European Parliament
Belder (EDD ).
(NL)
Mr President, who longs for a Europe that is divided into two opposing camps? Who begrudges the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe their personal and national freedom? Their liberation was late in coming; it took until 1989, and our continent will acclaim it on 1 May, the day of the EU's eastward enlargement, of which all those involved are firm advocates, whilst, at the same time, bearing a heavy responsibility. Now that the usefulness of a greatly expanding European Union is the subject of a public debate, politicians in the East and the West need, first of all, to work towards the consolidation and creation of solid constitutional states. This creates a national sense of public responsibility, the very foundation for Europe-wide cooperation. Only a few decades ago, a major authority on Central and Eastern Europe, Mr Hugh Seton-Watson, referred to that region as the sick heart of Europe, for which may the enlarged EU soon show itself to be an effective medicine. This requires a considerable mutual effort, a sincere attending to each other's needs. It is precisely this involvement that I have noticed among grassroots support. My group and I wish to continue on that entirely Christian course.

