We are celebrating today the moment when the construction of an ‘‘ever closer Union’’ of European nations began. The building of a common Europe is a dynamic process which continues. And this is the right way ahead: Europe can achieve its full political and economic potential when unified around common values, goals and principles.

The message of the Schuman declaration, acknowledging that „Europe will not be made all at once“ but through gradual, concrete achievements, is particularly relevant to the process of enlarging this Union we have constructed over the past 60 years.

It is step by step, through gradual, tangible co-operation, that we’ll resolve conflicts, build lasting peace, protect people’s rights and achieve prosperity for all.

I am happy to see Bosnia and Herzegovina being part of this process. I am committed to continuing to work determinedly together with Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the vision of Robert Schuman.

Stefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy