Barroso on the 50th anniversary declaration

The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, has proposed five points for the 50th anniversary declaration of the EU, which will be adopted in Berlin. These are solidarity, sustainability, accountability, security and promoting Europe's values in the world.

Solidarity is important because an enlarged and open Europe requires greater cohesion - social as well as economic. Sustainability underlines the need to fight climate change, through energy and other policies, making this the defining mission for Europe's future.

Accountability requires transparency and access to information that should not only become rights for European citizens but also obligations and duties of Europe's institutions.

As for security, Europe must guarantee the security of its citizens while preserving fundamental freedoms.

Europe must also promote its values in the world, as well as its interests. Sustainability, accountability, solidarity and security cannot, and indeed must not, stop at Europe's borders. Europe must promote them in the world.