The world order is changing. The rise of new global players such as China, India and Brazil risks the marginalisation of Europe. Europe's neighbouring Arab countries struggle to become democratic. Global warming requires a radical systemic response. The banking crisis exposes the fundamental weakness of current financial rules. Faced with these and other challenges, the good governance of the international community needs a strong European Union which makes a leading contribution towards peace, justice and liberty.

The Treaty of Lisbon has greatly strengthened the European Union: its full and rapid implementation is vital. However, the future of the Economic and Monetary Union is now at serious risk. The loss of impetus behind enlargement diminishes the EU's moral authority and political credibility in world affairs.

Political solidarity benefits all. There can be no solidarity without government people can trust. Because trust is lacking today, several states are obstructing the necessary debate on federal options for the future of Europe and engaging the EU in a system of unproductive intergovernmental initiatives. At best, this situation negates the logic of the Lisbon treaty; at worst, it risks a return to nationalism and xenophobia.

Europe's political leaders must move decisively now to prevent the disintegration of Europe. They should concentrate on enhancing the EU's capacity to act effectively to deal with current and likely future challenges. They must avoid actions which make further steps towards European integration more difficult.

UEF CAMPAIGNS FOR:

1. the creation of an economic government committed to financial stability and sustainable growth;

2. the calling of an inter-parliamentary conference to prepare the revision of the multi-annual financial framework and the reform of the own resources system;

3. the reform of the electoral procedure of the European Parliament in time for 2014 including transnational lists;

4. the promotion of a European Citizens' Initiative in favour of further reforms targeted at deeper integration;

5. the revision and renewal of the Union's enlargement and neighbourhood strategy;

6. the relaunch of the constitutional process by the European Parliament with the goal of creating a European federal union, if necessary involving a core group of states.

7. a coordinated action of all pro-European associations, in liaison with the Spinelli Group, to relaunch the process of European political integration in the perspective of 2014.