Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in her recent speech regarding the state of the European Union, addressed the existing challenges on the Green Continent and announced her plan to hold a new congress next year. This congress will be held to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which led to the establishment of the European Economic Community. This plan recalls the European Congress of 1948, which discussed and exchanged views on the peaceful future of the war-torn continent.
Background and Importance of the European Congress
The European Congress in 1948 was held with the aim of creating a peaceful future for Europe, which had been severely damaged after World War II. At that time, political figures, intellectual elites, and representatives of civil society came together to explore ways of cooperation and solidarity. Von der Leyen, referring to this historical event, has stated that the aim of holding the new congress is to rebuild and strengthen political and economic cooperation in Europe.
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She believes that under current conditions, given the geopolitical challenges such as tensions with Russia and climate change, the need for a collective and effective action is felt more than ever. This congress could serve as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas on common solutions to address these challenges.
Challenges and Past Weaknesses
However, for the success of the new congress, it is essential to address the weaknesses that have existed in similar past efforts. History has shown that many of these congresses have failed to achieve tangible results due to a lack of precise planning and disagreement among participants. Von der Leyen must ensure that this congress provides a space for representatives of smaller countries and diverse voices, away from the dominance of great powers.
Moreover, internal challenges within the European Union, such as political tensions among member states and economic inequalities, can act as obstacles to the success of the congress. Therefore, creating a participatory and inclusive space for all countries and social groups is of great importance.
Ultimately, holding the European Congress could become a turning point in the history of European cooperation, provided it is properly planned and executed. Von der Leyen must design processes that can lead to sustainable and effective agreements among countries, taking into account past experiences.
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