(Strasbourg) A speech where the continent’s history, European values, actual political news (economy and competitiveness, defence, migration…) met. Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, one of Europe’s smallest countries (as well as the wealthiest one), from the floor of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, gave a speech that ran through the big tangles of integration, while also showing he is confident in the European Union. “Prior generations could hardly have imagined this moment: A Luxembourgish prime minister speaking on French soil in a former German town to the elected representatives of 27 European countries, united by EU treaties and inspired by shared dreams and ambitions”, Frieden began. Then, a further mention of history and current news: “Peace has replaced war, prosperity has replaced stagnation. And liberal democracy has replaced totalitarian ideologies. Unfortunately, today we find ourselves once again at a turning point, facing forces which wish to reshape our world. Internationally, we are facing turbulent times, technological revolution, economic shifts, climate change and migratory flows. It is up to us now to dream of a future for our children, and that does not happen by abandoning our values, but by renewing them. It is through these values – liberty, democracy, rule of law – that we will create Europe”.

“In the midst of a changing international landscape. It is crucial that we recommit to those European values. For 80 years, Europe’s success and way of life were built on international order, rules, treaties and institutions. Today, that system is under pressure like never before. Too few defend it. Too many have lost faith in it”.