The upcoming European parliament elections are a very important moment, not only due to the natural importance of the electoral moment in a democratic system. The elections are important because of parliament's major role in the functioning of the European Union. The European project has come under attack for a variety of largely invented reasons and has seldom been the focus of unwarranted trade-offs between real economic benefits and principles and voting interests.
The rise of Euroscepticism and the rise of populist actors is one of the major threats to the European project - a project that has brought freedom of movement, peace and the expansion for democratic values and principles all over Europe.
We must not forget, at the same time, that there are still security challenges and threats that threaten not only the European project, but the security and the welfare of regular European citizens. Taking these problems into account and building a more comprehensive, more efficient European foreign policy is one of the main tasks of the next five years.
"I do not think for a single moment that European states and societies stand a chance in today's globalised world and economic system by pursuing solitary or even selfish paths"
In spite of the many diverse critical arguments directed at 'Europe', I believe that the EU's future depends on increasing the pace and the scale of the integration process, on bringing together the European societies, on building a more inclusive society and a balanced economy that can ensure sustainable growth.
I think there is room for reform. I understand the qualms of many ordinary citizens about the lack of transparency in many aspects of European policy. In addition, I believe their voices must be heard. However, I do not think for a single moment that European states and societies stand a chance in today's globalized world and economic system by pursuing solitary or even selfish paths. The future is there for us, but so are the challenges and, as recent events show, the dangers.
Europe is facing the aftermath of the economic and financial crisis. Rules and institutions have been put into place in order to prevent another crisis. However, European leaders must look towards encouraging growth. Fiscal discipline is paramount. I see, nevertheless, a European Union that does not only abide by clear fiscal regulations, but one that also looks to support growth, to increase the competitiveness of our economy, to harvest the creative energies of our brilliant researchers and scientists, and to create jobs.
I believe that over the next five years, EU leaders must find an adequate solution to the problem of youth unemployment and the parliament is essential in contributing to the drafting of strategies that will enable European economies to move along the path of sustainable and inclusive development.
The EU can boast of being the largest market on the planet, the most innovative system, a space of freedom and diversity. In order to maintain its place, Europe needs to continue its policies and to remain the leading actor in combating climate change, in promoting democratic principles and in pursuing the spread of democratic principles and values, by force of example.