Our grandparents addressed the problems of the generations who had fought two world wars. They were so successful that we are the generation who have enjoyed a longer period of peace and a higher standard of living than any generation ever before.
We should not forget that. But we should also understand that our prosperity can no longer be taken for granted. As the world becomes ever more competitive, we are not changing fast enough to keep up.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron's deal therefore is not only good for Britain, it also offers an opportunity for the EU to confront its economic issues and political weaknesses.
MEPs, the European Commission and EU member states are understandably focused on the most pressing problems related to refugees, migration and security issues. Yet, we must not lose sight of the fact that the EU needs to tackle the fundamental problems of stagnant growth, high unemployment and a lack of competitiveness.
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As part of his renegotiation, Cameron has reinvigorated the member states' commitments to competitiveness.Twenty five years after we all agreed to deliver a single market for Europe, we remain far short of that ambition.
We need to deliver a single market in services and energy, complete the digital single market and accomplish a capital markets union.
Additionally, we need a sense of urgency in our trade talks with third countries - it's unacceptable for these to take such a long time.
Finally, we need to be careful not to bind European businesses in red tape. We should strike a careful balance between the needs of businesses, the rights of workers and the requirements of consumers.
Right across Europe, citizens use three words to describe the EU: "remote, bureaucratic and unaccountable." A recent Eurobarometer survey found that only 32 per cent of Europeans trust the EU, 54 per cent think their voice doesn't even matter; while the "upward trend of the indicators of support for the EU has halted."
The European institutions urgently need to reconnect with the voters. We need to give Europeans a sense of ownership and show them that the EU is working for them, not against them.
I will be campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU. I believe our grandparents did something special for us. They built alliances with other nations who share our values and share our aspirations. Now it's our turn to do something. It's up to us to safeguard our children's future.
The way to do that is to make Europe more competitive, more secure and more prosperous.