In May 2004 and later in January 2007 the European Union extended to twelve new member states. This event was an unusual opportunity for acceding countries, first of all for these in the middle-east Europe, including Poland. At the same time it brought loads of problems and challenges, which we are all facing today.

The internal enhancement of this international organism, its external relations, including the position on the arena of international politics, solidarity between member countries, European citizenship, national identity - these are only several out of many coming to mind slogans while thinking of extension process.

There should be no manner of doubt that European Union is in a rather bad state nowadays. A clear evidence for it is a failure of Union Constitution caused by wrong and untimely conducted process of coming to further integration and a dispute of Union budget for the forthcoming important years, which - although resolved - proved once again the primacy of national interests in the Union debate.

The events of recent several months are also extremely important for Poland. There are no doubts that entering of our country to the European Union was a historic and absolutely positive decision. At present the form of the Union and Europe depends on us and on Poland. We have to create this future.

This is the reason why we have established the European Institute Pro Futuro Europae. The Institute for the future of Europe, whose aim is a cooperation in forming a multi-level European debate in an interdisciplinary way. As young professionals, recognising ourselves in Europe without any prejudice, we believe that our undertaking will be successful. Departing from liberal and conservative backgrounds we are open for other arguments. We hope we will manage to make European citizens more and more conscious participants living and working in Europe. For the future of Europe. "Pro Futuro Europae".

A warm welcome to the website of the European Institute. We wish you a pleasant reading and we encourage you to stay in touch!

The Team of the European Institute Pro Futuro Europae