“The role of Europe must be firmly implemented with a common foreign and military policy.” This clear demand was raised by the former EU Commission President and Italian ex-Prime Minister Romano Prodi this evening at a celebration of the 85th birthday of the former SPÖ Chancellor Franz Vranitzky the National Library in Vienna.
In view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and China’s ambitions to become a major global player alongside the USA, a united Europe must also strive to play a leading role, Prodi and Vranitzky agreed. However, there must be a common strategy for this, the two former heads of government explained, also with regard to the motto of the event, “A turning point in Europe”.
Vranitzky: The EU was born out of the horrors of two world wars
Vranitzky recalled that the EU was ultimately born out of the horrors of two world wars. From this point of view, it must be emphasized that the Russian attack on Ukraine is a “war in Europe”, but not a war “in our community”. That’s a big difference. However, as a comparatively small continent, Europe must be careful not to become the backyard of Russia, China or the USA. However, it will only be possible to “exist” together, argued the celebrant, who celebrated his 85th birthday on October 4th.
Prodi noted that Europe does not need to aspire to become a superpower, but that the European Union should strive to “become relevant once more on the world stage”. That would also promote unity. Otherwise there is a threat of a strengthening of “nationalism” and “populism” in the member states. Great efforts are required for this. “We cannot continue as before.”
“Europe needs unity and strength”
SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner recalled in her speech that at the time of Austria’s accession negotiations to the EU during Vranitzky’s chancellorship in the mid-1990s in Europe, a conflict was raging in the Balkans with the Yugoslavia war, which was characterized by “violence, disrespect for human rights and terror”. Parallels to current events in Ukraine are obvious, said the SPÖ leader and concluded: “The big idea of a common Europe is a promise, but no guarantee that there will be no problems.”
In order to be able to cope with the current challenges such as inflation and possible shortages in the energy supply, “unity and strength” are needed in Europe, postulated Rendi-Wagner. However, Europe can only be strong if it is “strongly anchored in the population”.
The Social Democrats must address the current concerns, Vranitzky also demanded, especially since “the conservatives” might not achieve any accuracy with their watering can bonus payments. Now the social democracy might score with the people, said Vranitzky and recalled the old party slogan “The new era is with us”. Joking postscript: “We just have to be careful that she doesn’t leave, and we’ll stay there.”
