President Sergio Mattarella called on
the EU to face up to its challenges with courage in his message
for Europe Day on Friday.
"If we are unable to face the challenges that threaten our
future with courage, determination and foresight, we risk losing
that invaluable heritage of rights and values ;;that constitute
the cornerstone of our integration project," Mattarella said.
"Shared prosperity, substantial equality, inviolable freedom,
lasting peace and solid democracy, respect of the environment
that is our home are not only ideals to be safeguarded, but
concrete commitments to be renewed with determination.
"The destiny of Italy and Europe and the well-being of future
generations lies in our ability to face change with unity and
responsibility.
"In the face of the pressing international developments and the
strategic and geopolitical threats to which the international
community is increasingly exposed, the need not to retreat from
the difficulties is imposed on us today with renewed vigour and
determination.
"Only through creative efforts, proportionate to the dangers
that loom, can we preserve the ideal of a strong, just and
peaceful Europe, a bulwark of hope for future generations".
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