|
We, the Leaders of 27 Member States and
of EU institutions, take pride in the achievements of the European
Union: the construction of European unity is a bold, far-sighted
endeavour. Sixty years ago, recovering from the tragedy of two world
wars, we decided to bond together and rebuild our continent from its
ashes. We have built a unique Union with common institutions and
strong values, a community of peace, freedom, democracy, human
rights and the rule of law, a major economic power with unparalleled
levels of social protection and welfare.
European unity started as the dream of a
few, it became the hope of the many. Then Europe became one again.
Today, we are united and stronger: hundreds of millions of people
across Europe benefit from living in an enlarged Union that has
overcome the old divides.
The European Union is facing
unprecedented challenges, both global and domestic: regional
conflicts, terrorism, growing migratory pressures, protectionism and
social and economic inequalities. Together, we are determined to
address the challenges of a rapidly changing world and to offer to
our citizens both security and new opportunities.
We will make the European Union stronger
and more resilient, through even greater unity and solidarity
amongst us and the respect of common rules. Unity is both a
necessity and our free choice. Taken individually, we would be
side-lined by global dynamics. Standing together is our best chance
to influence them, and to defend our common interests and values. We
will act together, at different paces and intensity where necessary,
while moving in the same direction, as we have done in the past, in
line with the Treaties and keeping the door open to those who want
to join later. Our Union is undivided and indivisible.
In the ten years to come we want a Union
that is safe and secure, prosperous, competitive, sustainable and
socially responsible, and with the will and capacity of playing a
key role in the world and of shaping globalisation. We want a Union
where citizens have new opportunities for cultural and social
development and economic growth. We want a Union which remains open
to those European countries that respect our values and are
committed to promoting them.
In these times of change, and aware of
the concerns of our citizens, we commit to the Rome Agenda, and
pledge to work towards:
A safe and secure Europe: a Union
where all citizens feel safe and can move freely, where our external
borders are secured, with an efficient, responsible and sustainable
migration policy, respecting international norms; a Europe
determined to fight terrorism and organised crime.
A prosperous and sustainable Europe:
a Union which creates growth and jobs; a Union where a strong,
connected and developing Single Market, embracing technological
transformation, and a stable and further strengthened single
currency open avenues for growth, cohesion, competitiveness,
innovation and exchange, especially for small and medium-sized
enterprises; a Union promoting sustained and sustainable growth,
through investment, structural reforms and working towards
completing the Economic and Monetary Union; a Union where economies
converge; a Union where energy is secure and affordable and the
environment clean and safe.
A social Europe: a Union which, based
on sustainable growth, promotes economic and social progress as well
as cohesion and convergence, while upholding the integrity of the
internal market; a Union taking into account the diversity of
national systems and the key role of social partners; a Union which
promotes equality between women and men as well as rights and equal
opportunities for all; a Union which fights unemployment,
discrimination, social exclusion and poverty; a Union where young
people receive the best education and training and can study and
find jobs across the continent; a Union which preserves our cultural
heritage and promotes cultural diversity.
A stronger Europe on the global
scene: a Union further developing existing partnerships, building
new ones and promoting stability and prosperity in its immediate
neighbourhood to the east and south, but also in the Middle East and
across Africa and globally; a Union ready to take more
responsibilities and to assist in creating a more competitive and
integrated defence industry; a Union committed to strengthening its
common security and defence, also in cooperation and complementarity
with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, taking into account
national circumstances and legal commitments; a Union engaged in the
United Nations and standing for a rules-based multilateral system,
proud of its values and protective of its people, promoting free and
fair trade and a positive global climate policy.
We will pursue these objectives, firm in
the belief that Europe's future lies in our own hands and that the
European Union is the best instrument to achieve our objectives. We
pledge to listen and respond to the concerns expressed by our
citizens and will engage with our national parliaments. We will work
together at the level that makes a real difference, be it the
European Union, national, regional, or local, and in a spirit of
trust and loyal cooperation, both among Members States and between
them and the EU institutions, in line with the principle of
subsidiarity. We will allow for the necessary room for manoeuvre at
the various levels to strengthen Europe's innovation and growth
potential. We want the Union to be big on big issues and small on
small ones. We will promote a democratic, effective and transparent
decision-making process and better delivery.
We as Leaders, working together within
the European Council and among our institutions, will ensure that
today's agenda is implemented, so as to become tomorrow's reality.
We have united for the better. Europe is our common future.
|
