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1st ESCU “Central” Regional Conference in Saarbrücken
Social market economy –
the only option for the future
Welcome by Minister President of the Saarland
Peter Müller and MEP Doris Pack /
Address by Jean-Claude Juncker /
Speech by ESCU President Worms
Text and Photo by Ulrich Winz
Saarbrücken (21-22/10/08). When the theme for the first "Central Europe" Regional Conference was decided, there was no financial crisis in prospect. It was intended to address the “The future of the social market economy in an increasingly globalised world economy”. After the turbulence of recent weeks, the theme now suddenly took on a great urgency. Hence, for two days up to 100 senior citizens from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and parts of western Germany discussed causes, background, countermeasures and expectations. ESCU President, Dr. Bernhard Worms, welcomed the Minister President of the Saarland, Peter Müller, as the conference’s most prestigious guest speaker. In a message read out by the Vice President and moderator of the conference, Prof. Nicolas Estgen (L), Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg government, attested to the ESCU’s advocacy - in the true “European philosophical tradition”- of “faith, truth and reason”.
Min. Pres. Müller vehemently defended the social market economy as the “third way” between socialism and the (free) market economy (i.e. unbridled capitalism). Wherever it is to be found is greater social justice, more humanity and less poverty. Amid applause from his audience, he maintained: “The current crisis is not the fault of the social market economy but the result of its perversion – and at the same time its solution!" The decisions now taken demonstrate the strength of purpose in European politics and have raised hopes for a system of regulation to prevent similar incursions on a global scale. If we are to avoid impoverishment, a social regulatory framework must be created which also applies to the USA. There should be “no room for irresponsibility”.
Sense of values strengthened
Müller passionately professed his belief in a Europe based on subsidiarity (i.e. decisions taken at the local level wherever possible), which the European Commission – in contrast to the European Parliament - still found difficult. “A Europe of citizens” is worth striving for and not “a Europe of clauses and subsections”.
Müller emphasised that the severity of the financial crisis demands in turn a sense of values. The parts of the economy that have fallen into disrepute have to realise (again) their ethical function in service. At the same time, left-wing politicians, who – even using recent developments as a pretext – decry the democratic situation in Europe and question the system, must be challenged unequivocally. It is still the case that “the danger of socialism has not been banished once and for all.”
Local Saarland politician and Member of the European Parliament, Doris Pack (D), also stepped up to the lectern. She conveyed greetings to the conference from her colleague, Ria Oomen-Ruijten (NL), who was unable to attend. She informed the conference of the plenary on the previous day in the presence of President Sarkozy and highlighted the discussion about the future of the EU’s “Lisbon Treaty”, central to which was the vital need to involve Ireland.
Mrs. Pack is also the President of the European Union of Women and a member of the Seniors’ Union.
Her experience of an ecumenical dialogue she had attended between Orthodox Christians, Jews and Muslims on the border between Romania and Moldova underlined for her the importance of the regions and their rich variety of traditions and cultures, even in a united Europe. “Let us give Europe a soul!” was her call, amid applause from her audience. Mrs. Pack believed the Balkan states to be “deeply European countries” and called on the ESCU to build bridges here, as well as to Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova.
| 1st ESCU “Central” Regional Conference in Saarbrücken: Social market economy – the only option for the future |
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(L to R): Leif Hallberg (SE); Helga Hammer (D), Erika Reinhardt (D), Peter Müller (D); Prof. Nicolas Estgen (L); Dr. Bernhard Worms (D); Elisabeth Dispaux-Cornil (B); Günther Schwarz (D) |
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A presentation by Ulrich Winz, author of this report, should also be mentioned in this respect. As Coordinator for the “Eastern Region”, he expressed the hope that relationships between Germany and the peoples of the East – above all, Poland – would soon be brought to a similarly high level as those between Germany and its western neighbours - France especially. He expressed solidarity with Ukraine and Belarus in particular; a senior citizens' association from each of the two countries had observer status at the ESCU, and the Belarusian association, “Our Generation”, needed assistance in registering with the state and in its PR work.
Labour market policy is key
In his speech, ESCU President, Dr. Worms, renowned for his work as a politician in social affairs and a former Secretary of State for Employment and Social Affairs, addressed the issue of “Fear of social decline for the peoples of Europe?”. He stated that, true to its core concerns, the ESCU had been addressing this topic for years now, as evidenced by statements developed with experts. The social market economy as practiced in (western) Germany for decades has been successful and should determine the guidelines for future policy. The ESCU gives its unqualified support to this form of social organisation and contributes the experience of the older generation to its development.
“The social market economy survives on the earnings of the labour market,” emphasised Worms, “Which means that the best form of social policy is a sensible labour market policy!” He explained in detail Germany's structured social welfare system consisting of unemployment, accident, pension, sickness and nursing insurance. The ESCU advocates the right to claim a pension, the financing of which in ESCU member states rests as much on balanced budgets as it does on significantly higher birth rates.
However, Dr. Worms’ words were no reason to fear for the future; the problems are manageable and he trusts the politicians’ willingness to act. “When we walk the same path together, we are strengthening Europe! Let us build up the social market economy, which is the basis on which more and more countries operate!" He concluded that Europe may be called upon to create a balance between the capitalism of the USA, the emerging economies of Asia and communism.
Notable presentations introducing the host region of the greater Saarland/Lorraine/Luxembourg/Rhineland-Palatinate/Wallonia area were given by departmental head Frank Orban on behalf of the Mayor, Stephan Toscani as Secretary General of the “Saar” CDU and Günther Schwarz, Chairman of the “Saar” Seniors’ Union. Guests were interested to hear the analysis provided by Richard Stock, General Director of the Robert Schuman Centre (F); Lucien Thiel MP (L, who spoke on the events leading up to the financial crisis), and Charles Quirin, of the Franco-German Foundation and Jean Lelin, President of the Franco-German Union for Europe (both from Strasbourg).
Commemoration
The ceremonial climax of the conference was a service of commemoration for ESCU comrades-in-arms who had passed away in the summer - Austrians Wilhelm Mohaupt and Walter Paul. The Ludwigskirche church in Saarbrücken’s city centre, a magnificent 18th century monument by Friedrich Joachim Stengel, provided a dignified setting for the service. In the presence of both widows, the President, Dr. Worms, expressed his thanks to the former Secretary General and Honorary President since 2007 and to the Treasurer for their commitment to their publicity work, for their “devotion to the task of founding and building up the ESCU, for their willingness to serve and their selfless commitment.”
These words reverberated once more as Peter Jacoby, the Deputy Minister President, at a reception at the State Chancellery described the city of Saarbrücken and its environs as a “region at the heart of Europe”, characterised by above-average economic development and increasing employment. For the peaceful development of Europe and the well-being of its citizens in all its regions – that was indeed what our friends, Wilhelm Mohaupt and Walter Paul, campaigned for with all their might.
Ulrich Winz
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