Today, we celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This year, the date falls at a poignant moment amidst the worst economic recession since the Great Depression and just weeks before the crucial European Parliament elections.

From its inception, the European Union (EU) has been founded on two inseparable ideals: the protection and promotion of shared fundamental values, namely the human rights of men and women, and the respect for cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity. It has been, at its heart, a project destined to bridge distances between individuals and to bring them together in a space of equality, justice and solidarity, an ambition that was summarised in the historic words of Jean Monet: Nous ne coalisons pas des etats, nous unisons des hommes (we do not unite states, we unite people).

Indeed, the European project is not based on a desire to homogenise, but to attain the enrichment that originates from cultural diversity. The EU’s commitment to this ideal has been a transformational force for peace and stability but also for democratic and economic change within and outside its territorial borders. Through its efforts in promoting dialogue between peoples and in cultivating consensus, the EU has become the champion of cultural diversity on the international scene. This was clear at the recent G20 Summit in London, where the EU took the lead role in promoting dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building as efficient answers to the challenges of the 21st century.

Yet, despite these astonishing accomplishments, there is still a long and complex road ahead for cultural diversity in the EU and everywhere else. As our world becomes increasingly diverse and faces serious global challenges, there is an urgent need for greater dialogue, cross-cultural respect and balance between divergent positions. Intercultural dialogue is about exploring this diversity, while, at the same time, safeguarding unity. The European Parliament has representatives from 27 countries from different parties and 23 languages. It represents a unique paradigm of dialogue and consensus. It is not about obliterating differences, but rather about clarifying positions and exploring common ground. In order to achieve greater solidarity, we must also seek the elimination of all discriminations and the inequalities that threaten the harmonious integration of all fragile communities, such as the immigrant populations. The EU and the member states must continue promoting the mobility of citizens and cultural exchanges within the single European market.

Moreover, at times of economic crisis such as the one we are living today, we must remain attentive to the implementation and respect for these principles, as some may feel tempted to resort to protectionism and xenophobia. Now, more than ever, the EU must endorse and promote the view that diversity and dialogue are instruments of development and wealth, instead of marginalisation.

The political strategy of the EU for the Union for the Mediterranean serves this exact purpose, based on dialogue and equality between people on each side of the Mediterranean. The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly represents a crucial step. Other initiatives that play an important role are the creation of the EuroMed News, a television channel produced jointly by France Télévision and hundreds of local broadcasters in countries like Algeria, Jordan, Libya, Syria and Lebanon; and the establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean University, a network of universities all over the Mediterranean.

These aim at creating cooperation in many crucial areas, such as immigration, security and pollution. Ultimately, they base themselves on the view that dialogue and cooperation are the most powerful antidotes against the very kinds of violence and fanaticism that threaten our society. Cultural diversity may well be the centre piece of the EU’s contribution to the global community and, as such, the key to the longevity and success of the European Union.

Thus, as a country at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is in an excellent position to play a leading role in promoting diversity and dialogue between north and south, west and east, small and big in the Mediterranean.

On 6 June, Maltese citizens, together with the rest of Europe, will have the opportunity to choose for such a Europe of dialogue and peace. Their vote will boost the European Parliament, the only directly elected institution, and shall support its effort for a harmonious common path of the European peoples and security in their neighbouring regions. The EU voters can respond consciously to this challenge and they must do it massively.

Rodi Kratsa is First Vice-President of the European Parliament and 2007 laureate of the Anna Lindh Foundation Award for Euro-Mediterranean dialogue