Commissievoorzitter Barroso feliciteert nieuwe Duitse president (en)
Dear Bundespräsident,
In the name of the entire European Commission I should like to offer my warmest congratulations on your election.
Your election comes at a time of historic challenges for Europe. Overcoming the government debt crisis and the competitive pressure of globalisation poses a serious test for us all, but especially for the citizens of Europe, men and women alike. If we are to master the economic and social challenges of the 21st century, European cohesion and solidarity are essential.
Solidarity within the European Union is not the least of the factors guaranteeing us peace, security and democracy in Europe today. The European internal market is the driving force behind our prosperity. Protection for human dignity, freedom to travel, the Euro i as our common currency - all too many people have come to take all this for granted. But Europe’s position and its values in a changing world stand and fall with our ability to act together - more than ever before this has to be realised and put into practice accordingly.
I would therefore ask you: let us work together to promote Europe and our shared European values to the men and women who are our citizens. European integration is not just the legacy of the founding fathers - it is a task for current and future political action. We would do well to remember the words from Goethe’s Faust: “Freedom and life are earned by those alone who conquer them each day anew.”
I wish you every success, together with energy and good health for your term in office.
Yours sincerely