Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today marks the anniversary of the signing of the Schuman Declaration. It was signed when much of Europe was still rubble after the devastation of the Second World War. The aim behind it aim was simple: to prevent the horrors of war from ever unfolding in Europe again. The declaration fittingly states its aim to make war between the historic rivals "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible". The declaration set in place a vision for a new Europe with co-operation and peace at its core. I heard the Ceann Comhairle’s speech in LH 2000 earlier. He noted how the EU has been transformative for Ireland. Sadly, however, ware once again rages in Europe, with levels of destruction not seen since the Second World War being unleashed across Ukraine. Over the decades, the EU has been to the fore in advancing social progress across member states and workers’ rights and environmental regulations have benefited Ireland. In recent years, however, it has clearly been failing in its aims an objectives. The growing EU policies of privatisation, deregulation and increased militarisation represent all that has gone wrong with the European project. These policies merely aim to benefit a minority within Europe. Privatisation and militarisation will not help workers struggling to pay energy bills and put food on the table. These policies will only drive up the cost of living. We need a European Union that strives for better for all, not just those in Europe. We need a European Union that strives for peace and justice globally. Undoubtedly, there has been a drift among EU members towards militarisation. Our own Government is looking to abandon military neutrality at a time when we need less war. The EU must stand against international terror, be it inflicted by Russia or by apartheid Israel.

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