If the Euro-sceptics are correct in trying to equate abortion with EU membership, then how would the Euro-sceptics classify Pope John Paul II who, at the same time, is both the champion of the culture of life and an enthusiastic supporter of the process of European enlargement?
Periodically, the local Euro-sceptics go on what I call the abortion spree. They are passing through such a season, fuelled by the recent approval by the EU Parliament of a pro-abortion recommendation moved by the Socialists and the Greens.
One argument used by the Euro-sceptics is what I call the "ipso facto argument". They say that the legalisation of abortion would be a logical and de rigueur consequence of Malta's joining the EU.
Others put forward the "edge of the cliff" argument. They say that the pro-abortion lobby in the EU is so strong that the legalisation of abortion would be as natural a consequence as a fall is the natural consequence for someone who spends life running on the edge of the cliff.
If the Euro-sceptics are correct, it follows that those who favour EU enlargement or favour a country's accession are, consciously or unconsciously, working in favour of abortion. But if this argument is correct, how would the Euro-sceptics classify Pope John Paul II who, at the same time, is both the champion of the culture of life and a constant supporter of the process of European enlargement?
The Pope has not only championed the grand vision of enlargement, but has also supported his country's application to join the Union. He is one of the Church authorities who believe that the Church is competent in such matters!
When Poland was at the beginning of its long journey to join the Union, the Pope travelled to his homeland and promised its Parliamentarians (June 11, 1999) that the Holy See would support such an endeavour.
One assumes that what the Pope promised, the Pope would deliver, and that the Holy See through its diplomatic services proffered its support in various ways and means. Can anyone imagine the Holy See embarking on such a campaign if accession to the EU meant the legalisation of abortion?
Now that Poland is reaching the conclusion of its drive towards joining the Union, the Pope once more visited Poland and during his farewell speech (August 19) showed his support.
"I do hope that... the Polish nation, which has belonged to Europe for centuries, will find its due place in the structures of the European Union and not only will not lose its own identity, but will enrich this continent and the whole world with this tradition." (For his words of caution see further down.)
The Pope's position on his country's accession to the EU is in line with his continual, enthusiastic support for the process of enlargement. Just a few examples.
A joint statement released at the end of Pope John Paul II's visit (May 24, 2002) to Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, stated: "The Holy Father voiced his support for the efforts of the Republic of Bulgaria to become a full member of the European Union."
One of the strongest pro-EU enlargement statements ever made by anyone was made in May 2001 by the Pope and the Orthodox Archbishop Christodoulos.
"We rejoice at the success and progress of the EU... We are called to intensify our efforts so that the unification of Europe may be accomplished."
On June 24, 2002, in a written message to the participants at a conference on the EU the Pope stated that the growth of the EU is "a priority that should be pursued quickly and courageously".
This is significant as it was written after it was known that the EU Parliament was going to discuss the pro-abortion recommendation referred earlier. Even in that hour he did not engage in any scaremongering tactics.
This makes it crystal clear that the Pope does not believe that a logical or natural consequence of a country's accession to the EU is the legalisation of abortion. Had he done this, he would not have taken the position he had taken regarding EU enlargement in general and the accession into the EU of Bulgaria and Poland.
Poland's case is more relevant. During the Communist era abortion was available on demand. After the downfall of the Communists the Solidarnosc government changed the law in 1992 and allowed abortions only in extremely restricted cases.
The government, which ruled from 1993 to 1997, loosened the law. In 1997 the law was tightened so much that Poland, together with Ireland and Malta, is considered a country where abortion is not legally possible.
The present Communist-oriented Government was planning to liberalise it once more, but till now no change has happened.
Last April a hundred prominent Polish women sent a letter to the EU Parliament accusing the Church of making a deal with their country's government to support Poland's admission to the EU in return for maintaining the country's laws, which effectively eliminate abortion.
Cardinal Josef Glemp dismissed the accusation, saying the Church was supporting Poland's European integration anyway. The letter of these women did not go unheeded since it is common knowledge that Poland was one of the main targets of the pro-abortion recommendation of the EU Parliament.
In such a scenario the Pope's approval of EU enlargement and of Poland's accession is a clear proof that there is no casual or other noteworthy relationship between EU membership and abortion.
Do our Euro-sceptics think that the Pope would speak so enthusiastically about an institution which enforces abortion on its members? Or do these Euro-sceptics think that the Pope is speaking the way he is speaking because he is not well informed?
All this does not mean that the EU and its enlargement present no challenges or difficulties from a Christian perspective. There are. The Pope spoke about these on several occasions e.g. criticism of parts of the Human Rights Charter.
Even in Poland, while supporting its accession to the EU, the Pope spoke clearly both of the difficulties and possible dangers. But the Pope's criticisms are like those of someone who criticises from within.
He is very careful not to throw away the baby with the bath water as he believes that the process of European integration is something positive in itself. In contradistinction to our own Euro-sceptics who spin fear, the Pope looks optimistically at the process and offers hope.
In line with the Pope, one can mention the Polish episcopate, who favour their country's accession to the EU. I conclude with a quotation from its leader, Cardinal Glemp. Last December he said:
"We have nothing to fear; Poland is one of the countries with the strongest national identity, given its Christian tradition... By entering the European Union we lose the zloty (Polish currency) but certainly not our identity. Moreover, new important challenges will open up for the Church in the area of the apostolate."
The same applies to Malta.