European culture is not predefined. It is as varied as its many components are, and with enlargement it will become even more diverse. This is precisely why Turkey's European vocation will benefit and enrich both the EU and Turkey itself. Ladies and gentlemen, Civil society is the third point I would like to discuss. This follows on from the plural tradition in European societies I mentioned a moment ago, and from the requirements defined in the EU's Copenhagen criteria.
People expect a lot from government.
And they are right to do so. But I see it as one of the responsibilities of a government to know when to stop. To know where it cannot add value and where it is not supposed to tread. In our modern societies, we see a growing desire by people to take responsibility themselves, to join with other like-minded people to develop their own community. This might be through a local foundation taking care of the underprivileged, or a network of female academics, or a disaster relief organisation based on religious principles, or a pressure group advocating alternative energy sources.