Coherence in a fast-changing world

On May 9, the European Union (EU) marks the symbolic date when Robert Schuman put forward his ideas on a united Europe to bring lasting peace and prosperity to our continent. The core of Schuman's vision was to build Europe not by a single decision or a single design but step by step - by pooling sovereignty, and building solidarity through concrete common projects. And that is what has happened.

It is a testament to Schuman's vision and that of others that this family of democratic countries has grown in size and scope - from the original six to 27 European countries today, spreading democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights to more than 500 million European citizens. What started off as a coal and steel community and then turned into a broader economic club has since turned into an outward-looking union with a growing role and reach, acting as a force for good in our neighborhood and globally.

The ambition to build a credible EU foreign policy received a major boost with the launch of the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Jan 1 this year. The EEAS will act as a single platform to project European values and interests around the world. It will act as a one-stop shop, too, for our partners around the world.