Courtesy Translation
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, released the following statement:
«Europe Day is celebrated since 1985 along with the values that are so intrinsically tied to it: peace, democracy, and the protection of the rights of individuals as well as of populations.
The 9th of May marks the anniversary of the 1950 declaration with which Robert Schuman proposed the creation of a Community of States whose members would pool the production of coal and steel, being convinced that "World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it."
These words echo in all their extraordinary force in today’s dramatic scenario.
Since the outset of its integration process, European history is perhaps now experiencing its most critical phase.
Our continent’s security is shaken by conflicts unknown to us in recent times.
Our neighbours are plagued with crises that it would be deceptive to consider confined to localized hotbeds.
It is an unexpected situation that faces the public opinions of EU Member States with new decisions.
Throughout its life, the European Union has proven capable of successfully tackling challenges and crises, confirming its capacity to assure the future of Europe and of Italy in a context of peaceful coexistence, economic growth, social development, and the guarantee of freedom.
In a few weeks’ time, the citizens of the 27 Member States shall be called to the polls to elect the new European Parliament.
It is an important exercise of democracy whereby hundreds of millions of voters will have the opportunity – and the ensuing responsibility – of becoming key players in their own future.
By participating in the elections, we will be able to shape the government of a European Union that is united, peaceful, dynamic, and capable of harmonizing the different viewpoints of its peoples according to principles of solidarity, making it the bulwark for our security.
With the same courage and equal determination shown by the Founding Fathers of a United Europe, we must take the destiny of the European civilization into our hands and thus contribute to making the world in which we live more equitable».
