Independence | Editorial of the Secretary-General Klaus Heeger

Dear members, partners, and friends,

In different contexts, ’independence‘ has been the buzz word during the pandemic (in terms of domestic vaccine and protective equipment production) and since the beginning of the Russian aggression in Ukraine (in terms of the provision of energy, critical raw materials, food and fuels, and industrial goods).

With the alleged Qatar corruption scandal drawing ever larger circles and shaking in particular the European Parliament, ‘independence’ is a buzz word in a third context: independence in terms of politics and trade unionism.

It is far too early to draw quick and potentially wrong conclusions. However, one lesson can be learned already now: Particularly in moments where trust levels are at their lowest, political and financial independence are tremendously important. And this is what CESI has ever since been standing for.

What saddens me about what some call the “’most serious,’ ‘most shocking,’ ‘most egregious’ corruption scandal to hit Brussels in years” is the fact that it will serve as point of attack for all ‘Brussels bashers’ – until the EU elections 2024 and likely beyond.

Yet it does not do justice to the EU.

As CESI, we have trust in the European institutions, also and especially in the European Parliament. It remains one of the most transparent parliaments in the world – the Qatar scandal does not alter this a bit. The scandal reveals, on the contrary, that transparency prevails, that the rule of law framework functions, and that media are still free.

How different would that have been in authoritarian of pseudo-democratic states…

And in these challenging times we must also recognise the EU´s significant responses to unprecedented challenges.

Three years ago, hardly anyone could have imagined that we would face one of the worst pandemics in human history with millions of victims and dramatic changes in our lives.

Two years ago, we had no idea that rampant inflation would knock on Europe’s door putting workers’ purchasing power at stake and exposing many of them to imminent poverty risks.

And one year ago, who would really have seriously expected that a bloody war would erupt in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood?

Looking back at these years, and despite of all the criticism levelled at the EU and the mistakes made, we must admit that overall, it has delivered results. Strong ones.

It supported Member States in the fight against the pandemic and its consequences; it delivered a multitude of initiatives to bring to life the European Pillar of Social Rights; and it showed that in times of war it can stand firmly – for peace and diplomacy. Because let us not forget: Per definition, the EU is the antithesis of violence and war.

“Faced with the barbarity of Russian power today, the EU is opting for counter-power. For too long, it has been believed that interdependence is the way to peace. But, what is true within the EU does not apply to countries that hold totally different values or un-values. As a result, for us today, security is ultimately more important than cheap energy because life is more important than death, and freedom is worth more than money”, Herman Van Rompuy said at the EPC’s Jubilee Conference in December 2022.

He is right.

And I believe that all of this can also be said, mutatis mutandis, of CESI. With respect, solidarity, passion, and not least our independence, we have maintained strong cohesion and delivered many activities – hopefully also in the best interest of our members.

Reading through CESI’s activity report for 2022, I realise that together we can achieve a lot. Through effective lobbying, intervention, and advocacy and remaining committed to our principle to act independently and in full transparency for the interests of our worker members and affiliates, CESI further enhanced its influence on EU decision-making and strengthened the voice of its members at EU level.

During times of crises, we need light. And I hope that – on a small scale – CESI has proven itself to be one.

On behalf of the entire CESI team, I wish you a healthy and successful 2023.

Merry Christmas!