Speech (extract) by Konrad Adenauer

Speech (extract) by Konrad Adenauer

‘May everyone make their contribution so that the idea of Europe remains a movement of the people and cannot be weakened. Have an effect on the politicians, the parliamentarians, and the government through a strong, European public opinion; in this way we secure our own future. This appeal, that today Europe shares the same destiny, will especially be understood in Aachen. Creating the foundation for this destiny has been passed on to us. This I call out to the Germans as well as to our European partners across our borders, across borders where so much calamity has passed on both sides. May a better future arise for us all out of the consciousness of our combined heritage and the great tradition of our European continent.’