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| | Heads of all 27 member countries gathered at the German Historical Museum in Berlin on Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Union (EU). "It is a dream come true," declared Angela Merkel, Germany’s chancellor and current president of the EU, as she noted that members of the EU had for 50 years avoided any kind of violent conflict amongst one another, while brokering an understanding to "hold Europe together". "We have learned over 50 years to make the most of our identities and diverse traditions, the lively variety of our languages, cultures and regions," she added. But it was evident from the ceremony that the road to closer unity was likely to be full of hurdles. Thus, instead of the draft for a proposed common EU constitution, which had been expected on the occasion, what was put forward was a ‘Berlin Declaration’, full of pious intentions, but containing little that would be binding on member countries. It was signed by only three: Merkel herself, the EU Parliament’s president Hans-Gert Pottering, and Manuel Barrosso, president of the Commission for the European Communities. Still, Berlin is celebrating. The entire city has been lit up; disc jockeys from all the 27 countries have arrived to perform at nightclubs; all the museums, concert halls, and galleries, of which there are a surfeit in Berlin, have been drawn into the festivities. There are hip-hop bands from as far away as Denmark, Joe Cocker and Gianna Nannini are performing too. "Racism and xenophobia must never again be given any rein," said Merkel, recalling Germany’s own troubled past. She promised that the EU would give the lead in formulating" energy policies which provide climate protection" and will continue "to promote democracy… promote freedom and development in the world." Email author: vdutt@aol.com |
