In an impoverished Europe which conflict had ripped apart, people yearned for peace, freedom, stability and a new chance to prosper.

The Netherlands is a nation where people ought to want to meet one another, where cultures meet each other,

The generation which lived through the Second World War is disappearing. Post-war generations see Europe's great achievements - liberty, peace and prosperity - as a given.

He was a soldier of justice, which is indispensable to our freedom, stability and peace.

Terrorism is an evil that threatens all the countries in Europe. Vigorous cooperation in the European Union and worldwide is crucial in order to meet this evil head on.

I believe that serious reflection about the values we Europeans share is crucial for the vitality and energy of the European Union.