Crisler Arena European Commission President Romano Prodi University of Michigan authorities, professors, ladies and gentleman and my dear students. I am greatly honoured to have been invited to receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from this great university. I spent some 25 years as an academic economist at Bologna University before entering the world of European politics. Seeing things from both these perspectives, I would like to spend just a few minutes reflecting with you on the extraordinary era of change that lies just ahead for Europe. As we prepare to enter the 21st century we are facing a unique, interlocking set of challenges - geopolitical, social and economic.
Turkey intends to join the queue later.
The Union is set to expand from 15 to 27 Member States in the medium term. And it was really touching last Saturday in Helsinki to see all the leaders of eastern and western Europe. Maybe, maybe, we will be able to end 10 centuries or more of slaughter, tragedy, wars and disaster. The enlargement means 30 percent more operation with only eight percent to nine percent more income. This will be a fantastic, incredible effort for Europe.