Mutual respect. The points made in this column yesterday about possibilities for integrating the Roma into European society were in no way purely theoretical about a development I in fact considered with scepticism and thought practically unattainable. The contrary is true: I am talking about it because I believe it is possible. Community players have a duty to take action on this and, at the same time, the Roma must understand that an effort on their part is just as indispensable.
I can recall the famous director Emir Kusturica (who helped us get to know and love Gypsy civilisation in Europe and beyond) pointing out in an interview that Gypsy ethics parted from Western evaluation on two points: the way in which lies were perceived with regard to those who were not part of their community and, partly, the notion of theft. It is obvious that in reality, the Roma do not lie and do not steal but there are exceptions, as in all communities. Nonetheless, they have to understand the notion that there can be no difference in behaviour towards members outside their community, if one wants to be accepted in the host country. To integrate into a civilisation, rules and values must be shared whilst keeping the right to safeguard one's own traditions and ways of life. The nationals of the host country must respect those who respect them. At the World Exhibition in Shanghai, France was notably represented by the Alexandre Romanès circus. This man was trained at the Bouglione circus school and was once famous throughout Europe. However, he has declared that he is now the victim of police and bureaucratic harassment. I will quote the Nouvel Observateur: “When he is travelling along in his caravan, he is continually treated as if he were a thief. This creator of dreams is living a nightmare. His marvellous circus is in peril. His Romanian musicians are having their work permits withdrawn and they are threatened with expulsion. His 10-year-old daughter has been banned from performing a few harmless circus routines, thus abolishing the principle of the father passing on the living art which he inherited”. Why is Europe unable to welcome this civilisation if the latter is respectful of the balance between rights and responsibilities?
A commitment from two governments. The joint Franco-German position on agricultural policy after 2013 is not only incumbent on the agriculture ministers who signed it but also on their governments. This column has previously stated that “it is a document involving the two ministers for agriculture but it does not formally involve a commitment from their two governments” (EUROPE 10225). The French minister Bruno Le Maire has informed us that Paris does not agree and that the two governments are indeed committed.
The document affirms that “France and Germany are opposed to any renationalisation of the CAP through the co-funding of direct payments to farmers”. I had sown the seeds of doubt with regard to a commitment from the two governments on this aspect by pointing out some of the former positions taken by the Agriculture Council, which were duly sent to the European Council, where they were not in fact paid much attention. These texts ended up gathering dust in the Community archives, next to many other documents which may perhaps prove useful one day to future historians. It therefore looks as if the ministers of agriculture were misunderstood. I have received assurances that this time it will not be the case with regard to France and Germany, which are, nevertheless, the biggest agricultural producer and main contributor to the budget. The question being posed is therefore to what extent the finance ministers will remain firm with regard to the orientation mentioned above when they prepare the Union's new financial perspectives. And how will the heads of state and government react when the time comes? According to the German press, some ministers in Berlin were astonished by the affirmation made by the two ministers of agriculture and expressed a fear that the latter's unambiguous statement could limit their room for manoeuvre. It is no secret at all that the idea of reducing CAP funding in order to release additional funds for research and development has its supporters …
Our publication has also already indicated that one aspect of the Franco-German position, criticised by Poland and a few other member states from Central and Eastern Europe, involves the direct aid distribution method. The document states that “a single rate for the whole of Europe is unjustified and does not correspond to the economic conditions in the Union”. It adds that it is necessary to take into account “the sustainability of the financial position of member states in the European budget”. This affirmation is not to everybody's liking and it must also be taken into account in the dossier involving Turkish accession.
(F.R./transl.fl)