This year Germany is assuming the Presidency of the European Council for the twelfth time. The German Presidency is marked not only by the high expectations vested in the EU, but also by a milestone which gives us an opportunity to look back with pride on the past half century. On 25 March 2007, Europe will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, which laid the foundation for the European Economic Community and later the European Union.
Looking back over these past decades shows us that the EU is a success story. After the suffering of the past, we are experiencing in Europe the most peaceful period in our long history. Without the EU, the peace, prosperity and stability we enjoy today would be unimaginable. The internal market, based on uniform and reliable rules, with 500 million consumers, and a common currency area for over 300 million people, unite its citizens in a community not only of shared prosperity but also of shared values. With the accession of Romania and Bulgaria, whom we warmly welcome to the EU, and the introduction of the euro in Slovenia, the European project continues to stride forth.
But the EU is also facing new tasks. The challenges we must address today are economic, social and ecological modernization in the age of globalization, the safeguarding of resources, the fight against terrorism and international organized crime, and commitment to a peaceful and democratic future. We Europeans can only do this together, and for that very reason our Presidency's motto is "Europe – succeeding together".
We must further advance the European project and make it clear to the citizens that the EU is their long-term guarantee of prosperity, security and social justice. For me, it is especially important to put the European constitutional process back on track. We want to give our cooperation with neighbouring countries and regions new impetus, to intensify that cooperation and make it fit for the future. This also includes increasing our joint efforts in the field of energy use and security.
The logo of the German Presidency also reminds you of our website – www.eu2007.de – which we have designed for you as a "news agency". During our Presidency of the EU, the website will provide you with fast, detailed and reliable information on the goals, focus, events, background and results of the German EU Presidency.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
