Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/281887
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 MARCH 2014 Opinion 24 O ver the course of its history, the European Union has faced multiple crises but has somewhat always managed to survive. From the initial failure of the Euratom treaty and the European Defence community, to the French veto led by De Gaulle in the 70's to the overall context of the Cold War, the European Community has always had to fight for its survival. Therefore the current questions about the future of Europe have been viewed by some with a kind of here-we go- again attitude. However the result of the latest Swiss referendum has sent shockwaves throughout Europe. The final referendum result, which resolved for Switzerland to re-introduce immigration quotas for EU citizens, is seen by many as the latest in a series of indictments against the European projects. Without any doubt, the surprising outcome of the Swiss referendum will force the EU to act. In this instance for example, the EU has been uncharacteristically swift in its reaction. It has repeatedly pointed out that any unilateral decisions relating to the modification of the EU-Swiss Treaties could have serious economic ramifications for Switzerland. Particularly, the use of the guillotine clause was mentioned, wherein the EU would be able to close 10 chapters of said treaty if Switzerland goes on with its plans. What is different and more worrying about this setback however is the fact that this was a bottom-up initiative. Due to the less-than-spectacular results of the EU over the last years, disenchantment in the EU and the European project has reached an all-time high in most of Western Europe. For while it is relatively easy for a sovereign state to accept to lose parts of its independence in exchange for a better economic and social life, the reverse is true when the loss of independence in key areas such as monetary policy is seen as one of the main causes for people's suffering. This result could therefore be seen as a ref lection of this negative sentiment in Europe surrounding the European Union. What is also worrying is the effect that such a decision might have on the rest of Europe. Eurosceptic parties across the continent have rejoiced and hailed the result as a true statement that people want less Europe rather than more Europe. The people in Europe seem to be very disillusioned with the statement that the European Union is beneficial for them. The next European Parliament elections therefore will provide us with a clear indication of what will happen in the near future. A strong result for the Eurosceptic parties will result in a real risk for the continued development of the European Union. Paradoxically however, whilst the allure of the European Union is at an all-time low in the Union itself, its popularity with the countries outside of the EU is at an all-time high. This is because whilst the EU is still mainly an economic Union, the political and social benefits of being part of the union are values that are still legitimately desired in some parts of the world. Whilst for member states rule of law and equal rights are almost taken for granted, for many of these accession states joining the European Union would ensure a big improvement in their overall quality of life. What is happening in the Ukraine, whilst worrying, should also fill us with hope about the long-term prospects of the Union. Come May 2014 therefore, European citizens will have a chance to send an important message. A message that we still believe in the value of a European union where all countries are able to integrate with each other. A message that Europe still has much to offer for a better society for all of us. Thankfully, in Malta the issue of 'should we be in or out' is generally considered a stale or obsolete topic of conversation. The absolute majority has accepted Malta's full membership in the EU. But, ironically, a substantial number still do not feel the real impact and benefits of being EU members. This may be due to a number of factors; complacency and a lack of interest on what goes on beyond our shores; the perception of a negative impact, perhaps due to loss of jobs or business resulting from increasing competition of the open single market; the perception that everything which goes wrong is because of Europe or because they are not being given enough information. Truth be told, however, eurosceptisism is on the rise, as are the prospects of Eurosceptic members of parliament. Nothing wrong with having a colourful cocktail of political opinions in the European parliament, but extremes are never good news. I have always believed in Project Europe, and after nearly a year serving in Brussels and Strasbourg as an MEP, I believe in it more than ever. I never thought EU membership would mean manna falling from heaven, nor that the wrath of hell will befall us all. I always believed that the EU will present all of us, as individuals and as a country, with tough challenges and it is up to us to turn them into opportunities. MEPs should be one of the most important factors in this equation. And to do so, to be of real value to the citizens, an MEP representing his/her country properly should only have three masters: one's country, one's principles and hard work. God forbid these masters clash but for an upstanding MEP who deserves the honour, these masters will always converge. Disobey one of these masters and the honourable post of an MEP stops being honourable and becomes a charade. Marlene Mizzi is a member of the European Parliament. info@mizzimarlene.com Marlene Mizzi Obeying three masters The next European Parliament elections therefore will provide us with a clear indication of what will happen in the near future