Exploring Transnational Politics and Controversial Issues in the European Union

Exploring Transnational Politics and Controversial Issues in the European Union

Introduction:
The European Parliament has become a platform for various mobilizations and discussions on important historical events and controversial issues. In this article, we will delve into two separate studies that shed light on the dynamics and power play within the European Union (EU) regarding the integration of Central European past into a common narrative and the influence of brokers in the fracking debate.

Integrating the Central European Past into a Common Narrative:
The mobilizations around the 'Crimes of Communism' in the European Parliament have been largely unexplored in existing literature. Memory entrepreneurs, through their awareness-raising activities, have brought attention to the 'incomplete' regime change and the need for justice for the victims. The EU was asked to recognize the sufferings endured by the 'other Europe' under Nazi occupation and Communism. This demand was framed as a mnemonic accession criterion imposed by the EU on its future member states. The conservative European People's Party (EPP) adopted a Declaration in 2004, urging the EU to officially condemn totalitarian Communism and designate a day for victims of totalitarian Communist regimes. However, this Declaration did not receive direct official follow-up at the EU level. The issue of comparing Nazism and Stalinism arose during discussions on the Second World War and European integration. Eventually, in April 2007, the EU Council agreed on a Framework Decision to combat serious forms of racism and xenophobia.

Relational Power, Brokers, and Influence in the Fracking Debate:
Another aspect of EU politics is the controversial issue of fracking and the role of brokers in influencing energy and environmental policy. The study on relational power explores the influence of policy subsystem brokers in impacting policy decisions. It highlights the relationship between the inclusion of brokers in coalitions and the coalitions' ability to impact energy and environmental policy. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the power dynamics within the EU and the role of various actors in shaping policy outcomes.

Connecting the Common Points:
Although the topics of integrating the Central European past and the fracking debate might seem unrelated at first, they both shed light on the complexities of transnational politics within the European Union. Both studies highlight the importance of mobilizations and awareness-raising activities in pushing for policy changes. Additionally, they emphasize the need to recognize historical injustices and incorporate diverse perspectives into policy-making processes. These issues demonstrate the ongoing struggle to create a common narrative and address controversial issues within the EU.

Actionable Advice:

1. Foster dialogue and understanding: Encourage open discussions and debates within the European Parliament to create a platform for different perspectives and narratives. This will help in finding common ground and building a shared understanding of complex historical events and controversial issues.

2. Strengthen collaboration: Facilitate collaboration between different political parties and interest groups to find common goals and work towards policy changes. This can be achieved through coalitions and alliances that bring together diverse stakeholders to influence decision-making processes.

3. Enhance transparency and accountability: Promote transparency in policy-making processes and ensure accountability of all actors involved. This will help build trust among the public and ensure that policy decisions are made based on sound evidence and the best interests of the EU citizens.

Conclusion:
The mobilizations surrounding the 'Crimes of Communism' in the European Parliament and the influence of brokers in the fracking debate highlight the complexities of transnational politics and policy-making within the EU. These studies contribute to our understanding of the power dynamics and the need for inclusive decision-making processes. By fostering dialogue, strengthening collaboration, and enhancing transparency and accountability, the EU can move towards a more unified and effective approach in addressing historical injustices and controversial issues.