The EU evolves in times of crisis. We must tackle the coronavirus and economic recovery together

The victory of freedom and democracy over totalitarianism 75 years ago represented a watershed and a new beginning in Europe. Today, that victory – although we remember it in different ways – stands for an openness to reconciliation among the peoples of Europe. It marked the start of a process of cooperation unprecedented in our history.

As we celebrate Europe Day, this strengthens our confidence in our own ability to overcome crises. We recall Robert Schuman’s visionary plan – which he set out just five years after the end of the war. European integration paved the way for reconstruction and the continent’s longest period of peace and prosperity. The fall of the Iron Curtain 30 years ago made European integration a project for the whole of Europe. Its future, especially in the eurozone, will depend on whether we can jointly and successfully overcome our current challenges. And above all, on whether we can find a European way to stop the spread of the coronavirus in a swift and responsible manner and confront its consequences.

The EU evolves in times of crisis. Every reconstruction plan is also a reform plan. Our aim is not to return to where we started, but rather to move towards the goals we have jointly set. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic highlights the need to tackle the deficiencies and negative developments which are the result of untrammelled globalisation. This requires structural political, economic, social and environmental changes in order to guarantee rights and services for our citizens, which we can only achieve if we work together. The response to the health crisis has highlighted the varied opportunities arising from the growing digitalisation of our lives, but also the associated risks; the state must take care to prevent potential consequences such as exclusion and discrimination and to preserve individual freedom, which is of such fundamental importance in our political community.

As we rebuild our economic systems, we must make their social and environmental sustainability a particular priority. We must not continue to shirk our responsibility for tackling climate change and conserving biodiversity, and we must not disregard scientific findings. As Europeans, we also have a shared responsibility for the stability and development of our immediate neighbours, especially the African countries – not least because of the unsolved problems caused by global migration.

The solidarity which led to the founding of the European Union did not make distinctions based on a country’s history, development or responsibility. All it demanded was democratic legitimacy, willingness and engagement, as well as a commitment to shared values and compliance with agreed rules. It looked to the future, not the past. This solidarity represents an awareness that together we can better deal with the challenges of our times.

In spite of this, the voices of those who question the point of the European integration process are growing louder in many member states. They are using the coronavirus crisis to incite confrontation between nations and to exacerbate signs of division. They decry the difficult and inevitably slow efforts to bring about consensus and cooperation and use them to call into question the legitimacy of the institutions themselves. Yet the European Union and its member states have long been acting in a spirit of solidarity during this crisis, in both logistical and financial terms.

When we set new joint aims now, the main issue is no longer the fundamental question of whether we want more or less Europe, but the pragmatic question of how we can make the union of 27 member states better and stronger as quickly as possible, and more capable of taking action. For even in a globalised world which has been fundamentally transformed by the coronavirus crisis, no European nation will be able to stand alone. Europe remains the best way for us to hold our own effectively by pooling our capabilities; it enables us to help to shape reality in line with our values.

Reality is changing – and, with it, identities. The EU has no desire to replace countries or to eliminate national differences. Yet Europe’s citizens have long sensed that they have more in common than what separates them. This is undoubtedly true regarding the joint challenges facing us, but also regarding our shared values of freedom, the rule of law and democracy and our pursuit of progress and solidarity. We accept the philosophical, social and cultural heritage of each individual country and in many cases we see ourselves reflected in the creations and dreams of our fellow European citizens, regardless of their nationality. This can lead to the growth of a European identity, as a foundation for the further democratisation of the European project.

On this Europe Day, 75 years after the end of the Second World War, as we face our greatest challenge in recent decades, the national parliaments affirm their shared responsibility. They are a link between the public and the European institutions, and act to strengthen the European ideal and breathe new life into a citizen-friendly Europe which is conscious of its responsibility in and for the world. A Europe of solidarity and democracy; a Europe which, while it may have internal discussions, can never be divided again.

Meritxell Batet is president of the Spanish Congress of Deputies​, Roberto Fico is president of the Italian Chamber of Deputies​, Dr Wolfgang Schäuble is president of the Bundestag and Richard Ferrand is president of the French National Assembly