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N°70/March 2020
EPFMA
BULLETIN
European Parliament Former Members Association www.formermembers.eu
SPECIAL FMA Activities
EDITION
Values of EP to Campus
Democracy Programme
Page 06 Page 21
2 FMA BULLETIN 55 - MARCH 2020
IN THIS ISSUE
03 Message from the President FMA ACTIVITIES
04 Letters to the President 18 FMA Communication
05 EP at Work 19 Cooperation with the EUI
20 Electoral Observation
FMA SPECIAL EDITION
21 EP to Campus Programme
07 T he role of the Court of Justice
to safeguard democracy
23 FMA Events
©premier.gov.pl
and Rule of Law (Alexander 24 Photo Report
Arabdjiev)
25 Book Review June 2020 will mark the 20th
09 D
igital sovereignty (Andrea anniversary of the Community
Manzella) of Democracies and its
11 Is artificial intelligence the LATEST NEWS founding document, the
future of democracy? (Esteve Warsaw Declaration, outlines
Almirall)
27 New Members 19 basic principles for a state
to flourish as a democracy.
13 The value of Democracy
29 Latest News
(Paul Rübig) 30 In Memoriam https://community-democracies.
org/
15 T he role of Europe and the
defence of its values (Manuel Cover: FMA works for democratic
Porto) values in building the future of
Europe. This month FMA Bulletin
16 B rext- a defiance of democracy dedicates a special edition: Values
(Edward McMillan-Scott) of Democracy.
©Shutterstock
CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS:
The Editorial Board would like to thank all those members who took the time to contribute to this issue of the FMA Bulletin.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the decision to include an article lies with the FMA Editorial Board and, in
principle, contributions from members who are not up-to-date with the payment of the membership fee will not be included.
Due to the long time lag between the call for contribution and the publication, some articles may be outdated.
The FMA Bulletin is published by the European Parliament Former Members Association (FMA) with the assistance of the
European Parliament. However, the views expressed in articles represent the views of contributing FMA members or guest
writers and do not necessarily represent the views of either the European Parliament nor the FMA. Similarly, any advertisement
does not imply an official endorsement by the FMA or Parliament.
EDITORIAL BOARD PREPARED BY CONTACTS
Jean-Pierre AUDY Elisabetta FONCK formermembers@europarl.europa.eu
Brigitte LANGENHAGEN Lisseth BRAVO Tel.+ 32(0)2 284 07 03
Edward McMILLAN-SCOTT Valeh NASIRI Fax.+32(0)2 284 09 89
Manuel PORTO Sara MIGUEL
Teresa RIERA MADURELL
Message from
the PRESIDENT
As we all know, Brexit has been a authors are looking from different holding the Presidency of the Council
hot and controversial topic during angles at this system of governance. of the European Union. The last visits
the last four years. Starting with For this Bulletin, our Board member to the Parliaments of Finland and
the referendum that led to the Brigitte Langenhagen has written Romania proved to be successful
United Kingdom’s decision to leave an article featuring the Meeting and enjoyable experiences for the
the European Union, we have for endorsers of the Declaration of participating members. Due to the
to acknowledge that 31 January Principles for International Election Covid-19 outbreak, the visit has been
2020 - the leaving date of the Observation in Warsaw, organised postponed to a further date that will
United Kingdom - was a moment of by the Organization for Security and be communicated at a later stage.
separation in the long history of the Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Finally, I am equally looking forward
European Union. Since the ceremonial the Office for Democratic Institutions to meeting the FMA members at the
signing of the Treaty of Rome in and Human Rights (ODIHR), that fits Annual General Assembly to be held
1957, such an exit is unprecedented, well with the theme of this month’s on 5 and 6 May. However, I would
but the UK and its citizens remain edition. like to shed some light on the current
a crucial partner across all policy This year is marking the 25th situation regarding the Coronavirus
matters. anniversary of the Beijing Declaration COD-19 outbreak. Following a
Now with 27 Member States, on gender equality, which represented decision made by the President of
the EU, with all its strengths and a turning point for the global agenda the European Parliament on Tuesday
weaknesses, all its accomplishments for gender equality and resulted in 3 March 2020, 130 events were
and insufficiencies, remains a unique pivotal commitments and objectives, cancelled in March. Depending
instrument to defend our common the results of which we still measure on the evolution of the situation
values – the dignity of the human today. There is still a lot of work and independent of our will, these
being, freedom, legal order and to be done in gender equality, but measures might be applicable beyond
peace. I take this opportunity to European Parliament is acting to fight that period and might affect the
express my full solidarity with the to protect women’s rights and to upcoming FMA events. We will keep
European countries impacted by improve gender equality at work, in you duly informed of the situation.
Covid-19 and believe that a coherent politics and other areas. With more than 800 members,
EU-wide response is of utmost This issue also covers the cooperation among others British ex-MEPs who
importance. between the Former Members had been recently elected and joined
In January of this year, I was invited to Association and the European after leaving the Parliament, the
attend the ceremony commemorating University Institute in Florence. FMA continues to be a multinational,
the liberation of the Auschwitz camp Members from Italy and beyond unifying institution that stands for
held in the Hemicycle of the European have had the opportunity to visit the democratic values and the promotion
Parliament in Brussels. The liberation Historical Archives of the European of the European spirit.
by the Allies played a major role in the Union and give lectures to students We have to continue to be strong and
promotion of human rights and the and scholars from surrounding united in this difficult moment for all
rising importance of the rule of law. schools. The overarching ‘EP to EU countries.
Nowadays, these values represent Campus’ programme also featured
the core values of the EU’s Treaty of visits to Ukraine, Germany and
Lisbon, and this edition of the Bulletin France. The participating former
focuses on the value of democracy in parliamentarians wrote articles for this
the EU. Keeping in mind that peace month’s edition.
can never be taken for granted, it From 29 to 31 March an FMA
is the value of democracy and the delegation composed of 19 persons Hans-Gert PÖTTERING
rule of law that is essential and was supposed to visit the Parliament FMA President
therefore must be promoted. The of Croatia on the occasion of Croatia’s
4 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
Letters to the PRESIDENT
“ Dear President,
I was unable to take part in the
study visit to Georgia organised by
and her knowledge and political-
intellectual vision set her apart.
Her unusual career – a high-level
French diplomat, ambassador
have always played an important
role. For example, the reign of
Queen Thamar is seen as ‘the
golden age of Georgia’. And, of
the Former Members’ Association. to her native country Georgia, course, we spoke about Europe.
I love the country, which has a Georgian Minister of Foreign This wonderful country, which is
brave history and an outstanding Affairs (a post from which she was at the heart of the Caucasus and
civilisation that has always looked brutally ousted for political reasons shares a border with Russia, is
towards Europe. by a maverick President!), followed led by a President who acts with
International commitments kept by a return to the French Ministry both determination and clear-
the President of Georgia away of Foreign Affairs - culminated in sightedness. Her commitment to
from Tbilisi and she could not meet her assuming the role of Head of Europe is very strong. She wants to
our colleagues. State in November 2018. make Georgia a bridge between
To make up for this missed I met Salomé Zurabishvili again on Europe and Russia, so that
opportunity, I will paint a brief 8 September 2019, at the opening territorial conflicts can be resolved
portrait of the President, someone I of the Tsinandali Festival, created peacefully.
have known for a long time. in association with the Verbier
I would like to begin by mentioning Festival by my friend George “I saw her commitment
the book she wrote in 2008 and Ramishvili, founder and chair of the
which she dedicated to me in the Silk Road Group. to culture once again,
hope that we would continue We had an exciting and as demonstrated by
our friendly dialogue on Europe. engaging conversation. I saw her her attendance at
Her book The Scar of Nations, commitment to culture once again,
also dedicated ‘to the Georgian as demonstrated by her attendance
Tsinandali. For her,
nation in search of its borders and at Tsinandali. For her, culture is culture is the vital
European identity’, was prophetic. the vital component that forges component that forges
It urged Europe to develop into a a nation, promotes freedom and
a nation, promotes
strong strategic entity exercising fosters peace.
a major influence on the world As the first female President of the freedom and fosters
stage. Republic of Georgia, she leads by peace.”
Salomé Zurabishvili has a natural looking back at the history of her
elegance, she exudes authority own country, in which women Salomé Zurabishvili has spread
the message of culture, peace
and negotiated conflict resolution
throughout the European Union
and at the United Nations
General Assembly.
Jean- Paul Benoit
PES, France (1989-1994)
Jean-Paul Benoit with the President of Georgia, Salomé Zurabishvili jpbenoitavocat@gmail.com
FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 5
EP AT WORK
KEY FACTS
Putting citizens at the centre of the debate to reduce electronic waste and empower consumers
(January Session - P9_TA-PROV(2020)0010) to make sustainable choices, MEPs say calling for the
The Parliament adopted a resolution setting out its mandatory introduction of common chargers for all
vision for the upcoming Conference on the Future of mobile devices.
Europe. MEPs want citizens to be at the core of broad MEPs adopted a resolution providing their initial
discussions on how to tackle internal and external input to the upcoming negotiations with the
challenges that were not foreseen at the time of the British government on a new EU-UK partnership.
Lisbon Treaty. (February session- P9_TA-PROV(2020)0033).
The UK Withdrawal Agreement was approved Parliament wants the association agreement with the
by the European Parliament (January session - UK to be based on three main pillars: an economic
P9_TA-PROV(2020)0018) partnership, a foreign affairs partnership and specific
Most speakers on behalf of the political groups sectoral issues, while preserving the integrity of the
highlighted that the UK’s withdrawal will not be Single Market and the Customs Union.
the end of the road for the EU-UK relationship Parliament called for a strong set of rights to
and that the ties that bind the peoples of protect consumers in the context of artificial
Europe are strong and will remain in place. intelligence and automated decision-making.
The European Parliament calls on the (February session - P9_TA-PROV(2020)0032)
Commission to put forward beefed-up rules The resolution addresses several challenges arising
on common chargers. (January session - P9_TA- from the rapid development of artificial intelligence
PROV(2020)0024) (AI) and automated decision-making (ADM)
There is an “urgent need for EU regulatory action” technologies, with a special focus on consumer
protection.
Other main dossiers discussed in the plenary sessions were:
November 2019 • MEPs press EU to engage fully in Article 7(1)”. (16.01.2020)
• MEPs approved the EU budget international efforts to tax the digital February 2020
2020: investing more in climate, economy, while still being prepared • MEPs have vetoed a Commission
jobs and the young (27.11.20) to act at EU level if global plans fail. proposal that would have allowed
(18.12.19) some lead in recycled PVC.
December 2019
• Emily O’Reilly (Ireland) was elected (12.02.20)
• MEPs supported measures
European Ombudsman for the • MEPs asked the European
on Tuesday designed to fight
2019-2024 parliamentary term. Central Bank to step up its
e-commerce VAT evasion that
would help cut some of the €137 January 2020 green credentials and address
billion lost each year across the EU to • MEPs supported the European growing financial technology
VAT fraud. (17.12.19) Green Deal, but highlighted challenges. (12.02.20)
• MEPs call for reduction in use challenges, including ensuring a just • MEPs called for measures boosting
of pesticides to save Europe’s bees and inclusive transition and the need women’s economic and political
(18.12.19) for high interim targets. (15.01.20) empowerment. (13.02.20)
• MEPs urge the Commission • MEPs noted that reports and • MEPs gave their consent to the
to condemn all public acts of statements by the Commission, EU-Vietnam trade agreement
discrimination against LGBTI the UN, OSCE and the Council of (12.02.20)
people, notably the development Europe indicate that “the situation
of so-called ‘LGBTI-free zones’ in in both Poland and Hungary has For more information, please visit :
Poland. (18.12.19) deteriorated since the triggering of http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/
news-room/plenary
6 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
SPECIAL EDITION
©Shutterstock
VALUES OF DEMOCRACY
FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 7
THE ROLE OF THE COURT OF JUSTICE TO SAFEGUARD
DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW
Since its famous judgment in protection of public interest application to them of an EU act
Roquette Frères v Council (138/79), determined by the EU legislature (C 619/18, p. 46). Indeed, the very
the Court of Justice has emphasized following the democratic process existence of effective judicial review
that the participation by the defined in the EU and FEU Treaties. designed to ensure compliance with
Parliament in the legislative process Consequently, those tribunals have EU law is of the essence of the rule
is the reflection, at Union level, of a no jurisdiction to call into question of law. Mutual trust between the
fundamental democratic principle the choices democratically made Member States and, in particular,
that the people should participate within the Union relating to, inter their courts and tribunals is based
in the exercise of power through alia, the level of protection of public on the fundamental premise that
the intermediary of a representative order or public safety, the protection Member States share a set of
assembly (C 263/14, p. 70). of public morals, the protection common values on which the
In the same vein, transparency is of health and life of humans and European Union is founded, as
of particular relevance where the animals, the preservation of food stated in Article 2 TEU (C 64/16, p.
Council is acting in its legislative safety, protection of plants and 30 and 36).
capacity, as openness enables the environment, welfare at work,
citizens to participate more closely product safety, consumer protection “In the same vein,
in the decision-making process and or, equally, fundamental rights
guarantees that the administration (Opinion 1/17, p. 151, 156 and 160). transparency is of
enjoys greater legitimacy and is more The Court has consistently pointed particular relevance
effective and more accountable to out that the European Union is a where the Council is
the citizen in a democratic system union based on the rule of law
(C 350/12 P, p. 106). (i.e.”a Union of Law”) in which
acting in its legislative
In its recent opinion on CETA, the individuals have the right to capacity, as openness
Court underscored that the CETA challenge before the courts the enables citizens to
Tribunals may not have the powers legality of any decision or other
participate more
to call into question the level of national measure concerning the
closely in the decision-
making process and
guarantees that the
administration enjoys
greater legitimacy and is
more effective and more
accountable to the citizen
in a democratic system.”
Article 19 TEU, which gives concrete
expression to the value of the
rule of law affirmed in Article 2
TEU, entrusts the responsibility for
ensuring the full application of EU
law in all Member States and judicial
©European Parliament 2012 protection of the rights of individuals
under that law to national courts
8 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
“The requirement that
courts be independent,
which is inherent in the
task of adjudication,
forms part of the essence
of the right to effective
judicial protection and
the fundamental right
to a fair trial, which is of
cardinal importance as
a guarantee that all the
rights which individuals
©European Parliament 2012 derive from EU law will
be protected (...).”
and tribunals and to the Court. enshrined therein have been, thus,
The requirement that courts be put into practice. Also, where the European Council
independent, which is inherent in the In accordance with the principle adopts a decision determining, as
task of adjudication, forms part of of the separation of powers which provided for in Article 7(2) TEU,
the essence of the right to effective characterises the operation of the that there is a serious and persistent
judicial protection and the rule of law, the independence of breach in a Member State issuing a
fundamental right to a fair trial, the judiciary must be ensured in European arrest warrant (EAW) of
which is of cardinal importance as a relation to the legislature and the principles such as those inherent in
guarantee that all the rights which executive. Article 47 of the Charter the rule of law, the requested judicial
individuals derive from EU law will must therefore be interpreted as authority would be required to refuse
be protected and that the values precluding cases concerning the to execute the EAW. Even in the
common to the Member States set application of EU law from falling absence of such a decision, where a
out in Article 2 TEU, in particular within the exclusive jurisdiction of a requested authority finds that there
the value of the rule of law, will be court which is not an independent are substantial grounds for believing
safeguarded. The judicial application and impartial tribunal (C 585/18, p. that the person in respect of whom
of Article 2 TEU and of the values p. 120, 124, 167 and 171). a EAW has been issued will,
following his surrender, run a real
risk of breach of his fundamental
right to an independent tribunal,
it may refrain from giving
effect to such an arrest warrant
(C 216/18, p.72 and 73).
Alexander Arabadjiev
Judge at the Court of Justice of
the European Union
alexander.Arabadjiev@curia.
Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg ©Stockshots 2014 europa.eu
FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 9
DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY
Today, the European Parliament
and national parliaments are having
to deal with so-called ‘digital
sovereignty’: the Web mainstream.
This real constitutional revolution
is, in fact, strongly affecting the
way in which Europeans experience
their ‘citizenship’, by glorifying
their individual desires to be key
political players.
In other words, individual
participation – through surveys
and the social media – taken as
a whole, is affecting institutions
and parliaments (regarding the key
points of election campaigns, the
management of general government
and key policy guidelines). Is this
a good or a bad thing? There ©European Parliament 2018
is no single answer to that. The
Web mainstream may indeed first and foremost, for reflection factor in constitutional pluralism.
have a positive impact on public on possible distortions in political But the ‘who decides’ question
decision-making processes, but it decision-making. also applies to the definition of
may adversely affect the moment The well-known question of ‘who constitutional normality. And in this
at which the decision is taken. decides on the state of exception normality, the decision is always the
he widespread return of populist (emergency powers)’? was used to final – though autonomous – result
nationalist parties to the Union calls, determine a hierarchy and a uniting of a collective process: the precise
moment at which, after completion
of the previous stage, the legitimate
will of the institutions takes shape,
thereby creating legal and political
obligations incumbent upon citizens.
From this point of view, the
insuperable individualism of the
Web, with its paradoxical nature as
a mass, yet solitary, phenomenon, is
incompatible with that necessary
final act in which politics expresses
itself as one.
The punctiform hotchpotch of the
so-called ‘Web people’ is something
profoundly different: because it
contains none of the aspects relating
to mediation, debate or compromise
from which parliamentary decisions,
©European Parliament 2012
through their melting pot approach,
10 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
counter-power of information: to
establish a system of ‘parliamentary
true information’. In other words, it
should be the parliaments that are
called upon, in a sort of ‘teaching
role’, to defend ‘methodical’
knowledge’ from the ‘induced’beliefs
born of manipulated information,
to assert the supremacy of the
‘cognitive’ process as opposed to
the demagogy of disinformation,
which is caused by untruths that
are repeated obsessively until they
become a pseudo-truth.
In other words, when faced
with the challenges of the Web,
parliaments – both in rejecting its
©European Parliament 2015
grave dangers and exploiting its great
opportunities – can take on a central
role and impose some order in this
derive. The ‘Web people who Parliament – the more appropriate
society of disorder.
decide’, that populist illusion, is a is the geographical dimension of
democratic disaster. ‘neighbourhood’ in order to mutually
However, there are also some positive determine greater democratic
aspects. ‘Digital sovereignty’ – to use legitimacy and understanding
this improper term, but one which between the various levels
expresses the powerful dimension of representation.
of the issue – can indeed truly However, as far as the Web is
come into its own in the cognitive concerned, parliaments cannot Andrea Manzella
processes that precede a decision. merely have a receptive attitude. PES, Italy (1994-1999)
Here, the influence of the Web They have a great ‘civic’ mission an.manzella@gmail.com
should be regarded – and governed to carry out – that of exercising a
– as a grassroots, bottom-up source
of information and enquiry, as a large
collection box of individual opinions:
these should influence – but not
determine – the formation of political
will, and even the deeper layers
of collective identities (such as the
religious or xenophobic dimension, or
sexual behaviour).
The great current of Web
opinions could also become a
decisive instrument with a view to
greater interconnection between
representative assemblies. The
closer to the individual citizen is the
termination point of the network
of elected assemblies – from
town councils to the European ©European Parliament 2015FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 11
IS AI THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY?
‘Who needs democracy when we and specifically facial recognition has
have data?’ That is the title of a pro- advanced so much that its use is now
vocative article written by Christina common in countries such as India
Larson for MIT Technology Review . and China with populations in the
Democracy and markets are the two many millions. What is more, most
major inventions underpinning the countries use it in border control
Western world. Both are mechanisms and for public order. Recognition of
for aggregating likes and needs. Both registration numbers is common;
provide a solution which may not be for example, on many motorways
optimum but is quick and reasonably in China, these numbers are used
efficient. Both are mechanisms for for payment and there are payment
social development in the search pilots using facial recognition.
for solutions that can be adapted to
new needs or requirements but also “As with so many other
promote their own development and
that of societies that use them. dreams, attempts have
However, a very attractive and been made to make
seductive idea exists: what would a this happen. Some of
society with the capacity to recognise
and aggregate those needs and
the first economically
likes in an optimum way be like? focused attempts were
Isaac Asimov toyed with this idea the socialist planning
in science fiction with ‘Multivac’, a
models based on
computer capable of making perfect
predictions. Minority Report is Leontief’s input/output
another example. tables. The attempt
As with so many other dreams, failed but, as a result of ©Stockshot 2017
attempts have been made to make
this happen. Some of the first advances in artificial
the recognition of micro-expressions
economically focused attempts were intelligence, it was
so that our emotions can be revealed
the socialist planning models based picked up again and even when we would like to hide
on Leontief’s input/output tables.
The attempt failed but, as a result made more plausible. them and non-invasive diagnostic
Today, AI has a methods using images, for example,
of advances in artificial intelligence,
on the basis of our irises, that would
it was picked up again and made significant impact on reveal our health status even in
more plausible.
Today, AI has a significant impact on
our democracies, public spaces.
particularly in two More striking and undoubtedly even
our democracies, particularly in two
more public has been our increased
areas: collecting and influencing. areas: collecting and capacity to influence. Shocking
Our capacity to collect not only
influencing. ” events such as the Cambridge
facts but also reactions to them has
Analytica scandal, Brexit and the
improved considerably. So much so
Collection possibilities are still far frequent fake news claims are just
that a discipline dedicated to it has
from drying up. These technologies the tip of the iceberg. In three areas,
been created: sentiment analysis.
are still being developed at a rapid progress has resulted in changes of
However, our capacity to collect data
rate and have not peaked yet. Quite scale. The first is personalisation,
goes beyond what we put on Twitter
the opposite: work is being done on which began with clusters in the
and Facebook; image recognition12 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
hundreds, moved to clusters in the but also have a direct bearing on Definitely, but incentives are lacking.
thousands and tens of thousands them through social manipulation Let us not forget that to defend
and has now reached individual level. and control. Firstly, ‘nudging’ collective discourse is to defend
The second is the abundance of data techniques are used extensively and democracy.
that make individual preferences successfully in the provision
known, particularly to certain of public services. Social credit “Democracy involves
companies. The third is attention experiments – where behaviour
models, developed in the commercial which is socially acceptable is more than simply
world by social networks to under- rewarded and incentivised and managing, collecting
stand, customise and manipulate when it is not, it is punished – have and intervening.
incentives and motivation at begun in China.
individual level. The level of granularity and intrusion
Democracy is also a
that these systems enable, at zero means to aggregate
“Our capacity to collect marginal cost and full scalability, citizens’ preferences
make us fear the worst. It is not only
not only facts but also – they are more active
that people who go through red
reactions to them has lights and people who post criticism and demanding – as it is
improved considerably. of the government online can be through agreement and
identified but also that it opens discussion that collective
So much so that a up possibilities such as controlling
discipline dedicated driving speeds via smartphones and discourse and society
to it has been created: detecting micro-expressions. itself progress.”
Democracy involves more than
sentiment analysis. (...) simply managing, collecting and
These technologies are intervening. Democracy is also
still being developed at a means to aggregate citizens’
a rapid rate and have not preferences – they are more active Esteve Almirall
and demanding – as it is through Director IIK/CIC - Center for
peaked yet. Quite the agreement and discussion that Innovation in Cities - ESADE,
opposite: work is being collective discourse and society itself Barcelona (Spain)
done on the recognition progress. Can AI help in these areas? ealmirall@gmail.com
of micro-expressions
so that our emotions
can be revealed even
when we would like
to hide them and non-
invasive diagnostic
methods using images,
for example, on the basis
of our irises, that would
reveal our health status
even in public spaces.”
These techniques have evolved and
now not only influence campaigns © European Union 2018- Source: EP/ Laurie DieffembacqFMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 13
THE VALUE OF DEMOCRACY
Living together in accordance with therefore no European added value are basic initiatives for existing
democratic principles is a win-win for citizens. This being said, several policies promoting e-participation.
strategy. One thinks in the interest new EU initiatives have moved the Crowdsourcing of policy ideas
of the majority of citizens. However, EU several steps ahead in remedying and monitoring platforms make
Brexit has shown that democratic this. The creation of the European it possible to understand people’s
values are not always a guarantee for Parliament Research Service produces future decision-making. To reduce
a peaceful Society. many public and peer review studies. the democratic deficit, digital tools
On the other hand, leaving the The Panel for the Future of Science can create stronger links between
European democratic decision- and Technology (STOA) is a highly local, regional and national
making system could make military qualified political body putting politicians. It is through this that
forces more powerful. Military future questions on their agenda. different opinions can be widely
principles and strategies think from a The newly founded European shared and understood.
lose-lose perspective. The one killing Science Media Hub is specializing on The cost of a non-democratic EU
or destroying more than the other is science metrics with new analytical is high, especially when compared
the winner. tools like machine-learning and with the added value that is lost.
Real religious leaders, in turn, artificial intelligence. Military spending of EU Member
organise principles of human Storytelling, infographics and States is approximately 300 billion
relations to settle conflicts. in-depth analyses will be a good euros compared to the 10 billion
The founders of the new EU base for interested citizens and euros spent by the EU institutions.
institutions have looked to a qualified journalists. The paradigm The Brexit campaign costs where
balanced approach and a division of shift following the advent, and estimated to be 12 million euros.
power. If the European Union has a wide us, of social media has made
democratic deficit, it is caused by the new journalistic actors out of “The EU Parliament
national interests of Member States politicians. This competes with
and ethnic groups. journalists who work along a single e-petition system, “Your
In the EU, political communication is political wavelength. Voice in Europe” and
organised on national Levels. There The EU Parliament e-petition system, “European Citizens
is no such thing as a ‘European “Your Voice in Europe” and
media room’ using 24 languages and “European Citizens Initiative”
Initiative” are basic
initiatives for existing
policies promoting
e-participation.
Crowdsourcing of policy
ideas and monitoring
platforms make it
possible to understand
people’s future decision-
making.”
Hybrid war on democracy is a
new phenomenon. Hate speech,
disinformation and fake news are the
© STOA panel - The future of Science and Technology- European Parliament new weapons. That is why fact-
2020 checking, using new technologies14 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
and citizens engagement is of “New algorithms in available at all times.
the upmost importance. Involving social media help The challenge of mobilising and
social media communication tools engaging citizens around the
tailored for different target groups their creators know world in democratic, political
is essential. all echo-chambers decision-making will prove the
Finding the gaps where information and interest- groups added value of democracy!
is urgently needed could be
accomplished by using a ‘silo and influencing political
pipe’ strategy. Here, ‘silo’ represents decisions and have in-
cutting-edge knowledge and ‘pipe’ depth psychological
represents communication hard- and
software with analytical tools.
knowledge.”
E-voting and decision-making in non- Paul Rübig
The sustainability of digital tools
binding or binding forms could help EPP, Austria (2014-2019)
should be guaranteed and options
set and monitor the right agenda. In paulruebig@hotmail.com
for improvement should be made
order to achieve this, e-voting needs
integrity of the systems to build
public trust.
Furthermore, political interest or
satisfaction with the democratic
system need a base of transparency.
Turn-out rates, security aspects, data
protection, user friendliness and trust
should be rated. New algorithms in
social media help their creators
know all echo-chambers and
interest- groups influencing political
decisions and have in-depth
psychological knowledge. Cambridge
Analytica was just the start. Now,
political level has to guarantee
mapping and transparency of ©European Parliament 2015
algorithms and use of machine
learning for private data. A licence
from citizens is necessary to use and
commercialise the data from devices
used by citizens.
General conditions for the use of
devices, apps and software need an
accreditation system at the EU-level
for standardization and compliance.
Data protection rules should not
hinder the use of back-end data by
consent. Transparent processing tools
should be available to the public and
enhance transparency in the dialogue
on aggregation of quantitative and
qualitative data analytics.
©European Parliament 2018FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 15
THE ROLE OF EUROPE AND THE DEFENCE OF ITS
VALUES
The process of the construction and environmental requirements conditions, with better protected
of Europe has become more and are concerned, it could be feared rights, are naturally able to make
more a matter of defending basic that the European Union would a greater contribution to a greater
values, such as upholding the values not be able to compete while efficiency of the economy. The
of democracy, a demanding social at the same time meeting the empirical evidence is well-known
model -the ‘European social model’- requirements imposed by those and unequivocal in this respect.
and the safeguarding of essential values; having instead to relinquish As far as environmental values are
environmental values. them or follow a protectionist policy, concerned, energy expenditure is
This is happening within a process limiting the access of products from particularly relevant, the energy
of the opening of our economy, countries with lower requirements in sector being a particularly significant
both internally and externally: with these matters. source of pollution. While an initial
the strengthening of the single However, statistics show the success investment may be necessary for
market and the single currency in of the European Union very clearly, new equipment for manufacturing
19 countries (which also opens up in particular that of the euro area, or transport, this uses less energy
opportunities for entrepreneurs from with an unparalleled defence of and more favourable sources of
other areas and generally makes these values and, generally, with energy, ultimately resulting in a more
things easier for their citizens who the opening of its economy, with competitive economy.
come to Europe), and a policy of by far the largest current account Such improved equipment also
open trade in relation to the balance of payments surplus in the provides market opportunities for
outside world, with a low level of world, well above US$ 400 billion in the companies producing it, thus
protectionism (the agricultural sector recent years. leading to the creation of new jobs.
being an exception to a certain This is because in most cases it is not And here too, Europe has a
extent); at a time of globalisation a matter of choosing between the particularly important role to play
where, emerging economies are defence of those values and greater at a global level and can serve as
increasingly competing with competitiveness, with the defence an example for other countries to
our products alongside existing of political, social and environmental follow, to the great benefit of
important powers. values jeopardizing increased growth. their economies
Where some economies of countries On the contrary, people with better It is therefore important that Europe
without the same political, social qualifications and better social does not abandon this path and
does not lower the current political,
social and environmental standards.
This is a path which greatly benefits
our citizens and rather than
undermining our competitiveness,
it boosts it, so that many other
countries will follow in the same
direction in a 21st century in
which all the citizens of the world
will benefit.
Manuel Porto
Portugal
EPP-ED (1996-1999)
60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome celebrations - ‘March for Europe in ELDR (1989-1996)
Berlin‘ ©European Union 2017 - Source : EP mporto@fd.uc.pt16 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
BREXIT – A DEFIANCE OF DEMOCRACY
As I write, the Brexit transition referendum – a People’s Vote - on continuing crises in the Middle
process has begun, in which little Johnson’s Deal, a campaign in which East and Africa and the emerging
will change, with a checkpoint on I was closely involved. Now, pro-EU economic, technological and military
negotiations for Britain’s future organisations like the European power struggle between dictatorial
relationship with the EU at the end Movement UK, which believes Brexit China and Russia and Trump’s USA.
of June and the UK’s intended to be a profound national mistake, The EU has an impressive record in
endpoint on December 31. This will highlight the impact of Brexit and terms of soft power – its
article is about how and why a hold the government to account - enlargement to 10 mostly former
Member State – and a permanent and in time prepare for a campaign Soviet Bloc countries, the growth of
member of the UN Security to rejoin the EU. democracy and human rights within
Council- decided to leave the shelter The aspirations of the new its wider neighbourhood, the Iran
of the EU’s economic, cultural and British government were set out nuclear deal, moderating tensions
human space for the phantasm in Johnson’s speech at Greenwich and mediating from the Baltics
of “Global Britain” and possibly Observatory, where he spoke of to the Balkans and around the
throwing its 60m population into the the UK’s maritime past: “We have Mediterranean.
now feeble embrace of the World the opportunity, we have the newly Partly in reaction to Brexit, the
Trade Organisation. recaptured powers, we know where European Parliament has proposed a
Britain’s usually moderate we want to go, and that is out into Conference on the Future of Europe,
Conservative Party is now dominated the world. The question is whether which should be launched on Europe
by an ideological anti-EU faction we agree a trading relationship with Day, 9 May 2020 and run for two
which fought against moderates the EU comparable to Canada’s – or years. It would cover a wide range of
like me for control of the political more like Australia’s.” In reply, the topics, from the fundamental values
agenda. With the support of the EU’s Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan of the EU, through climate change
malleable former Brussels journalist said “We do not have an agreement to security and role of the EU in the
Boris Johnson, who wrote “Remain” with Australia. I think that’s code for world. It would involve MEPs and
or “Leave” articles before deciding No Deal.” national parliamentarians and a wide
to campaign for Leave in the 2016 Alarmed, the former head of the range of other contributors.
referendum, the party he now Foreign Office and co-author of In response Commission President
leads absorbed the recently-formed Article 50, Lord John Kerr said Ursula von der Leyen said the
Brexit Party and won a majority in “We imagined a situation in which Conference should give Europeans
the December 12 General Election we withdrew a Member State’s a greater say on what the European
with the slogan “Get Brexit Done”. voting rights because of a move Union does and how it works for
A majority of voters supported towards autocracy, and in a huff, them. The Conference will build on
Remain parties, but the distorted that imagined leader stormed out, past experiences, such as citizens’
British electoral system gave Johnson leaving a chaotic legal situation”. dialogues, while introducing a wide
an 80-seat majority in Parliament: a Because of Johnson’s comments and range of new elements to increase
defiance of democracy. self-imposed cut-off point for outreach and strength.
This ended the possibility of a second negotiations with the EU, that Its outcome will be watched
is exactly where many fear the closely by the millions of Britons who
Conservative government seeks to marched for Remain, who wish that
be at the end of 2020 – to leave Britain had a fair electoral system
with No Deal.
We cannot ignore how potentially Edward McMillan-Scott
dangerous and divisive this politics is United Kingdom
for the EU and the democratic ALDE (2009-2014)
world, faced as we are by multiple EPP-ED (1984-2009)
challenges from climate change, edward@emcmillanscott.comFMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 17
FMA ACTIVITIES
European Parliament Former Members Association
Association des anciens députés au Parlement européen18 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 ELECTORAL OBSERVATION THE CONSTRUCTION OF EUROPE IS AN ART Understanding that art is a cause that signatories - under the direction EU Election Observation Missions we Europeans have taken up, being of then UN Secretary-General Kofi under the auspices of the European firm believers in the European notion Annan, former US President Jimmy External Action Service. of democracy, peace, freedom and Carter and former US Secretary of Capable international and citizen peoples‘ sovereignty. State Madeleine Albright. observers are an imperative – as are In defiance of all prophecies of In attendance in Warsaw this adequate funds and, these days, doom, there are more and more time were nearly 30 international above all the use of modern people who not only want to organisations from North and electronic resources – and disabled understand Europe’s history and how South America, Canada, Africa, persons must also be catered for, the European Union came into being, Asia and Europe, plus the European including as regards social media and but also are thinking seriously about Commission. In my capacity as FMA anti-fake-news measures. Europe’s future and hence their own. The organisations attending in One expression of democracy is that Warsaw renewed their commitment citizens are called upon to take part to integrity and transparency in in free, equal, direct and general connection with their international elections by secret ballot. election observation activities, as Whether those principles are abided enshrined in the declaration and by in elections is something that code of conduct at the time. the European Parliament verifies The First Deputy Mayor of Warsaw, in close liaison with the Office for Pawel Rabiej, stressed with passion Democratic Institutions and Human and gravity, inter alia, that the Rights (ODIHR), whose main site is in Warsaw Ghetto and Lech Walesa’s Warsaw in Poland. Solidarno are a reminder of what we The ODIHR is the principal institution should continue to heed today: of the Organisation for Security ©Stockshot 2015 ‘We know the value of freedom! and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Warsaw is an open, tolerant, diverse which was founded in 1990 under and freedom-loving city! Democracy the Charter of Paris, set up in 1991 Chair of the internal Working Group and democratic elections should and expanded in 1992 at the Helsinki on Democracy Support and Election be nurtured and protected, also in Summit. Fifty-seven states are now Observation, I also attended. the countries where tradition and members of the OSCE, which That FMA working group liaises practice of democracy already exist.’ focuses on elections, human rights, closely with the European Parliament democracy, the rule of law, tolerance (EP). As long ago as 2011, the EP and non-discrimination. The ODIHR set up a Directorate for Democracy Director is Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Support within the Directorate- an Icelandic politician and former General for External Policies. foreign minister. The International Election Monitoring In November 2019, the 14th annual Institute was founded by the Implementation Meeting - for all FMA, the Former Members of relevant organisations - was held by the Canadian Parliament and the the ODIHR in Warsaw on the basis United States Association of Former of the Declaration of Principles for Members of Congress; it was International Election Observation subsequently enlarged to form the Brigitte Langenhagen (DoP). Global Democracy Institute. EPP, Germany (1999-2004) The DoP was signed in 2005 by 22 This is the basis for support from the brigitte-langenhagen-cux@t- organisations - there are now 54 FMA for its members taking part in online
FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 19
FMA COMMUNICATION
TODAY WE BECAME YOUNGER
When the Association of Former “Young people are eager a fresh approach to providing
MEPs held a Study Day the hall was to the discussion, their access to public information and
packed. In the front row, the faces of to information which is restricted
people with long political experience, fingers quickly relaying to FMA members via the intranet.
and behind us a throng of students messages on social The more we visit this website
from all over the world. The theme media. (...) We too, on www.formermembers.europa.
was the future of Europe – a look eu, the better informed we will be
at life in the family of European behalf of our association, about current European policies,
nations in the decades to come. enter into the digital our own events and the individual
Young people are eager to listen, and world”. contributions that each of us can
to help shape the discussion, their make. Used appropriately, Twitter
fingers quickly relaying messages on In April 2019 the FMA Assembly and Facebook can also serve the
social media. On this occasion we elected me, as a former MEP from same purpose.
too, on behalf of our association, Slovenia, to the Management - Digital technology makes
enter into the digital world of social Committee. One of my everyday life more attractive and
media. For some it’s a novelty, for responsibilities is to help develop provides a forum to access and
others a daily routine, but for the digital communications. For many, share information and personal
most part it’s done enthusiastically. it’s a new challenge, but lifelong experiences.
We and the young students share a learning is a path to new knowledge, When I was young I could only have
desire for a united Europe, a Europe inner strength and new friendships dreamt of opportunities such as
at peace, a healthy environment and via the invisible connections of the learning remotely from my Alpine
a decent standard of living. internet. village in Slovenia, coming to the aid
In its last term, the European In one way or another digitalisation of sick parents using telemedicine,
Parliament adopted most of the affects everyone. Young people buying tickets online for a Beatles
legislation relating to the digital acquire the necessary skills from a concert in London or Skyping my
single market in the European Union, very early age, and we can learn friends on the other side of the Iron
which has also been highlighted as from them, from our children and Curtain. Today we can do all of this.
one of three priorities for Ursula von grandchildren. Enhanced, but We just need to put in a bit more
der Leyen, the first female President ethical, use of digital technology is effort to bring our digital literacy up
of the European Commission. fantastic opportunity. to the level of our young people. It is
In our association too we have - Digital technology fosters certainly worth trying, and a decisive
set ourselves the objective of intergenerational connectivity, closing step was taken at our Study Day We
developing digital communication the divide between generations. became younger!
and motivating all our members, Young people are the adhesive that
including those in their later years, binds Europe’s nations together,
so that we are better able to particularly through the Erasmus
reach out to young people and all programme and the use of digital
European citizens. technology. We can be stronger allies
The Management Committee for them if we do more to keep up
and the President, Dr Pöttering, with their trends in areas such as
support the development of ©European Parliament 2020
digital communication.
modern communications, while - Digital technology can be used
the Secretariat provides technical to promote the EU’s values more
support and takes care of content intensively and connect people from Zofia Mazej Kukovic
organisation. different European nations. EPP, Slovenia (2011-2014)
The new FMA website will take zofija.mazejkukovic@gmail.com20 FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020
COOPERATION WITH THE EUI
THE ORAL HISTORY OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
The Conference took place at the The project was conducted by a
House of the European History in number of researchers, all former
Brussels. This event was intended Parliament officials. In less than two
to mark the 40th anniversary of years, the project has already been
elections to the European Parliament a success: more of 100 interviews
by universal suffrage. It presented have been deposited in the HAEU
an inventory of the written and database and the project is still
oral historical and commemorative ongoing. The FMA was a crucial
sources relating to the history of the partner in this project, inviting former
European Parliament, whose powers Members to be interviewed by the
and role in both the legislative and researchers.
budgetary domains have not ceased During the presentation of the
to grow since its first mandate. Collecting Memories project,
The participation of authoritative numerous extracts of interviews
members of our association, such as were presented, giving an excellent
President Enrique Barón Crespo and idea of what it can offer researchers:
Alain Lamassoure, made a significant a mix of politically and historically
contribution to the celebrations relevant elements framed by personal
of the 40th anniversary, with lively considerations.
To celebrate 40 Years of direct
discussions. The project Collecting Furthermore, the researchers also
elections to the European Parliament,
Memories of MEPs (from 1979 to published a book entitled Shaping
the Former Members Association
2019) was one of several to be Parliamentary Democracy, published
(FMA) put in place a series of
presented. It is to the great credit by Palgrave. Divided into ten themes,
initiatives, concluding with its Annual
of the HAEU, which launched this it is not an academic book but a
Events on 10-11 December 2019, in
project with the support of the FMA, structured collection of stories. At
Brussels. Over the past year, the FMA
that they have created a unique the end of each chapter, the reader
organised two high-level conferences
space where future researchers will can find the contribution made by
with the European University Institute
be able to find the lively testimonies MEPs, along with notes from their
(EUI) and the European Parliamentary
of MEPs who have participated interviews, something that is highly
Research Service (EPRS), the first
in and contributed to the life and appreciated by researchers.
on 22-23 November 2018, in the
evolution of the institution. The book can be purchased on
Badia Fiesolana, Florence, and
Amazon or the Palgrave website. I
the second on 3 April 2019 in the
“The participation of hope that this fruitful collaboration
European Parliament, Brussels. Both
can continue in the future, with
featured distinguished speakers and authoritative members the same passion, enthusiasm and
representatives of the FMA.
of our association, such professionalism of our esteemed
On 29 November, FMA members
were invited to attend a Conference as President Enrique members.
on the History of the European Barón Crespo and Alain
Parliament: research projects, sources Lamassoure, made a
and historical memory 1979-2019.
I had the honour of opening the significant contribution
conference, together with Emanuelle to the celebrations of the
Ortoli, President of the Friends of 40th anniversary, with
the Historical Archives of the EU,
Monica Baldi
and Dieter Schlenker, Director of the lively discussions.” EPP-ED, Italy (1994-1999)
baldi.monica@email.it
Historical Archives of the EU (HAEU).FMA BULLETIN 70 - MARCH 2020 21
EP TO CAMPUS PROGRAMME
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
On 17 October 2019, on behalf open it up further. a Ukrainian perspective, despite
of the Odessa Regional Institute of Why does Europe need Ukraine, and the positive influence of ongoing
Public Administration of the National why does Ukraine need Europe? A decentralisation. Stefan Lorenzmeier
Academy of Public Administration suitable answer can probably only gave an account of what defined
under the President of Ukraine, be given to that fascinating question free and fair elections, from a
Dr Mykola Izha welcomed the by considering the dwindling role German perspective, and highlighted
participants at this year’s congress, of nation-states in conjunction with the problematic issue of, inter alia,
the theme of which was ‘New global developments concerning the propagandist power of various
Strategies for the Cooperation both environmental pollution and interest groups that stemmed from
between Ukraine and the European interlinked global workflows. Only a the control they exercised over their
Union in the Times of Global Europe that is united and diverse will own media outlets, for instance.
Crisis’. Sechy Orlov, representative have a voice on the world stage that I myself commented on current
of Ukraine’s Ministry for Foreign is heeded. developments in Ukraine. This
Affairs in Odessa, subsequently focused not only on developments
gave an account of the current to date and EU expectations
situation in Ukraine, saying that regarding democratic, transparent
the war in Ukraine was extremely and corruption-free governance, but
dangerous for Europe and that it also on an appraisal of the situation
was incomprehensible that the daily of the EU in the light of Brexit
fatalities because of the clashes and the appointment of the new
in East Ukraine went virtually Commission.
unnoticed in Europe. The congress Valentyna Kryvtsova chaired a critical
was wide-ranging, with themes EP to Campus Programme
discussion on ‘legal resilience in a
including democratic constitutions, modern world’ between Igor Todorov
human rights and enforcement and Oksana Holocko-Havrysheva.
thereof, war and international law The issue of sustainable, flexible
and environmental protection. The link between education and and consistent law-making was
Speakers went into the fact that democratic development was a central to democracy, in particular in
both the constitutional and other further theme at the 13th Annual connection with present-day political
material differences in the EU and Congress of the Ukrainian European challenges. The institutional resilience
the resulting demands made on Studies Association. With regard of democratic law-making to internal
Ukraine were complex and had to the development of democracy and external stress factors and shocks
to be taken into account in any in Ukraine, Roman Petrov pointed was closely bound up with social
process of establishing closer ties. out in his paper that, for example, stability.
Other important themes were: moving between education The conference - given over to
the major efforts being made to management and government was establishing closer ties between
achieve decentralisation and make thought to be difficult and that Ukraine and the EU - was engrossing.
improvements as regards the that concerned all administrative Thanks go to the organisers of the
separation of powers, so as to drive personnel. There was also a thorough event and to the working group
forward necessary changes, and discussion of raising awareness moderators.
action to draw together Ukrainian of democratic structures and the
interests under an umbrella issue of corruption. Petrov came
organisation in Brussels. Igor Todorov to the conclusion that difficulties
commented that, from a Ukrainian with combating corruption and the Michael Detjen
perspective, it made sense and was separation of powers had not been S & D, Germany (2014-2019)
necessary to expand free trade and adequately resolved to date, from michael.detjen@t-online.deYou can also read
