![]() It is thanks to integration that Europe has become an effective actor in the international scene. It is thanks to integration that a smooth transition of Central and Eastern Europe took place after the end of the Cold War. It is thanks to integration that Europe has seen the longest period of peace and stability in modern history after two devastating World Wars. What better way to illustrate this than through the experience of the European Union. All too often this means traditions have to be broken, resources have to be pooled and power has to be shared. In order to create a successful Union, difficult choices must be made. This is both the opportunity and predicament we also experience in the European Union. It means countless different cultures, religions, and languages. 53 countries mean 53 governments with different agendas, interests and needs. In fact I think the title of this conference alludes to this well: “Africa: 53 countries, 1 Union”.ĥ3 countries, is double the number of the Member States in the European Union. It has been instrumental to overcome the cliché of Africa’s dependency on foreign aid, and to establish Africa as an indispensible interlocutor on matters such as peace and security, amongst others.īut this hasn’t been achieved without struggles along the way. Today, the African Union has established itself as a force that can bring change and reforms to the continent. So this great city’s promotion of relations between Europe and Africa now goes beyond even the Foundation for Worldwide Cooperation set up by Romano Prodi, to whom I pay tribute for hosting today’s event.Ī lot has been achieved since the creation of the African Union. It marked the debut appearance in the football team of Steven Appiah, who will captain Ghana in this Summer’s World Cup in South Africa. Here in Bologna, was also a significant date.
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