It is a great pleasure and a privilege to speak before such an international audience. Even more so than my generation, you live a truly European life. Your studies have an international outlook, and, in all likelihood, you have done, or will do, part of these studies abroad. Some of you have started them at the Campus européen franco-allemand in Nancy.
And you are the first generation that has come of age with our common currency. Europe not only comes naturally to you. Your perspective on European matters is also invaluable because Europe is not yet your legacy – but it is your future.