Today’s closing statement at the two-day European Subsidiarity Conference “Europe begins at home” in St. Pölten was marked by the optimism of Governor Erwin Pröll, an optimism based both on the spirit of the discussion and the time at which it took place.
Although, Pröll pointed out, a clear discomfort can be felt across Europe there is also a distinct will to counteract this unease. Europe is now at a crossroads: this enlarged Europe also calls for consolidation across the continent and must make more room for democratic development.
Application of the principle of subsidiarity brings benefits for all of Europe, emphasised Pröll. In order to make real use of this win-win situation, a balance must be struck between Europeanisation and regionalism, and the huge potential of the regions must be harnessed. What is more, there must be constant discussion with citizens, even at the lowest political level, about questions on the European level.
Pröll added that sometimes non-regulation is the best regulation. But this requires courageous politicians who fight for their objectives and do not shirk responsibility: “Every regulation stifles a bit of originality, but Europe’s opportunity lies in originality and change”.
Each one of us should commit themself to the principle of subsidiarity even though the road from the real world to the ideal is a rocky one. Pröll declared himself convinced that the spirit shown at the St. Pölten conference would clear away some of these stones if there is resolve to nourish the small, easily overlooked, unity that exists. In conclusion, Pröll expressed the hope that the Subsidiarity Conference had contributed to making opposition to Europe into an affirmation of Europe.
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