The vision of a united Europe was supported, constructed and pushed forward as a counterweight to the close nationalist beliefs that resulted in the tragedies of the great wards.
Despite its problems over the past few decades, Europe has been a place of tolerance, which received millions of refugees and migrants as their new homeland. The nationalist and petty political reactions towards the new wave of refugees that we are witnesses in recent weeks are a blow against the ideas, culture and policy of open borders that the European Union has managed to construct.
The inability of the ministerial council to decide on the relocation of part of the refugees, due to the reaction of some eastern countries may well turn out to be a time bomb in the foundations of European integration. Nobody doubts the fact that the problem is huge and difficult to manage. It is absurd though for Germany to accept and embrace the refugees, only to shut their borders a few days later because other countries are not accepting their small share of refugees/
There is also no rationale behind in leaving countries, such as Greece – which due to location is under major pressure – to deal with the problem alone, with very little financial assistance. The migrant and refugee crisis exceeds the abilities of any country to address it.
Europe must finally understand the problem at its heart and plot a comprehensive policy that will spread the cost and responsibilities. We cannot mourn the innocent victims that perish in the Aegean and Mediterranean every day trying to survive and escape a massacre and then be wholly indifferent towards those who manage to survive.
There are obviously no easy solutions. Europe, however, cannot sacrifice its humanity and culture because certain political opportunists are fueling the ghost of nationalism and racism. It is time that the leaders demonstrate how the ideas and perceptions of the European integration exceed the nationalist stereotypes and narrow economic interests.
TO VIMA