Paul Valler comments on the relationships between EU states

Paul Valler

When Greece was granted membership of the Euro in 2001 it was a hasty and probably unwise marriage. The lure of a stable currency and the attraction of an enlarged Eurozone led politicians to take the vows of monetary union. Now there is no way back. Any exit would trigger catastrophic speculation that would create tsunami-like flows of capital, destabilizing the whole global financial system. As the former president of the Swiss Bank said recently: 'There is no way out of the Euro, the chaos would be overwhelming. It is a marriage in which divorce is not an option.'

So now the parties are stuck together. The Euro is not just a monetary contract; it is a political covenant. The issue of how relationships between states can work is not helped by the personality clash between the Greek and German Finance Ministers. One is a leftist, lively expert in game theory who dresses informally; the other an ultra-conservative, former tax officer with a firm belief in austerity. Somehow they have to find a way.

In Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, when the wayward younger son returned, he said 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son' (Luke 15:21) - a humble and honest admission of personal responsibility. The father was magnanimous and gracious and chose to forgive and receive him back into the family.

Forgiveness, grace and personal responsibility are part of any enduring relationship. A smug, ruling European elite cannot pretend that legalism and following rules will be enough to keep the relationship healthy. That mimics the rigidity and bitterness of the elder brother in the parable. Equally, a government that fails to control spending cannot just blame the system and pretend hardship is avoidable. That mimics the irresponsibility of the wayward son before he came to his senses. What is needed now is for leaders to rise above a geopolitical blame game and take personal responsibility for exercising self-control, forgiveness and grace.

We may not be responsible for the finances of nations, but what about our own circle of relationships with colleagues, friends and family members? Where do we need to admit our failings and take responsibility for what is under our control? Where do we need to forgive instead of being rigid and legalistic, for the sake of our long-term partnerships?

'Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another' (Romans 13:8).