Yes, Jan Pronk says, our historical actions have consequences. The governments themselves are responsible for the current situation. But we ARE responsible to help with dealing with the consequences. In short he argues it is not about guilt, but about responsibility.
His reasoning leads him to a European Foreign Policy (part of a European Constitution,) and as a consequence a European army. His reasoning also leads him to be not so strict on admittance (negotiations.) “We acquired Morocco in the past, as a European country. On what grounds can we refuse them membership if they are willing to (and prove they do) adhere to the rules?” Pascal asked Jan Pronk if the next would be Brazil, I think the next is Argentina.
I wonder what our problem is. We are afraid, I think. But of what? Some of us are afraid to loose our national identity, or more probably of loosing our national wealth. Other’s are afraid to loose culture, or freedom. What is Europe afraid of?
In a globalized world Europe is just a small (not insignificant) player. We have been ‘using’ our colleague nations for their resources. We are like a bully gaining awareness and afraid of the repercussions?! Perhaps. And on this I agree with Jan Pronk. He says “oppressive dynamics in form of colonialism and/or imperialism is not a western invention”. Our colleague nations should (and probably will) recognize and acknowledge this.
