French and German ambassadors urge Dutch to support the EU

The whole letter doesn't seem to ask for anything concrete. Other than, basically, don't listen to people trying to talk down the EU. But it kind of reads like a Poe, where I'm not sure they're not actually trying to further alienate people.

It's a really badly written letter.

I know, I translated it.

Dear Netherlanders, dear friends,

Now that Europe is struck by the most severe crisis since the second world war, we see here in the Netherlands, as in most European nations, a discussion arise on the shortcomings of Europe. We would like to enter into this debate in a more positive manner. We see a Europe that has been capable to act through unity, solidarity and ambition. And, dear Dutch friends, way we impart on you four things?

Firstly unity must determine our way of thinking.

As usual Europe is tested from within and without. In some member states eurosceptics can be found who strangely enough claim that Europe does not do enough. Elsewhere other eurosceptics advocate an every man for himself strategy, during a crisis which requires cooperation across borders. Complex supplychains, even within the EU, heighten the necessity of sharing our experience and resources.

We are of the opinion that we can face this challenge together. The movement of goods, including foodstuffs and medical resources, has been maintained. Borderchecks contribute to the protection of the public health, but do not stop those people who work outside our borders. This is of essential importance to nations where a majority of employees in healthcare come from without.

Our unity must also be based on our shared values. We found strength in our principles of transparancy, responsibility and debate. Instead of silencing whistleblowers, we have listened to our doctors and scientists. We have allowed our parliaments to work and determine the correct strategy. Now propaganda attempts to portray this reaction as weak or disorganized; that is sow division and undermine the confidence in our democratic system. In the past attempts have been made to disrupt our democratic processes. These attempts were unsuccesfull, as too this new round of manipulations of information will not be successfull.

Secondly solidarity must be our guideline.

For dozens of years the wealthier regions have aided the poorer regions and our nations have been able to come together during times of crisis. Confronted with the cruel attacks of november 2015 in Paris, our nations came together on the basis of the solidarity clause, enshrined in article 42, section 7, of the treaty regarding the European Union. So does this time Europe is working on the best way to mobilise this spirit of solidarity. The European commission has made available 37 billion euroes for the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative.

At the same time concrete support was provided to those struck more heavily. German hospitals have taken in patients from Italy, France and the Netherlands. The region Grand Est in France is working closely together with the German federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Rijnland-Palts and Saarland. As well Belgium and the Netherlands are coordinating with the German federal states of Noordrijn-Westfalen and Nedersaksen, for one by exchanging information. Among others France and Germany have sent medical equipment to Italy and other nations.

In regards to the matter of the return to Europe of our citizens who are stranded abroad, cooperation has been the rule. Dutch planes have flown French and German citizens back and vice versa: whether this was from Djibouti, Argentina, Egypt or from cruiseships - this sense of solidarity was once more crucial.

After two rounds of discussions our ministers of Finance have come to an agreement on a largescale support program. Much was at stake and the debate was complex, but consensus prevailed and France and Germany have joined forced to find a way forward so we can mobilise all necessary means to ensure the recovery of our economies. Beyond the actions of the European Central Bank so the European Investment Bank, the European budget and the European Stability Mechanism will be deployed to safeguard the protection of employees, companies and memberstates.

Thirdly ambition will be crucial to facing the challenges that await us.

In the near future we will be confronted with enormous challenges. One of the most important tasks for Europe will be to be more sovereign and better capable to decide who we should handle a crisis such as this. This means that will have to see to it that the production of strategic goods, including in the healthcare sector, occurs within Europe. This also means that we must impose on our competitors a level playing field. Our ambitions in regards to the climate, the digital economy and the management of big data and platforms prove to be correct. All these challenges will have to be faced together: none of our nations has the means to be a dominant player in this areas by itself. The Netherlands too will play an important role in this.

Another important ambitions must to be commonly act in regards developing nations and especially Africa. For this means and a preparedness to act will be necessary.

And finally, in a time where our nations attempt to protect and promote multilateralism, we are of the opinion that the Europeans more than ever must be the voice that pleads for a rules-based international system. Within our European framework confidence arises too from our conviction that every member will respect the rule of law within their own nations. In this too Germany, France and the Netherlands can cooperate to promote these foundations of shared values.

Dear friends, let's be proud of Europe and continue to trust in it!

Luis Vassy, ambassador of France

Dirk Brengelmann, ambassador of Germany

/r/europe Thread Link - dutchnews.nl