President Sergio Mattarella said
Thursday that the European Union was going through possibly its
toughest period so far in his message for Europe Day, which
marks Robert Schuman's 1950 declaration that led to the creation
of the bloc.
"European history is experiencing perhaps its most critical
phase since the start of the integration process," the head of
State said.
"The security of our continent is being shaken by conflicts that
we had not experienced in recent times.
"It would be illusory to consider the crises in our area as
confined hotspots".
Mattarella also spoke about next month's European elections in
the message.
"In a few weeks, the citizens of the 27 Member States will be
called to the polls to elect the new European Parliament," he
said.
"It is a great exercise in democracy in which hundreds of
millions of voters have the opportunity - and the associated
responsibility - to make themselves the lead figures of their
future.
"By participating in the vote, we will be able to shape the
government of a united European Union, at peace, dynamic and
capable of harmonising the different points of view of its
peoples on the basis of the principles of solidarity".
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