The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and current President of the European Council, Mr Janez Janša, today attended a forum marking the 60th anniversary of The Hague Congress, along with distinguished guests such as the President of the European Commission, Mr José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the European Parliament, Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering.
(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
In the debate dedicated to long-term challenges in Europe, the Premier said: “60 years ago, the main challenge was to secure peace in Europe and unite it; today, however, we must focus on three challenges – three global problems coming from outside: peace and security, the fight against climate change and and the fight against poverty.”
(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
Sixty years ago, the main challenge was to tackle problems within Europe – how to secure peace and stability and to unite Europe, said the Prime Minister. He went on to add that at that time, Europe had been vulnerable and divided. Today, Slovenia is part of this modern European family and it also owes a debt of gratitude to the European Movement International.
(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
After Europe has agreed on and adopted the Lisbon Treaty, it must be capable of responding to the key global issues and not only to the ones within its borders. This is indeed the essential difference between the period 60 years ago when The Hague Congress – which marks a milestone in European integration – was established, and today. At that time, Europe had to be built up anew from the ravages of World War II; it had to be reunited and provided with prosperity. “If we Europeans wish to continue to live in prosperity, we need to turn outwards today. Europe must become an active factor in addressing global issues such as world peace and security, climate change and the fight against poverty. These are not only global objectives, but also key European objectives, since they have an impact on the quality of life within the European Union,” concluded the Prime Minister.
Slovenian Premier and European Council President Janez Janša meets HRH the Prince of Orange (Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
The Congress of Europe in The Hague was held from 7 to 11 May 1948 with 750 delegates from the whole of Europe. It was presided by Winston Churchill and attended by important figures of the political arena at that time, such as Konrad Adenauer, François Mitterrand, Paul-Henry Spaak and Altiero Spinelli. Sixty years ago, the participants of The Hague Congress called for the creation of a political, economic and financial union in Europe and discussed the future composition and role of the Council of Europe, which was founded in 1949.
(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
