Going back to basics

I am sure that very few of us knew about the existence of the volcano that erupted in the Nordic country of Iceland and I have no doubt that even fewer of us knew its name and how to pronounce it. The Eyjafjallajokull eruption of last Thursday came unannounced and has meant the closure of many airports in mainland Europe causing disruption to flights and chaos among travellers. For those of us who were expected to come to Malta for Pope Benedict XVI's visit it was a huge disappointment but not much could be done as the cloud of volcanic ash drifted towards continental Europe.

Due to this phenomenon, the European Parliament had to postpone various important votes scheduled for this week's plenary session in Strasbourg to the next mini Plenary to be held in Brussels on May 5 and 6. The fact that many MEPs have failed to make it to Strasbourg confirms the extent to which we have become dependent on air travel nowadays. This brings to mind the effects that climate change will have on our planet if we do not combat it effectively. Many tend to brush the problem aside as something that will not affect us during our lifetime but it is our duty to ensure that our world is well prepared for the eventual changes. It is our duty to preserve our world for the generations to come.

The volcanic eruption meant that many had to go back to basics, travelling by car or by train to their various destinations. Maybe few of us MEPs thought we would have to make a five-hour car journey or take the train from Brussels to Strasbourg instead of the routine 30-minute flight this week but alas, since there was no choice one had to undertake the trip by the conventional way and here we are in Strasbourg.

In the fast world we live in, a world enhanced by technology and by all kinds of commodities, we sometimes tend to go for the faster solution without even stopping for a while to consider any other options that may be available, and from what I followed on the media, the visit of the Pope to Malta was a wake-up call in this direction, a visit that brought us to our senses and helped many to rediscover the true values that we were brought up with. It was invigorating to watch thousands greet the Pope and putting aside, even if for a while, the animosities that lay between us. This visit meant that the vast majority of the Maltese also went back to basics and demonstrated unity even in this time of crisis that the Roman Catholic Church is going through. Many sceptics were lost for words after they saw the reception that old and young alike gave to the Bishop of Christ. This visit leaves much food for thought for those who doubted the relevance of the Church in our lives today.

Catholic or not, believer or otherwise, one must understand that the strength of a nation is based on solidarity and reciprocal respect. We have to try and work hand in hand on issues that are common ground and discuss the points upon which we might differ. This is essential in order for our nation to grow as a mature and healthy one. All other aspects are relevant to this factor and no matter how much we advance economically we can never make the grade unless we advance in the relations that we have with others.

The cloud of dust from the volcano will eventually disappear, the airports will reopen, the flights will resume and everything will go back to normal, just like the visit of Pope Benedict will not be the main topic of discussion in a few days' time, but I hope that the lessons learnt will linger on and make us think twice before we take decisions that we will regret later on.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.