The only way to ensure the Europe Union has popular support is for everyone to engage in the process of shaping it, argues Brian Crowley
Whenit was set up last autumn, the National Forum on Europe was given specific terms of reference. It is examining the implications for Ireland of the impending enlargement of the EU and it is focusing on the key policy issues which will be addressed by the EU over the next three years in the context of what is known as the future of Europe debate.
In its purest terms, the forum is embarking on a thorough examination of Ireland's relationship with the EU so that we can all have a deeper understanding of its future direction. It can only achieve this goal if it engages in a widespread process of public consultation. The primary objective of this forum is to widen the debate in Ireland about Europe, which sadly and for too long has been the interest and vestige of too few in our country.
It is an opportunity to develop new ideas and to eliminate misconceptions about various aspects of the activities of the EU.
The forum is not confrontational. It creates the right atmosphere for novel ideas and new approaches to develop and prosper. As part of this process, the current regional public meetings provide for a wider input of ideas and give a greater role to the people.
Ever since Ireland acceded to the EU, one of our collective problems has been the lack of ability to bridge the information deficit about European issues and policies.
There are no easy answers as to how we can ensure that there is an easily understood structure put in place which fully informs the citizens of Ireland of new developments which take place at an EU level.
The EU is a complex political and economic entity, comprising three key decision-making bodies. But we are still not communicating adequately what the specific activities and competencies of the EU are.
Ireland's membership of the EU has been beneficial to us in many more ways than just from the perspective of economics and agriculture. It has provided a positive influence for Ireland on the world stage by means of our participation and commitment to many collective agreements with our European partners.
The forum is the first step in helping to redress the information imbalance relating to issues of importance to the people and it commands broad support in Ireland. Employers groups, the trade union movement, Irish farming associations, the churches, the voluntary sector and groups involved in the Nice Treaty campaign are actively participating within this new political structure.
All political persuasions in the Oireachtas (with the exception of Fine Gael), together with many registered political parties in the State actively participate in meetings of the Forum.
I regret the decision of Fine Gael not to take part. I find this decision short-sighted and insular, because it amounts to engaging in the politics of abstention.
We all fully recognise that we are at a crossroads in Ireland as to which direction we should go within an ever changing EU. Addressing Ireland's relationship with our present and future European partners involves an in-depth analysis of many important political matters.
We all have a responsibility to focus on these issues which will have a bearing on how our country develops in the years ahead. It will also have a bearing on how future generations will judge us.
EU leaders decided before Christmas in Belgium to set up a European Convention. This is a Europe-wide forum which will comprise of members from the Parliaments of the EU and from the applicant countries. Important policy matters will be addressed by the convention, including the separation of powers between the EU and member states, the status of the EU charter on fundamental rights, the simplification of the EU treaties, and the role of the national parliaments in the EU.
EU leaders fully understand that new policies in Europe cannot succeed unless they have the full support of the people of Europe.
There has been an attitude in some circles in Europe that the best approach is "We know best. We will bring in the right changes and the people of Europe will thank us later." This is simply incorrect.
The EU will only succeed if the people of Ireland and of Europe are convinced of the merits of change which take place at every stage. They must know and feel that they are involved in the process and that they not only have an input into any new developments, but that they support the changes which take place.
Brian Crowley is a Fianna Fáil MEP for Munster