The EU at 60: a beacon for peace and prosperity in an uncertain world

Tomorrow, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, the stepping stone for the foundation of the European Union.

We should always remember that the EU has brought 60 years of peace and prosperity after centuries of wars. The EU has also increasingly contributed to peace and progress in many other regions.

Since its creation by six states (Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxemburg and the Netherlands) in 1957, the EU has made a successful journey towards becoming one of the world’s most open and prosperous economies, as well as a unique social and political model. The EU is not perfect, but it has time and again proven that it is the best tool we have to cope with present and future challenges.

The EU turned a continent historically ravaged by wars and conflicts into a continent of peace and cooperation. Overcoming our differences and our historical feuds to unite our people was once a pipe dream; and yet, 60 years on, the stage of two world wars has become a cradle for peace.

There are currently some 60 military conflicts around the world, and none of them is taking place inside the EU.

The 500 million citizens of the EU enjoy a common space of freedom and rights: we can travel without visas; we can choose to work and live in another country; our university diplomas are recognised in other member states; we receive the same medical treatment abroad as in our home country; we use roaming without fear of roaming charges; we travel through 19 member states using the same currency, we buy safe food and toys for our children, we do not fear discrimination on the grounds of our race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.