Climate crisis, the management of public debt accumulated during the pandemic, geo-political fragmentation and the demographic winter that affects old and increasingly static Western societies. The futures of the young Italians of today, who will lead the European political and economic system in the future, are undoubtedly not bright. They need our assistance, our support, our attention and a sense of belonging to their nation. But most importantly, to have a say in the choices that will affect them. And if we consider the current demographic trends, it is evident that we are the ones who most need their perspective on the future, ideal strength, desire for change, familiarity with cutting-edge technologies and willingness to give generously to deserving causes.
The celebration of Europe Day today compels us to consider how much influence we want to give our children over decisions that will shape the nation's future. We are well aware that, despite popular belief to the contrary, what we are facing is not a conflict between the young and the old but rather a challenge for a nation that is more inclusive and cohesive, in part because it is truly capable of appreciating each of its competences for the merits it expresses as well as for the needs it manifests.
Following Ursula Hirschmann, who is currently being remembered at the Ventotene Europa Festival for her crucial role in the dissemination of the Manifesto, Europe has chosen a precise strategy to restart after the terrible years of the pandemic: to put young people at the centre. Thinking of her, her determination and her courage, the thought can only go to another Ursula, Von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, who has done so much in the last 3 years to implement the Recovery Plan and to keep Europe united in one of the most difficult moments of its history. "No state saves itself, there is no sovereignty possible if not European", warned Helmut Kohl "When in doubt, for Europe". As the war in Ukraine is dramatically demonstrating, no nation-state on the Old Continent today holds the keys to solving ongoing crises on its own.
Guido Carli taught us where to stand: on one side only, that of the new Europe. A Europe capable of resisting the “animal instincts” - to take up the expression he used to define the forces in Italian society that were working against efficiency - to let collective responsibility prevail. A Europe ready to amend its Treaties to strengthen itself as foreseen in the resolution approved by the European Parliament on 4 May 2022 with the launch of a new European Constitution.
We must defend the politics of hope. According to Jean Monnet, "Europe will be forged in crises and will be the sum of its responses to those crises," and the younger generations must actively participate in defining these responses.
The complexity of the challenges calls for a new model of social dialogue, not only horizontally between institutions, the labour market and the production system, but also and above all between generations, to try to recompose the intergenerational divide, which is particularly pronounced in our country, as noted in the latest INPS annual report on the wage gap that has doubled in 40 years, from 20 to 40%.
Our 9th May is a celebration for an inclusive future where we must work together to address global challenges.
Best wishes to Europe, our common home. Best wishes to all Europeans. Best wishes to us all.
Renato Brunetta, President of CNEL