I believe that knowledge. We need to investment in knowledge pays the it is integral that we continue to acknowledge our modesty when it best interest’. Perfectly mirroring the increase our investment. Scientific comes to our scientific achievements. current state of affairs surrounding research has held a privileged You may have read recently how the research and innovation in Europe, position for hundreds of years. Yet, United States and NASA discovered we know that investing in the we know that increasingly the nature seven new planets far beyond the pursuit of scientific knowledge is a of scientific fact is under threat, its Solar System. In fact, the project win win. role and influence is now shifting was led by a European scientist, This is certainly true of the past. So and science is being knocked from and there was European money far, our previous investments have its pedestal. Case in point, last year behind it. The lead scientist on the been paying significant dividends. ‘post-truth’ was named the Oxford project – Michaël Gillon – is a Belgian Take the European Research Dictionary word of the year. This man based at the University of Liege. Council as an example. This year state of affairs is what keeps me The research itself he conducted we celebrate its 10th anniversary. awake at night. The future we are was supported by a grant from the And in those ten years, the ERC has facing has many challenges such ERC. Most people have heard of become a powerhouse of science. as the impending Brexit, climate this discovery, but not the role that It is recognised as the best in the change and the rise in populism Europe played in it. This is what we world in the way that it supports throughout Europe. Science is the need to change. fundamental research. One cannot one way we can regain the trust that One of the greatest achievements help but admire the impressive has been lost between citizens and of the European Union has been statistics its proffers: ERC-funded administrations. So we cannot rest to invest in creating the largest scientists have won six Nobel prizes, on our laurels. international research programme five World prizes and four Fields Two and a half years into my in the world. The importance placed Medals. ERC-funded projects have mandate, it’s clear to me where on the investment in the pursuit of also resulted in 100,000 articles the gaps are. Certainly, we are not knowledge is resolute. Now, I say being published in scientific journals. shy about investing financially in we need to continue on this work Europe’s investment is no doubt the creation of knowledge. Rather, in earnest. This is not just limited to paying off. we are shy about advertising the financial and framework support system. The future is an uncertain one. We do not know how to address all of our challenges. But if we invest in the pursuit of scientific knowledge, and shouting about that science, we are best equipped for whatever may come our way. Through this, we can solidify the trust between the European Union and its 500 million citizens. With that, our returns can only multiply.

Carlos Moedas European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation @Moedas [email protected]. Carlos Moedas in the European Open Science Cloud Summit 2017 © European Union eu 22 FMA BULLETIN - 60

EUROPEAN YOUNG RESEARCHERS

Europe faces changes that will ‘Measures to support early stage and takes account of the needs affect our societies and environment researchers’ are welcome, and are of young parents. Having access with unprecedented rapidity. important steps in the right direction. to established networks, being Investment in research and Nevertheless, more can and should known by different institutions and innovation is a key element for be done. developing additional skills to help the EU in realising its ambition to COST, the programme for complement their core competences become a smart, sustainable and European Cooperation in are all substantial factors that enable inclusive economy and to make an Science and Technology, has a them to build their career more easily important contribution to the future long-standing tradition in providing and with greater predictability. In well-being of society. This future will support for scientists, based on an 2016, more than 5 800 early-career be in the hands of the upcoming understanding of the limitations and researchers were involved in COST generations. Not taking advantage obstacles young researchers come actions, which means that more than of the potential that exists among across on a daily basis as they work 30 % of the total number of COST the next generation of researchers towards achieving their ambitions of participants are young researchers. and enabling them, on the basis of a career in research. In the next European Framework appropriate career perspectives, to ‘Europe has an Programme for Research and develop their full potential would Innovation (FP9) that will start in be a waste. The solid experience obligation to develop 2021, COST will continue to support and competent input of young strategies that tap the young researchers, offering an even researchers is extremely valuable not full potential of its young more advanced set of activities. only in terms of the advancement Research networks will exploit the of future science and innovation, researchers’ virtual environment and digital but also for European policy Such obstacles often result from opportunities, taking into account makers when defining a robust, short-term policy decisions, or the the challenges that arise from the long-term vision for European inflexible structures that continue digitalisation of research. In addition, science policy. Investment in the to be present in universities and young researchers will have access to younger generations creates the research organisations. If these training in transferrable skills that will much-needed human capital challenges are not addressed soon, enhance and broaden their career that holds modern, innovative Europe will be seriously hampered perspectives in the longer term. societies together, and is one of the in competing globally for the best Europe has an obligation to develop pillars of future economic success young researchers in the near future. strategies that tap the full potential in an increasingly competitive In order to overcome these of its young researchers, offering global market. hurdles, COST is offering tailor- them a space in which to grow. Recent initiatives at European made networking tools, such as Both in the short and the long term level, such as the adoption of the Short-Term Scientific Missions this is a worthwhile investment ‘Bratislava Declaration of Young and Training Schools. These tools which contributes to resilient and Researchers’ and the November permit researchers at an early stage prosperous societies that are built 2016 Council conclusions on in their career to gain confidence on research and innovation and are and valuable experience, and help capable of adapting to the significant convince them to stay in Europe changes already underway or in the for the next steps in their career. pipeline that will transform Europe Short-term mobility allows them to and the world. experience upstanding conditions and to do things differently, while Angeles Rodríguez Peña keeping their base in the home President of COST Brubotics lab at the Vrije Universiteit institution. It is gender-neutral (June 2007-June 2017) Brussel © European Union 2017 [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 23

DEMANDS ON CREATIVITY IN A GLOBALISED WORLD

For a long time, in fact throughout and then by other explorers, trade increasingly having to compete with the past century, Europe, alongside centred on bringing in more refined countries that are investing more in the United States and one or two industrial products such as textiles and scientific and technological research. other countries (such as Japan and ceramics from the East (with Europe Looking at the current figures for South Korea), was in the vanguard exporting less refined products to R&D spending, we can see that the of knowledge, research and Asia). In 1820, less than 200 years United States, with USD 457 billion, is innovation (creativity). ago, China and India still accounted now followed by China, with 211.9; It is largely on the basis of this for 42.1% of world GDP. the list continues with Japan, with capacity that Europe continues to ‘Throughout the past 164.9, Germany with 109.9, France hold the leading position in the with 63.8, South Korea with 60.5, the world economy. The 27 countries century, Europe [...] United Kingdom with 50.8 and Brazil that are set to remain in the EU was in the vanguard of with 39.7 (India’s spending is much accounted for 22% of world knowledge, research and lower at 18.3). GDP in 2015, compared with 4% innovation (creativity).’ Thanks to its competitiveness, the for the United Kingdom, while a eurozone still has the largest current After that, however, their economies significant contribution was also account surplus in the world, at went into a sharp decline, and both made by other European countries, USD 403.9 billion, a figure which countries together accounted for only notably Switzerland. has recently risen and is more than 6% of world GDP in 2004, China This century we are seeing the twice the surplus recorded by China, with 4% and India with 2%. emergence of other countries, at 170.1 (and which stands in The past decades have seen the rapid with a particularly significant role sharp contrast to the US deficit of growth of new powers, particularly being played by China and India. 481.2 billion). China and India, which have grown It is interesting to recollect that in Nevertheless, we must recognise by 6.5% and 7.6% respectively in previous centuries these two countries that this will only remain the case if the past 12 months. This growth held more prominent positions than Europe continues to place a strong is based on a number of factors Europe. Following the discoveries emphasis on knowledge, research such as cheaper labour, but we are made first by Portuguese navigators and innovation, and in the end on creativity, following a course that recent experience shows to be a viable one. Ideally, in addition to public investment, there should be a strong focus on business investment in R&D, notably by large companies, bearing in mind that the contribution made by the 100 leading companies in this area is broken down as follows: 27 % from European Union companies, 38.6% from US companies, 14.4% from Japanese companies and 7.2% from Chinese companies. Manuel Porto Portugal ELDR (1989-1996) EPP-ED (1996-1999) [email protected] 24 FMA BULLETIN - 60

FMA ACTIVITIES

European Parliament Former Members Association Association des anciens députés au Parlement européen FMA BULLETIN - 60 25

FMA activities EP TO CAMPUS PROGRAMME UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB

They are citizens of the last country, in chronological order, to join the great family of the European Union. And yet the interest, enthusiasm and preparation I found in the days of meetings with students and lecturers at the oldest, most prestigious university of Croatia, are a sign that integration is already a reality. The world-renowned Alessandro Battilocchio with some students University of Zagreb, with its 28 faculties and an impressive range of Kosjenka Dumančić, we spoke in relation to the new international courses, has always been very active about the role of the European situation: Trump, Brexit, populism in promoting synergies and activities Union as an autonomous entity in and immigration were some of with international universities and the international arena, in a debate the issues touched upon in a institutions. Against this particularly which was obviously influenced debate in which the students positive and dynamic background by current EU political events that interacted and participated. came my visit as part of the ‘EP are changing and redefining some We also had an interesting chat to Campus’ programme which, aspects. We discussed, with students with the editorial staff of the Faculty moreover, took place within a few of the Faculty of Law, the legal newspaper: we discussed the days of the celebrations in Rome framework for the European Union’s function of the European Parliament for the 60th anniversary of the action as an autonomous entity in the light of recent regulatory EU Founding Treaties. This was an and the difficult balance between innovations and, more generally, the important time for the leaders of the foreign policy requirements role and daily activities of a Member the 27 EU states to take stock and, of each Member State and of the European Parliament during working together, to take on some common requirements. his or her term of office in Brussels new joint challenges. At another meeting, at the Faculty’s and Strasbourg. The meeting with the students, ‘Europe Point’, we addressed issues It was really a wonderful experience in a packed chamber, was truly that were more closely related to for me, in a Zagreb that is particularly stimulating; together with the the events of recent months, in beautiful in this season. My hope, lecturers Zvonimir Šafranko and particular the challenges we face also in view of the atmosphere I found among the students in Zagreb, is that on this basis of sharing and participation there may be a new spring for our European Union. 60 years ago it was an ambitious and far-sighted dream of the founding fathers; today it is a tangible reality that needs to be strengthened and improved, but which has ensured decades of peace, prosperity and development. Alessandro Battilocchio PES, Italy (2004-2009) Alessandro Battilocchio and lecturers at University of Zagreb [email protected] 26 FMA BULLETIN - 60

PROGRAMME IN AVEIRO

Aveiro is an ancient Portuguese city them. I talked about the many EU representation in Portugal and south of Porto. The University of possibilities to get a scholarship at Ms. Mafalda Guerreiro, Member Aveiro has been founded in 1973, the Parliament, at the Commission of the Central Committee of the and nowadays more than 13000 (where I also worked) and at the Portuguese Communist Party. It students and hundreds of professors European HQs of the political parties. seemed to be a well chosen trio. study and teach there. My host, The next day I visited the ‘Europe Ms Alves performed the official Professor Luis Mota keeps a seminar Direct’ information centre, where I Commission line, with informative on international studies in English. met some students who just dropped details. The Communist Ms Guerreiro On the first day of my visit I was in, as the information centre has an strongly criticised the ‘Big Business- invited to participate an afternoon active contact with the University. oriented’ EU policies, as her party is session of his seminar. Instead of the The relatively small but well equipped rather Euro sceptic. (Unlike the very originally planned one hour it took centre provides many facilities for pro-Europe Hungarian Left.) two and half hours, as the students those who are interested in EU I tried to underline that one of the raised dozens of questions. All of affairs. And it seemed to me that three options suggested by the them spoke good English, and one there are many people in Aveiro who Commission is rather a progressive of them was an Erasmus student, are really interested in... idea. While the other two options, coming from Lithuania. In the afternoon I participated in the limiting the social dimension to They were rather well informed on event which was the main program free movement or let the Member the structure and problems of the of my visit. The social and political States to choose certain elements European Union. We spoke among department held a conference of their social policies ‘a la carte’ are other subjects on the different role on ‘The reflection paper on the rather dangerous ideas. The lack of the Parliament, the Council and social dimension of Europe’, and of a strong common social policy the Commission, on the Brexit, generally on the social policy of the destroys the public support of our on the importance of the Erasmus EU. The ‘Reflection Paper’ of the common European project, and program and on the concept of the Commisson was released on 26th strengthens the extreme and populist ‘multispeed EU’. They raised some of April, so it was one of the first movements. The audience was very ‘uncomfortable’ questions on the occasions to discuss it on a public active, and besides our different political situation of my homeland event. My fellow panellists were backgrounds the three of us agreed Hungary as well, but I tried to answer Ms Sofia Colares Alves, Head of the to improve the social commitments of the EU. I must mention the important role of Gil Martins dos Reis organizing my and the forthcoming visits of other colleagues to Aveiro. As a student of the University and a trainee of the EP Former Members Association, Gil contacted his ‘Alma mater’ and our Association. As the University of Aveiro runs good and important courses on European studies, we should help them with our experiences. Gyula Hegyi PES, Hungary (2004-2009) Panel of Speakers at the University of Aveiro [email protected] FMA BULLETIN - 60 27

EP TO CAMPUS IN BULGARIA

I saw the invitation of the American ceremony of the Model European University in Bulgaria and I was Union (MEU) was held, and I was interested in the subject: keynote speaker on the subject : The circular economy. As Circular Economy. The idea was former green politician but that the students would play a also as civil servant working on simulation of the EP, the Commission sustainable development, my and the Council, and discuss the attention was drawn. Circular Economy Package (amended I was also intrigued by the fact that Directives launched by the real an American university was working Commission in 2016 on waste, reuse in Europe, and the fact that I never and landfill etc.). Jan Dhaene during his intervention visited Bulgaria before. The next they discussed the text in I got the selection by the university several Committees and I preceded only two weeks before the event the ENVI Committee. and I had by coincidence my first The students played the role of MEPs week ever in the United States of all the political groups; there the week before. where lobbyists in the building and So I arrived in an American mood. the media was all around. It all ended First I had to look up where the city in a triologue with Commission and of Blagoevgrad was situated. I never Council and a final vote. heard of the place before. In the debate the Brexit lead to heavy The contact person was professor discussions. The students played their Jean Crombois and it turned out that role very well and got emotionally Participants of the Model of the EU he was also a Belgian citizen. and intellectually involved. So in the middle of the night a driver You can find all this on facebook : picked me up at Sofia-airport and Model European Union Blagoevgrad Fund. This is a model for all brought me to the hotel where I and on mine. universities in Europe. arrived at 3 a.m. The first day in the It was the third time the American On Sunday the professor took me to afternoon we met the rector of the University in Bulgaria (AUBG) the Rila Monastery (UNESCO). The University and the provost. organized this model event, with weather and food were excellent. In the evening the opening the support of the Jean Monnet I can highly recommend a visit to Bulgaria, the best kept secret of Europe.

Jan Dhaene Greens/EFA, Belgium (2002-2004) [email protected]

Thanks to Candriam for supporting our Jan Dhaene with students from the American University of Bulgaria EP to Campus programme. 28 FMA BULLETIN - 60

ROUND TABLE AT LUISS UNIVERSITY

With Barón Crespo - Gualtieri MEP - Messori. In the framework of the programme, EP to Campus, the School of Government of the LUISS Guido Carli University of Rome organised, in co-operation with Sciences Po, a Closing Round Table on ‘Parliaments, Democratic accountability and Budgetary Powers’ discussing the A moment of the conference Presidents’ Report on ‘Completing Europe’s Economic and Monetary of building Europe with stronger place in the Camera dei Deputati in Union in 2025’. The speakers were democratic participation and November 1990 in Rome. The result Roberto Gualtieri, current Chairman accountability at both national and paved the way for preparation of the of the Economic and Monetary European levels. The main challenges European Monitory Union (EMU) in Committee of the European are: integrating the Eurogroup in the Maastricht Treaty with President Parlement, Marcelo Messori, LUISS the EU institutional framework with Guido Carli as representative of Director of the School and Enrique parliamentary accountability; the the Italian Government. Now he Barón Crespo, President of the EP transformation of the current ESM in felt was the moment to renew this Former Members Association. a European Monetary Fund with the task, giving a key role to both the Roberto Gualtieri MEP made an in creation of a European Treasury, and European and national parliaments. depth analysis of the ongoing work the implementation of risk sharing The other major step in democratic of the EP Committee as well as of the through systems like Eurobonds accountability, not elaborated in the implementation and follow-up of the that would reinforce the Euro in a report, would be the implementation main targets of the Report. Marcelo decisive way. of the principle of “no taxation Messori concentrated his remarks This process involves both the EP and without political representation” on the governance dimension and national parliaments. Enrique Barón at European level in a clear and the economic recovery in Europe. Crespo recalled and highlighted transparent way to the EU citizens. Enrique Barón Crespo focused his how the creation of the Monetary Enrique Barón Crespo believes that speech on the main challenges for Union had received a definitive there are matters directly related completing a genuine Economic boost from the first Conference of to the EU single market and the and Monetary Union as a process the Parliaments of the EC that took environment that would easily help the citizenship to establish a direct link with the EU. This happens already with the Euro and it would help reinforce the democratic legitimacy of the whole European project.

Former Members Association www.formermembers.eu formermembers@europarl. Panel of Speakers at LUISS University europa.eu FMA BULLETIN - 60 29

CO-OPERATION WITH THE EUI

TOGETHER IN FLORENCE

The experience that our organisation enabled me to enjoy in Florence was to my mind remarkable both because it was so well managed and because the audience succeeded so excellently in participating, putting forward proposals, and summoning up enthusiasm for the matters at issue. If meetings of this kind and this calibre had been held ever since we first came together, then even those who now call themselves Eurosceptics would probably have become staunch Europhiles. The topics covered – freedom of thought, freedom of speech, Riccardo Ventre with the students non-discrimination, making no prejudicial distinctions on grounds changes shaped in the course of institutions in all parts of Europe of race or gender, and other core a development process and of the to foster discussion of the above concerns not just for a further benefits which these have brought to topics in schools and the foremost experiment in coexistence, but also the whole of humankind and Europe cultural associations, enlisting to countries encompassing a variety in particular. aid offered at no cost by serving of institutional systems, languages, Comparison of the discussion MEPs and university teachers from customs, mores, and religions – topics with the first part of our countries possibly lying outside the inspired the young participants not Constitution proved interesting. The range of first-hand experience. At only to engage in discussion and young people were able to grasp the a conference to be held at the end respond with a modern vision, which underlying similarities, in terms of of each year, course participants will I would describe as contemporary principles, between the essence of come together to discuss the fields with the current historic moment, our Constitution and those of more that they have covered and select but also to make innovative, modern constitutions and the Treaty young people who, having been original proposals. of Lisbon. These are the subjects trained, will be ready to join the I am sad that, because of its broad to which we shall probably have to ranks of the trainers. intrinsic scope and the shortness of draw the attention of all Europeans, the time available, I could not address the young and the not so young, the – before the Treaty of Lisbon – in order to ensure that economic Riccardo Ventre much-debated question whether the matters – the size of pizzas, say, or EPP-ED, Italy (2004 - 2009) text of the preamble to the Treaty the quantity of sugar added to wine [email protected] should cite the Judaeo-Christian – are, whatever their importance, and Periclean democratic roots of relegated to second place behind European civilisation. what should be the defining What that would have involved, I elements on which to build – or believe, and might, I hope, involve rather rebuild – a society. in the future should the subject be The Florence-based European taken up again is not merely setting University Institute and the Former Members are working free of charge Thanks to Candriam for supporting our down a historical reference, but co-operation with the EUI exploring the genesis of profound with public and private education 30 FMA BULLETIN - 60

FORMER MEMBERS’ NETWORK

40TH BIRTHDAY OF THE GERMAN ASSOCIATION

The Association of Former Members of the German Bundestag recently celebrated its 40th birthday. The Germans are well known for celebrating birthdays, especially ones ending in a zero, in some style. The programme of events lived up to expectations and included a harmonious mix of music and speeches. Following a reception on 19 June which featured a Friedrich Helmut Kohl, François Mitterrand and Enrique Barón Crespo at the EP in Strasbourg. 1989 Gulda concert and a buffet dinner, ©European Union the main event took place on 20 June, in the presence of and with the of President Kohl added a further in German as a special tribute. In active involvement of the President dimension to the celebrations. that lecture, he explained how he of the Bundestag, Dr Norbert Helmut Kohl was the longest- lived through the days and weeks Lammert, and the former President serving German Chancellor and a before and after of the fall of the of Germany, Dr Joachim Gauck. The distinguished member of parliament. Wall as President of the European programme of opera arias and choral During a speech he gave in the Parliament and, more specifically, singing helped to create a welcoming European Parliament, barely two he recounted the November 1989 atmosphere. weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, debate at which, at his invitation, the It was an event celebrating he said the following: ‘The division of President-in-Office of the Council, parliamentary democracy held in Germany has always been a visible François Mitterrand, and Chancellor the Reichstag, the scene of some and particularly painful expression Kohl were present. These remarks of the toughest battles in defence of the division of Europe. A united were much appreciated. of a political system which we Germany will only become a reality if As President Barón Crespo says in Europeans have finally come to see the unification of our old continent his speech, the fall of the Berlin Wall as the best democratic system. The progresses. German policies and EU was a decisive moment in history, President of the Association, Ms policies are inextricably linked. They a moment when the people joined Niehuis, highlighted and repeatedly are two sides of the same coin’. forces to bring down peacefully acknowledged the presence of our President Kohl was a dyed-in-the- the wall that divided Europe association, which was represented wool European, he fought for ‘a and the world. by its President. free and united Germany in a free The fall of the Wall threw open ‘a Events commemorating the life and united Europe’ and, as President broad gateway to the future of an Barón Crespo mentions in his lecture outward-looking European Union.’ ‘Berlin - from wall to gateway’, Kohl helped to shape the future of the EU when, for example, he pushed through the switch from the deutschmark to the euro, in the face of public opinion. President Barón Crespo signed the Former Members From left to right: Prof. Dr. Uwe Holtz, book of condolences on behalf of Association Irmingard Schewe-Gerigk, Enrique Barón the association and sent a copy of www.formermembers.eu Crespo, Ingrid Matthäus-Maier, Lino his lecture entitled ‘Berlin - from wall formermembers@europarl. DeBono (2017) ©VeMdB/Katja-Julia Fischer to gateway’ to President Niehuis europa.eu FMA BULLETIN - 60 31

FP-AP MEETING IN DUBLIN 8-10 JUNE 2017

Like a Phoenix rising from the Free time can be spent enjoying ashes... its abundant nature, including its ... That is how the Republic of rugged coastline, playing polo, Gaelic Ireland must feel today after its football or hurling, and visiting the dramatic and eventful history. zoo or open air events. Phoenix Park, the green heart of Important writers, such as Jonathan Dublin, is also the backdrop to Swift and Oscar Wilde, or the the official residence of the Irish Nobel Prize winners for literature President, Michael D. Higgins. George Bernard Shaw and Samuel In June, Andrea Manzella and Beckett - and in my eyes also Frank I represented our FMA at the McCourt, the author of ‘Angela’s impressive reception he gave there Ashes’ - have won Ireland fame, as for the Association of Former have the limerick, Irish folk music Members of the Council of Europe and, above all, the Celtic harp, the www.fpap-europa-org. country’s oldest instrument. It is with have now begun. ‘We made the We took part in the Bureau meeting us wherever we go, symbolising EU to tear walls down, not to build of the FP-AP, which, like the whole Ireland on the euro coins and on the them’, said the German Chancellor fact-finding visit, was immaculately coat of arms of the Republic. Just like Angela Merkel at the inauguration organised by the Irish delegation, led the world famous Dublin Guinness. of a memorial for the Berlin Wall by Olga Bennett and Vincent Brady. Today, through their language, in front of the Nato building in Ireland’s eventful history is marked Gaelic, the Irish dialect of the Celts, Brussels in May. by grinding poverty caused by failed the Irish preserve the heritage of their The FP-AP, under the direction of its harvests, famines and politically Celtic forefathers. Irish had nearly Maltese President, Lino DeBono, is motivated acts of repression. The died out in 1990, but today it is a currently working on a statement policies of the major landowners, requirement (alongside English) for on ‘The Future of Europe’ for 2018. who were English, combined with nurses, doctors and civil servants. Walter Schwimmer, the Austrian the potato blight, led to terrible Traditional Celtic spirals and who was, among other things, the famine from 1845 to 1849, interlacing patterns decorate the General Secretary of the Council of migration, a total population famous Book of Kells from circa Europe, is the rapporteur. decrease of almost 50% and 800AD, along with ornamental The political meetings and excellent lasting resentment. human and animal motifs. The book speeches of the current Irish Since about 1980, population has been in the possession of the President, Michael D. Higgins (Labour figures have been on the rise again famous Trinity College in Dublin since Party), and the Minister for Foreign and, with the help of significant EU the 17th century. Affairs, Charles Flanagan (Fine Gael), funding, the previously impoverished The Irish Free State was established are still provoking much discussion. Ireland has been transformed into a in 1922 after the bloody civil war For an association with its highly modern industrial and service which lasted from 1919 to 1921. aims of lasting dialogue and society. Like a Phoenix rising from The ethnic-religious conflict and successful inclusion. the ashes. Today it is an attractive the IRA have left lasting wounds. For a Europe of common values, location for many international Nevertheless, the Good Friday respect, democracy, the rule of law companies. Students come from agreement of 1998 and the Republic and human rights. all over the world to attend its of Ireland’s decision to stop calling language schools and universities. for reunification with Northern Brigitte Langenhagen In 2016, Ireland was the third- Ireland are evidence of a clear EPP-ED, Germany (1990-2004) richest country in Europe and the easing of tension. brigitte-langenhagen-cux@t- eighth-richest in the world. The difficult Brexit negotiations online.de 32 FMA BULLETIN - 60

FP-AP MEETING IN DUBLIN

Extract of the speech of President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, delivered at a Reception for the European Association of Former Members of Parliament on Friday, 9th June 2017 [...] We know that, unless decisive political action is taken, unless we create the conditions for a thorough moral and intellectual awakening, the European Union might well perish, and with it a certain idea of Europe – one that is rooted in a spirit of peace, cooperation and solidarity beyond national borders. For all the gravity of the multiple crises currently facing our Union, it remains my profound conviction, however, that, provided it recaptures the affection and trust of its peoples, a strong and united Europe Michael Higgins with Brigitte Langenhagen ©FP-AP continues to be the best answer we have to offer to the great challenges of this century, from unfettered financial speculation to climate change or indeed security threats, of which the horrendous attack on London Bridge last week was but the latest demonstration. Yes indeed, European unity is the best chance we have of shaping the global agenda on all of those new realities that touch and disrupt the daily lives of our citizens. That is the demonstration which all of us who call ourselves Europeans need to make, in practice and in public discourse. That is the great collective task we must tackle, without delay, without getting bogged down in political and economic firefighting, but with long-term vision, and having at heart, throughout, the hopes, the fears, the vulnerabilities and the immense potential of the millions of women, men and children whom our Union of European Michael Higgins with Andrea Manzella ©FP-AP nations is here to serve. [...]

A moment during the speech of President Michael Higgins ©FP-AP A moment of the meeting with all the FP-AP representatives and President Michael Higgins ©FP-AP FMA BULLETIN - 60 33

LATEST NEWS ACTIVITIES 31

6-7 November 2017 29 November 2017 30 November 2017 30 November 2017 VISIT TO ESTONIA FMA ANNUAL FMA ANNUAL SEMINAR FMA GET-TOGETHER Registrations are COCKTAIL AND DINNER Title: ‘EU global strategy on LUNCH open. From 6.30 p.m. in the Security and Defence’. At 1p.m. in the JAN Member’s Restaurant, From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brasserie, European European Parliament, European Parliament, Parliament, Brussels. Brussels. Brussels.

2018 FMA DIRECTORY

In these weeks, we are preparing the 2018 FMA Directory, which will be sent to all FMA Members in December. We kindly ask you to inform us if your postal or email address is changed or if you want complete or modify your profile. To access your current profile, please visit the FMA website atwww.formermembers.eu , section Members’ area /Members’ Directory. You will need to enter your login and password. We would be grateful if you could receive your updates by Mid-October. Should you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Secretariat at: [email protected].

NEW TRAINEE

The FMA has a new trainee, who will work for the FMA from 1 September 2017 until 31 January 2018. Ms Marta Falgàs Paredes is of Spanish nationality and she holds a bachelor degree in Tourism at the Escola Universitària de Turisme CETA in Barcelona. Members can address her in Spanish, Catalan and English.

ARCHIVES OF MEMBERS AND FORMER MEMBERS

Following the Bureau decision of 10 March 2014, concerning the Processing of papers Members and former Members, the Historical Archives Unit of the European Parliament acquires archives of Members and former Members. Documents will be processed, with analysis, indexation, digitisation and/or conversion to PDF-A documents, as well as made available to the public unless documents are confidential, in accordance with the relevant legal provisions. The application form for papers to be deposited is provided on request to the Historical archives or the FMA Secretariat. Should you be interested, please contact the EP Archive Unit: Historical Archives Unit Sandrine Bonnet Tel: +352 4300 23273 email: [email protected] 34 FMA BULLETIN - 60

NEW MEMBERS

Godfrey Bloom was a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2014. Through his time in the Parliament, he served in the committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, committee on Inquiry into the crisis of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.

Godfrey BLOOM (United Kingdom, 2004-2014, IND/DEM)

James Elles was a Member of the European Parliament from 1984 to 2014. Through his time in the Parliament, he served in the committees on Budgets, External Economic Relations, the Delegation for relations with the United States, Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee and Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand.

James ELLES (United Kingdom, 1984-2014, EPP, ECR)

Vicky Ford was a Member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2017. Through her time in the Parliament, she served as chair of the committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and as a member of the Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China, special committee on the Financial, Economic and Social Crisis, committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, committee on Industry, Research and Energy and Conference of committee Chairs. Vicky FORD (United Kingdom, 2009-2017, ECR)

Timothy Kirkhope was a Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2016. Through his time in the Parliament, he served as chair of the Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand, vice-chair of the Delegation to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee (EEA), committee on Constitutional Affairs, and the special committee on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering. He also served as a member of the committee on Citizens’ Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, committee on Timothy Women’s Rights and Equal Opportunities, committee on Transport and Tourism and committee KIRKHOPE, on Petitions. (United Kingdom, 1999-2016, EPP & ECR) FMA BULLETIN - 60 35

Amalia Sartori was a Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2014. Through her time in the Parliament, she served as chair of the committee on Industry, Research and Energy and as vice-chair of the Delegation to the EU-Bulgaria Joint Parliamentary Committee, Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly. She served as a member in the committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Women’s Amalia SARTORI Rights and Equal Opportunities, Industry, Research and Energy and temporary committee on (Italy, 1999-2014, Climate Change. EPP)

John Stevens was a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1999. Through his time in the Parliament, he served as vice-chair of the subcommittee on Monetary Affairs and as a member of the Delegation for relations with Czechoslovakia, Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Delegation for relations with the Republics of former Yugoslavia, committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy, committee on Social Affairs, John STEVENS Employment and the Working Environment, committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and (United Kingdom, Defence Policy, committee on Legal Affairs and Citizens’ Rights. 1989 - 1999, EPP)

Maurizio Turco was a Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004. Through his time in the Parliament, he served in the committees on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism, Citizens’ Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, Temporary committee on the Echelon interception system and the Delegation for relations with South Africa and with the countries of south-east Europe. Maurizio TURCO (Italy, 1999-2004, NA)

Joan Vallvé was a Member of the European Parliament from 1994 to 2005. Through his time in the Parliament, he served as a member of the committee on Regional Policy, committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence and Delegation for relations with Israel.

Joan VALLVÉ, (Spain, 1994- 2005, ELDR) 36 FMA BULLETIN - 60

IN MEMORIAM

† 30 June 2017 Simone VEIL ELDR (1979-1993)

She served as a French member of the European Parliament from 1979 to 1993. During her time in Parliament, Mrs Veil was a member of the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Group. She served as President of the European Parliament from 1979 to 1982. At the national level she represented the party ‘Union pour la démocratie française’.

† 6 July 2017 Frederick A. TUCKMAN ED (1979-1989)

He served as a British member of the European Parliament from 1979 to 1989. During his time in Parliament, Mr Tuckman was a member of the European Democratic Group. He served as Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with Latin-America. At the national level he represented the Conservative and Unionist Party.

† 10 August 2017 Fritz GAUTIER SOC (1980-1987)

He served as a German member of the European Parliament from 1980 to 1987. During his time in Parliament, Mr Gautier was a member of the Socialist Group. At the national level he represented the Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands.

† 26 July 2017 Enzo BETTIZA (1976-1994) LDR & PES

He served as an Italian member of the European Parliament from 1976 to 1994. During his time in Parliament, Mr Gautier was a member of the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Group and of the Group of the Party of European Socialists. He served as Chair of the Delegation for relations with Yugoslavia, of the Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China, of the Delegation for relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. At the national level he represented the Partito liberale italiano and the Partito socialista italiano.