Press Release

14/03/2007

50 years of the Treaty of Rome: a success story based on common values. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group

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Eleven days prior to the commemoration of the Treaty of Rome's 50th anniversary, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, speaking in the European Parliament in a debate with the European Council and the European Commission, recalled the leading role of his political family in the shaping of a politically integrated, and now reunified Europe.

"Standing up for our values, promoting liberties but also guaranteeing security are views that have always kept us united in the Group," stressed Joseph Daul.

The Chairman of the largest political group in the European Parliament also recalled that the Treaty of Rome is the cornerstone of the European adventure, "which has made war between us not only impossible, but also unthinkable." He added, however that "we have not all been equal in this successful adventure. Whereas we have all striven to acquire freedom, peace and prosperity, a number of our countries were subject to restriction, censorship and uncertainty, oppressed as they were by communist dictatorships."

Joseph Daul recalled that 2007 also marks the 60th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. "Without the help from our American friends and without their decisive commitment to Europe, neither the Schuman Declaration nor the Treaty of Rome would have seen the light of day."

In his appraisal of the European Union success story, the EPP-ED Chairman also pointed out the challenges lying ahead: demography, globalisation, polarisation, energy supplies and climate change, and also the fight against international terrorism.

"One of the prerequisites to success in an unstable and increasingly borderless world is the ability to adapt, without delay or hesitation, to the rapidly changing reality. Adapting, however, does not imply resignation and giving up one's identity."

"The EPP-ED Group believes that future generations can only develop successfully and prosperously in this new world if they are confident in their own capacity to create and adapt. We have a modest but demanding role to play: avoid dead-ends, choose the right path and build strong and sound foundations. That requires clarity and political courage", concluded Joseph Daul.

For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Tel: +32-2-284-5525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 277 Members from all 27 Member States.