Talking about the European Union in class, we have evaluated the economical and political consequences and problems, as well as the reasons that have triggered the economic integration in Europe. We have also seen the European Union’s “need” to present itself as an authentic union at the eyes of every spectator and partaker of the international economic and political affairs. And to a certain extent, the EU has accomplished its goal. It is easy for foreigners to picture most of the European countries as a community that shares and discuss for both their national interests and the welfare of the continent in general— I know I do. But there are two aspects that I believe will never be merged into one and those are the social and cultural areas. For example, it is simply impossible to have the same image of a French and an Italian. Their customs and history have build up their identity, the one that distinguishes them and the one that is perceived by the rest of the world. And I think that on a national and worldwide level, nearly all the population resists to the idea of transforming Europe into a single culture or a single country—it would be an outrageous attack to the unique richness of each European state.
However, as this ongoing integration keeps bringing European countries closer and closer together, it is normal that a sense of threat to sovereignty and to national identity is awakened. And furthermore, a rise of racism and xenophobia is apparently expanding and taking new forms. Definitely, this is translated into an additional challenge that the European Union has to deal with because it is important to base the community over foundations of respect, tolerance, and diversity. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (previously known as the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia) is in charge of protecting human rights as well as promoting them among the European citizens; and these responsibilities have conducted them to create the Diversity Day, a counterattack to racism and xenophobia. But this is only one initiative to fight discrimination, which will obviously not eliminate it completely from some minds, mainly because, as I mentioned above, racism, discrimination, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia are being exhibited in various ways, which have to be combated with different techniques and programmes.
But whatever measures are taken, diplomats must not forget the importance and the impact on society that the reduction of this problem will have, and how this will affect the so dearly loved economic and political development of the European Union. Because, at the end of the day, it is impossible to maintain stabilized such a large community, when its people and the social life of its member states are not positively balanced. In case the problem is not solved, can you imagine the controversy when the European Union decides t go deeper concerning a common immigration policy? Debates will find their way, of course.
The following information is just to show you some examples of problems, statistics, and decisions that concern the European Union and the defence of human rights, in opposition to racism and xenophobia. The data has been acquired from an official EU's report (the link at the end) together with other useful sources.
- Nearly 50% of Spanish students believe that foreigners “steal” the jobs in their country.
- Linked to initiatives from Spain and Czech Republic? (Offer of incentives for immigrants to leave their country and promise not to come back in the next few years. “Subtle discrimination” or desperate for helping/pleasing (some) “original” citizens during economic crisis?)
- Case in Greece in which Roma parents were not allowed to enrol their kids in a local primary school.
More information:
http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/ecri/Library/PressReleases/58-15_09_2009_en.asp
http://www.diversityday.eu/
http://www.fra.europa.eu/fraWebsite/home/ar2009_part2_en.htm
http://euro-med.dk/?p=1082
http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2004/issue4/0404p32.html
However, as this ongoing integration keeps bringing European countries closer and closer together, it is normal that a sense of threat to sovereignty and to national identity is awakened. And furthermore, a rise of racism and xenophobia is apparently expanding and taking new forms. Definitely, this is translated into an additional challenge that the European Union has to deal with because it is important to base the community over foundations of respect, tolerance, and diversity. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (previously known as the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia) is in charge of protecting human rights as well as promoting them among the European citizens; and these responsibilities have conducted them to create the Diversity Day, a counterattack to racism and xenophobia. But this is only one initiative to fight discrimination, which will obviously not eliminate it completely from some minds, mainly because, as I mentioned above, racism, discrimination, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia are being exhibited in various ways, which have to be combated with different techniques and programmes.
But whatever measures are taken, diplomats must not forget the importance and the impact on society that the reduction of this problem will have, and how this will affect the so dearly loved economic and political development of the European Union. Because, at the end of the day, it is impossible to maintain stabilized such a large community, when its people and the social life of its member states are not positively balanced. In case the problem is not solved, can you imagine the controversy when the European Union decides t go deeper concerning a common immigration policy? Debates will find their way, of course.
The following information is just to show you some examples of problems, statistics, and decisions that concern the European Union and the defence of human rights, in opposition to racism and xenophobia. The data has been acquired from an official EU's report (the link at the end) together with other useful sources.
- Growing appeal for extremist, ultra-nationalist, anti-foreigner, neo-nazi, neo-fascist parties
- A small number of EU members have official criminal data concerning racism cases (not that there are no hate crimes, but that there is no real control and collection of information).
- 2006-2007: Ireland, Austria, Poland, Sweden and the UK --> upward trend in racist crime. Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Denmark, Slovakia, and Finland --> downward trend in racist crime.
- Victims due to racist motivations are mainly Roma, followed by Sub-Saharan African, North African, Turkish, Russian, and Ex-Yugoslavian
- Employment discrimination: Since 2008, it has been declared as illegal the advertisement of jobs with nationalistic ideologies that prevent migrants from being employed.
- Nearly 50% of Spanish students believe that foreigners “steal” the jobs in their country.
- Linked to initiatives from Spain and Czech Republic? (Offer of incentives for immigrants to leave their country and promise not to come back in the next few years. “Subtle discrimination” or desperate for helping/pleasing (some) “original” citizens during economic crisis?)
- There is a racial attack every three minutes in the EU.
- Obvious educational and health care barriers for Roma and Sinti population, as well as for children from illegal immigrants and refugees
- Case in Greece in which Roma parents were not allowed to enrol their kids in a local primary school.
- Directive on Compensation of Crime Victims (Founded by the European Union)
- Proposal to extend the protection against discrimination in more areas, such as social security, healthcare, education, and access to and supply of goods and services.
- Racial Equality Directive of 2000: member states should establish equality bodies to promote justice and equal treatment.
More information:
http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/ecri/Library/PressReleases/58-15_09_2009_en.asp
http://www.diversityday.eu/
http://www.fra.europa.eu/fraWebsite/home/ar2009_part2_en.htm
http://euro-med.dk/?p=1082
http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2004/issue4/0404p32.html
