Europe's helplessness

In recent days a delegation of European socialists has been examining the strained relations between Slovakia and Hungaria. "There were good reasons for them to do so", writes the left-liberal Slovakian daily Pravda, because although socialists rule on both sides of the Danube they cannot reach agreement, while nationalistic ideas are increasingly being voiced. The delegation concluded that bilateral relations are good, but their findings "were formulated very diplomatically, as the Eurosocialists were unable to put things more concretely. It was only two years ago that they reproached Prime Minister Fico for working with his [nationalistic] coalition partner. But soon thereafter they eased their criticism. From a legal or political point of view it may well be that the government did nothing to threaten the [Hungarian] minority. But its radical vocabulary had a hand in spreading a spirit of intolerance. Now the European socialists have given a green light to this trend. ... And this notwithstanding the fact that EU structures are there to settle contentions between members."

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