Integrating the Central European Past into a Common Narrative: The Mobilizations Around the ‘Crimes of Communism’ in the European Parliament

Integrating the Central European Past into a Common Narrative: The Mobilizations Around the ‘Crimes of Communism’ in the European Parliament

Europe and European Integration

In the process of European integration, the European Community (EC) played a significant role. The EC was established as a supranational organization, focusing on peace and reconciliation between European countries. However, the EC was not the only organization championing these goals. It faced competition from other Western European organizations, each with its own agenda and priorities.

The ECSC and Franco-German Reconciliation

One notable aspect of the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community) was its focus on Franco-German reconciliation. This was a unique approach, as other organizations did not prioritize this aspect of European integration. The ECSC became the first European body to address the issue of reconciliation between France and Germany, which played a crucial role in shaping the early stages of European integration.

Supranationality and the EC

While the EC was often hailed as the first supranational organization, it is important to note that the supranational aspects were not always ascendant. The EC faced challenges and had to navigate the complexities of international cooperation. In fact, the EC's supranationality was often questioned and debated, and its status as a supranational organization was not firmly established until later years.

Task-sharing and the Importance of Economic Integration

One of the key factors that contributed to the EC's success was its focus on economic integration. The establishment of a Customs Union and a Common Market provided a solid foundation for the EC's growth and influence. The economic logic of the EC spilled over into other policy areas, creating functional connections and expanding its sphere of activity.

The Role of Institutions and Legal Culture

The officials of the European Commission and the Council of Ministers played crucial roles in the EC's rise to prominence. Their expertise and commitment to the EC's goals helped shape its development. Additionally, the emergence of a legal culture within the EC, with a strong binding character, further solidified its position as a leading international entity.

European Law and Financial Independence

European law played a significant role in the EC's influence and transformative impact. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) played a decisive role in expanding the powers of the EC through its broad interpretation of the market-driven mandate of the treaties. Furthermore, the EC's financial independence, with its own revenues and spending decisions, made it less reliant on member states and increased its autonomy.

The Rise of the EC as the Primary Forum of Cooperation

The EC's rise to become the primary forum of cooperation in Western Europe was a gradual process. It was not until the second half of the 1980s that the EC truly emerged as the leading international entity. Its economistic logic, the power of its law, and its financial resources were key factors that propelled it to this position.

Incorporating the Central European Past

While the EC focused on peace and reconciliation, the memory of the crimes committed under Communist regimes in Central Europe was largely unexplored. Parliamentary memory entrepreneurs sought to integrate the Central European past into a common narrative through awareness-raising activities and policy-making forums. They called for recognition of the sufferings endured under Communist regimes and the inclusion of Communist crimes in the discourse of European conscience and totalitarianism.

Lessons Learned and Actionable Advice

1. Recognize the importance of task-sharing and functional connections in the process of integration. Building a strong foundation in one policy area can lead to spillover effects and expansion into other areas.

2. Embrace the power of law and institutions. A legal culture with a strong binding character can provide stability and legitimacy to an international organization.

3. Ensure financial independence and autonomy. Having financial resources of its own can grant an organization freedom and flexibility in decision-making.

In conclusion, the integration of the Central European past into a common narrative and the rise of the EC as the primary forum of cooperation in Western Europe are interconnected in their significance. The EC's focus on economic integration, the power of European law, and its financial independence were crucial factors in its success. By incorporating the memory of Communist crimes into the European conscience, the EC can continue to evolve and strengthen its role in shaping the future of Europe.