MEP Csaba Sógor: Subsidiary, solidarity and strong work ethics are European principles to be followed

2013-08-26

The aim of the project My place in the EU? initiated by the volunteers of the Diakonia Christian Foundation from Reghin as part of the Youth in Action movement is to broaden the knowledge of young people living in Reghin and the surrounding areas on the subject of the European Union, and what it means to be an EU citizen. DAHR MEP Csaba Sógor held a lecture at the event on Sunday, 25th of August. 


I am young, what can I do in Europe? was the title of the bilingual (Romanian and Hungarian) discussion, during which the participants had the chance to talk about the advantages of being an EU citizen and the travel and study opportunities young people have. In the MEP’s view citizens have obligations as well as opportunities. ”People have a say in politics and they should complement the work of politicians”, stressed the MEP with regard to the importance of the European Citizen’s Initiative, of which the DAHR and its partners are also making use.    

Csaba Sógor also spoke about the challenges Europe is facing. He said:  “Europe’s biggest strong points are its diversity and the fact that different cultures and traditions live together on this continent. The most successful member states have recognised this and are preserving these values”, highlighted the MEP.

The DAHR MEP also said that subsidiarity, solidarity and hard work are principles young people should follow. “First of all, we should be able to solve their problems on a local level. We need to move towards a Europe of Regions. Second of all we should show solidarity towards the socially less fortunate. And last but not least we should improve our work ethics and restore the value of hard work” – argued Sógor.

In his view, one of Europe’s biggest dilemmas is that different regions are moving in different paces. “Everything changes quickly up north and in the west, very slowly in the east and in a relaxed tempo in the south. We have a highly motivated work force with a good foreign language command in the north and in the west while the southern regions are facing corruption, unemployment and nationalism. We here in Eastern Europe have to decide which path to follow” – explained the MEP, mentioning that the DAHR has been urging us for the past decades to follow the example of north-western Europe.