5th Price:

Written by Nicolas Tribut, Paris, France.

Less than one year separate us from the Economic and Monetary Union and from the creation of the European currency: the Euro. The EMU constitutes both an economic necessity and a political maneuver: it could steer Europe on the road to a political union so dear to its founding fathers Jean Monnet and Robert Schumann.

Because of the extent of such an undertaking, it is not an easy task to see where one stands and to foresee what such an union will really represent in our daily life. As we too often say: "one year from now is still far away and besides, the Euro will only be in our pockets by the year 2002, at best". Nevertheless, the march towards Economic and Monetary Union is irrevocable, and countless little details which punctuate our lives are becoming more and more apparent, bringing us closer to the long awaited moment when we will finally be able to feel the physical representation of the European nationality.

What must be brought to light is, in my opinion, the symbolic content of the Euro, much more so than the economical aspect, which is certainly important, but which not does not have a federating effect. At the present time, we can gather around a common history stemming from the perpetual efforts of many generations wishing to get it over with war, individualism and the withdrawal into oneself of the old European societies. The outcome of this history is a coherent and convergent geographical ensemble rallied by institutions based on the principle of cooperation between countries.

Tomorrow, another link will be added between the countries belonging to the Union, but also among the different individuals which constitute this Union: an additional element towards European citizenship. The EMU represents, therefore, enormous expectations for a society where there is more justice in the distribution of public revenues, employment and opportunities for the fulfillment of each human being. Our present societies are dehumanizing; the lack of bearings - some will say of values - of responsibility, of attention and understanding send us into a servitude and an obscurantism unworthy of human condition. This deep feeling of discomfort can only be lifted by taking wide-ranging action which will completely differ from the old reference system now altered forever.

Some might say that my vision of things is a bit extreme and that numerous examples show, on the contrary, that never has mankind been more assertive. The construction of Europe is proof of this. After having torn each other to pieces, old European countries have been able to settle their disputes and to walk side by side instead of face to face. But it may be necessary to adopt a hyperbolic position to make sure that the high stakes involved in the EMU are well understood. In fact, this undertaking needs the participation of each and everyone in order to succeed; each one of us must contribute their efforts and we must be worthy of the task. The consequences would be serious, should it end in failure, and this in a large number of areas.

However, I remain confident towards the response of the European Union citizens. One only has to take a look into the countries of the Union to get a better understanding. The German people are offering us a national symbol which is dear to their heart: the Mark. Italy is now devoting its efforts into making up for the time lost in stabilizing its finances. Europe as a whole joined in with Germany to help make the return of the ex-GDR easier at the time of the reunification. These examples all demonstrate a true willingness to transcend oneself which is shared by everyone and, even though there might still be a few obstacles, Europe is on its way towards its destiny.

Is it necessary to mention the words of Georges Pompidou on the subject of the EMU: "The Monetary Union, the royal way for Europe"? We are all conscious of playing a role in history for the first time.

Here then, in a few words, are the reflections that the Economic and Monetary Union have aroused in a young European person already convinced of the validity of this aspiration. I could have addressed only those issues dealing with the practical aspects of the single currency... ,but this would have taken away the complex nature of such a venture. It is, from my point of view, the tree that hides the forest, the additional step towards a total political union. Only this could give back enough hope to a generation which, having been so shifted around, feels that it has lost control of its destiny. According to E. Morin, " the metamorphosis is unfinished, we are neither caterpillar nor dragonfly, we are still in the chrysalis"; we are now at the base of the structure, it is up to us to complete this mutation.