[FR] Introduction to the debate on the future of Europe: back to basics

I am both happy and honoured to be here, among Belgian friends, elected representatives and citizens, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. My testimony on Belgium in Europe is simple: whenever, in my various roles, I have had to test the loyalty to the spirit and aims of European integration, Belgian leaders have always been there.
We are gathered here at a time when European integration is going through a critical phase and when we would expect everyone to come up with a miracle solution to end the crisis.

Unfortunately, it is not that simple, otherwise our leaders would not have waited for the ceremonies that will take place throughout Europe from 16 to 25 March to find the keys to recovery.

I have often said that there is no future without memory. This is not just a platitude to justify commemorations. It is a historical truth, as demonstrated by all the setbacks caused by short-sighted views or the refusal to take account of traditions or, in a different vein, of past tragedies and mistakes.

Hence the need to look back on these fifty years, which were by no means a golden age, but which launched a unique adventure in history. Cooperation between sovereign nations determined to act through common institutions and to illustrate the values upheld by European integration, peace and mutual respect between peoples, the creation of a community based on the rule of law to which each country submits, and increasing cooperation in the fields of economic and social policy and external relations.

A European historian, Bino OLIVI, aptly titled his book: “The Difficult Europe”. How right he is, for it has never been easy. We must convince those who, today, having not experienced the post-war years, tend to regard the emergence of a united Europe as an old dream, an idea overtaken by the changes that have taken place since then.
The end of the European adventure has often been predicted. And yet it continues. But it has not been a long, peaceful journey.

It is therefore worth recalling the 1950s and the Treaty of Rome, and illustrating the common foundation on which we can once again move forward.

Of course, nothing can ever be taken for granted.

There is always a little devil in history who comes along to destroy all or part of the work of humankind. We must therefore beware of the consequences of a return to the past, which would be all the more insidious because it would not be the result of a thunderbolt from the European Council, but rather the consequence of a cosy and culpable complacency.