Galway's European week has been initiated with a warning that the president of the European Commission, Mr Romano Prodi, is displaying a "dictatorial and undemocratic mindset", writes Lorna Siggins
This mindset was symptomatic of attitudes at a high level within the EU in relation to a two-tier Europe, the president of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Dr Chris Coughlan, said yesterday, when he welcomed the first secretary of the Slovenian embassy, Mr Leon Marc, to the west.
"It is now imperative that the debate on the European Constitution be brought out from behind closed doors and opened up to the citizens of Europe," said Dr Coughlan.
Welcoming the Taoiseach's stated opposition to a two-speed EU, Dr Coughlan said that democracy and equality within the Community initially depended on the recognition of the individual, while its strength initially depended upon the trust and relationship of individuals. These core values had recently been ignored by Mr Prodi, he said.
The voice of small countries would be strengthened within the EU when 10 applicant states joined this May, Mr Marc told the gathering at Galway's City Hall, which was opened by the Mayor of Galway, Cllr Terry O'Flaherty.
Slovenia had links with Ireland dating back to early Christian monks and extending to James Joyce's "accidental visit" en route to Trieste in the early part of the last century, and it looked to Ireland as an example of a state which could maintain its identity within Europe, Mr Marc said.
The Slovenian theme of European week in Galway will be marked by a series of events, with a local businessman, Mr Declan Ganley, being a major sponsor.
Galway hosts the first informal council outside Dublin during the Presidency when enterprise and trade ministers gather in the city from January 15th to 17th.