We have to continue building Europe together. Otherwise we will not be able to sustain what has been established so far. Peace, security and prosperity can’t be taken for granted. I wish for the pillars of European integration – the single market and the currency union – to be strengthened. But at the same time we have to make sure that Europe is a democracy governed by the Europeans.
Even in Europe, I fear the return of protectionism and nationalism. I am worried about the loss of trust and respect between governments, but also between citizens. More and more often, Europe is considered a threat rather than a guarantor of peace, freedom and prosperity.
We have to draw the right conclusions from this crisis. It is not enough to reform Europe’s economy and finances. We also need more democracy and participation. We have to enable people to take advantage of their opportunities in Europe. The key to that is better education and more mobility.
I am hoping that tomorrow’s Europe will be a place where my children are able to move around freely. I wish that they can experience and relish the diversity of Europe. They should be proud and happy to be citizens of this continent. They should be able to say: this is mine.