H.E. Ambassador David Daly,

Head of Delegation of the European Union to Australia,

Speech for Europe Day 21 May 2010

NSW Parliament House, Sydney

This evening we celebrate Europe Day which commemorates the day, 9 May 1950, on which Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister proposed that the industries of war be pooled under a new supranational control between the countries of Europe . This courageous move led to the EU of today.

It is true that Europe is grappling with the economic crisis, but this is a challenge which we will all come through. The decisions taken by the EU over recent weeks and days are clear evidence of the political will to find solutions in a spirit of solidarity.

A deal was reached on Greece; a deal was reached on a wider European economic stabilisation mechanism (€750bn); the debate has started on strengthening the economic governance in Europe.

There is too much pessimism. I am reminded of a famous figure from Australian poetry; no, not "The Man from Snowy River ", nor The Man from Ironbark". To all who prematurely foretell of the end of the Euro, the famous Mr. Hanrahan is the fellow I'm after!

"We'll all be rooned", said Hanrahan, In accents most forlorn" - when there was frost;

"We'll all be rooned", said Hanrahan, "If rain don't come this week" - when it was dry.

"We'll all be rooned" said Hanrahan, "If this rain doesn't stop" - when it rained, and, finally,

"There'll be bush fires, for sure me man, there will without a doubt, We'll all be rooned", said Hanrahan, "Before the year is out".

No matter what the circumstances, we would all be ruined anyway, according to Mr. Hanrahan.

We should reject the pessimism of Mr. Hanrahan; it does not apply to Greece, Spain, Ireland, Portugal or other Member States; it does not ally to the Euro and it does not apply to the EU.

However, looking at things more broadly begs a question: "What does the European Union bring to the world?"

Three things stand out: its history, its size, and its values.

History: All countries have their histories. The histories of the countries of the European Union include long, rich, and sometimes complicated, contacts with other countries across the world. It is no surprise therefore that the EU has itself developed special, and more modern, partnerships across the globe.

Size: With its population of over 500 million, 7% of the world's population, the EU accounts for around 22% of global GDP; it is the world's largest trader; it provides some 60% of all world development assistance; some 28% of foreign currency reserves are held in the Euro.

But, the relative importance of Europe does not depend on size or economic weight alone, but rather on how these strengths are used; what values govern how Europe uses these strengths in the world.

The European Union is founded on respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities..

Pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice and solidarity all flow from these values, translating into policies which reflect a balance between a European citizen and his surroundings, and which give Europe a distinctive quality of life.

We believe in the market economy and open markets. We believe in solidarity between rich and poor, between the centre and the periphery.

And it is these values that Europe also brings to its relations with the outside world. These are the values which caused the EU to react quickly on the ground in Haiti, Samoa, Tonga, Chile and elsewhere in the face of natural disasters.

These are the values which put EU soldiers on the ground quickly in Chad to protect Darfurian refugees as a holding operation while the UN force was being prepared; these same values put EU peace monitors in Aceh, together with other partner countries.

These are the values which inspire the EU's work with fragile states, ranging from Europe through to the Pacific, and which lead us to provide 60% of the world's development assistance.

These are the values which mean we care about sustainable development and addressing the challenge of climate change and energy security.

These are the values which strive for an ambitious world trade round.

Thankfully, these values are not unique to the European Union. When these values are shared, relationships become easier in a world where we all face increasing challenges.

And in our relations with the world, the Lisbon Treaty, which came into force last December, is making the EU a stronger partner. The EU moves closer to the citizen; it becomes more efficient at 27 MS and it is more streamlined on the global stage.

And so, since we share these basic values, it should come as no surprise that the EU looks upon Australia as a natural partner. And, it should come as no surprise either that this partnership is flourishing.

In conclusion, I refer again to Mr. Hanrahan and say that he is mistaken in his pessimism, at least as far as the Euro and the EU and the EU-Australian relationship are concerned;

"We'll not all be rooned!", I say.

Thank you for your attention.

This page updated June 25, 2010