In the name of humanity

The European Union has been one of the most significant achievements in post-war history and a power for good in developing a different kind of Europe in the aftermath of the two world wars. 

Since its inception as the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952, the creation of the EEC in 1958, and now a union of 28 countries and 500 million people, there is much to be proud of, especially this year when the UK, our allies and our adversaries have remembered those who gave their lives for the freedom we now enjoy.

2014 has marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, alongside the 70th anniversary of D-Day and, of significance, the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The 20th century brought some of the darkest days of our civilisation. This should provide a powerful and permanent reminder of why we need to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield.

But, at the same time, we should recognise the importance of retaining peace in Europe, something the European Project, started in 1952 with the European Coal and Steel Community, has managed to do for over 60 years.

People may argue that this would have happened anyway. Surely the coming together of nations, especially Germany and France, the increasing integration of peoples, economies and aspirations, and new institutions for international dialogue, has made this possible.

Politicians of all colours should be aware that the EU is about more than eurozones, immigration, growth rates and the European Central Bank. It is about peace, security, stability and the common ground which avoid the need for differences between nations to be settled on the battlefield.

This permanent, close and ongoing conversation between 28 nations and 500 million people is an extraordinary achievement which deserves respect not ridicule from those small-minded politicians who have gained so much from the vision, inspiration, leadership and courage of our post-war European politicians, including Winston Churchill.

We are right to remember this year and every year and recent commemorative events have reached deep into our personal and collective memories of those dark days and the terrible destruction of nations, cities and people.

One of the greatest anti-war songs was written in 1976 by the Scottish-born folksinger, Eric Bogle, who penned No Man’s Land, also known as the ‘Green Fields of France’ and ‘Willie McBride’. The song reflects on the grave of a young man who died in the First World War. This year the Royal British Legion commissioned a recording of the song for their Poppy Appeal but certain poignant verses of the song which referred to the worst excesses of war were omitted. 

“Ah young Willie McBride I can’t help but wonder
Do all those who lie here know why they died
And did they believe when they answered the call
Did they really believe that this war could end war
For suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the pain
The killing the dying were all done in vain
For young Willie McBride, it all happened again
And again, and again, and again, and again”

Within our troubled world of wars, conflicts and man’s inhumanity to man being carried out on a grand scale, Eric Bogle’s words always ring true. Within the borders of a changing union over 60 years, the weapons of war have been quiet and Europe has created a new narrative and vision that has led its countries in a peaceful partnership.

Militarism, nationalism and a primitive form of exceptionalism engulfed Europe in a conflagration on an epic scale. Never again, was the demand of inspiring men like Adenauer, Monnet and Schuman and eventually a start was made in 1952, led by France and Germany. Surely the avoidance of war, within the EEC and now the EU, has been the most striking achievement of the past six decades.

The post-war vision has been security, peace, stability and solidarity in an attempt to rebuild Europe and create lasting prosperity. In that period, the Cold War has ended, the Berlin Wall has fallen, the Soviet Union has collapsed, Germany has been reunified, and new countries from Central and Eastern Europe have joined the EU. And, on the edges of the EU, ethnic cleansing and genocide have ended in the Balkans.

Sadly the ‘Arab Spring’, after holding out the prospect of human rights, stability and democracy in North Africa and the Middle East, has suffered setbacks as the region has become engulfed in complex problems with unimaginable consequences.

But the story of Europe might inspire a younger generation. Young people are more optimistic and less likely to see their future and that of Europe through the prism of cynicism, nationalism and anti-foreigner. They are also more likely to see Europe and progressive internationalism as an idea and an ideal at the heart of a more peaceful and interdependent world. It was Victor Hugo who coined the phrase “a patriot for humanity” to contrast with the notion of being engrossed by one’s own nation.

Let’s hope that tomorrow’s world will be less influenced by narrow minds and small-minded politicians and more influenced by idealism and inspiration.

We must always remember those who made the greatest sacrifice, but we must never be complacent about the fragility of the legacy they left and the effort needed to keep peace alive.