Famed across the world as the continent of culture and taste, for centuries it seemed as if Europe, for every great masterpiece, also had a disastrous battlefield: Berezina for Beethoven, Verdun for Velazquez, Stalingrad for Shakespeare. However, after the cataclysm of World War II, Europe reinvented itself to become a force for prosperity and peace.
This success acted as a magnet: it helped our eastern neighbours to bring down communism. Through enlargement we showed that we were serious about making Europe whole and free: today more than 500 million men and women in 27 democracies live in one Union, sharing institutions, a currency, a concept of justice. Other countries are knocking at our door.
This great European venture began 61 years ago today. Yet it is still a beginning, not an end. It is my conviction that in the years ahead, we can once more improve ourselves and be an inspiring example.
On my horizon I see two important tests for Europe. First, to secure the welfare of our citizens. Second, to spread prosperity and stability to the rest of the world, starting with our own neighbourhood.
Since the banking crisis of 2008 began, the European Union has averted an economic collapse, laid the foundations for lasting growth and jobs, and is saving the financial stability of the Eurozone at the cost of immense efforts. Dealing with the sovereign debt crisis in the midst of a storm which started elsewhere has tested our resolve. Much is at stake. The bold decisions we are taking now determine whether we can ensure our future prosperity and standard of living. A good sign, even if some of our economies are in difficulties, is that economic growth and employment are picking up significantly in Europe.
I know the times are testing. People have lost their jobs, others are facing hardship; a global economic competition takes its toll. Yet one also sees young people starting businesses, men and women taking initiatives, community members helping each other. The courage and resilience which the Europeans themselves have shown in the crisis is the best sign of our strength.
As far as the second test is concerned, the most important target of the European Union’s foreign policy is its neighbourhood. Global credibility starts close to home. East and North, as well as South.
The democratic awakening in the Arab world is shaking old convictions. Just as twenty years ago many were amazed when the eastern half of our continent overthrew its dictators, now there is surprise at events on the southern shores of the Mediterranean. It is heartening that the movements in Tunis, Cairo and Benghazi have nothing to do with extremism: the protesters aspire to jobs and justice, to a future in their country. That is why Al-Qaeda’s vision and ideology became irrelevant — not when Osama bin Laden died, but already when the desperate act of a young Tunisian named Mohammed Bouazizi , in December last year, started the Arab spring. That is also why the reign of fear of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya has to end. The countries of the EU were at the forefront of the diplomatic and military battle to stop a bloodbath in Benghazi from happening, convincing others to join.
We must admit, however, that in the past we did not always live up to our own values, instead pursuing the interests of regional stability, even accepting non-democratic regimes to avoid the risk of fanatical dictatorships. In fact, Arab youth embracing the universal values of liberty and democracy was a wake-up call. Europe will now support all steps towards democratic transformation and economic reforms that benefit the people. We want the countries of Northern Africa and the Middle East to prosper. Trade and investment can help create the environment for free enterprise rather than crony capitalism. Young men and women from Algeria to Yemen should be able to build a future in their own countries.
To meet these two tests — within and outside our borders — the European Union has to strengthen its capacities and capabilities. On paper the European Union countries have all they need. Our market and freedom of movement for citizens offer huge opportunities, many still waiting to be seized. As an economic bloc we have great leverage abroad. In combination, the new European diplomatic service and the 27 national ones possess unparalleled experience and expertise. And even in military matters we have real potential if we so wish. To transform virtuality into reality, all actors and all tools need to work together. More than ever, within the European Council, the 27 Heads of State and Government do exactly that.
It is my firm conviction that the European Union can pass these two tests, safeguarding our old yet energetic continent as the best place to live in the world. Like everything in our Union, this will not happen overnight, but only step by step. Or, in Schuman’s words of 9 May 1950: “L’Europe ne se fera pas d’un coup, ni dans une construction d’ensemble: elle se fera par des réalisations concrètes créant d’abord une solidarité de fait”.