Despite differences, Europe remains united, its heart strong

I belong to the group of regular readers of The Nation, which presents diverse and complex political and social situations both in Thailand and abroad in an objective and honest way. Thus, the newspaper has an immense influence on opinions and views among its readers. I was therefore amazed to read the article “The West is losing the battle for the heart of Europe”.

I do not wish to comment on the – in my opinion – tendentious selection of examples and the dramatic sound of the main theme of the article. The Visegrad Group countries, on which the article focuses, require no special treatment from other members of the European Union, because they are from the rest of the European partners. They must address very similar social and economic problems, migration crises, international terrorism and global security threats.

The governments of the Visegrad Group countries were democratically elected by the votes of citizens who demanded change, improved security, a bigger share and influence in national decision-making and a more decisive stand from their governments in hammering out the shape of political and social changes in the European Union. 

The actions taken by the governments reflect social expectations and are simply the implementation of their election-campaign pledges. As Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski has said: “Our policy will be active, highlighting our subjectivity on the international stage, especially within the European Union and Nato. 

In both structures, Poland is a big and significant country which must aspire to a position that’s commensurate with its potential.” 

Like other European countries, we simply talk about more resolute protection of our national values, culture, language, religion and identity. We are similar to our European Union neighbours in many aspects, but differ in others. Due to different national expectations, our stances are sometimes at variance. I do not see this as a threat to our European unity! We are one Europe, where respect for diversity and difference is of high value, and where negotiation and open display of one’s position are instruments that allow us to overcome temporary obstacles. Certain European governments’ change in approach to the immigration crises is a classic example – from Poland and its neighbours’ call to solve the migration problem in its root countries and bolster protection of EU borders to the current discussion on establishing a special “migration guard” to protect the borders. 

I ask friends of the European Union not to worry about the “Heart of Europe”: It is sound and strong! The heart of Europe will make it through the complicated discussion over our Union, the challenges and threats it has to face. 

Zenon Kuchciak  

Polish ambassador to Thailand