Conference Paper

Addressing the conference themes, this paper contributes to rethinking on Economic Growth and solidarity in Europe. Rethinking requires facts so that a distinction may be made between the culture of Euro-pessimists, who see the European Union falling apart, and Euro-realists, optimists who base their positive assessments on facts. The facts are clear. The sure foundations for economic growth are in place, the product of investment is in place and the prospects for economic growth are assured. First contribution to future economic growth is European leadership in the Energy efficiency field. Remarkable foundations for cheaper energy, a rapidly expanding set of renewable energy resources and the prospects for European energy independence are described. A second contribution comes from the changing nature of politics in the European Union. Solidarity or the populism movement are shown morphing into a centrist movement of main stream parties as elections in the Netherlands and France have demonstrated. The need for socio-economic adjustment is recognized and underway. A third contribution is the hard earned case being made for the Euro. There is the recognition that that the Euro, an idea once ahead of its time, has caught up with the growth and gradual changes which have been taking place in Europe and which are impacting the quality of life for everyone in the European Union. Based on the facts considered, the prospects for the European Union are positive and prosperous. These are three of the “Fair winds in European Sails.”