The EU: A Union of Shared Authority
On March 11, Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) organized an international conference in Budapest to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, a crucial moment in the history of the European Union. The conference aimed to bring together experts and stakeholders in European integration to address the various issues surrounding the Treaty.
During his keynote speech, Deputy State Secretary Márton Ugrósdy emphasized the importance of considering the desires and needs of the European people in shaping European politics, a perspective that has been lacking in the last three decades. The discussions that followed delved deeper into this theme.
The conference guests engaged in conversations about whether the Maastricht Treaty was a significant step towards federalism or a betrayal of the European project. Various perspectives were shared by Henri Malosse, Alvaro Silva, Balázs Tárnok, and Jerzy Kwaśniewski, shedding light on the implications of the Treaty.
Henri Malosse acknowledged the positive intention behind the Treaty but expressed concerns about the lack of preparedness at the time due to the absence of a common economic policy. On the other hand, Jerzy Kwaśniewski highlighted the ongoing tension between the community approach and the federalist perspective within the EU, suggesting that Poland may have been a late victim of the Treaty.
Balázs Tárnok viewed the Treaty as a part of the broader European integration process, emphasizing the need for treaty amendments to accommodate the changing geopolitical landscape and the necessity of further enlargement, particularly with regards to Western Balkan countries.
The discussion concluded with a call for a change in EU leadership rather than immediate treaty reforms. The idea of creating new paths for European community establishments was proposed as a way to address the current challenges faced by the EU.
The second panel of the conference focused on the democratic deficit brought about by the Maastricht Treaty. The guests deliberated on the lack of democratic legitimacy and transparency within EU institutions, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and responsive approach to governance.
Overall, the conference provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among experts and stakeholders, underscoring the complexities and nuances of the European integration process. The reflections and insights shared during the event are vital for shaping the future direction of the EU and ensuring that the voices of European citizens are heard and respected in decision-making processes.
