Europe's 50th anniversary coming up

At the end of next month - March 25 - it is exactly 50 years since the political leaders of six European countries signed the Treaties of Rome. They made a very important step forward in keeping peace and creating prosperity in Europe. Perhaps more than they even realised themselves. Fifty years is a very short time in history. But look at what has happened since then! We are now 27 countries in the European Union. A long, long list of very positive results. We have Peace. Prosperity. Freedom. Lots of border-free benefits (no border control at most internal frontiers; very cheap flights; very, very cheap phone costs; a common and very strong currency, the €, already between 13 of the member states.) Etc.etc.

This is what should be celebrated on and around March 25. And it will be :)

We should also celebrate that the leading European politicians had the visions, the political courage and the dynamic drive to initiate this unique European process.

Europe's further development and progress very much needs such politicians also today. Personalities with visions and conviction, with the skills to convince their populations and with the necessary political courage and determination to push their visions through.

Let's also use the 50th anniversary to mobilise full support to those politicians in our countries, who fulfill these conditions.

EU's success story at the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is a fantastic place. Superb weather. Fantastic nature. Lovely people. And very, very good local food and wine. No wonder that these islands are becoming the favourite holiday destination for millions of Europeans around the year J

It is a well known fact that the European Union (EU) has invested a lot in these islands. The Regional Fund, the Agricultural Fund and the Social Fund have all over the years given top priority to projects from this part of Spain. In projects, which are all co-financed with the Spanish government in Madrid and the local Canary government. And you REALLY see the results. Fantastic roads. Great airports. Excellent hotels and holiday apartments. Ever improving and increasing agricultural areas growing wine, potatos, bananas, all sorts of fruits, cactus (for Campari !), vegetables, etc.etc.

You really see how these islands - which before were very remote and very poor - have become really developed and in many ways rich. So developed that some day in a foreseeable future they will no longer need assistance from the EU. Like Ireland today. This is the whole raison-d’être for EU funds. To start the development – but not to support for ever.

You may ask: What should European taxpayers’ money be invested here? The answer is simple: because by developing these islands millions of Europeans have got a fantastic holiday area. And the local population have got a totally new life with employment, money, services. This is a win-win situation for everybody. This is EU activities when they are best.

By the way, I also think that the EU should help the authorities here more in controlling the illegal immigration from Africa. But this is another story. EU is for me a question of solidarity. By working together and helping each other we will all cope much better with whatever problems we face J