“We need a strong and effective European Union, a European Union that is a global leader in the transition towards sustainable, climate-neutral and digital-driven development. We need a European Union in which we can all identify, certain that we have done everything possible for the benefit of future generations. Together we can achieve this goal ». It is a passage from the letter to European citizens signed by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, together with other Heads of State, on the occasion of “Europe Day”. A letter in which, among other things, it is emphasized that for the second time this day is celebrated «in very different circumstances from those of past years. It might seem that in the current situation there is not enough time for an in-depth discussion on the future of Europe. On the contrary, the Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us of what is truly important in our lives: our health, our relationship with nature, our relationships with other human beings, mutual solidarity and collaboration. It – the letter continues – has raised questions about the way we live our lives. It showed the strengths of European integration, as well as its weaknesses. Of all this it is necessary to speak ».
“The challenges we face as Europeans are many: from tackling the climate crisis and creating green economies, in a context that makes it necessary to balance the growing competition between global players, to the digital transformation of our societies. We will need – Mattarella and the other heads of state warn – to develop new methods and new solutions. As democracies, our strength lies in involving the many voices present in our societies to identify the best path to take. The more people participate in a broad and open discussion, the better it will be for our Union ”.
«The European project is unprecedented in history. 70 years have passed since the signing of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community and 64 since the birth of the European Community in Rome. At that time, European leaders found solutions to unite a war-torn Europe. Thirty years ago, Eastern and Western Europe began to connect more closely. Very different countries have joined together to form the European Union. Each country has its own historical experiences and feels the weight of its past, with which to deal alone and in relations with other countries ». «The European project – they stressed again – is a project of peace and reconciliation. It has been since its conception, and it remains so today. We support a common strategic vision for Europe, a Europe as a whole, free, united and at peace. All the fundamental principles of European integration remain absolutely relevant today: freedom, equality, respect for human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression, solidarity, democracy and loyalty among member states ”.
‘How can we collectively ensure that these founding principles of European integration remain relevant for the future? Although the European Union sometimes seems ill-equipped to cope with the many challenges that have emerged over the past decade – from the economic and financial crisis to the challenges of pursuing a just and equitable European migration system to the current pandemic – we are well aware that it would be very more difficult for each of us if we were alone. We need – they explain – a strong and effective European Union, a European Union that is a global leader in the transition towards sustainable, climate neutral and digitally driven development. We need a European Union in which we can all identify, certain that we have done everything possible for the benefit of future generations. Together we can achieve this goal. The Conference on the Future of Europe will be an opportunity to speak openly about the European Union and to listen to our fellow citizens, especially the younger ones. It creates a space for dialogue, debate and discussion about what we expect from the EU tomorrow and how we can contribute to it today. We have to think about our common future; for this we invite you to join the discussion and find together the path to follow ».