Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot let this matter go without making an important point. In retrospect, we say the European Union enlarged too soon. Let us consider, however, the situation 20 years ago or so and the reunification of Germany. What were the options? Should it have been left hanging loose, floating alone in that region? Should the other countries adjacent to the western Balkans have been left to swing around by themselves, floating in what were very volatile circumstances? Where would they have gone? I am strongly of the view that there were no other options. However, the vision has changed and it is no longer what it was. The emphasis was on togetherness. We were all in this together, sharing with each other and a positive contribution to make, but that is gone. Each member state now seems to be more introverted. The European Union is becoming introverted. That should not be the case. Unless each member state reflects the vision of the European Union, there is no sense in having it because it will not work. We should list this item for debate on another day and invite our guests to attend. I foresee a massive disaster if things go wrong. There is no other option.