On January 23, 1995, a few months after Jacques Delors stepped down from the presidency of the European Commission, Jacques Santer, then prime minister of Luxembourg, stepped into the presidency of the Commission.

Seen by many as a second choice and only approved by a small majority in the European Parliament, the years to come for Santer were far from prosperous. With economic indicators spiralling into new lows and evidence of corruption by the French Commissioner Édith Cresson, the European Socialists withdrew their support from the Commission and Santer had to announce the mass resignation from it and a period of limbo not only for the European Commission but also for the European project.

Indeed, many lessons can be learnt by looking to the history of the European project.

Only last week, the European People’s Party named Jean-Claude Junker, the former Luxembourg prime minister, as its candidate for Commission president. After three decades of domestic political dominance, Junker saw a vote of no-confidence in his government in the Luxembourg Parliament, mainly because of abuses by the secret service.

On the other hand however, there is Martin Schulz, the current president of the European Parliament and Socialist candidate for the Commission president post. For Schulz, this step seems like a natural one and he enjoys the support of many European leaders. In fact, Junker himself states that “When it comes to Europe’s Socialists, Schulz is without doubt a respectable candidate.”

The difference between the two however lies in their beliefs and their visions. While Junker promises more of the same, Schulz offers Europe a breath of fresh air. His candidacy and successful election would give Europe the courage to change its course, become more democratic, transparent and just.

Through his conviction, which I’ve experienced first-hand through my experience working with him at European Parliament level, Schulz is the best candidate to lead Europe through these times of insanity where neighbouring countries are fighting and where Europe needs to stand as one.

This is vital for the European project and for nation states because no one country can defend its social values against unbridled globalisation.

From the high levels of youth unemployment to the financial system and protection of personal rights, I believe that Schulz is the man for the job – a job that needs to be done better. His promise of a fairer, more humane Europe is the destination that this project should be aiming for.

Schulz’s promise of a fairer, more humane Europe is the destination that this project should be aiming for

It is the promise of an economically strong Europe that provides growth and social justice. It is the promise of a Europe that creates jobs and ensures fair pay. It is the promise to reduce youth unemployment and invest in education and training.

It is the promise of having a strong common currency that will help Europe prosper in the face of increasing global competition. It is the promise to having Europe as a world leader in environmental protection and in the fight against climate change.

It is the promise of safeguarding consumer’s rights. It is the promise of a more democratic Europe. It is the promise of a Europe that respects diversity. It is the promise of having a peaceful Europe that upholds its founding values.

The points listed above are Schulz’s key points in his roadmap to deliver a rejuvenated Europe for all.

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