Germany and European Integration

It appears to me that the Federal Republic of Germany has gone a long way in its support of European integration. Its efforts toward integration were first perceived in 1952, when it allowed the integration of its coal and steel industries with that of France. Its concurrence to be regulated in its top industries (which shortly included atomic energy and others) under one authority with four other states roused others in Europe. This arousal was seen in 1957, when the European Economic Community (EEC) was formed, in which Italy joined as well. Within only four decades, the membership of the Community has grown from six to 15. As of July 2007, the resulting product of that community is the European Union (EU) made up of 27 member-states, almost doubling in number within only 12 years.

As one of the pioneers in Europe’s attempt to integrate, Germany has proven itself quite supportive of European “one-ness”. In fact, it is one of the most active member-states and at the present holds the EU Presidency.

Last July 3, Dr. Axel Weishaupt, German ambassador to the Philippines since 2004, visited the AdMU to talk about Germany’s view of European integration. From what he discussed, I believe that Germany is indeed an advocate of European integration. However, being known as the stringent state that it is, Germany is open to changes in the EU. I think Germany goes a step ahead of the others by courageously voicing out its opinions, no matter how arduous the solutions may be. For instance, Germany is rather outspoken in saying that many of the treaties are “hopeless” and need to be modified. In fact, one of the hottest topics for debates in the EU nowadays is Germany’s radical proposal to drop the idea of an EU constitution. Germany also boldly aims for the end of a “rotating Presidency”.

Germany has taken a multitude of other actions which emphasize its objective of an integrated Europe. It has agreed to treaties which allow an EU citizen to live and work wherever in Europe. Through its ratification of the Schengen Visa, it has also loosened controls and checks for travelers. Germany is much in favor of the Schengen Visa, which eases the hassles of movement by accepting a single visa in 16 countries, excluding the United Kingdom and Ireland (no surprise there). Germany also expresses its anticipation of the expansion of the Visa, which would (Germany hopes) be honored in Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary soon.

Germany is not only supportive of European integration. It also proves to be unrelenting at that. Germany is precise in its objectives: It integrates more to gain faster economic development. And it is also careful: It continues to support integration only because of the resulting success. For Germany, it is “a process of adaptation and compromise” in which sometimes, EU members need to take a step back. But Germany is patient. After all, it ruminates, EU took 50 years to ripen, and the process is still not over. Whatever happens, the Federal Republic of Germany stands ready to listen and alert to cooperate.

As a final reflection, Germany seems to have learned its lesson from the Two World Wars. Now it has to move on and keep proving that unity is possible—not just in the European continent but in the whole world. As Ambassador Weishaupt recommends to us Filipinos (in view of the ASEAN): “Integrate as far as possible. It’s really worth it.”