By Pavel Antonov
When violence reared its head in the Caucasus this summer, one thing became perfectly clear: Things can no longer be the same for the international community in general and the European Union in particular.
The re-emerging ambitions of its large neighbour to the East are putting to the test the principal issue of the 27-nation bloc's identity — i.e. the concept that economic growth and prosperity go hand in hand with democracy, self determination and human rights.
Thus far, United Europe has been largely successful in upholding this concept. During the Cold War the EU was known for its economic strength and improved quality of life for its citizens. But a major part of the West's appeal has been its attendant values: freedom of speech and expression, respect for personal dignity, political self-determination, government accountability, fairness and justice and, not least of all, a healthy environment. These values offered hope and courage to the people of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) during the Soviet era and the transition period that followed. Even today, while enjoying the fruits of investment and economic growth as EU members, CEE societies also benefit from the implementation of EU rules and norms built around the same core values.
But for those states not near enough or lucky enough to join the EU, the picture is increasingly blurry. Obtaining good contracts for Western companies and securing cheaper supplies of oil and natural resources often overwhelms commitments to human rights, stronger democracy and nature protection; but these shortcomings are even more amplified under oppressive regimes. In such states, consumption and profit making have replaced democracy and human rights; 'business as usual' persists over demands for change and reform.
Now, with Georgia recently the scene of armed conflict, European public opinion has been shaken into recognising a paradigm shift where energy is concerned. While haunting memories of the not-so distant past are suddenly rekindled in Warsaw, Riga and Budapest, populations west of the Brandenburg Gate can now — and for the first time — clearly comprehend what used to be a vague political sound bite: energy dependency. When forced to consider just how tenuous are the political and economic links to necessities like light, heating and transportation, the urgent need for sources of alternative energy becomes crystal clear.
In the wake of the Georgia-Russia conflict, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned at an emergency EU summit that it would be "no more business as usual" with Russia. To my mind, the best solutions are found within the EU itself, which is already on the right track in already having made commitments to renewable energy. In the words of REC Executive Director Marta Szigeti Bonifert: "Energy efficiency is the low-hanging fruit, and it is hard to understand why Europe is not reaching up for it."
A decisive policy and technology shift is due if the EU is to wean its economy off fossil fuels. The Stern Review has already delivered decisive proof that a shift to a lower-carbon economy will even be better business than 'business as usual.' With a demanding and supportive citizenry from East to West, it's high time for EU leaders to take decisive and timely action.
