Presidents' common article on 15 July 2005: "United for Europe"

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and six other European heads of states discuss the future of Europe in their common article published on 15 July 2005. "Now, the most important task is to increase trust in European policy. We have to make sure everyone can understand the benefits of integration. Without the consent and cooperation of the citizens the EU cannot consolidate, never mind develop further", the Presidents state in their article.

Presidents of Portugal, Finland, Latvia and Austria met in Helsinki in April 2005. Also President of Germany (not in the picture) attended the informal meeting.

The Presidents recall the achievements of the European Union: it has brought growing prosperity and economic strength, freedom and rights in many forms and above all safety from war and oppression. "We must not squander what we have built up, rather have to keep a firm hold on our future opportunities."

The article is written by presidents of Austria, Heinz Fischer; Finland, Tarja Halonen; Germany, Horst Köhler; Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi; Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga; Poland, Aleksander Kwaœniewski and Portugal, Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio. It was published on 15 July 2005 in major newspapers of respective countries.

Text of the article (in English)