Daniel Calleja began his speech by highlighting the anniversary of the founding of the European Commission’s Legal Service, as well as the functions it has carried out and continues to perform. He also emphasized the importance of remembering the origins of the European Union in order to answer the key question of the path it will take after the elections on June 3, 2024. Over the past three years, the EU has faced threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a significant economic crisis, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to the displacement of six million Ukrainians, generating an unprecedented migration movement.

«The European Union has emerged stronger from these crises», stated Daniel Calleja. For the first time since its inception, the EU has created a health union, where initiatives were deployed, funded, and researched—including vaccine production within a European framework—thus ensuring equal rights for all citizens, both within the EU and in third countries. In the health sector, Calleja highlighted the crucial role played in the creation of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, adopted by 78 countries and now serving as a reference for the World Health Organization.

Europe faces an existential challenge: energy came from Russia, reducing costs; defense was guaranteed by the United States, and production came from China. This reflection led Calleja to ask, «Is our model viable, or do we need change and progress?» This challenge could push Europe into the phase of Geopolitical Europe, defending the values of democracy, multilateralism, common foreign and security policy, and above all, the security of the Union. If Europe is willing to enter this phase, it would seriously consider EU enlargement.

With the renewal of European institutions, the EU is in a moment of transition. «In Europe, this transition is long,» said Calleja, due to the necessary internal procedures and votes, which will conclude on November 1. During this period, Europe faces challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the U.S. elections.

Daniel Calleja concluded his speech with a reflection, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the European project in all areas and advancing toward Geopolitical Europe, without forgetting cooperation, competition as a driving force, and solidarity as a unifying element. These three pillars have shaped the Europe we know today. The future of Europe will be increasingly complex and will require real solutions to emerging challenges.

Following Daniel Calleja’s intervention, a debate was opened where participants raised questions about European integration, Euroscepticism, the EU’s achievements, the European Convention, the EU’s health policy, the green transition, and candidate countries for EU membership.

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