This sentiment was expressed by President Sergio Mattarella at the opening of an⁢ agriculture event in Rome, as he recounted the history ⁢of Europe to young attendees. The event is scheduled to run until March 26.

During the ⁤event, Mattarella responded to a query regarding the anniversary of the Treaties of Rome:

Tomorrow marks‍ the ⁢67th anniversary of the signing of the ⁣Treaties‍ of Rome. After World War II, a new ⁢era of freedom, democracy, and peaceful coexistence began in Europe. Great ideals ⁤and hopes inspired ⁢the choices of⁤ that⁢ time. Do you believe that subsequent generations have lived up to these commitments? What progress has been made, and where⁢ have we fallen short? does Europe still need ⁣to uphold and confirm our values?

Mattarella responded by stating that the anniversary serves as a moment to reflect on the treaties⁤ as both a starting point of⁢ past⁢ importance and a point ⁢of arrival.

He encouraged ⁤reflection on the context ‍in which European integration began. He noted that in 1945,‍ Europe emerged from a devastating war, following centuries of conflict among ‍European nations. He highlighted the immense loss of life, the rise of brutal⁣ dictatorships, and the horrors of ⁢the Holocaust. In that atmosphere of tragedy, hunger, and despair, forward-thinking⁣ statesmen recognized the ‍need‍ to transform relationships between ⁢European countries.

These ⁤leaders, according to Mattarella, sought a revolution of thought, advocating for collaboration and a shared future instead of opposition.

He emphasized that⁣ the⁢ 1957 Treaty of Rome was a⁢ significant milestone. The initial ⁤step,though,was the European Coal and Steel ‍Community in 1951,proposed by French Foreign Minister‍ robert ‍Schuman.Schuman suggested that France, italy, Germany, Belgium,⁣ Holland, ⁢and Luxembourg pool their coal and steel‍ resources.

Mattarella explained that while these⁤ resources may⁣ seem marginal today, coal was then the primary energy source, and steel⁢ was essential for heavy armaments. He likened the proposal to suggesting the pooling of oil,‍ gas, and ‍nuclear weapons in the present day, emphasizing its revolutionary nature compared to the previous state of Europe. The proposal was welcomed,leading‍ to the signing of the⁣ treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951.

A second stage, focused on⁣ creating a European defense community, faced setbacks when the French Parliament rejected the ⁣treaty. Mattarella stated that the consequences of this rejection are still felt today.

Despite the setback, the integration process was relaunched in 1955⁤ in Messina, leading to the Treaty of Rome⁤ in 1957. This ‍treaty focused on common interests such as the market and trade,⁣ giving rise to the European Common Market.

over time, ⁤the common market expanded to include other collaborations, ⁣eventually leading to⁣ the European Economic Community, integrating the economies of the ⁢original six countries.

The process continued, integrating ⁣other sectors and activities,⁣ ultimately resulting⁤ in⁢ the European union, ‍which has expanded from the original six countries ‍to 27. Several more⁢ countries have applied for membership, with some nearing the required standards.

Mattarella described this as a significant historical phenomenon,further strengthened by the introduction of the euro.

He argued that without the euro, the savings of European citizens would have been overwhelmed by the financial crises of the early 2000s, emphasizing the common currency’s role as a shelter during financial turmoil.

He stated that the progress achieved ‍by European ⁢countries, including advancements in social security, education, and healthcare, was unimaginable in 1957.

Mattarella noted that⁣ this European model is being ⁤emulated on other continents,citing Mercosur in South America,Asean in Asia,and initiatives in ‍Africa as examples.

He acknowledged that the European project is not perfect, citing the need for faster decision-making processes.

He‍ emphasized that⁤ today’s problems are primarily global, including climate change,‍ migration, health, and the global economy. These‍ issues require rapid and timely responses.

Mattarella⁤ concluded by stating that Europe needs⁢ to update itself, assessing its shortcomings and striving‍ for enhancement.

he believes that young people understand the importance of European‍ integration, citing Erasmus and Schengen as ⁢examples of programs that have become‍ commonplace but were once ⁢extraordinary achievements.

He concluded by reiterating the success of the European project and⁣ the continued need for Europe.