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And success for Europe, in the coming years, means in my opinion four things:
First, protecting our fundamental values: solidarity, freedom, unity against the threats to the Union and its unity coming from both inside and outside. Today, not only are eurosceptics questioning the EU's value, the Union even has enemies. Politics has returned to Europe, history is back, and such times need leadership and political unity.
Second, we need ruthless determination to end the economic crisis. It is our responsibility to complete the genuine Economic Monetary Union. I take this task very seriously. And we must remember that our common currency, the Euro, is our advantage, not our disadvantage.
Third, the European Union must be strong internationally. Europe has to secure its borders and support those in the neighbourhood who share our values.
And fourth, the relations between Europe and the United States are the backbone of the community of democracies. Both we and the Americans are responsible for the future of our relations. The year ahead will be crucial. For all of these things, I will need your help at every step of the way.
There was no shortage of self-deprecation in Donald Tusk’s first public outing as president of what is arguably the European Union’s most powerful institution.
After struggling through a paragraph in French, the former Polish prime minister added: “That was in French – I hope you noticed.” The gag was not lost on the assembled Council staff, who would have been only too aware of the controversy over Tusk’s linguistic shortcomings.
Tusk’s self-deprecating humour resonated in the large foyer of the Justus Lipsius building, the Council’s Brussels headquarters. Just hours after taking over as Council president, Tusk began his speech with “Oh, my God!” and admitted to being “a little nervous” about the job that lies ahead.
Yet his speech soon became deadly serious. Lifting his eyes from the lectern, Tusk brought to the room a sense of purpose as he described how his mission would be moulded by the “difficult times” ahead.
Full article on European Voice (subscription required)