“The European project, which allowed democracy to reach the former dictatorships of the East and brought about peace between France and Germany, is now in question. We are seeing a wave of populism bolstered by the specific crises of each nation,” commented Manuel Valls, former Prime Minister of France (2014-2016), during a dialogue at ESADE with Javier Solana, President of ESADEgeo. The dialogue, entitled “A Better Europe for All”, was sponsored by Banc Sabadell and organised by Círculo de Economía, Círculo de Empresarios and ESADE. In this context, “the most important thing is values”, Mr. Valls noted. “If each country thinks it can overcome the problem on its own, then we will never solve it.” He added: “We must arm ourselves for the new world. This doesn’t mean making war, but rather protecting our borders, having a good defence system, including on the Internet and social media, as well as a joint economic policy. Now we have to think about how we can be useful for our country, but also for the European Union. In the wake of Brexit and Trump’s election, the rest of Europe has an incredible responsibility.” By way of example, Mr. Valls commented: “In a world where the United States no longer plays a leading role, we have to be able to impose the Paris climate accord and promote a European economic project. On this foundation, the European project can be reformed, but there isn’t much time. Europe could break apart if we do not act now.”

Javier Solana, President of ESADEgeo, noted that “Europeans have been catalysts for the protection of global goods”, adding: “Donald Trump’s motto, America first, is at odds with the values we developed in the wake of the Second World War. Europe has a responsibility to make sure that these values are not lost.” He then argued that “the social contract is a European idea and we mustn’t let it fall by the wayside”. Mr. Valls then observed: “The problem is combining this idea of Europe with the immediate needs of the people. We have to convince people who think that Europe cannot address their problems. We need to think about a new social contract that can provide answers and help close social gaps in Europe. And we must do this now.”

Spain and Catalonia: essential for the unity of Europe

“A molecule is richer than the sum of the atoms that make it up,” commented Dr. Solana. “Europe has to be like a molecule where you can make out the individual atoms. But keep in mind that if the atom breaks, the molecule breaks.” He added: “When borders are drawn through people’s homes, that’s when you get displaced people and conflicts. We mustn’t let that happen again. Not here in our home.” Mr. Valls then pointed out that, in a negotiation, “separation always means failure”, adding: “That’s why I consider Brexit to be a political failure.”

Turning his attention to the Catalan political conflict, Mr. Valls observed: “For many years, the strength of Catalonia has been its very strong personality and its weight within Spain and Europe. When a very strong culture, like Catalonia’s, is open to the world, it is capable of contributing a lot, like when the Olympic Games were organised in Barcelona.” He added: “I think that there are many forms of nationalism. I am a French patriot, but one who aspires to speak to the world. Catalonia used to be like that. But if we forget this, and a subtle agreement between Catalonia and Spain does not emerge after 21st December, Europe will be broken.” Dr. Solana added: “Spain is fundamental for the future of Europe. We have to act as a leader for Europe, together with France and Germany, or we will be making a mistake.”

Eugenia Bieto, Director General of ESADE, delivered the opening remarks at the event. Journalist Gloria Lomana moderated the debate.