This is true for two reasons. Firstly, it opened up the way to enlargement to the east and the south, which is ushering in a new phase in the development of Europe. Secondly, it demonstrated the need for a fundamental debate on the future of Europe. That, in a nutshell, is what is meant by the Declaration adopted by the Heads of State and Government at Nice. Having said that, daring must not mean demagoguery.
European unification is a real success story.
One of the keys of that success is the Community method. While everyone agrees that is needs to be adapted, the baby should not be thrown out with the bath water. We shall continue to need strong institutions and a Community based on the rule of law. At the same time, we must take account of the fact that we live in a union of States and peoples. Any future equation will have to take account of this.