EU in its 'most critical phase' says Mattarella

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 9 - President Sergio Mattarella said Thursday that the European Union was going through possibly its toughest period so far in his message for Europe Day, which marks Robert Schuman's 1950 declaration that led to the creation of the bloc. "European history is experiencing perhaps its most critical phase since the start of the integration process," the head of State said.
    "The security of our continent is being shaken by conflicts that we had not experienced in recent times.
    "It would be illusory to consider the crises in our area as confined hotspots".
    Mattarella also spoke about next month's European elections in the message.
    "In a few weeks, the citizens of the 27 Member States will be called to the polls to elect the new European Parliament," he said.
    "It is a great exercise in democracy in which hundreds of millions of voters have the opportunity - and the associated responsibility - to make themselves the lead figures of their future.
    "By participating in the vote, we will be able to shape the government of a united European Union, at peace, dynamic and capable of harmonising the different points of view of its peoples on the basis of the principles of solidarity". (ANSA).