You are challenged to be the social conscience of the new Europe. The Conference has provided an opportunity to learn from expert speakers, the media round table and each other. We have risen to many of the new challenges but we must continue to seize the opportunity to renew our commitment to change and to constantly search for ways of improving the effectiveness of our action with the most vulnerable. How the Red Cross and Red Crescent sees Europe today Europe is changing dramatically.
Armed conflicts are once again part of the European reality.
Internal strife with no clear distinction between the combatants and non-combatants. Wars where the rules and norms of International Humanitarian Law are flagrantly disregarded. Individuals, families and communities fleeing within their own countries or across borders. For many, this is today's reality. In past years the state played a key and direct role in providing safety nets and services.