With the enlargement of the European Union to nearly 30 member states the need to make some changes to the way the Union works, and to the way it relates to the rest of the world has been urged time and again. The move towards establishing a Constitution for Europe has become fraught with differences. Now more than ever before Europe needs leadership that has the courage to promote widespread debate on Europe’s future, and to build visions that reflect what people express.

In 2004 Eurostep defined its own Vision of a Responsible Europe in the world in the context of the European Parliamentary elections. Since then Eurostep has sought to promote debate on the kind of Europe that we want; the role that Europe should be playing in the world. Europe is a major global player and has much influence on the world stage. How this power is used is not just of concern to the citizens of Europe and those living within the expanding borders of the European Union, but to people throughout the world.

In 1995 Eurostep asked a number of prominent people to share their visions on the future role of Europe in the world. We invited people form "old" Europe and "new" Europe; and from other parts of the world. The result was a collection of short statements setting out different visions for the future. These can be found on this site. More statements will be added over time.

Read the statements and join the debate! After you have read the statements, we invite you to join the debate on the future of Europe by giving us your response, or by sharing your own vision of the Role of a responsible Europe in the World. Send us a mail with the message you want to give, together with your contact details.

Follow the links:

• Official Vision of a Responsible Europe in the World
• Statement from Rethoric to Reality
• Individual visions