“To
unify Europe is to unify men” said Jean Monnet,
a key player in the creation of the European Union, proclaimed
as he sought to bring together the vast nations of the
continent under the flag of peace. Although he uttered
these words during a time of crisis—World War II—Monnet
realized that once united, Europe would thrive. I believe
that the European Union symbolizes unity in the face of
darkness with the goal to improve society. The Union does
not stand together like most treaties of human history,
which exist only during perilous times. It instead stands
as a beacon of peace. The light of the European Union
shines on the world the same way that the light of Gondor
from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy calls for the race
of men to stand together. Having as its motto “Unity
in Diversity”, the Union has a profound way of calling
its members together to address problems. It prides itself
on its ability to create peace in an area ravaged by war,
and harmony among the various cultures of its peoples.
Therein lies what I adore about this institution: its
ability to bring together different pieces of the European
puzzle together, while still keeping each piece unique.
Men come together for the great purpose of social justice.
Once it calls men together, the Union acts as one, focusing
on goals centered on the progress man. As its members
are descendants of Voltaire, Balzac, and other famous
philosophers, it comes to no surprise that the institution’s
philosophy is centered toward the betterment of mankind.
It holds many of the humanist ideals of the Renaissance,
and seeks to improve the life of man in all aspects. Economically,
the Euro has been the powerhouse of Europe, creating a
higher standard of living throughout the continent. Its
foreign policy demands that the basic rights of man be
given to all. Domestically, it seeks to create a happy
safe life for everybody regardless of gender, race, age,
or religion. It aspires to support families and protect
the environment, aiming toward a cleaner, greener Earth.
Most of all, the European Union promises a new life and
a new beginning: one can work anywhere within the Union
easily for it guarantees the ability to follow one’s
dreams wherever one pleases. The ability to improve oneself
is in many ways the physical manifestation of the ideals
of the Renaissance.
The European Union shines new light on modern society
and brings new meaning to the word “peace.”
When Jean Monnet sought to unify men, he ignored all that
divides us and sought to work with what unites us. The
European Union is more than a manifestation of a dream,
an ideal, or a defense in times of war—it is an
institution for the greater good of mankind. Unis les
hommes c’est faire la paix.
