EU is 60 years young

Last weekend, the heads of government of the 27 member states of the European Union celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which created the European Economic Community, for it to become later on the European Union. For a staunch European like me, this was an important event, in spite of the doubts still being expressed as to whether the EU can thrive in the long term.

The EU leaders signed a declaration that asserted, among other things, the position of the EU as an economic power that could pride itself in an equalled level of social protection and welfare. The declaration also gave a great deal of importance to the need for unity among member states to address global issues but also internal issues.

The declaration continues to allow for the possibility of what is in effect a two-speed Europe, thereby giving flexibility to member states to opt out from agreements that bring about greater integration. Reference is made to the need for security and to the freedom of movement of persons within the EU. A lot of space was given to the economic aspects and the linkage between economic growth and the sustainability of the welfare system. Reference was made to the...