The Tetín Appeal - Petition for the United States of Europe

The Tetín Appeal

Petition for the United States of Europe  

The Czech lands and the entire former so-called Eastern Bloc, which freed itself from the dominance of the Bolshevik kleptocracy, are currently experiencing perhaps the greatest period of prosperity in their history. And no skeptics can’t change this fact. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but we can certainly say that life is good in the Czech Republic and other “Eastern” countries. It’s not just about the standard of living, but above all about the freedom we enjoy in our countries. Sometimes we take freedom for granted, yet it is precisely a society of free and responsible people that is the source of this prosperity. Sometimes we might feel that things aren’t so rosy—especially when we focus on consumption and various everyday problems and somewhat forget our roots and what makes our lives content and stable. However, our countries are an integral part of Europe and at the same time a destination for refugees from around the world because life here is simply good.

So where does the prosperity of our countries come from? Is it just the talent and hard work of our people? We are convinced that it is also thanks to the freedom of life in our country and throughout Europe. The European Union, of which we are a part of, is simply a great project that allows the free movement of people across Europe, including business and trade exchange. It is amazing that in this century Europe has got rid itself of all the terrible dictatorships of the 20th century and has entered a wonderful era of cooperation and mutual friendship. This is especially remarkable for Europe, known for its wars over many long centuries.

Of course, we can find many shortcomings in the European Union; we can complain about its bureaucracy and a whole range of other issues. The European Union is what its member states are, and the member states are who are their citizens. If we do not build a civil society and become free people with all the responsibilities that come with it, the municipality, the state, and the Union will not solve everything for us.

However, current events bring changes that require a proper response. The European Union, a community of 450 million free people with a significant share of the world’s GDP, can’t afford to take an evasive stance toward its own protection and must act with confidence.

Let’s finally create the UNITED STATES OF EUROPE. We need a common federation or confederation — a state with a unified government, its president, ministries of foreign affairs, finance, and defense, as well as a common currency and a shared strategy. We want Europe to be an ambitious great power and a strong partner to the USA and other democratic countries. We want a Europe that cannot be pressured or manipulated — a Europe that sets its own terms and defines the pace of its development. To achieve this, we must gradually improve the functioning of the European Union: simplify decision-making processes, reduce bureaucracy, clarify the competencies between the EU and individual states, make the budget more efficient (reassess the principles of funds, subsidies, and taxes), and simplify communication.

We therefore call upon our leaders: presidents, governments, members of parliament and senators, members of the European Parliament, mayors, entrepreneurs, and other leaders to turn our “Tetín Appeal” into a Czech initiative and ultimately a Europe-wide movement, convincing other European countries and European allies. 

As Europe, the cradle of democracy, we want to be once again the driving force of global progress. Let’s not be afraid to have this ambition.

Horizont HG 2014, z.ú.    Contact the author of the petition