Toespraak van Z.K.H. Prins Constantijn der Nederlanden bij de uitreiking van de Four Freedoms Award aan Max Kohnstamm, Middelburg, zaterdag 8 mei 2004
Majesty, excellencies, distinguished guests,
Dear uncle Max,
Please excuse me for addressing the laureate in such an informal manner, but this is the way that I am used to talk to my godfather.
The organisation asked me to speak for 2 minutes on Max and Europe. We all know this is impossible. Max is too multifaceted, for anyone to catch all his sparkle in such short time frame and Europe&well... one either ignores the subject or debates it for hours, days, years and even lifetimes.
But orders are orders and I will keep it as brief as possible.
Uncle Max, I am deeply honoured to be able to present this prestigious award to you. In you the Netherlands and Europe have a symbol of true commitment to the promotion of international peace and prosperity. You are also the embodiment of a moral person: living by the values you hold so firmly; assessing world events and judging political actions by the fundamental rights and freedoms that we celebrate here today. In the face of terror, recession and pressure you stand firm in your beliefs. In this you should serve as an example for those who are tempted to compromise these values in search for short term solutions.
You stood at the basis of the European Coal and Steel Community and the EEC and you have supported and contributed towards Europe's growth in various capacities, until this very day. Never did I catch you saying that things were better in the past. You are and have always been deeply rooted in the present whilst keeping your eye firmly set on the future.
Today you receive this award for your endeavours to promote freedom from fear. The framework that you helped design has succeeded in progressively removing the fear of war and suppression in Europe. The structure is robust and its success is eminent, but it requires maintenance and sustained investments. Nevertheless, different times have different fears... Old fears of war and suffering seem to have been replaced by new fears: of bureaucracy, of uncontrolled central power, lack of democracy, and of a disconnect between Europe and its citizens.
Too easily we forget Europe's accomplishments; accomplishments that come forth from the most daring and revolutionary of international political initiatives: the once unimaginable integration and stabilisation of this bellicose continent. Bringing stability and wealth and providing a basis for solving common problems; also, establishing a platform for European cooperation that gives individual member states an instrument to leverage their collective strengths: in ambitious research programmes, in asserting global influence and in championing the values that have forged this Union and which still provide its main legitimacy. This remarkable success has been extended one week ago with the historic enlargement of the EU. Thus taking one more step on the long road to sustained stability, peace and prosperity in Europe.
Today we honour one of Europe's founding fathers. Let this be an inspiration for following generations that are challenged to defend and strengthen this bold initiative. Especially at a time when the questions about the EU's legitimacy are real and serious.
For the EU's continuous success it is essential that we do more to communicate Europe to its citizens. To make them understand what Europe means for their daily lives, and to show the opportunities that a united and borderless Europe has to offer. At the same time, we need to work harder to increase the EU's effectiveness, its transparency and democratic legitimacy. Citizens expect the Union to give them the tools, the space, the knowledge, and the information that are needed to participate. More importantly we need continued leadership and... can certainly use some guidance from old hands like Max.
Let me conclude, knowing that I have overstepped my 2 minute limit.
Max lives for Europe and has become Europe: Europe runs through his veins. When Europe is strong, Max thrives.
In order to keep Max in good form for many years to come, let us pledge that we all endeavour for a strong and dynamic Europe.