EPFMA Bulletin 75 · June 2021

European Parliament Former Members Association www.formermembers.eu

Special Edition Special Edition

20th Anniversary We are Former of the FMA Members Page 12 Page 20 IN THIS ISSUE

03 Message from the President 19 The 29 The current challenges Former Members Association of Democracy 04 European Parliament at work turns 20 () (Edward McMillan-Scott) 21 The European Parliament: 30 Women in the IN MEMORIAM school of democracy European Parliament 06 In memoriam (Enrique Barón Crespo) (Maria Luisa Rodano) 22 A fruitful cooperation 32 : a free and (Monica Baldi) open-minded woman LATEST NEWS (Luciana Castellina) 23 Joining Forces to Analyse 09 Upcoming events and to Explain Europe 34 : a (Renaud Dehousse) consciously pro-European 09 New members (Monica Baldi) 24 An active partnership for 10 Elections results Europe - The FMA and 36 My experience with the 11 FMA at work the Historical Archives Campus Programme of the (Birgit Daiber) (Dieter Schlenker) SPECIAL EDITION 37 EP to Campus Programme: 25 Parliament’s archives on the An invaluable programme eve of their 70th anniversary (Michael Hindley) 12 20th Anniversary of the Former Members Association (Ludovic Delepine) 38 Celebrating Twenty (David Maria Sassoli) 26 FMA Networking overseas Years of Collaboration (Lord Richard Balfe) (Jonathan Larson PhD) 15 We are Former Members (Lord Henry Plumb) 27 FP-AP Networking 40 EP to Campus experiences (Brigitte Langenhagen) 17 Experience for the Future 44 Happy 20th Anniversary (José María Gil-Robles) 28 Election Observation 47 Messages from other and Democracy Associations (Brigitte Langenhagen)

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 Due to the long time lag between the call for contribution and the publication, some articles may be outdated.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] Tel.+ 32(0)2 284 07 03 Jean-Pierre AUDY Lisseth BRAVO Fax.+32(0)2 284 09 89 Monica BALDI Valeh NASIRI Edward McMILLAN-SCOTT Valerie RASKIN Teresa RIERA MADURELL Sophie WEBER

2 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members, intergenerational dialogue and Committee for the coming year. share our experiences by taking part in some 232 EP to Campus I would like to warmly welcome We made it. This year, we’re programmes, reaching thousands newly elected committee celebrating the 20th anniversary of of students. We have worked members, Mr Michael Hindley, the Former Members Association together to build democracy Mr Pier Antonio Panzeri and Mr (FMA). by volunteering to be election Manuel Porto. We are very glad observers and offer democracy to have the chance to work with support. We have also worked them. Thanks to the involvement and together to remember and honour commitment of every single the work and commitment of member. Thanks to the hard former MEPs during our annual I also take this opportunity to pay work of our former presidents, memorial service. At this point I special tribute to the outgoing former and current members of would like to thank all the families members, Mr Jan-Willem Bertens, the Management Committee, and former members who joined Lord Richard Balfe and Ms Zofija and our staff. Thanks to the us this year for our special and Mazej Kukovic, for the years of successful engagement with our solemn virtual memorial service. committed work, energy and numerous partners and to every We have worked together to build passion they have put into the single person who has helped to and strengthen the FMA, which development of the FMA. make the FMA what it is today: a today stands as the symbol of our closely-knit multicultural, pluralist shared success. and multilingual association Twenty years ago, one of our which aims to promote our shared stated goals was to stay in touch values such as respect for human These activities and achievements with one another. We will continue dignity, human rights, freedom, are just a few of the examples on this path. The bond we have democracy, equality, the rule of of a wide range of activities we built together is strong and will law and peace. have undertaken together over help us to go forward even in the years. And we will continue to these uncertain times. We can rely develop and engage ourselves, on the friendships we have forged I am delighted to present this as demonstrated by ongoing and beyond boundaries. special edition of our bulletin for recent activities such as Librorum Stay safe and in touch with one the 20th anniversary of the FMA, and the Reflection Group of the another. which sets out to acknowledge FMA for the Future of the EU. I our achievements and build on would invite you to take part and I wish the FMA a happy birthday. them to move forward and look follow the upcoming debates towards the future. The President within the Conference on the of the European Parliament and Future of Europe, contributing to Hans-Gert Pöttering all former FMA presidents have the democratic discussion and contributed an article, for which I sharing your ideas for Europe’s am very grateful. future. Finally, I would like to thank every We have worked together over the member who contributed to the FMA President years to promote political dialogue success of our 20th anniversary through meetings with national events and took part in the annual parliaments, our annual study General Assembly on 2 June. visits or policy roundtables. We Thanks to your votes, you enabled have worked together to promote us to form a new Management

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 3 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AT WORK

Key facts

MEPs adopted the new InvestEU Parliament adopted a Parliament adopted its negotiating programme, which will mobilise strengthened EU legal framework position on the proposal for a public and private investments for civil protection, in response to certificate to reaffirm the right to and guarantees simplified access the unprecedented experience of free movement in Europe during to financing. the COVID-19 pandemic the pandemic. (March session - P9_TA(2021)0068). (April session - P9_TA(2021)0128). (April session - P9_TA(2021)0145). The programme is part of the €750 billion 1.263 billion EUR will be allocated to the MEPs agreed that the new “EU Next Generation EU recovery package, Mechanism for 2021-2027, supplemented COVID-19 certificate” - instead of Digital and will foster strategic, sustainable by 2.056 billion EUR from the EU Recovery Green Certificate, as proposed by the and innovative investments and address Instrument (approximately five times Commission - should be in place for 12 market failures, sub-optimal investments more than the previous seven-year months and not longer. Holders of an and the investment gap in targeted budget). EU COVID-19 certificate should not be sectors. subject to additional travel restrictions, such as quarantine, self-isolation or Parliament approved new testing. MEPs also stress that, EU countries should “ensure universal, MEPs adopted the EU4Health rules for a common mandatory accessible, timely and free of charge programme for 2021-2027, which Transparency Register. testing”. aims to prepare EU health systems (April session - P9_TA(2021)0130). more rigorously for future health Parliament, Council and Commission aim threats and pandemics. to make registration de facto mandatory, The 2021-2027 programme as a precondition for certain activities (March session - P9_TA(2021)0069). and through equivalent complementary for Environment and Climate The main objectives include Action (LIFE) will become the strengthening health systems by measures. supporting countries to coordinate with EU’s most ambitious climate and each other and share data, as well as environmental programme. making medicines and medical devices Parliament formally approved (April session - P9_TA(2021)0153). more available, accessible and affordable. EU-UK trade and cooperation It is the only programme at EU-level agreement. solely dedicated to the environment and (April session - P9_TA(2021)0140). climate (launched in 1992). It entered EP President Sassoli, Prime Parliament’s consent was necessary into force retroactively from 1 January Minister of Portugal Costa and for the agreement to enter into force 2021. The total budget allocated for LIFE in the compromise on the 2021-2027 Commission President von der permanently before its lapse on 30 April 2021. Multiannual Financial Framework is EUR Leyen signed the Joint Declaration 5.4 billion (current prices). on the Conference on the Future of Europe. (March session). To launch a series of debates and A new law to address the discussions for an open, inclusive, dissemination of terrorist transparent and structured debate with content online was approved by European citizens around the issues that Parliament. matter to them through various fora, (April session - P9_TA(2021)0144). including digital, and where possible, Hosting service providers will have to also physical formats, and an interactive remove or disable access to flagged multilingual digital platform. terrorist content in all member states within one hour of receiving a removal order from the competent authority. Parliament declares the European Member states will adopt rules on Union an ‘‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone’’. penalties, the degree of which will take into account the nature of the breach and (March session - P9_TA(2021)0089). In response to the backsliding of LGBTIQ the size of company responsible. rights in some EU countries.

4 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 Other main dossiers discussed in the plenary sessions were:

10.03.21 27.04.21 Parliament adopted a resolution on a WTO-compatible EU MEPs adopt landmark research programme Horizon carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). The resolution Europe that incorporates the EU’s highest ever budget underlines that the EU’s increased ambition on climate allocation for digital-related research and digitalisation. change must not lead to ‘carbon leakage’. The 2021-2027 research and innovation programme will help the EU’s health systems prepare for future pandemics, and its MEPs recommended changes to draft legislation aiming to trace industry to decarbonise, digitalise and innovate. and tax the sales that people make through online platforms more effectively. This will means a better cooperation between national authorities and non-EU platforms. 29.04.21 Rule of law in Malta: Parliament called for justice and reforms. 11.03.21 The European Parliament takes stock of developments in the case of Daphne Caruana Galizia and other related Fishing rules: Parliament adopted its negotiating position on investigations, following the testimony of Vincent Muscat. the new Fisheries Control system, which will reform the rules MEPs urge the government to bring to justice all those that have governed EU fishing activities since 2010. MEPs implicated in all cases brought to light by the journalist. agreed to use new technologies to better enforce fishing rules and improve security and transparency. MEPs laid out plans for a fairer tax system fit for the digital

age. They called for a minimum effective tax rate to be set MEPs highlighted the impact of the pandemic on children’s at a fair and sufficient level to discourage profit shifting and health and education. They called for a European Child prevent damaging tax competition. Guarantee where EU member states must invest more in education, healthcare, housing, family support and childcare, European Parliament upgrades rail passengers’ rights to making sure that these services reach all children. protect better train passengers when there are delays and cancellations or when they face discrimination.

25.03.21 Enlargement reports for Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia 20.05.21 and Serbia: MEPs fully support Western Balkans’ European A report was adopted calling for an EU framework for legal future. MEPs warned that advancement by these countries migration that would encourage more orderly migration, towards joining the EU depends on lasting, in-depth and attract much-needed workers, undermine smugglers and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas such as the traffickers, and ease integration. rule of law and the effective functioning of democratic institutions. They also stress the importance of stepping up the fight against corruption and organised crime.

A resolution on an EU strategy for sustainable tourism has been adopted. Parliament called on member states to fully implement common criteria, including a common vaccination certificate, for safe travel without delay.

For more information, please visit: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/plenary

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 5 IN MEMORIAM

Robert ROWLAND 23 January 2021 NI, (2019-2020)

He served as a British member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Rowland represented the the Brexit Party.

José ÁLVAREZ DE PAZ 16 February 2021 PES, Spain (1986-1994)

He served as a Spanish member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Alvarez de Paz represented the ‘Partido Socialista Obrero Español’.

Arthur Stanley NEWENS 2 March 2021 PES, United Kingdom (1984-1999)

He served as a British member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Newens represented the .

Vera SQUARCIALUPI 3 April 2021 COM, Italy (1979-1989)

She served as an Italian member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Ms Squarcialupi represented the ‘Indipendenti di sinistra‘.

6 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 Jens-Peter BONDE 4 April 2021 RBW, ENF, EN, EDD, IND/DEM, Denmark (1979-2008)

He served as a Danish member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Bonde represented the ‘JuniBevægelsen - Mod Unionen’.

Maj Britt THEORIN 6 April 2021 PES, Sweden (1995-2004)

She served as a Swedish member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Ms Theorin represented the ‘Socialdemokratiska arbetarepartiet‘.

Peter Michael MOMBAUR 23 April 2021 EPP-ED, Germany (1994-2004)

He served as a German member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Mombaur represented the ‘Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands’.

Silvio LEGA 24 April 2021 EPP, Italy (1979-1984)

He served as an Italian member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Lega represented the ‘Democrazia cristiana’.

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 7 IN MEMORIAM

Johannes Cornelis van BAALEN 29 April 2021 ALDE, (2009-2019)

He served as a Dutch member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr van Baalen represented the ‘Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie’.

Poul SCHLÜTER 27 May 2021 EPP-ED, Denmark (1994-1999)

He served as a Danish member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Schlüter represented the ‘Det Konservative Folkeparti’.

Llewellyn T. SMITH. 26 May 2021 PES, United Kingdom (1984-1994)

He served as a British member of the European Parliament. At the national level, Mr Smith represented the Labour Party.

8 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 UPCOMING EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

Study Visit to Moldova

SEPTEMBER 2021 A Delegation of FMA members will visit Moldova in September 2021. Members will meet with Parliament, government and civil society’s representatives and universities students. Details will be communicated at a later stage by email.

Visit to Slovenia

OCTOBER 2021 An FMA Delegation will visit Slovenia, the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Details will be communicated at a later stage by email.

Policy Debate - 15 years of EP to Campus programme

7 A high-level debate will be organised on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the “EP DECEMBER 2021 to Campus” programme. Details will be communicated at a later stage. Please check your emails.

FMA 20th Anniversary - Cocktail and Gala Dinner

7 This year of celebrations will culminate with a Gala Dinner from 19.30 to 21.30 in the DECEMBER 2021 House of European History. The dinner will be preceded by a cocktail from 18.30 to 19.30. More information will be communicated at a later stage.

Together for the Future of Europe

8 A new event of the series “Together for the Future of Europe” will take place from 10.00 to DECEMBER 2021 13.00. Details will be communicated at a later stage. Please check your emails.

* The format of the above-mentioned events will be confirmed at a later stage depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW MEMBERS

Lily Artur Joanna Edward Andrzej JACOBS ZASADA SKRZYDLEWSKA CZESAK SZEJNA (Netherlands (Poland (Poland (Poland (Poland 2007-2009 2009-2014 2009-2014 2015-2019 2004-2009 S&D) EPP, ECR) EPP) ECR) S&D)

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 9 European Parliament FORMER MEMBERS ASSOCIATION

2 June 2021

Dear Member,

Re: RESULTS OF THE VOTES

Please find below the detailed results of the votes which took place at the Annual General Assembly of the Association on 2 June 2021:

1) The vote on the Annual Report:

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

To approve the Annual Report 157 0 3

There were 160 votes cast, of which none were ruled invalid, leaving a total valid poll of 160.

2) The vote on the Annual Accounts:

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

To approve the Annual Accounts 156 0 3

There were 159 votes cast, of which none were ruled invalid, leaving a total valid poll of 159.

3) The election for five members of the FMA Management Committee The following members were elected in the order below and will now serve on the Management Committee for a period of two years until the Annual General Assembly meeting of 2023:

1. Teresa RIERA MADURELL 2. Miguel MARTINEZ MARTINEZ 3. Michael HINDLEY 4. Manuel PORTO S. Pier Antonio PANZERI

There were 187 votes cast, of which three were ruled invalid leaving a total valid poll of 184.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who tool part in these elections.

Yours sincerely,

10 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 FMA AT WORK

MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hans-Gert Monica BALDI Jean-Pierre Teresa RIERA Michael PÖTTERING AUDY MADURELL HINDLEY

Brigitte Miguel Edward Pier Antonio Manuel PORTO LANGENHAGEN Angel MARTÍNEZ McMILLAN- PANZERI MARTÍNEZ SCOTT

FMA BUREAU President: Hans-Gert PÖTTERING Secretary: Teresa RIERA MADURELL Vice-President: Monica BALDI Treasurer: Jean-Pierre AUDY

LIST OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

FMA Bulletin Editorial Board: Delegates to the Annual General Archives: Ms Baldi. Ms Langenhagen (Chair), Mr Audy, Ms Baldi, Assembly, seminars and colloquies of FMA Communication: Ms Baldi (Chair), Mr McMillan-Scott and Ms Riera Madurell. the FP-AP: Ms Langenhagen, Mr Martínez Mr Hindley and Ms Langenhagen. Martínez and Mr Audy (if necessary the EP to Campus: Mr Hindley and Mr Porto. Working Group on Democracy substitute will be Ms Riera Madurell). Relations with Budgets Committee, Support and Election Observation: Besides the FMA delegates or their DG Finance: Mr Audy. Ms Langenhagen (Chair), Mr Hindley, substitutes and in agreement with the Mr Martínez Martínez, Mr McMillan-Scott, Dinner Debate: Ms Baldi and Mr Panzeri. European Association, other FMA Committee Mr Panzeri and Ms De Keyser (FMA member Delegates to the Bureau of the Members may participate in the annual with advisory role). European Association of Former seminars or colloquies at their own expense. Relations with the House of European Members: Ms Langenhagen (FP-AP Relations with Former Members History: Mr Martínez Martínez. Vice-President) and Mr Martínez Associations outside Europe: Mr Audy Martínez. If necessary, Ms Langenhagen and Mr Martínez Martínez. Relations with the European University will be substituted by Mr Audy and Institute (EUI): Ms Baldi. Relations with Think Tanks, Policy Martínez Martínez will be substituted Institutes, Foundations: by Ms Riera Madurell. Ms Riera Madurell (Chair), Ms Baldi, and

Ms Langenhagen.

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 11 SPECIAL EDITION

FMA 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Cartoon prepared by Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP

12 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 20th Anniversary of the Former Members Association

In 2019, when I became President of out to vote. Those citizens recognised the European Parliament, Europe had that their vote matters, that the just engaged in the largest democratic decisions taken in the European exercise in the history of the continent. Parliament will have significant effects Across the then 28 member states, on their lives and livelihoods.

“Since 1979, our Parliament has been the Since 1979, our Parliament has been the direct link between citizens and the EU direct link between citizens and the EU institutions. Giving voters the chance to institutions. Giving voters the chance to choose those who will represent them, who will debate and vote on the laws choose those who will represent them, that shape the future of our continent. who will debate and vote on the laws It is that responsibility that we took on when taking up our mandate as that shape the future of our continent.” members of this house. Over the last decades, many people have wagered on the demise of our Union, fuelling divisions and conflicts which we more than 200 million people turned regarded as belonging to history. The

David Maria Sassoli, EP President with Hans-Gert Pöttering, FMA President and Former EP President ©European Union 2019 - Source : EP

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 13 citizens of our Union, meanwhile, In the two years since the I thank you for your work over have shown that they still believe in beginning of my mandate as the last 20 years. Your activity this extraordinary project, the only President, the world has changed contributes to strengthening our one which offers answers to the beyond recognition. Hundreds of sense of community, that constant global challenges facing us. thousands of Europeans have lost commitment that we need to their lives and every one of us has make our democracies stronger, Parliaments are not static entities; faced restrictions on everyday life and better able to respond to the they grow and develop like a that would have been unthinkable needs of our citizens. I hope that living organism. The decisions of just a few months before. We this work continues for many more one legislature build from those thank all those who have worked years to come. of the past. This is particularly on the frontline to keep us safe true for our Parliament and its and ensure that our societies role in advancing the European can continue to function and the by Project. As said European researchers who give us David Maria Sassoli President of the European Parliament “Europe will not be made all at hope for the coming year. once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete “Working for Europe is a process, a achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.” Every member continuous process that does not end who has sat in this house has with the expiry of our mandate. For this played their role in developing that solidarity – setting the foundations reason, today I want to thank you for your on which Europe can be built. continuous commitment, your passion and

Working for Europe is a process, your dedication that did not stop with the a continuous process that does end of a term. ” not end with the expiry of our mandate. For this reason, today I want to thank you for your continuous commitment, your Throughout this crisis the passion and your dedication European Parliament has remained that did not stop with the end open and functioning, so that of a term. The Former Members we can continue to vote on the Association has a vital role to measures needed to rebuild our play in communicating the work continent. Now all of us, both of the European Parliament, current and former members its achievements, but also need to rediscover the pioneering highlighting where we can be approach of the founding fathers, better. Your work with citizens, the spirit of those who found a policy makers, academics, can help way to put aside the enmities of build a European demos. While war and heal the wounds caused your work on democracy building by nationalism. As we come out of can help take the lessons of our the worst health emergency in a unique Parliament to other parts of century, we need to show we too the world. can take the decisions necessary to build a brighter future for Europe.

14 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 We are Former Members

As you can imagine, my profound relatively late on to the European satisfaction in sharing in the stage. Its role in reducing the celebrations of the twentieth notorious democratic deficit has anniversary of our Association is been a difficult, but crucial one. The tinged with an equally profound very existence of our Association regret that my country is no longer illustrates the unique nature of our a member of the European Union. contribution to the project. But that is another story. Today I reflect upon the importance of the In my experience the difference Association in the context of the between MEPs and MPs is that great European project. whilst both come to their respective chambers with a national and party-political identity, the MEPs, through their day-to-day activities, “My profound satisfaction in sharing osmotically absorb an additional in the celebrations of the twentieth awareness, which makes them think not only about what is good anniversary of our Association is tinged for their constituents, their country, with an equally profound regret that my or their political party, but also what is good for Europe. Those who country is no longer a member of the founded our Association, regardless European Union.” of their everyday political differences, were conscious of that extra dimension.

The European Parliament, as a It is an ethos which must be directly elected institution, came maintained and fostered, for we

Valery Giscard d’Estaing and Lord Henry Plumb during the first FMA Annual Dinner in 2002

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 15 must recognise that one of the failings of the overall project to date has been that at grassroots level our citizens have not sufficiently identified with the European institutions as being “theirs”, on a par with their national institutions. The UK experience, alas, stands as a stark warning in that respect. Since 1979 the European Parliament has gradually Former Presidents of the European Parliament ©European Union 2007 advanced – and our members have played a very significant role in that advance – from a in the past have struck a positive present time. Looking forward it is largely consultative assembly chord – the creation of the Single understandable that public interest to a thorough-going legislative Market, the lowering of airfares, should currently be focused on institution. That advance in terms improvements in environmental the Covid crisis; nevertheless, our of constitutional law must be standards, the promotion of human influence should move towards matched by a parallel advance in rights, or aid to underdeveloped the post-pandemic future. And terms of public awareness. countries. the emphasis should be on the EU framework. Our members can play our part The European Parliament has the in that effort. We are “former justifiable reputation amongst As I look back over the past twenty members”, but we have, political observers of wishing to be years, I am acutely conscious of collectively, a great reserve of in the vanguard of change within the privilege that has been ours of experience and many of us still the EU. Its detractors often accuse being part of an association which have public platforms at our its leaders of being “dreamers”, has made possible a whole network disposal through which we can who wish to hurry ahead with of friendships and a wide breadth inform, stimulate debate and policies and positions deemed to of cultural enrichment across advocate specific policies. We come be “unrealistic”. But it is true that both nationalities and ideological from a vast variety of party-political many advances in Europe have divisions. That in itself is something backgrounds, but I firmly believe started out as EP proposals or well worth celebrating. that we all have an overriding have gained traction through our interest in engaging with the promotion of them. All too often, European electorate on topics of the role of the parliament has by Lord Henry Plumb interest to the man and woman in been overlooked in public opinion. FMA Honorary President the street. I think of topics which We must encourage similarly Former President of the FMA and the avant-garde initiatives at the European Parliament [email protected] “We come from a vast variety of party- political backgrounds, but I firmly believe that we all have an overriding interest in engaging with the European electorate on topics of interest to the man and woman in the street. ”

16 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 Experience for the Future

The European Parliament Former “When it comes to Europe, looking back Members Association turns 20. makes sense only when planning for 20 years may not sound much in the future. I am very, very old now, and a Union which is three times that age, but they are enough to be ever since I started dreaming of the able to congratulate an association European Union in the late 1940s, I have that is thriving and to congratulate ourselves for an idea that has been done nothing but imagine and build its very fruitful indeed. future as best as I could. ”

The association has filled a gap, one that would have been very the future. I am very, very old now, my two cents’ worth to this process regrettable; it has enabled those and ever since I started dreaming of reflexion which concerns each of us who at one time or another of the European Union in the late and every one of us. have represented Europeans to 1940s, I have done nothing but remain in contact and has been imagine and build its future as Article 311 of the Treaty on the able to draw on the knowledge best as I could. We are now at a Functioning of the European acquired over the years and ensure crucial moment, once again, on Union, adopted in Lisbon on 13 that it is used to consolidate this the eve of a Conference on the December 2007, states: ‘sui generis’ body which brings Future of Europe, and that future ‘The Union shall provide itself with together and channels our peace must be projected, even if it will the means necessary to attain its efforts. not be us this time who will reach objectives and carry through its an agreement on it and make it policies. I thank President Pötering for his a reality. I would therefore like to invitation to write these lines and take this opportunity to contribute I would like to begin by sending him my warmest congratulations, which extend to everyone who, since Lord Henry Plumb, have had the honour of presiding over the association and to those who have led it over the past twenty years. I believe we can look back with the satisfaction of having served our colleagues and Europe.

When it comes to Europe, looking back makes sense only when planning for José María Gil-Robles ©Communautés européennes 1997 - EP

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 17 duties, agricultural duties and life is outside the Union. But next an annual percentage of the time without privileges or ‘British harmonised VAT base. rebates’. - As from the financial period 1993-1999, a ‘fourth resource’ In an increasingly globalised world, was added, namely the additional our Foreign and Security Policy contributions from the Member must become more and more States, which now account for the autonomous and common, which lion’s share. means:

Now, almost thirty years later and - strategic autonomy and a Conference on the Future of after many attempts to put an end rebalancing of NATO; Europe (CoFoE) ©European to this situation, the European - a dynamic neighbourhood policy Union 2021 - Source : EP Union has finally taken a giant step in the Eastern and Southern forward: It has decided to provide Mediterranean; Without prejudice to other itself with substantial resources - continuing to promote revenue, the budget shall be to enable it to recover from the democratisation and integration financed wholly from own ravages of the current pandemic: in Latin America, Africa and the resources.’ no less than EUR 750 billion in Caribbean, joint debt, which will have to be - good trade relations in Russia and In other words, the Treaty clearly repaid over the next few years. In China, lays down two principles: other words, own resources will - and supporting multilateral - The principle of financial have to be established to finance relations. adequacy: the European Union this gigantic and unexpected act must provide itself with the means of solidarity. Kölh said that the The green deal and the necessary to carry out its tasks; essence of the Union is solidarity, transformation of our economy and and what we are doing is injecting, into a digital economy await us. - The principle of financial at the most difficult of times, a And if we want our social market autonomy: these means must be tremendous dose of solidarity. economy model to survive, and I obtained from its own resources, believe it is the fairest of those that not from resources provided by The Conference on the Future exist, our political forces have to other bodies or echelons of power. of Europe will have to translate seriously address how income is this new reality of solidarity into distributed in the Union to make it This is the ideal. However, the concrete achievements. We can fairer and more equitable, and how history of EU financing has been envisage some of them now, we can secure the future of our one with ups and downs and others will become apparent as pensions. changes of direction. Let us recall: we go along. It will undoubtedly be necessary to make economic Put simply, the future of our Union - The European Coal and Steel union a reality, with a common will require enormous efforts. We Community was financed by a economic policy to complement have taken a big step, thank God, system of production levies, which the , integrating the treaties but it is the first step on a long the ECSC collected directly and not that have been concluded into a road. through the Member States; in single treaty, and putting an end other words, own resources. to the historical censure between - The European Economic Eastern and Western Europe. It will Community, on the other hand, also be necessary to finalise the by José María Gil-Robles began financing itself with integration of the Balkans and of Former President of the FMA and the contributions from the Member Iceland and Norway, leaving the European Parliament States, but in 1970 it switched to door open for the United Kingdom own resources financing: customs to return when it realises how bad [email protected]

18 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 The European Parliament Former Members Association turns 20

I had the pleasure to lead four arriving into Moscow’s splendid Again, my outstanding memories FMA Study Visits in the course of Hotel Metropol, close to the lie elsewhere. A visit to Perm, for my Presidency, rich in content Kremlin, where breakfast was long a closed city in Soviet times, and fascinating in diversity. These served in the morning under a introduced us to the Perm Ballet. were to Iceland, Russia, Turkey and spectacular dome to the gentle In the course of the ballet tens of Tunisia. Though our programmes accompaniment of a classical harp. young dancers came on stage to were suffused with politics and We had the usual intense round of be greeted by their proud families economics my more resonant institutional, political and cultural with the kind of reception one memories lie elsewhere. visits in a city that then could associates more with a football boast of world beating traffic jams, match than a ballet. It exuded Iceland in October 2010 was forcing abandonment our hired warmth, joy and a profoundly living with a heavily devalued bus to maintain our schedule. decent Russian authenticity. A currency and currency controls, Duma elections were scheduled more sombre note followed with an economy in deep shock as a two months later and Prime a visit to Perm 36, a museum result of a massive home-grown Minister Putin, on a temporary of political repression, a former but globally connected banking constitutionally necessitated gulag, 120 miles from Perm, alone crisis and still feeling the ripples break from the Presidency, was and isolated in a vast wooded of a so-called Pots and Pans mass contemplating getting back on wilderness. Times have changed protest movement that one year the front seat of the political and that place of memory has been earlier had swept the former tandem that he was then riding closed. government from power. Back then with President Medvedev. A visit they had just opened negotiations to the Central Election Commission October 2012 took us to Ankara for EU accession, subsequently elicited especially lively exchanges beginning with the mandatory abandoned. with its head who radiated the laying of a wreath at the certainties that go with managed mausoleum of the founder of the But my outstanding memories are democracy. Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal of the natural beauty, the endlessly Ataturk. The Museum of Anatolian active geology, the pleasure of bathing in hot geothermal springs, which in one rural instance was in a landscape that appeared to be more lunar than earth bound. I recall fondly a visit to the Arctic Institute in Akureyri and a lesson in perspective, when they showed us a map of the world with them at its centre and we, much of the rest of Europe, barely appearing over their southern horizon.

Russia was the next port of FMA Delegation in Thingvellir (Northern Europe’s First Parliament), Iceland - call in late September 2011 2010

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 19 Civilisations was a reminder in flower that was the Arab Spring. terms of art, history and legend how much we share in common. by Pat Cox Bilateral EU-Turkey relations back Former President of the FMA and the then were not without controversy European Parliament but were in a much better place [email protected] than the very strained relationship Pat Cox during a press of today. A visit to Iznik, historically conference in Tunisia known as Nicaea, where the First Ecumenical Council of the Christian faith was held in 325, revealed its rich tradition of exquisite tile making. While Istanbul charmed with its magnificent mosques, spectacular Ottoman palaces and colourful bazaars - all speaking to a civilisational culture, appreciated by Europeans but not always evident in bilateral political discourse with a nation that notwithstanding our many differences is deeply proud of this FMA Delegation in Russia - 2011 heritage.

And so to the last of my privileged FMA visits, this time in October 2013 to Tunisia. We began in the Carthaginian ruins and associated Roman relics, a reminder that in time even the greatest glory can fade. Tunis’ Bardo museum is one of the great museums of the world and houses what arguably is the best collection of Roman mosaics in existence and unhappily was the scene of a deadly terrorist FMA Delegation in Turkey - 2012 attack eighteen months after our visit. Tunisia was the place where a humble vendor lit the fuse in 2010 that became the Arab Spring. Autocracy, civil war and oppression have ground it down in most places but not in the country where it began. In meeting after meeting it was uplifting to see and feel the determination to enact a new pluralist constitution which eventually was adopted in early 2014, a powerful and positive FMA Delegation in Tunisia - 2013 legacy of the otherwise wilted

20 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 The European Parliament: school of democracy

‘Welcome to the school of since my arrival at the university the value of that relationship and European democracy’ was my in 1960. Decisive at that time were even the very existence of the greeting to visitors to the European the Congress of the European EU in a more multipolar and less Parliament when I was an MEP. Movement in Munich, the first multilateral world has had the This was a school where colleagues meeting between the Spanish merit of forcing us to rethink our lived and worked side by side, opposition within Spain and in relationship, as well as the validity alternating between being friends exile after the Civil War, and the of the UN system itself. This is and secular enemies to build a European Parliament’s Birkelbach an area in which university-level common destiny on shared values. Report of 1964,which made being a debate and collaboration have Afterwards, being a member of the democratic state a prerequisite for a major role to play. The Biden FMA is not only to be part of a club Spain to join the EEC. Although this presidency’s first decisions to of senior fellows, it also enables us was the only condition explicitly set return to the WTO and WHO and to continue our informative and out in the Lisbon Treaty, we knew to resume the fight against climate educational work in universities, that these were the principles, change herald a sea change schools and other forums. values and objectives that guided that allows us to modernise our our common action from the very relationship in a new context. In forms part of the defence beginning. That is why the EP and promotion of the best form to Campus programmes, and in The shift towards the Pacific is of multilateralism enshrined in particular the Institute of European undeniable, but this does not mean the UN Charter, a constitutional Studies (EUI) in Florence, are so that the transatlantic relationship obligation expressed in Article 3 of well received by our members is no longer essential. Within the Lisbon Treaty. and in such widespread popular this relationship, Latin America demand from universities and and Africa are two important ‘The EU, Weaver of Peace’ was the think tanks around the world. components, which we must keep evocative title of my speech at the In the age of globalisation, the in mind because of the importance UN University for Peace in Costa experience and development of of political, economic and cultural Rica peace technology through step-by- relations, not just historical ties. www.UPeace.org. step cooperation between warring The best way for us to contribute peoples is rightly appreciated. to the noble European cause is to The struggle for democracy in continue to go on pilgrimages and Spain and for the construction The relationship between the EU explain it to anyone who wishes of Europe have been the goal of and the USA is of particular value. to hear, wherever they may be. everything I have done in politics The most important bilateral and We will not lack for hard work and multilateral relationship in the courage. post-war world took on a new dimension after the end of the Cold War and the transition from the EC by to the EU. I experienced this first- Enrique Barón Crespo Former President of the FMA and the hand as EP President in Brussels European Parliament and Washington, and later as a regular visitor to the US Congress enriquebaronfundacion@gmail. Opening speech and Election of com Enrique Barón Crespo as the new EP and universities, think tanks and President during the plenary session institutes across the country. The in Strasbourg on the 25th of July 1989 recent experience of the Trump ©Communautés Européennes 1989 administration openly questioning

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 21 A fruitful cooperation

The cooperation with the European the Union’ conference; School of the exhibition of the significant University Institute began in 2015 Transnational Governance. Folon statuette in Palazzo Vecchio; on the basis of a proposal of mine then in Brussels, in 2019, we held approved by the FMA Management In 2016 we actually began our two conferences: one in April, in Committee, subsequently followed successful cooperation with the the Parliament library and the by the relevant work done by our HAEU, with regard to both the other in November in the House of staff, whom I thank. storage and exploitation of the European History. Since then, I have been constantly archives, such as the oral history In 2019, the conference ‘Women involved in the complex relations project ‘Collecting Memories: The of the European Parliament’, with the EUI, which began with a European Parliament 1979-2019’, organised by the HAEU with Villa series of meetings and exchanges and participation in the educational Finally - La Sorbonne in Florence, of correspondence between the projects submitted under the ‘Le aroused great interest, with the presidents at the time, Enrique Chiavi della Città’ programme in stories by Luciana Castellina about Barón Crespo and Joseph Weiler, Florence. Simone Veil and my own personal and which continue today with It was a unique experience, in story about Nicole Fontaine. presidents Hans-Gert Pöttering the prestigious Villa Salviati, to Equally interesting was the and Renaud Dehousse. be able to see the interest and workshop ‘The MFF and EU Policies However, despite the great enthusiasm of secondary school 2021-2027: The EU Towards 2030’, willingness to cooperate, it has students simulating hypothetical organised by the RSCAS, where I not been easy to build a mutually parliamentary committees and spoke together with Reimer Boege, beneficial partnership in view of asking for information about the , Ivailo Kalfin and Alain the multi-faceted structure of the EU institutions, treaties, topical Lamassoure. university and the high level of issues and EU citizenship. The thirty Our support for the ‘The State expertise of our members, in a meetings attended by the following of the Union’ conference has wide variety of fields. members, as well as myself, were been constant, also through the There have been numerous particularly appreciated: Luciana inspiring speeches of Presidents operational meetings with EUI Castellina, Jean-Paul Denanot, Pöttering and Barón Crespo. decision-makers to determine Barbara Dührkop, Riccardo I should like to express my most participation in programmes, Garosci, Vitaliano Gemelli, Michela sincere gratitude to President round tables, workshops and Giuffrida, Gyula Hegui, Gisela Dehousse, who developed this debates on the future of the Kallenbach, Andrea Manzella, cooperation with special care and European Union: Ambassador Cristiana Muscardini, Niccolò helpfulness and, in particular, Vincenzo Schioppa Narrante, Rinaldi, Oreste Rossi, Riccardo to Director Schlenker who, with Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, Ventre and . great foresight, efficiency and Miguel Maduro, Dieter Schlenker, Our organisation, together professionalism, so promptly Brigid Laffan, Alfredo De Feo, with the HAEU, of the events planned a series of successful Stephan Albrechtskirchinger, Marco to celebrate the ‘40 years of meetings and initiatives. Incerti, etc. At the time even our direct elections to the European Thanks to the EUI for this fruitful Secretary, Brigitte Langenhagen, Parliament’ was also a real success: cooperation with the FMA, which came to visit the Institute. in Florence, in November 2018, we hope will continue over the Subsequently, partnerships were we held a conference with the years. launched with four departments: participation of former Presidents Historical Archives of the of the European Parliament by Monica Baldi European Union (HAEU); Robert Enrique Barón Crespo, Pat Cox FMA Vice-President Schuman Centre for Advanced and Klaus Hänsch, together with EPP, Italy (1994-1999) [email protected] Studies (RSCAS); ‘The State of 20 of our members, followed by

22 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 Joining Forces to Analyse and to Explain Europe

Discussions on creating a in which the EUI was given a with the main European European University date back to mandate to act, there is often institutions. Likewise, cooperation the Congress of Europe in 1948 great variation between national with former members of the and concrete proposals for the approaches, and the need was European Parliament has steadily project were launched by the felt to train new generations of developed. They are regular Messina conference in 1955. At the young scholars in a way that participants in the seminars and time, it was felt that cooperation would help them to gain critical workshops organised by the Robert was particularly important in the distance from national schools Schuman Centre and the School area of atomic energy, which of thought. It has also appeared of Transnational Governance. was viewed as the energy of the important to develop research Thanks to the partnership between future. A reference to establishing on all kinds of policy issues that the Former Members Association “an institution at university level” are relevant to Europe (a much and the Historical Archives of even found its way into the broader remit than the study of the European Union, they share Euratom Treaty. However, the European integration alone). And their experience with high school construction of Europe is a bumpy gradually the idea emerged that students. In large numbers, they road; De Gaulle’s return to power research developed at the Institute have contributed in the ‘oral dramatically altered the project’s could irrigate a wide range of history’ project launched by the progress and some fifteen years training programmes, aimed at Archives. And many seminars have later the 1972 Florence Convention professionals or, more simply, at been organised, in Brussels and gave birth to a ‘European people who aspire to follow careers in Florence, on matters of joint University Institute’. That body in public affairs. interest. was given the broad mission ‘to For all these tasks, the ability to The construction of Europe contribute, by its activities in the mobilise recognised experts is a is not merely the product of fields of higher education and fundamental asset. Experts make ‘history-making decisions’ but research, to the development of invaluable contributions to our also of countless, more modest the cultural and scientific heritage efforts to understand today’s interactions between professionals of Europe, as a whole and in its world, and they are indispensable from across different sectors, constituent parts’. allies in the outreach that all sharing their views on matters Doing so requires action at universities are expected to in which they demonstrate different levels. In the social undertake. This has led us to expertise of some kind. For us, sciences and the humanities, establish partnership agreements the partnership with the Former Members Association has been vital. It has been rich in initiatives that have greatly assisted us in fulfilling the tasks for which the EUI has been established. Writing on behalf of the Institute, I wish to express my deep gratitude for the fruitful cooperation in which we engage, and my hope that our partnership will continue to flourish in the coming years. From left to right: Vincenzo Grassi, Secretary General of the EUI, Monica Baldi, FMA Vice-President, responsible for the relations with the EUI, by Renaud Dehousse Enrique Barón Crespo, Former EP and FMA President and Renaud President of the European University Dehousse, President of the EUI Institute in Florence, Italy

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 23 An active partnership for Europe - The FMA and the Historical Archives of the European Union

On this special occasion began with the HAEU’s education on 3 April 2019 hosted in the celebrating the anniversary of programme in 2016. Since then, EP library, and secondly, on 29 the Former Members Association more than 30 appointments were November 2019, a conference at (FMA), let me express my sincere organised at Villa Salviati, the seat the House of European History congratulations on this remarkable of the Archives, during which FMA on “The European Parliament - journey. It was a great honour and members shared their experiences Research Projects, Sources and pleasure for me to contribute to in European politics with more Historical Memory 1979-2019”, this special bulletin, considering than 600 students from secondary co-organised with the Association our successful cooperation and schools in the Florentine area. of Friends of the HAEU. partnership in recent years. Seventeen FMA members from The Historical Archives of the Italy and other EU member states The most recent collaboration European Union (HAEU) is the were actively involved in these focused on collecting the home of the historical records recurring appointments, which contributions of former MEPs, of EU institutions. Since 1984, enhance the understanding and brought together in the oral history the HAEU preserves and makes knowledge of school students and project ‘Collecting Memories: The available to the public the teachers in the history and written European Parliament 1979-2019’, archives of EU institutions along memory of European integration, which was coordinated by a team with numerous private papers and in relevant EU policies on of former EP officials and hosted of individuals, movements, and citizenship, climate change, Brexit, by the Research political groups. It facilitates migration and free movement Centre at the EUI. More than 100 research on the history of the in Europe. A special project was interviews were conducted in EU, promotes public interest launched in 2017, when students the framework of this ambitious in European integration, and drafted a new ‘Treaty for Europe’ to project, which were then deposited enhances transparency in mark the 60th anniversary of the at the HAEU for online access and the functioning of European Rome Treaties. consultation by scholars and the institutions. Along with its cooperation in public. The FMA has played a key role in the education programme, transmitting the mission of the EU the FMA was a key partner in During this time, I had the privilege expressed in its written archival organising a series of events to liaise directly with Florentine memory to European citizens. The to mark the 40 years of direct FMA board member Monica FMA’s collaboration European elections. More than 20 Baldi as pro-active and dynamic FMA members, such as former ambassador of the Association. European Parliament Presidents My thanks and congratulations, Enrique Barón Crespo, Pat Cox and therefore, go to her, the kind and Klaus Hänsch, participated at the efficient FMA team co-ordinated conference “40 Years of European by Elisabetta Fonck, and to all Parliament Direct Elections” at the active FMA members that the EUI on 22-23 November 2018. have contributed and continue On International Women’s Day to partner in our joint European 2019, a workshop was organised mission. on “Women in the European Parliament”. Two initiatives by Dieter Schlenker Director of the Historical Archives of Dieter Schlenker and Monica followed in Brussels, firstly a policy the European Union at the European Baldi roundtable on 40 years elections University Institute in Florence, Italy

24 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 Parliament’s archives on the eve of their 70th anniversary

The written archives are the the European Parliament based on some of the archives received historical memory of the the archives and other sources. from former Members proved European Parliament. Ever to be particularly rich and very since the Common Assembly The archives have 23 collections useful for the conferences held of the European Coal and Steel received from former Members, in Brussels and at the European Community was created and 12 of which are currently being University Institute in Florence in its Secretariat established in processed. After they have been 2019 to mark the 40th anniversary in 1952, historical inventoried, collated, described, of the European elections. More documents have been stored in digitalised and registered in the recently, the exhibitions published the European Parliament’s archives digital archive-management by the Archives Unit – in close with four key aims in mind: to system, the collections will be collaboration with the Directorate bring together all the traces made available for consultation for the Library and Knowledge of Parliament’s past activities; on the Archives website once the Services – on the European web to process and describe the statutory period of 30 years has portal have attracted more than documents stored; to make the expired (see Article 1 of Council 40 000 visitors and received more archives available to the public; Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No than 6 million hits on social media. and to showcase the heritage 354/83). The fact that so many people are that the archives represent. One now using new media in this way of the Archives Unit’s core tasks In addition to the role that the is partly down to developments is to make documents available Former Members’ Association in archiving practices that have within Parliament and its various (FMA) plays in the process of emerged during the pandemic, departments, as well as opening acquiring private archives, the and it bodes well for the future them to the public. The archives preservation and promotion of a with a view to establishing fruitful have been kept in the Schuman unique heritage connected with cooperation for the benefit of the building in Luxembourg since the history of European democracy general public. 1973. and of European integration have always been central to the by Ludovic Delepine The documentation archive interaction between the FMA and Head of Unit of the European is particularly important, as it the Archives Unit. For example, Parliament Archives Unit includes a collection of around five million documents. There is also an extensive collection of pictorial documents, including posters for European elections, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, and other events relating to Parliament’s activities. The Archives Unit preserves and promotes the historical memory of the European Parliament by giving access to the archives, helping researchers and The European Parliament’s Schuman building in Luxembourg, where a students with their research, and number of plenary sittings were held between 1973 and 1979 ©European publishing historical studies on Union-EP

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 25 FMA Networking overseas

For the last twenty years, I have been Canada and Australia are similarly by Lord Richard the link person between our FMA and large countries where former members Balfe similar associations outside Europe. can and do play an important Former FMA Board The only countries that have had an educational role. member responsible association existing throughout the for the relations with twenty years are the USA, Canada, However, these three countries rely Former Members Australia and New Zealand. almost completely on voluntary Associations outside commitment; only the USAFMC and our Europe. The largest is the USAFMC or to FMA have the infrastructure to support United Kingdom, PES give it the full title United States of outreach efforts. and EPP (1979-2004) America Former Members of Congress richard.balfe@balfes. (www.usafmc.org). Most former com Finally, Covid-19 and Zoom have Senators and Congressmen join this transformed relations. We now have body and its range of activities is similar regular sessions with Universities that to ours. In particular its outreach we just could not have afforded to visit. programme to Universities is very similar to our EP to Campus programme As an example, I celebrated digitally and plays a valuable role in explaining the Europe Day in May with the main how Washington works. University in Taiwan that teaches European studies. Few U.S. politicians have much time in their constituencies as the attendance In June, I stood down from the and voting demands of Congress are Committee of the FMA to concentrate considerable. Besides, like most of on my engagement in the UK House the MEPs, they are often thousands of Lords. Our colleagues, Jean-Pierre of miles away from their electorates. Audy and Miguel Ángel Martínez Consequently, former members play an Martínez, who are also European and important part in bringing Washington international expert will then cooperate closer to the people. with Former Members Associations

Virtual roundtable on “Responding to COVID-19 – A Global Discussion”.

26 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 FP-AP Networking

Miguel Ángel Martínez Martínez which has been a member since being put to the vote later this year succeeds also Jean-Pierre Audy in 2008. Karin Junker succeeded in on “Europe facing global powers at his position as FMA Representative strengthening our profile in the a horizon of 10 years” - “External by the FP-AP, the European FP-AP. A series of FP-AP seminars unity – internal diversity: Protecting Association of Former Members and colloquies concentrate and promoting Europe’s way of of Parliament of the Member on democracy and active life.” (Roland A. Kohn). This was States of the Council of Europe citizenship building. preceded by various studies on the (www.fpap-europe.org). future of Europe which needs an A thick volume of togetherness is answer more than ever. Jean-Pierre Audy stresses out: “I represented e.g. by at least those had the honour of representing two documents: Solidarity, sovereignty and stability the FMA in co-operation and as well as responsibility and under the leadership of Brigitte On the one hand, it is the FP-AP education are FP-AP and also FMA Langenhagen, now being one of “Appeal for Democracy and principles. Democracy needs our the FP-AP Vice Presidents. We were Dialogue” (Walter Schwimmer as constant commitment. Because able to defend and transmit all author and under presidency of democracy has no alternative! the interest of European values of Rune Ryden) about “conspiracy human dignity, freedom, equality theories, unprecedented baiting and solidarity based on the against the results of democratic principles of democracy and the elections, fake news, the misuse of rule of law and freedom of press, fears – threatening our democracy by Brigitte Langenhagen placing the individual at the heart ….”. The document has been FMA Board member delegate to the of its activities and creating an area drafted in particular in cooperation Bureau of the European Association of Former Members of freedom, security and justice”. with the USAFMC and the Canadian Association and has been then Germany, EPP-ED (1990-2004) The FP-AP has been founded in unanimously adopted. brigitte-langenhagen-cux@ 1994 and includes currently 23 t-online.de national associations plus the FMA, On the other hand, it is a paper

Delegates of the European Association of Former Members

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 27 Election Observation and Democracy

The desire for political participation Our allies as we tackle these very of this is connected to financial is one felt by people throughout complex issues are the new House resources of States (economic the world. Without democracy, that of European History in Brussels welfare) and fair redistribution of desire can never be fulfilled. and the European Parliamentary resources to avoid inequalities.’ Research Service (EPRS) in She concludes: ‘What is left to do Social harmony, freedom, equality Parliament. for the international organisations and human dignity are the symbols including the FMA striving for of our democracy. But democracy, In addition, the democracy in this global economic like so many things [all of us], is Actions scheme, the OSCE Election situation?’ constantly changing over time. Observation Mission, the World Today, autocrats and demagogues, Movement For Democracy and Everything is connected! For 20 authoritarians who cleverly exploit our own Democracy-Building years, the FMA has placed its and misuse social media and other Committee, which I chair, are experience at the disposal of the tools, are gaining in popularity. gearing up to challenge the Democracy Dialogue Forum. political forces that want to change The threat they pose, both inside our democratic system - and and outside the EU, is an insidious not necessarily for the better. one. We former Members, These forces are generally highly as informed observers, are vociferous, but sometimes confronting extremism, terrorism deliberately very quiet. by Brigitte Langehagen and nationalism, courageously FMA Board member, Chair of the and tirelessly. Our goal: to increase Elisabetta Fonck, our long-standing Working Group on Democracy people’s knowledge of world Secretary General, has correctly Support and Election Observation. events and to help them recognise drawn attention to recent and think about what lies behind developments, such as Brexit or Germany, EPP-ED (1990-2004) those events. To identify possible the departure of Orban’s MEPs brigitte-langenhagen-cux@t- approaches to the problems we from the EPP: ‘The authoritarian online.de face. And to do this together with or egoistic tendencies are there the European Parliament. and continue to grow. ... and a lot

© European Union 2011 - EP

28 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 The current challenges of Democracy

I am proud to have been the author “The US and EU see the democratic of the world’s biggest democracy and human rights promotion process as the key element of their programme, the European values system and both spend Instrument for Democracy and diplomatic, political and personnel Human Rights (EIDHR) set up by the of European Parliament in 1993 effort in promoting democracy and its after the fall of the Berlin Wall and associated value, human rights.” currently with a seven-year budget of some £ 1.3 billion (2021 – 2027). It remains the only external EU programme which can operate The other pole of stability – the EU with Iran, its first in the Middle without host country consent – and with its projection of soft power East – as well as Beijing’s aggressive does so effectively from China but significant economic weight developments in its neighbourhood to Cuba and in other “difficult and, in conjunction with NATO, and its appalling treatment of territories”. a developing security role. Both its internal religious and ethnic the US and EU see the democratic groups. Putin’s Russia – and its No-one can pretend that the process as the key element of their satellite Belarus - remains the EU’s current international situation is values system and both spend biggest strategic challenge which stable. Indeed, in some areas there diplomatic, political and personnel is being addressed with steady is clearly an increase in tension. effort in promoting democracy and determination by the EU and NATO. Since the 2021 inauguration of its associated value, human rights. President Biden, one pole of stability – the US with its worldwide The diplomatic side of the EU has by Edward economic, political and military been reviewing its external posture McMillan-Scott reach – has returned to active and in recent times, amongst others FMA Board member, generally benign internationalism with an increasing tension with member of the after the disastrous Trump era. China – which in March signed a Working Group strategic cooperation agreement on Democracy Support and Election Observation. edward@ emcmillanscott.com

Edward McMillan-Scott during an election observation mission

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 29 Women in the European Parliament

I became an MEP in 1979, when the I have always been aware of, and first direct elections to the European indeed experienced at first hand, Parliament were held. This was a the great difficulties and obstacles significant moment for Europe, as still facing women today in Italy, a reflected in a 63% voter turnout, country that only gave them the right which has never been equalled since. to vote in 1946. The first act of the new Parliament was to elect as its president a woman, The many institutional and social Simone Veil, a prominent pro- obstacles they were having to European feminist, who had suffered surmount in various countries in Nazi persecution and deportation. order to assert themselves and participate in public life soon became I felt that this ‘new’ institution could clear to me. While Italy was among give women an opportunity to rise to the worst offenders on the European the forefront and, above all, promote league table, the situation was not the cause of women throughout much better in other countries or Europe. If we did our work well, indeed the EC institutions. I well Europe could do more to influence remember overhearing through my national policies and redefine the headset a comment from a female position of women in the world. interpreter on one particular occasion when I was speaking on this subject. Indeed, the empowerment of women ‘How right she is,’ came the voice. has been central to my own work in ‘If she only knew how we are being politics and civil society. treated.’ Afterwards, she began to explain to me how hard things could also be for women working in the EC institutions, who were underpaid and basically required to do the impossible in order to combine their family lives with impossible working hours.

During my ten years in Parliament as a member of the Communist and Allies Group, I was in fact able to devote my energies to the interests of women and measures uphold their freedom.

In Brussels and Strasbourg, I discovered a new set of circumstances that were different Maria Luisa Rodano during a meeting of the Committee on Women’s to those prevailing in Italy, with a Rights ©Communautés européennes 1988 Commission unit being devoted

30 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 for progressive implementation commerce and the craft industries, and the approximation of national the situation of women in the legislation, this did not actually third world and Community aid, appear to be happening in the raising women’s awareness, Member States. maternity issues, parental leave and early childcare infrastructure, The purpose of the committees women’s problems with the tax was to investigate gender equality authorities, women’s problems in issues and bring pressure to bear disadvantaged regions, education on public opinion and the national for girls and the place of women in parliaments in this respect. It decision making hubs. was as a direct result of this work Maria Luisa Rodano and the final report adopted in My work in this field also gave ©Communautés européennes 1988 January 1984 that the European me the opportunity to be a part Parliament set up a fully-fledged of European delegations to major Committee on Women’s Rights world events in Nairobi and Beijing. to issues concerning women. This and Gender Equality, once again was, I believe, unparalleled at the being the only parliament in time, at least as far as the national I hope that my commitment to this Europe to do so. governments were concerned. cause can still be of service to the The unit was run by the energetic, efficient and highly competent Fausta Deshormes La Valle (sister of Raniero La Valle and wife of a “I felt that this ‘new’ institution could Commission official), providing a hub of legal and administrative give women an opportunity to rise to the expertise, information and forefront and, above all, promote the documentation, a listening post and a meeting point for a vast cause of women throughout Europe.” network of women’s associations. It also published a periodical entitled ‘Women of Europe’, a valuable, not to say indispensable guide for new female Members. It was demanding and absorbing many women still being denied work. The women on the their rights and whose ability is committee, who were of various being called into question. A number of MEPs in the group nationalities and persuasions, then proposed the creation of the divided up their tasks in Ad Hoc Committee on Women’s For this very reason, I should like researching the relevant topics, Rights, followed by the Committee to thank the association, which of which there were no less than of Inquiry into the Situation of has kept our legacy alive over the 99, encompassing progress Women in Europe, of which I was decades, thus enhancing not only made in implementing the equal chair and coordinating rapporteur. our parliamentary institution but pay directives, the launching of also our lives as a whole. a social security directive, the Two important directives reorganisation of working time, concerning women’s rights vocational training for women, had already been adopted by the impact of new technologies on by Maria Luisa Rodano the Council in 1975 and 1978 women at the workplace, women Italy, COM (1979 - 1989) respectively, one on equal pay and and health, migrant women one on equal treatment in matters and the wives of migrants, the of social security. While they called situation of women in agriculture,

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 31 Simone Veil: a free and open-minded woman

My first memory of Simone Veil is dissident; she, a liberal. It was not easy inextricably linked with my first memory and yet right away I was sure that we of the European Parliament when, in would be in agreement. And in fact, 1979, I first set foot in the Chamber to already, in those very first days, she which we Members had, also for the showed that she understood exactly very first time, been elected by universal what we, the ‘odd ones out’, were calling suffrage. We were pioneers in an for as we held that first demonstration historic experiment embarked upon for (outdoors, obviously), in a protest the very first time. A coincidence that, against the European Parliament’s rules as I look back over those many years to of procedure that would not allow the July 1979, I can say with even greater formation of parliamentary groups conviction makes me glad: I was struck consisting of less than 20 Members right away back then by the number (if I remember well). The world had, of things we would have to change if however, changed since that rule was we really wanted to have the Europe introduced in 1968, and the long wave described in the Ventotene Manifesto. of unrest of that particular year was Finding a woman like Simone in the still rolling on and had assailed, as seat reserved for the institution’s most was only natural, even the old historic important post – Parliament might have formations, many of which we could had fewer powers than any other body no longer identify with. We marched but it was still the most symbolic – was through Strasbourg to call for the right decisive in encouraging me to commit to set up a small group covering our myself to fighting for this change. disparate views: Antoinette Spaak, the daughter of former Prime Minister I was a communist, and what’s more, a Paul Spaak, who was no longer happy in the Belgian Socialist Party; an Irishman who was friendlier with the IRA than were his fellow citizens in the House; a Flemish autonomist; and we Italians – radicals and Manifesto-Pdup – proud to have with us Leonardo Sciascia, the very newest recruit to parliamentarian ranks. Contrary to our expectations, Simone Veil listened to us and agreed we were right. She understood that not even political parties can remain frozen in Simone Veil chairing the first sitting of the European Parliament elected by direct the past. Because our universal suffrage in Strasbourg. ©Communautes Europeennes - 1979 first President was not

32 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 illusion they would be dealing with a woman who was meek and submissive. If nothing else, the dramatic experiences of her youth had taught her to be a fighter.

by Luciana Castellina Italy, GUE/NGL (1979-1999) [email protected]

Luciana Castellina ©Communautes Europeennes - 1979 just ‘liberal’ but also a free, open- was published in 2007. minded woman. Why doesn’t the European A fact that I was able to confirm Parliament republish it and in the years that followed, present all newly elected Members including through all she did as a with a copy with their Member’s government minister in , as card? It would be a real source we found ourselves on the same of encouragement, as meeting side on more than a few issues: Simone Veil in 1979 was for me. already on abortion some years In 2023 this will probably be more before, but then too on equally necessary than ever. important matters such as events in Yugoslavia and Algeria, the One last point: beware of the world hunger campaign, etc. image of Simone Veil as just being soft and conciliatory, as always Later I got to know even better happens when talking about the woman who, not just in the women. We said she had ‘an iron institutions but throughout her fist in a velvet glove’, just so it whole life, was my ‘first’ President would be understood immediately when her autobiography ‘Une vie’ that no one should be under the

“Finding a woman like Simone in the seat reserved for the institution’s most important post – Parliament might have had fewer powers than any other body but it was still the most symbolic – was decisive in encouraging me to commit myself to fighting for this change.”

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 33 Nicole Fontaine: a consciously pro- European

Nicole Fontaine was President of the basis, always faithful to her goals of European Parliament from 1999 to achieving a genuine, shared European 2002. An erudite lawyer and refined project. strategist, she was an authoritative politician and consciously pro-European, We were both extremely active in known for her clarity and elegant style the Women’s Rights Committee and of language, and was particularly the Culture, Youth and Education successful and professional in Committee where, with special skill, representing the institutions. she finalised key pieces of legislation, including the Socrates and Youth for I met Nicole in 1994 in the European Europe programmes. Parliament delegation to the Packaging Conciliation Committee and I remember A great Member of the European that, as Members appointed by our Parliament, for five parliamentary terms political groups, we managed to deal she was a member of the group of successfully with a delicate and complex the European People’s Party, in which compromise situation despite the she strove, with determination and contrasting positions of the twelve professionalism, to achieve European Member States that made up the integration based on freedom, Council at the time. democracy, human rights, the rule of law and equality. It was particularly rewarding to work with her, as she had a personal, human Her commitment to a citizens’ Europe touch, empathy and listening skills. She was constant and determined. She sought to build relationships on a solid

Election of Nicole Fontaine as EP President during a plenary session in Strasbourg in July 1999 ©Communautes Europeennes - 1999

34 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 Nicole Fontaine said, just after she was elected, ‘Let us hope that we do not have to wait another twenty years for a woman to become President of the European Parliament’, referring to her only female predecessor, Simone Veil, elected in 1979. And since then there have only been men. How right she was!

On this our 20th anniversary, the European Parliament Former Members Association would like to thank all the women who are busy addressing the new European Monica Baldi challenges, remembering here the famous fellow female Presidents of Parliament Simone Veil and Nicole worked on projects concerning Her exceptional diplomatic skills Fontaine, and extending our very youth education and the manifested themselves several best wishes to centenarian Maria mutual recognition of academic times during her presidency of the Lisa Cinciari Rodano. qualifications, as well as women’s European Parliament. On 5 April rights and gender equality. 2001, she invited Commander Ahmad Massoud to Strasbourg Our hope is that, following their and our example, attitudes A refined and infectiously while the were spreading towards the rule of law and energetic woman of French pro- chaos and violence in Afghanistan. equality will evolve further, Europeanism, her demeanour was In 2000 she received the Speaker of overcoming stereotypes and always one of youthful enthusiasm the Palestinian Legislative Council gender inequalities in work and that attracted those talking to and the Speaker of the Knesset decision-making. her, especially when she paused at the same time, in Parliament’s to quote the opinions of her Chamber. In December 2000 university students, with whom she signed the EU Charter of she had maintained an ongoing Fundamental Rights at the Nice dialogue. Summit. She oversaw the adoption of the euro and started a process by Monica Baldi A talented, brave and far- of reforming Parliament’s working FMA Vice-President sighted lawyer, as Minister for methods to bring the institution Italy, EPP-ED (1994-1999) Industry in the second Raffarin closer to the citizens, including [email protected] government (2002-2004) she was by adopting the motto ‘United responsible for implementing in diversity’. the modernisation process in the energy sector and supported 22 years have now passed since industrial ventures by focusing on the protection of industrial property, research and the “Let us hope that we do not have to promotion of innovation. She also wait another twenty years for a woman worked to strengthen European and international cooperation in to become President of the European the fight against counterfeiting. Parliament”

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 35 My experience with the Campus Programme

After taking a bow from the EP to Campus Programme adds a France, where the order of Brussels political scene in 2012, touch of colour to the broad range the day was ‘European Union I finally had the opportunity to of – otherwise rather theoretical and Sustainable Development: do a bit more voluntary work. – activities on offer, as former Challenges and Prospects’. One initiative for which I have parliamentarians can not only High-profile experts and ITN been volunteering is Parliament’s discuss specific European topics, students discussed the progress Campus Programme. but also shed light on the practical being made in the environmental political processes that take place sciences. 2018 then saw me It is an invaluable EU programme behind the scenes at European at Taras Shevchenko National whose reach extends to level. What is more, we former University of Kyiv, , for an universities and young people well members can share our first-hand international conference on the beyond the Member States. At experience with European politics. future of European integration. every Campus seminar, I find out Having served as an electoral about yet more of its projects: the Since 2013, I have taken part in observer in Ukraine many times, I Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence seven Campus seminars. The found it fascinating to get to know support research and teaching at first was held that year at the the country in a different context. universities in 72 countries on all University of East and The topic for my discussion five continents. focused on the financial crisis in with students was democracy the EU. At the end of the seminar, and the significance of the EU’s The Marie Skłodowska-Curie the students took a vote on their fundamental values. It should Action’s ‘Initial Training Networks’ relationship with the EU, with come as no surprise when I say (ITN) facilitate cooperation 95% concluding the EU was a that an extremely lively debate among PhD students on research good thing. In 2014, I was invited ensued! In 2019, the Alexandru fellowship programmes. The key to Babeș-Bolyai University in Ioan Cuza University invited me exchange programme for young Cluj-Napoca, Romania. In order to to Iaşi, Romania. This university is people in the EU, however, is the preserve the region’s multicultural not only the most easterly in the Erasmus+ programme, which heritage, this establishment EU, but also the oldest in Romania. provides grants for studying and teaches in Romanian, Hungarian The students on the European working abroad. And we must and German. It also has support Studies course had an exceptional not forget the many individual programmes for members of understanding of EU financial universities – which definitely now the Roma minority. This time the policy and it was a pleasure to make up the majority – offering topic was relations between the talk to them. My most recent courses in European Studies. The EU, Ukraine and Moldova, and a EP to Campus experience was a wonderfully creative simulation brief virtual lecture on European walked the students through the youth politics, organised by the structure and work of Parliament. Colorado European Union Center This was followed in 2015 by a of Excellence at the University of seminar at De Montfort University Colorado Boulder, in the United in Leicester. On the agenda at this States. Let’s see where the Campus large public event was the future Programme takes me next... of the EU, and the question of whether the UK should remain in the EU was also discussed. Back Birgit Daiber and the students then, things didn’t yet look so by Birgit Daiber of University of Alexandru Ioan bleak. 2016 took me to University Germany, V (1984-1994) Cuza in 2018 Blaise-Pascal in Clermont-Ferrand, [email protected]

36 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 EP to Campus Programme: An invaluable programme

I have participated in ten guest lectureship and an additional two “The EP to campus has provided me and “webinars” on the EP to Campus others to distil our experiences and pass programme, each and every one enjoyable in its own way. them on. Long may it continue. I would encourage other members of the FMA to My fist experience at Coventry University, England, provided participate.” a welcome reunion when after a couple of days visiting and university I visited whilst on a FMA anywhere else in know, Russia participating in several student guest lectureship at Mangalore is re-evaluating its past. The exchanges I joined a panel to University, India. The book will International Relations faculty discuss Britain’s role in the EU. The appear later his year under the title there had become fascinated panel was chaired by Lord Plumb “The Semi-Detached European” by the survival of mainstream who since his retirement from the right wing parties in the west European Parliament, where he If I may highlight a couple of visits which thrived on their advocacy had been a distinguished, fair and and what they have contributed of capitalism. The staff had been firm President, had become the to my own knowledge and schooled in the Soviet days when Chancellor of Coventry University. understanding of the unfolding the inevitable collapse of the history of Europe. capitalist system he was a not a Students and staff in the political opinion but an objective universities have always been The list of its Chancellors is at fact. They now have the academic appreciative of the chance to the Babes Bolyai University, freedom to study how this curious exchange views in question Cluj, Romania is a reminder of phenomenon not only survived but and answers sessions for it the complex turmoils of Central actually wins democratic elections. gives them the chance to match Europe; first the names are their academic perceptions Austrian/German, then Hungarian, In terms of my own connections, and observations with the then Romanian. I was much I am pleased that two visits everyday experiences of political heartened that a young staff there have turned into ongoing practitioners. now offer Masters courses in friendships and cooperation. Both international politics, in Romanian, the Euroculture Centre of the Understandably in recent years, Hungarian German and modern University of Göttingen and Tallinn European audiences have always Hebrew as an acknowledgement University of Technology have wanted to know about Brexit. of its own multiculturalism, often invited me back for private visits suppressed in the past but now and zooms. My own partisan view has been flourishing in a new Central clear, it is a backward step for my Europe. As in many other European The EP to campus has provided me country, but rather than submit to universities, the courses are given and others to distil our experiences the temptation to make a speech in English, which despite Brexit and pass them on. Long may it to that effect, it has been a useful will remain the lingua franca of continue. I would encourage other intellectual exercise to explain as academic life. members of the FMA to participate. objectively as possible the wider background and the implications of My visit to the Higher School of by Michael Hindley Brexit. This led to me being asked Economics in Perm, Russia was United Kingdom, PES (1984 - 1999) to turn my lectures into a book extremely interesting. More than [email protected] by the Manipal University Press a

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 37 Celebrating Twenty Years of Collaboration

The Illinois EU Center marked on our campus, contributed to its twentieth anniversary in the roundtable “Elections and 2018. It is impossible for our US-EU Relations: A Comparative center not to see shared origins Look at the Elections to the US in a moment in the history of Congress and the European European cooperation and Parliament and Implications for transatlantic relations that called Transatlantic Relations,” and gave for new resources to advance the opening keynote for the EU understandings of the institutions Studies Conference, “Brexit and its and processes of European Implications for the Rest of EU.” We integration among scholars and also arranged for Mr. Evans to be students, policy makers, and the a guest on a radio program of our general public. local National Public Radio station, conducted by Niala Boodhoo, We welcomed our first Former Senior Producer for Illinois Public MEP, Michael McGowen, in October Media. 2015. Mr. McGowen was part of the roundtable panel discussion, These years were the seeds for “Testing the Limits of the EU: a blossoming relationship in Greece, the Economy, and Refugee which the students, faculty, and Crisis,” as part of the annual Illinois community members who engage EU Studies Conference. He also with our center are learning more visited classes on our campus as about the European Parliament well as regionally at Illinois State and the EU as a whole. Writing University and Illinois Wesleyan one year after the onset of the University. In October 2018 we COVID-19 pandemic, we can subsequently welcomed Former reflect on how the FMA helped our MEP Robert Evans. During his center experiment with the new visit, Mr. Evans visited classes circumstances that our remote work environments have created. In June 2020 we contacted the staff of the FMA with a proposal to expand the numbers of Former Members appearing in our center’s events during the 2020-21 academic year. We were interested in not just increasing the numbers, but to try new kinds of events made possible by not needing to physically move people across the Atlantic (and to incorporate considerations of carbon footprint into our collaborations, a move slightly ahead of the rollout of the Robert Evans with the students of University of Illinois in 2018 European Green Deal). We found

38 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 the staff of the FMA wonderfully supportive in helping us advance our proposals in a timely manner that accounted for the different work cycles of the year.

This exchange yielded a pair of events on the theme of “the New Speed of Politics” in Autumn 2020. We first welcomed Former MEP from Romania Dr. Maria Gabriela Zoana in a panel with a European philosopher and university administrator responsible for Michael McGowan during his intervention at University of Illinois in 2015 issues of diversity and inclusion on the topic of “Is Gender Equality Speeding Up or Slowing Down?” a series of seminars that is both send their sincere congratulations This panel was followed in part of a course (module) and a set to the Former Members Association November by one on “Technology of public events. The set of public on the occasion of its twentieth and Sustainability in the EU” with events, “Case Studies in the Making anniversary. We are very pleased the contrasting perspectives of the European Parliament and by what we have been able to offered by Former MEP from Parliamentarians” fits together with accomplish together, and look Germany Mr. Hans-Olaf Henkel the course “The Everyday Making forward to how this work will and Former MEP from Hungary Mr. of the European Parliament and generate new ideas, solutions, and Benedek Jávor. From this second Parliamentarians.” The course collaborations to address the issues panel we were very grateful that builds on a tradition of access of the coming decade and beyond. Mr. Henkel and Mr. Jávor were to the European Parliament and willing to schedule follow-up Former MEPs that has generated “virtual coffees” with a set of some interesting research by students so that there was time for anthropologists as well as the by Jonathan Larson PhD questions that were not possible recent edited collection, Shaping Associate Director of the European to raise during the panel or that Parliamentary Democracy: Collected Memories from the Union Center at University of Illinois, may have been more relevant to USA other matters, such as on careers European Parliament (Palgrave [email protected] in politics and public service. MacMillan, 2019).

This spring we are very pleased The staff at the European Union to welcome five Former MEPs to Center at the University of Illinois

“These years were the seeds for a blossoming relationship in which the students, faculty, and community members who engage with our center are learning more about the European Parliament and the EU as a whole.”

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 39 EP TO CAMPUS EXPERIENCES

EP to Campus challenges the audience “to think deeper about the explored topic and view it from different angles. Plus, the It was a pleasure to speak to well informed programme is a chance for many of us who “ and interested students and professors at the miss the university days and emotions to University of Genova about how the Brexit step back and enjoy. disaster came about and what might happen next.

Mariela Baeva ALDE 2007 - 2009 Richard Corbett Bulgaria S&D 1996- 2019 United Kingdom

The most common memory from the “ programmes in which I have participated is of how interested the students have been to hear about the Parliament and the wider EU institutions. It is clear especially in non-EU countries how much our values The Struggle for Democracy must be and standards mean to the aspiring class of “ constant, requiring constant efforts! public administrators that so many of these On November 17, 2020 I had the opportunity students are. We are clearly sowing a raft to give a lecture at York University in Toronto. of valuable ideas and aspirations in their developing approach to life. Because of the pandemic, the lectures were held online. But this should be an exception, given that online debate strips it of its vivacity. Lord Richard Balfe Despite these unfortunate circumstances, the Former FMA Board Member responsible for the discussion developed well. EP to Campus Programme PES 1979 - 2002 Nevertheless, the programme creates a EPP 2002 - 2004 win-win situation. It allows students to benefit United Kingdom from our experiences as former MEPs and for us to remain active in the scientific field.

Dr. Stefan Gehrold EPP 2018 - 2019 Germany

40 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 EP TO CAMPUS EXPERIENCES

An excellent idea of Lord Balfe, soul of the EP “ to Campus program since its birth, welcomed Participating the EP to Campus programme “ is always an intellectual challenge and with enthusiasm that continues after these 15 years of great acceptance. emotional adventure. It is exciting to arouse interest in European affairs among young I am very grateful for the program that has people and rather nice to see if they become allowed me to revisit the Universities (Deusto a little bit more interested at the end of and Salamanca) where I studied, and many the meeting. All of my programmes were others, always kindly and friendly to “preach remarkable but perhaps the most interesting Europe”. was the one in Izmir, Turkey. If it is possible, we should involve more non-EU universities to promote our values among their students. José María Gil-Robles EPP-ED 1989 - 2004 Spain Gyula Hegyi PES 2004 - 2009 Hungary

It was exhilarating going to a university “ campus just two miles from my childhood The (EP to Campus) programme is an “ excellent opportunity to get closer European home. The campus was a dockyard when I was a child and in 2012 had been an athlete’s legislative work and the European Parliament village for the London Olympics. I spent two to university students in Europe and beyond. Better understanding procedures, positions, days with some challenging undergraduates debates and dilemmas means better and another day with school students from understanding how the EU functions, and this nearby schools who came to have a taste of can provide the feeling to European youth of university life. I enjoyed every moment and being part of the lively discussions in the EU would encourage other former members to institutions. It strengthens Europe more than take part in the scheme - even if it’s very local! millions of slogans.

David Hallam Benedek Jávor PES 1994 - 1999 Greens/EFA 2014 - 2019 United Kingdom Hungary

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 41 “The EP to Campus series plays a vital role in the inter-generational dialogue. In November 2020 I virtually visited York University where I gave a lecture and fielded My EP to Campus experiences have been many interesting questions on gender “wonderful. Missions to universities in equality in the EU and the world, Brexit Romania, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand and immigration policy. I also spoke at the gave me huge opportunities for knowledge Manipale Centre for European Studies, flows on all sides. Thank you. India, in November on gender equality and fighting for democracy. The students for both sessions were very engaged, informed Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne and inquisitive. The younger generation fill ELDR 1999 - 2009 me with positivity for the future. We need to United Kingdom keep talking and listening to each other.

Jackie Jones S&D 2019 - 2020 United Kingdom

I found the EP to Campus program very “ rewarding and interesting. Sharing my experience with students and staff at Universities was mutually beneficial and it did encourage debate.

When the results of the Brexit referendum Seán Ó Neachtain “ came out I was lecturing at the ESSEC UEN 2002 - 2009 Business school, one disappointed student Ireland from Scotland immediately exclaimed: “We will stay in the EU!”.

Zofija Mazej Kukovic Former FMA Board Member responsible for the EP to Campus Programme EPP 2011 - 2014 Slovenia

42 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 After leaving the EP in 2014, I right away “joined the Former Members Association. For me this was very important not losing I only could enjoy it once, it was in 2016 the contact with Parliament and former “ at the University of Clermond Ferrand colleagues. where we met a very committed Professor from Hungary who was teaching about I have been to De Montfort University in sustainability. He had invited an interesting Leicester, England, twice. Before Brexit Professor from Island, member of the club together with Malcolm Harbour, UK, and of Rome, which was an important link to my post-Brexit with Seán Ó Neachtain to green beginnings in 1979. Ireland. Extremely well organized and prepared by Professor Alasdair Bair. The students were nice and committed and from nearly all over the world. I I have also visited the Szeged University in especially tried to talk to students from Hungary and Anita Pelle who is the holder Eastern Europe and Africa. The debate with of the Jean Monnet Chair seat. Members of Parliament coming from the I very much appreciate the European region in the evening was good. We also Campus idea of meeting students and met some artists in the streets and visited teachers discussing the EU and the future the quiet volcano nearby. of Europe. In addition, of course, meeting I think these programmes are very useful old colleagues. and can enrich students and ourselves. It brings back good memoirs.

Eva Quistorp Olle Schmidt Greens/EFA 1989 - 1994 ALDE 1999 - 2014 Germany Sweden

Meeting students from all around the world “to share insights and experiences from my time as a former MEP is a powerful way to demystify politics and promote active citizenship.

Julie Ward S&D 2014 - 2020 Lord Richard Balfe during his participation in the EP United Kingdom to Campus programme at the Yeditepe University in Istambul-Tukey in 2011, one of the first EP to Campus programmes.

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 43 HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGES FROM FMA MEMBERS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I would like to express my deep appreciation “ “ I find the Association very useful to keep to the FMA team whose energy and talent in touch with colleagues with whom I was drive the spirit of a community with shared in contact during my eighteen years as an values. MEP. I congratulate the whole management team for their work and their initiatives and Mariela Baeva all the information they provide me with, as ALDE 2007 - 2009 well as for the meetings they organise, now Bulgaria virtual. Many happy returns!

Carles A. Gasòliba i Böhm Despite Brexit, the FMA is a continuation ELDR 1986-2004 “ of my happy and positive decade in the Spain Parliament and no one can break the friendships and alliances made and continued from those years.

John Bowis EPP-ED 1999 - 2009 United Kingdom Leaving the EP would be a difficult break if “ the FMA did not exist to maintain the link between MEPs, to inform them of European news, so that they can always be ambassa- dors for the EU. Thank you to all those who keep this Association alive, and allow us to be I wish to congratulate the Former Members part of this great European family. “ Association on their 20th Anniversary. The Former Members Association is a fantastic Happy Birthday! resource and network for MEPs. I had the privilege to serve as an MEP across three Françoise Grossetête parliamentary terms, and the Former Members Association allows friends and past EPP 1994 - 2019 colleagues to remain in contact, to share new France ideas and to support the advancement of the ideals of the European Union and the peace and prosperity of the citizens we represented with great pride in the European Parliament.

Pat the Cope Gallagher ALDE 1994 - 2002 & 2009 - 2014 Ireland

44 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGES FROM FMA MEMBERS

The honour of being elected to serve in the The Former Members are “living bridges”. “ European Parliament is the pinnacle of any “ We alumni remain committed to career. The Former Members’ Association democratic values by building symbolic provides the ideal forum for the people who bridges on a voluntary basis. These enable have enjoyed this privilege to maintain good us as Former Members to build culturally friendships and pass on the value of their and politically reliable networks. Even experience. beyond the EU. Built on solid foundations, these bridges guarantee a lasting, valuable dialogue with each other. Alasdair Hutton EDP 1979-1989 United Kingdom Brigitte Langenhagen EPP-ED 1990 - 2004 Germany

For me, this Parliamentary Association is a For me “Former Members Association” “useful supranational platform that could “is a link with European friends and a offer us: sad reminder of what we Brits have so recycle our political experiences and foolishly thrown away by leaving the EU. capacities ; Geography and history however cannot invest them in conflict anticipation and be denied and come what may we are deterrence strategies. toujours voisins.

María Izquierdo Roy Perry PES 1989 - 2004 EPP-ED 1994-2004 Spain United Kingdom

The mandate as a Member of the European “ Parliament was a very special honour, responsibility and obligation that will Taking decisions as an MEP, you accompany me throughout my life. The “become accustomed to looking at FMA gives me the opportunity to continue issues with a European – not just to be part of this special “family”. I can still national – perspective. The FMA enables have a foot in the door today. I can continue me to be among others who have to participate in what is happening in that same sense of being first and Brussels and Strasbourg through profound foremost ‘Europeans’. It gives me a great information. I can continue to help build the feeling of common understanding and House of Europe which fills me with great joy. comradeship.

Gisela Kallenbach Peter N. Price Greens/EFA 2004 - 2009 EDP 1979 - 1994 Germany United Kingdom

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 45 The FMA first meant to me, not to Stay “up to date” - Thanks a lot to the Former “ lose the link to wonderful and good “Members Association to contribute to former colleagues and to the ongoing this and for your continuously strong and debates within our common political sympathetic support! and cultural democratic sphere, the European Parliament. It means a lot of good memories and inspirations too, Peter Simon with memories of the very well prepared S&D 2009 - 2019 and organised travels to Tunisia, Turkey, Germany Morocco, Georgia, Serbia and other countries. Therefore, I am thankful for this community and the team and presidency of the FMA who help us all to support the civil societies in the countries, who “ I loved my work in the parliament and cooperate with the European Union and know I contributed to improve the lives who are members and come to know their of millions. As a proud European who parliaments and ministers and city lives. views Brexit as a tragic mistake I value the These networks between colleagues and opportunity to maintain close connections citizens of different European countries with my peers and promote the work of the are crucial but more difficult to fulfil under parliament, especially in uncertain times. situations like financial crisis, globalisation, authoritarian world powers, pandemics and Julie Ward the huge split between superrich and poor. S&D 2014 - 2020 Nonetheless we can rely on the hope of United Kingdom our forerunners like Jean Monnet, , Simone Veil, all those, who helped to build a democratic modern Europe with equality for women and minorities and who built bridges between cultural traditions and innovations and different religions and As a British former Member, the Association life styles. May the fundamental rights, the “ means that I keep my European credentials. green deal, and the SDGs for 2030 within Brexit cannot stop us being European the UN be our common guide for many and the Association allows us to continue practical questions for more than one that solidarity with former comrades and generation of European politicians. And colleagues. may we have always joy to meet us again and embrace us healthy! Terry Wynn PES 1989 - 2006 Eva-Maria Quistorp United Kingdom Greens/EFA 1989 - 1994 Germany

46 FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 MESSAGES FROM OTHER ASSOCIATIONS

President Hans-Gert Pöttering,

On behalf of FP-AP, I would like to congratulate you and your Association on the 20th anniversary of its foundation. FP-AP are proud of having FMA as a member of our Association and we appreciate the valuable contributions from FMA members in our work. We in FP-AP wish you and your Association all the best in the future and that we will continue to have the same good contacts and collaborations as we have had during the past twenty years. Sincerely, Rune Rydén President of the European association of Former Members of Parliament of the Member States of the Council of Europe (FP-AP)

Mr. President,

On behalf of the Association of Turkish Parliamentarians and myself, I would like to congratulate you and your colleagues on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the foundation of the FMA. Throughout the last 20 years, the FMA has put forward tremendous efforts in order to realize its core mission of strengthening parliamentary democracy and serving European unity. We are delighted to share the same platform under the umbrella of the European Association of Former Members of Parliament of the Member States of the Council of Europe (FP-AP) and I recall with great appreciation the working visit of the then President of the FMA, Mr. Pat Cox and his delegation to Turkey in October 2012. I want to underline that the Turkish Association is ready to actively cooperate with the FMA in various areas of common interest. I wholeheartedly believe that the FMA and the Turkish Association will continue to undertake fruitful activities in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Nevzat Pakdil President of the Association of Turkish Parliamentarians

FMA BULLETIN 75 · June 2021 47 European Parliament FORMER MEMBERS ASSOCIATION

European Parliament Former Members Association

Tel.: + 32(0)2 284 07 03 [email protected]

European Parliament - József Antall 02Q073 Rue Wiertz, B-1047 Bruxelles.

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