Europe of Peace and Human Rights
 | PARLIAMENTARY GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY |  |
| Anna Karamanou Member of the European Parliament President of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of the European Parliament | ||
| THE EUROPE OF PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS | ||
On May 1, 2004, a historic day of the great enlargement, one of the most exciting periods of the European Union began, a date that almost coincides with the end of World War II, about 60 years ago. At that time, no one could have imagined that, in the following decades, the peoples of Europe would set aside their hatred and passions for the sake of a unique endeavor in human history: the consolidation of peace and prosperity through reconciliation and cooperation, instead of nationalism and war. The European Parliament elections of June 13, 2004, would elect a Parliament that would represent 25 countries and 450 million citizens, thus tearing down the walls – both real and imaginary – that had divided Europe in two.
In this new reality, at the center of the ongoing dialogue are issues of development and social cohesion, terrorism and security, the globalization of the economy, and at the same time the search for a new role for Europe within the framework of a global democratic governance that will lead to the peaceful coexistence of people and the fair distribution of the goods of development, technology, and science. PASOK, together with the entire social democratic family, is today fighting against conservative forces in order to ensure that humanitarian values prevail in Europe and the world, to strengthen the international position and political identity of the EU, to achieve the goals of the Lisbon Strategy, and to promote sustainable solutions to the problems of underdevelopment and absolute poverty that afflict two-thirds of the world’s population and cause waves of migrants and refugees.
We seek solutions through the adoption of the European Constitution, the formation of a common foreign policy, and the creation of a common area of freedom, security, and justice. We aim for the prevention of conflicts, the dialogue of cultures, the consolidation of democracy, balanced development, respect for human rights, and the strengthening of the role of women. Against the culture of violence and the dead-end politics of the “sole superpower,” we present a different model, one that bridges differences, promotes creative coexistence, and respects diversity, without any discrimination based on gender, race, national or social origin, religion, age, or sexual orientation. This very model was promoted by the Greek Presidency of the EU and was assessed as the best in recent years. PASOK actively participates in the political processes that shape a better future for Greece, the Balkans, Europe, and the entire planet. That is why it deserves and must emerge strengthened from the European elections in June.
14 May 2004