Zeven Europese presidenten houden pleidooi voor Europese samenwerking (en)

The presidents of Germany, Austria, Italy, Finland, Poland, Portugal and Latvia have written a common article, discussing the future of Europe and stressing the need not to give up on the European project.

"Now, the most important task is to increase trust in European policy.... There is no reason to doubt the European project", reads the article.

It comes one month after EU leaders agreed on a pause of reflection as regards the ratification of the European Constitution.

"The aims of the Constitutional Treaty - closeness to the citizens, transparency, democratisation and efficiency - remain valid", write the presidents.

"Now we really have to use the period of reflection. We must not lose heart, rather show tenacity and ingenuity", they add.

They also point to prosperity and growth, peace, freedom of movement, economic strength, as some of the main achievements of the EU, underlining that what has been built up should not be wasted.

They acknowledge that "these are difficult times for Europe", and that the French and Dutch rejection of the EU Constitution have shown that EU citizens feel deceived in some aspects.

That is why, "we need a more democratic, more transparent and more efficient EU", and also "procedures to involve the citizens more in the European project and make them part of its implementation and further development", reads the article.

The presidents also tackle the theme of enlargement, as it is one that has been very much discussed lately.

"The EU's 'open door' policy has proved successful. The accession of new members has given Europe new momentum and new possibilities", they say, adding that commitments towards potential accession candidates must be respected.

The article was signed by Austria's Heinz Fischer, Finland's Tarja Halonen, Germany's Horst Köhler, Italy's Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Latvia's Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Poland's Aleksander Kwasniewski and Portugal's Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio.

It was published on Friday (15 July 2005) in major newspapers of the seven presidents' countries.