The European Union project remains vital to peace, prosperity and more

livemint.com:

European Parliament elections have made many Europeans ask what the European Union (EU) has done for them since the last election in 2019. The fact that 27 countries choose to pool their sovereignty and build an economic, social and political partnership based on the shared values of peace, justice, respect and solidarity is unique in global history. It is a triumph that we should not take for granted, especially when so many people globally still yearn for the freedom to choose their government from a diverse array of candidates and parties.

At a time when the geopolitical ground is shifting, the global order that we helped build is being put to the test. Our greatest challenges, be it security, health, digitalization or climate change, require cooperation to address. Europe’s experience shows that we are stronger together and can succeed when we act on the three principles of unity, determination and solidarity.

Our shared experience since the last elections attests to the value that the EU adds to our daily lives. When a pandemic hit, every citizen had access to life-saving vaccines and the pooling of resources had a remarkable impact. For example, the European Central Bank (ECB) provided liquidity to protect financial systems; the European Commission’s SURE scheme helped countries protect jobs; and the European Investment Bank’s European Guarantee Fund complemented national support systems to protect SMEs and the broader business ecosystem.

Even now, the Recovery and Resilience Facility is promoting reforms and investments needed to achieve a strong recovery and drive green and digital transitions. The EU, in short, is a shining success story. Not only has it brought prosperity, peace, stability and social progress