Over the last nine months we travelled outside Europe. And now we’re back; cycling ‘our home continent’. To us, cycling is just another way of slow travel; except for downhill of course. Which means we have all the time in the world to get reacquainted with our fellow-Europeans. Which we should. These are interesting times, as Europe - which has developed rapidly over the last 20 years - is suffering from the Euro Crisis. This financial crisis is stressing Europe out. And - most of all - it seems to stress our differences instead of our Europeanisms. Greek, Italians, Germans, French, Dutch, Norwegian: same same but different. These months I hope to get a good sense of how European Europeans really are. And - not in the least - I hope to experience how European I am myself. Feel free to question me later.
What’s happening? This week we were watching the Euro 2012 Soccer Championships. The Netherlands was playing Denmark, Germany and Portugal. Or should I say the Netherlands was being played? Anyway, we lost, which is not my point. My point is we were in a bar with two British, two Germans, two Dutch and some more French. And we were having a good time really. Nobody mentioned Greek losses, the crisis hitting Africa, cash injections in Spanish banks, Europe possibly being the biggest risk for our global economy. Nobody questioned our common labour market. I couldn’t sense a hint of negativity. On the other hand; nobody mentioned the EU either.
But think about it for a minute. Europeans have a lot in common, in spite of all our differences. Contrary to for example the United States, Europeans share a common history and common culture. Like Brittany in France for example - home to the bar I just mentioned - which is in so many historical ways like Great Britain. And, especially after being away from Europe for nine months, a short visit to any of our old medieval cities is enough to sense loads of common heritage and culture.
I think in general Europe is very much about freedom and creativity, and hopefully understanding. Nevertheless we face a reality in which a lot of nationalism is going on. Witnessing this response to crisis, I would question whether the crisis actually is financial. Most countries get much more excitement out of their national interests. Is it just plain and simple ‘what’s in it for me?’ thinking or something else? Politics are renationalizing. Right and left wing parties gain popularity because of their anti-Europeanism. A generation issue maybe? Maybe we forgot about the purpose of Europe or made it too complicated?
I think it might be a lot simpler. Do people still trust governments? Not really. And how about the latest cyber-generation? Who do you trust if you can see into all the information? The media present us proof of non-trustworthy people in power every day. We just don’t trust people in power like we used to, regardless whether they’re in politics or finance. This Euro Crisis really isn’t about money; it’s about a general lack of trust. In a free, democratic and creative society like Europe, lack of trust can soon bounce of the wall. What do most people do if they don’t trust someone or some organization? Most of us get out of the way; right or wrong.
Who can solve these trust issues for us? Politicians? Nope, even if they mean well, they are part of the problem. Banks? Part of the problem too. Rating agencies? Part of the problem. In all fairness, the only ones that resolve trust - not having to worry about things - are Europeans them selves: ordinary people like you and me. So why don’t we? Start our own 'Trust Fund'? Not financially speaking of course; that won't do. But what then do we do? Go work abroad. Hire people from other European countries because of their skills and added value. Work together. Get to know different nationalities. Get married abroad. Travel. But most of all, don’t get out of the way if you feel you don’t trust that other someone. Postpone your judgement; check before you act. You will find - at most events - it’s just a little cultural or personal mix-up. Come on, be a little less afraid. Fortune favours the bold for good reason, unafraid as they are. If ordinary Europeans like you and me try to be a little bolder - more curious, more inquisitive, more self-aware - our Trust Fund might give us new Europeanisms in return.
Back to what Europeans already have in common: their history, culture, arts and - not to forget - their being tired of politics and banks. Wow, we’ve got something going on here. The question is whether we can find a balance between nationalism and our Europeanisms. What do you think? If politics, power and money won’t manage, our Trust Fund just might. We’ll have to remember this when Germany plays Greece in the Quarter Finals of Euro 2012 tomorrow.
What’s happening? This week we were watching the Euro 2012 Soccer Championships. The Netherlands was playing Denmark, Germany and Portugal. Or should I say the Netherlands was being played? Anyway, we lost, which is not my point. My point is we were in a bar with two British, two Germans, two Dutch and some more French. And we were having a good time really. Nobody mentioned Greek losses, the crisis hitting Africa, cash injections in Spanish banks, Europe possibly being the biggest risk for our global economy. Nobody questioned our common labour market. I couldn’t sense a hint of negativity. On the other hand; nobody mentioned the EU either.
But think about it for a minute. Europeans have a lot in common, in spite of all our differences. Contrary to for example the United States, Europeans share a common history and common culture. Like Brittany in France for example - home to the bar I just mentioned - which is in so many historical ways like Great Britain. And, especially after being away from Europe for nine months, a short visit to any of our old medieval cities is enough to sense loads of common heritage and culture.
I think in general Europe is very much about freedom and creativity, and hopefully understanding. Nevertheless we face a reality in which a lot of nationalism is going on. Witnessing this response to crisis, I would question whether the crisis actually is financial. Most countries get much more excitement out of their national interests. Is it just plain and simple ‘what’s in it for me?’ thinking or something else? Politics are renationalizing. Right and left wing parties gain popularity because of their anti-Europeanism. A generation issue maybe? Maybe we forgot about the purpose of Europe or made it too complicated?
I think it might be a lot simpler. Do people still trust governments? Not really. And how about the latest cyber-generation? Who do you trust if you can see into all the information? The media present us proof of non-trustworthy people in power every day. We just don’t trust people in power like we used to, regardless whether they’re in politics or finance. This Euro Crisis really isn’t about money; it’s about a general lack of trust. In a free, democratic and creative society like Europe, lack of trust can soon bounce of the wall. What do most people do if they don’t trust someone or some organization? Most of us get out of the way; right or wrong.
Who can solve these trust issues for us? Politicians? Nope, even if they mean well, they are part of the problem. Banks? Part of the problem too. Rating agencies? Part of the problem. In all fairness, the only ones that resolve trust - not having to worry about things - are Europeans them selves: ordinary people like you and me. So why don’t we? Start our own 'Trust Fund'? Not financially speaking of course; that won't do. But what then do we do? Go work abroad. Hire people from other European countries because of their skills and added value. Work together. Get to know different nationalities. Get married abroad. Travel. But most of all, don’t get out of the way if you feel you don’t trust that other someone. Postpone your judgement; check before you act. You will find - at most events - it’s just a little cultural or personal mix-up. Come on, be a little less afraid. Fortune favours the bold for good reason, unafraid as they are. If ordinary Europeans like you and me try to be a little bolder - more curious, more inquisitive, more self-aware - our Trust Fund might give us new Europeanisms in return.
Back to what Europeans already have in common: their history, culture, arts and - not to forget - their being tired of politics and banks. Wow, we’ve got something going on here. The question is whether we can find a balance between nationalism and our Europeanisms. What do you think? If politics, power and money won’t manage, our Trust Fund just might. We’ll have to remember this when Germany plays Greece in the Quarter Finals of Euro 2012 tomorrow.
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