Biela (NI). (PL) Mr President, I would like Poland’s voice to be heard in this parliamentary debate on the subject of the Treaty creating a constitution for Europe. After all, on 3 May 1791 Poland became the first country in Europe to adopt a democratic constitution. Yesterday we celebrated the 213th anniversary of this great event.

The May Constitution expressed the democratic and sovereign aspirations of the people. It is, however, firmly based on Christian values, which united the States and peoples of Central and Eastern Europe, and which became enshrined in the May Constitution.

Unfortunately, the wording of the current draft of the Constitution of the European Union does not refer at all to the Christian roots that are an essential value of the foundations of Europe. Further it raises concerns about the preservation of the sovereignty of Member States. Within the framework of the European Union, the road to integration and unity through such a constitution would be even longer and more difficult. Integration and unity cannot be achieved through the creation of a new centralised state. The countries of the former Communist bloc have only recently freed themselves from the fetters of a centralised State with a Communist ideology. They would not like to find themselves in some sort of new centralised organisation all over again.

Within the framework of the current configuration of Europe, Member States and nations must have a guarantee for the preservation of their sovereignty. They also need a sense of their cultural identity, community of faith and tradition. Polish Solidarity would not have existed without a Polish Pope whose own faith and example shows how to build a new Europe through a civilisation based on love. This new order would make it possible to overcome the difficulties, conflicts, and confusion of languages that led to dissent amongst the builders of the biblical Tower of Babel and their eventual dispersal.

The key principles of the civilisation based on love have been proclaimed by Christianity from time immemorial. They have been advocated in a particularly charismatic manner by Pope John Paul II. It was thanks to these principles that it proved possible first to break the fetters of Communist totalitarianism, starting in Poland. Thanks to them too, it was subsequently possible to establish a new democratic system in Europe. They will also make it possible now to overcome fear, prejudice, and hatred. They will make it possible for people to understand each other and build an economic and political democracy in a Europe that will be safe from the dangers of world economic globalism.

Europe and the peoples that make it up have their own democratic tradition. They will find the strength to reinforce and disseminate it, as well as to defend it, should the need arise.

May God help the European Parliament in the building of such unity. In Old Polish, I wish it Godspeed.

I must apologise for making such a long speech, but this is my last appearance in this House, as I will not be a candidate in the European elections.