The EU must take on new responsibilities. And these new responsibilities call for intensifying the integration process.

Think what a revolution it will be if we manage to get everyone to pay their taxes.

No one wants to lose their job, or cede the power they've acquired.

We must now face the difficult task of moving towards a single economy, a single political entity .. For the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire we have the opportunity to unite Europe.

In the darkest days of European history, America stood close by us and today we stand close by America. Nothing will ever be the same.

Moreover, resolving the mother of all problems - the Israeli-Palestinian question - requires cooperation between Europe and the U.S.

We are involved in a constitution-building process of historic importance. The Convention should mark a new stage in European integration.