'To the people of Europe who are joining us today in the European Union I extend the hand of friendship...Today marks the triumph of your determination and perseverance over the legacy of history. For Europe, today marks the closure of one chapter and the opening of another new and exciting chapter in its long history.' (1 May 2004 - European Union enlargement)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker welcomes new EU members, framing their entry as a victory over past history.
- In plain terms
- He celebrates countries joining the EU as a sign of progress.
- What can you take from it?
- Unity and perseverance can overcome historical divisions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines a successful union?
- How do we move past history?
Another view
Political unions can also create new tensions.
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