President Sergio Mattarella called on the EU to face up to its challenges with courage in his message for Europe Day on Friday.

“If we are unable to face the challenges that threaten our future with courage, determination and foresight, we risk losing that invaluable heritage of rights and values ;;that constitute the cornerstone of our integration project,” Mattarella said.

“Shared prosperity, substantial equality, inviolable freedom, lasting peace and solid democracy, respect of the environment that is our home are not only ideals to be safeguarded, but concrete commitments to be renewed with determination.

“The destiny of Italy and Europe and the well-being of future generations lies in our ability to face change with unity and responsibility.

“In the face of the pressing international developments and the strategic and geopolitical threats to which the international community is increasingly exposed, the need not to retreat from the difficulties is imposed on us today with renewed vigour and determination.

“Only through creative efforts, proportionate to the dangers that loom, can we preserve the ideal of a strong, just and peaceful Europe, a bulwark of hope for future generations”.