www.transnationals.eu

Take for example : the Euro – a fierce transnational symbol of unity, solidarity and diversity…

Until the financial crisis it was like that. All participating countries seemed to be happy with this strong symbol and they all said that it was good for Europe and for their own national economy.

And than their was the financial crisis (about the other crisis we write later). All national countries tried to save their own economy, regardless if it would hurt the others … it was again the struggle to survive … the transnational idea was forgotten by national governments and the first doubts about the Euro arose. The fierce symbol of transnationality, of unity and solidarity became a ‘problem’ instead of a solution.

Poor countries were the first victims. Greece was made to shame and blame … Smaller countries – as Belgium - were the first to react on the former base of solidarity : we have to help the weakest, because the chain is but so strong as the weakest link … After weeks and weeks; finally there was an official agreement to help Greece. The smaller EU countries were glad that they could help – they could not give up the real EU-dream and EU transnational symbol for some money … and saved in the meantime their national interests in the big transnational concept.

And then the truth face of Europe showed it self : the biggest countries did not agree, they said that it could only happen on their own terms – solidarity as prescribed by the German leader frau Merkel. From the other counties … a loud silence, but also a will to save the Euro (as a transnational symbol). At last, every national identity seemed to agree, Greece was ‘saved’ and solidarity won … But than, for whatever reason (or was it the old fashioned national protection reflex ?) , the German government decided to spread some rumours about the plan to save the Euro … it would not be enough … The market reacted on this. Result : good for the national interests of Germany, not good for the other Eurocountries. Belgium asked the German leaders to be cautious when talking only in this one direction because it was obvious that it was a threat for the unity and because it would make the people more and more ‘anti euro”. But it did not stop. Frau Merkel lanced the idea that 1 Euro is not longer possible; there has to come 1 strong euro and 1 for the weak … It is clear who will decide on who is strong and who is weak …

In this debate, we did not hear a lot from Finland for example. But I’am sure that they work on a strong solution, as they always did. All Europe can learn a lot from Finland (and Sweden) : it belongs to the wealthiest states on earth, where the gap between rich and poor is very small and where there is a clear measurable well-being...

I don‘t know if Finland can save the Euro and the fierce transnational symbol of unity and solidarity. But maybe, the “Moomi” can come up with a surprising act. For our project, I’m sure this will happen and will have a great experience again in Forssa.

For Europe, I’m afraid the “strong” will win … not because they are right, just because there is to much silence and smaller countries are easy to blame.

If it can’t work out between our 3 partner organisations / countries in this Rethink -project ... – how it is supposed (and believed) to work in reality EU ?

We have to succeed!

Good luck with the preparations in Forssa.

Meet you all soon ... with or without the Moomi’s !