Last week Heiligendamm in the old Duchy of Mecklenburg in Germany hosted the 33rd G-8 summit. The group of eight summit puts around the same table the biggest global economies. An international forum for the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, these countries represent about 65% of the world economy. The group’s activities include year-round conferences and policy research, culminating with an annual summit meeting attended by the heads of government of the member states. The European Commission is also represented at the meetings. This, coupled with the fact that four countries in the G-8 form part of the European Union means that the latter is leaving its mark where it matters in world politics.

The agenda included the situation in Africa and climate change. It must be said that the event was overshadowed by the protests and the US-Russia missile dispute. For the 33rd G-8 summit, the local police expected about 100,000 protesters from all parts of Germany and other countries. Sixteen thousand police officers were deployed to protect the heads of state and government; a 12-kilometre-long steel fence was built around Heiligendamm for the price of EUR12.4 million. On the other hand, ATTAC Germany chartered three trains to get as many discontented citizens as possible from the farther parts of Germany and nearby countries to what was expected to be this year’s biggest unified demonstration against G-8.

The missile system that USA wanted to built in Poland and Czech Republic was objected heavily by Russia. In Heiligendamm, Russian President Putin suggested that the American missile defence system be placed in Azerbaijan. US President Bush responded by saying that Putin’s ideas were “interesting.”

A dispute that may have reminded us of the Cold War tension back in the 60s up until the late 80s that ended during the Bush-Gorbachov summit held in Malta.

In a world that is entrapped in various conflicts spread world-wide, the diplomatic system has once again proved itself to be more effective than the armed one. The side effects of war have become too heavy a burden for all.

The distress that people are left in is too terrible to measure. This leads to a series of circumstances that gives way to further problems. These conflicts open the gates to various criminal acts; fundamentalism finds fertile soil to disseminate while other abuses spread and become the norm of the day.

A rise in demand for man at arms is leading warlords to recruit toy soldiers, which are equipped with weapons bought from the black markets. Toy soldiers and toy wives are children forming part of armies in conflict areas. Toy wives provide soldiers with services including those of a sexual nature.

The vicious circle continues to take its toll in the form of a human exodus. Millions of people are displaced across the African continent – a flight for life carried out by civilians to safeguard them. Human beings have to leave their possessions behind, sometimes even their families and relatives, to seek a way of survival – a future to dream about!

This brings us to irregular migration phenomenon. An issue that is leaving its effects in various forms, among which a burden on other countries.

While all assistance must be given to these people, a global effort must be made to assure that the journey is not needed in the first place. An ambitious goal that would signify a better use of the diplomatic system, where war is not a solution but a cause of further distress.

That is why it is important to work with democratically-elected governments in underdeveloped countries so that they reach sustainability.

This would offer the possibility of a brighter future for the millions of people – an opportunity to dream of growth and prosperity in their own homeland.

Another subject on the G-8 summit agenda tackled was climate change – a prominent news item in these days. The group of eight came to an agreement in a non-binding communiqué issued last Thursday; it was announced that the G-8 nations would “aim to at least halve global CO2 emissions by 2050.” Environment ministers within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in a process that would also include the major emerging economies would negotiate the details enabling this to be achieved. Groups of countries would also be able to reach additional agreements on achieving the goal outside and in parallel with the United Nations process.

The eight leaders also announced their desire to use the proceeds from the auction of emission rights and other financial tools to support climate protection projects in developing countries.

The European Union is self-determined to give its positive contribution and take action. Apart from formulating various legislations, the EU is empowering the innovation of sources of energy for a greener future.

This is not an easy task but the EU is able to renew its commitment when all members are united.

David Casa MEP [email protected]

www.davidcasa.eu