The present term of the European Parliament is fast approaching its end. In two weeks’ time the parliament will close down for more than two months to resume with a new set of parliamentarians from 27 Member States. Its five-year work almost over, it is a good time to look back on what has been achieved and where we are heading.
Poland’s accession to the European Union was a testing time and a steep learning curve for our MEPs. Like the other newcomers, we soon realised, however, that we were just as capable and efficient as our experienced colleagues. “The old guard,” in turn, quickly overcame their initial prejudice and learnt to appreciate our input and expertise. It is no secret that the most valuable lessons about Ukraine at the European forum are taught by Polish MEPs, who know very well how it feels to belong to Europe geographically and historically, yet not be allowed to live the “European dream.”
But this may soon change, as the European Union is seeking to strengthen its relations with Ukraine. Just as the current parliamentary term will be credited with bringing Ukraine to the EU attention through a number of high-profile diplomatic missions and cooperation initiatives, the new parliament formed after the June elections will have to be even more committed to the fundamental principle of the European Union – to reach out to all European people, regardless of historical divides and established spheres of interest. I strongly believe this will happen, as long as the newly elected European Parliament and Kiev have enough political will to stay the course.
Over the last five years, the expanded European Parliament has grown in importance at the international forum, becoming a major player in the world’s politics. Yet it has always tried to be a gentle giant, close to the people it has come to represent. While the European Commission has a reputation as an entrenched bureaucracy, the parliament has a record of listening to its constituents and making their voices heard. In the latest parliamentary term the European Parliament has adopted a number of socially important initiatives concerning all areas of public interest, from lowering roaming charges (co-decision) to guaranteeing a wider access to structural funds for the most disadvantaged citizens of Europe. For all its wrongs and imperfections, it has tried to be a parliament of the People, by the People and for the People.
The deepening economic crisis calls for more urgent measures to address pressing social needs, and the parliamentary hopefuls are bracing themselves for the challenges to come. All of us want a strong, yet compassionate Europe, a safe haven in times of economic and political turmoil. The June elections will decide about the direction which the European Union will adopt for the next five years, perhaps the most important time in its history. Before the electoral battle begins in earnest, we should all stop and ponder about the long way we have travelled. Ahead of us, the road continues.
