The world order is shifting. The United States no longer seems a reliable ally for Europe. Russia is waging war in Ukraine and is also trying to disrupt other European countries. What was once certain is no longer the case.
The whims of Trump could seriously damage our economy. Putins warlike intentions are becoming increasingly palpable. Here, as the Netherlands, we cannot offer resistance alone. If we want to ensure that we also have a flourishing economy in the future and can live in safety, we need Europe.
That is why Henri Bontenbal is in Valencia at the meeting of the European Peoples Party (EVP), the main political family of the European Union. Together with leaders of other parties that, like the CDA, are part of the EVP, we want to respond together to the uncertainties that are coming our way. There he addressed those present.
Read Henris speech here
Henris speech at the EVP congress
We are all acutely aware that the future of Europe is at stake.
The world order is shifting. The United States no longer seems a reliable ally for Europe. Russia is waging war in Ukraine and is also trying to disrupt other European countries.
European citizens are seeking stability in a world that is no longer as familiar as it once was.
In several European countries, populist politics have changed the political landscape. Also in my own country, the Netherlands.
I am convinced that the rise of populism is not an inevitable development.
What we need to do is provide a convincing response to the concerns and uncertainties that underlie the growth of populism.
We must not respond to populism with the tactics of populism. No, we must present something better.
Now more than ever, we must defend the European Way of Life.
The basis of this is human dignity, the freedom for people to shape their lives, strong communities where people care for each other, a social and sustainable market economy, a strong democratic rule of law, and democratic citizenship.
In these turbulent times, we do not need experiments.
Now more than ever, we need politicians who resist populism and embody the alternative.
In contrast to what divides us, we place what binds us.
In contrast to indecency, we place decency.
In contrast to autocratic tendencies, we place a stronger democracy.
In contrast to a politics based on the law of the strongest, we place a politics based on values.
The EPP plays a crucial role in shaping Europe. We must feel and take on this responsibility.
This time is not only a threat to Europe but also an opportunity.
An opportunity to advance the promise that the European Community represents.
No single European country can stand firm in the world order.
But together we are much stronger than the sum of the member states.
We must give ourselves the following assignments.
The democratic rule of law forms the basis of the European values community.
We must express European values concretely in our unconditional support for Ukraine.
And we will have to invest heavily in strengthening our social and sustainable market economy.
Leave no one behind should be the principle of the EU.
It is the task of this generation of politicians to shape the future of Europe and to pass on the values that the first Christian Democrats encouraged to establish the European Community.
