The occasion of your 75th and the EU's 50th birthdays provides a good opportunity for reflection. What are the achievements of the institutions that you were dreaming about at 25, and how would you assess you personal contribution to those achievements?
At the age of 25, bringing Europe together was a passionate dream of mine. Now, the European Union is hard reality and has a positive effect on the lives of close to 500 million citizens. Along with many others, I have been able to contribute as a diplomat, commissioner and businessman to turning that dream into a reality.
Following the turmoil in the EU in the wake of the failed referendums on the draft Constitution, political leaders have been trying to 'sort out the mess'. In your view, how can NGOs and civil society organisations such as 'Friends of Europe', and EU and national media, contribute to this process?
Of course, the unification of Europe is the responsibility of political leaders, but its success or failure affects society as a whole. Political leaders need to be constantly urged onwards, and public opinion must be made aware of the consequences of delay. This is the task of 'Friends of Europe', EurActiv and the other media and NGOs concerned.
What would you say is your single most important recommendation to the next presidents of the European Commission and Parliament, due to be chosen in 2009?
The next presidents of the Commission and the Parliament remain entrusted with defining and shaping the future of the Union, because they are mandated to suggest the future course that Europe should take. This is their priority and requires them to have a strong ambition to develop the Europe of the future.
What is your vision for the Europe of 2020?
The Europe of 2020 should pursue closer integration and greater solidarity between its member states in order to create the political, economic, social and cultural environments that our citizens need, while also ensuring that Europe's contribution to world governance is influential and effective.
