For the first time since the end of the Second World War, there is the real possibility of constructing new relationships in Europe and the World that do not depend on threats or the use of military force. However, many obstacles remain to be overcome. Many democratic rights have yet to be institutionalised into law. Huge military infrastructures and large stockpiles of weapons are still in place. There are major differences in the level of economic development and standards of living between East and West, North and South, as well as within individual countries.
Environmental degradation poses a serious threat to survival and gives rise to new conflicts.
To address these problems will require great creativity and the active participation of citizens and governments. In other words, we still have to establish functioning and sustainable democracies. The discussion about the future shape of various economic systems and about how to develop environmental responsibility has not yet reached its conclusion. Europe is at the cross-roads of all this activity. We are witnessing an accelerating movement towards democracy in most countries of Central and Eastern Europe.