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What will the President of the Commission say in his State of the Union to the European Parliament on 9 September? How is he going to steer European leadership on the current humanitarian crisis and on the social emergency in the EU? If the EU is truly to be big on big things and small on small things – as the President has stated – then the moment is now.

The humanitarian crisis eclipses national and European concerns – it is a concern for humanity as a whole. While our leaders seem to have forgotten the EU’s core values of solidarity and human rights, we have not. In the absence of political action, thousands of people across Europe have welcomed those arriving on our shores with open arms, warm words and provisions such as food, clothes and shelter. We will make sure that President Juncker is aware of the stand taken by Europeans in support of those fleeing war, poverty and persecution.

Unfortunately, the social situation in Europe means that migrants and refugees won’t necessarily be safe once they are here. With alarmingly high poverty, social exclusion and inequality, no one in Europe is guaranteed access to social rights. We have written a letter to the European Commission calling for the establishment of common social standards to protect all people in Europe to be discussed at their now delayed orientation debate.

The current situation shows that we are past the point of State of the Union speeches and orientation debates. A year after his promises, I expect the President of the Commission to make concrete proposals to implement his “social Triple A” for the EU. People need to feel that the EU is there to improve their lives. All of our national leaders are also expected to reach a joint agreement on a European response to the humanitarian crisis that respects each individual’s human rights regardless of their status.

The EU must take note: the world is watching. It is time to be big on big things.

Let’s engage,

Pierre Baussand, Director