The essence of Europe is not egoism but conviction and a readiness to compromise. This was made clear by Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party and by Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia in contrast to the “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” outburst by Labour MEP Alfred Sant.

[attach id=717790 size="medium" align="right"]Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide de Gasperi, three visionary leaders, created the European Union we live in today with peace and stability we often take for granted. Photo: Shutterstock.com[/attach]

A united Europe was inspired among others by pioneers Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide de Gasperi. These visionary leaders created the European Union we live in today with peace and stability we often take for granted.

De Gasperi – an inspiring force behind the creation of European Economic Community – promoted initiatives aimed at the integration of Western Europe. His role has been described as that of a mediator between Germany and France.

A historic turning point was achieved in 1963 by Charles De Gaule and Konrad Adenauer – a pragmatic democrat and tireless unifier, when Germany and France signed a treaty of friendship which became one of the milestones on the road to European integration.

It was precisely Robert Schuman’s vision to eliminate war that inspired him to propose to Germany and the rest of the European countries to work together towards a merger of their economic interests. He was convinced that when these were tied together it would render war “not merely unthinkable but materially impossible”.  

This explains why he was honoured with the title of Father of Europe.

This ground-breaking organisation paved the way for the European Economic Community and subsequently the European Union, which is still run by the innovative type of European institutions conceived in 1950. Almost 70 years following the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, this significant date is still commemorated as Europe Day.

In Malta in 2019 the Labour Party – which campaigned so strongly against EU membership – today believes it would be an honour to have a Maltese politician occupying one of the top posts of the EU.  On the other hand we have the consistency of the PN leading Malta to Europe with all its opportunities and still striving – on behalf of all of us alike – to enhance unity and reconciliation for the people.

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