It is the aim of the European Integration Award to recognize the resolutive capacities of European personalities and institutions, their willingness to reach agreements, and their motivation to achieve consensus and cooperation. An opportunity for the old continent to resurge through collaboration, the defense of its borders and the gaze set on the progress.
In a moment of paralysis and as disruptive as the covid era was, Europe managed to propose measures to stop the spread of the virus, contain it, and execute a joint economic emergency plan. The Next Generation funds were the outcome of hours of meetings and conversations. An oxygen balloon to stabilize the European economies, and, above all, to help the citizens. Therefore, the past 6th of may, during the closing session of the XXXVII Reunió Cercle d’Economia, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, received the second European Construction Award, in a meeting in which the president of the government, Pedro Sánchez, and the president of the Cercle d’Economia, Javier Faus, were also joining it.
During her speech, the President didn’t doubt to put the focus on the situation in Ukraine and to highlight the defense of the European democracies, the values of the union and the commitment on the dialogue to resolve this and future conflicts, emphasizing that the only solution is the peace.
The Russian invasion is a danger to Europe. The powers of the world are being altered. Putin is attacking our values against democracy. The Kremlin wants to play the old game of ‘divide and you will win’
Ursula von der Leyen on the Ukranian war
On the other hand, von der Leyen wanted to highlight Europe’s role in the vaccination process, how fast it was and the effectiveness, as well as the commitment of its citizens. A long and hard process, but from which we emerged more united, and projecting and image of solidarity, as the President affirmed. An award that symbolizes the collective hard work from the citizens, companies, and institutions which goal is to redirect the business strategy, to grow economically and move forward to achieve a more transparent, aware, advance and committed society.
