EU leaders project unity, despite concerns

ROME — Proclaiming “Europe is our common future,” 27 leaders of the European Union signed a statement Saturday in Rome declaring their commitment to integrating the Continent even as a series of crises has badly weakened the efforts and Britain prepares to leave the bloc.

The statement, known as the Rome Declaration and signed on the anniversary of the day the bloc’s foundations were laid 60 years ago, underscored the aspirations of a “unique union with common institutions and strong values, a community of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

In a nod to reality, however, the leaders acknowledged that they were “facing unprecedented challenges, both global and domestic,” including “regional conflicts, terrorism, growing migratory pressures, protectionism and social and economic inequalities.”

The ceremony took place in a hall in Rome that is the same room where the Treaty of Rome was signed March 25, 1957, by six countries. That event created the European Economic Community, and helped lay the groundwork for Saturday’s union.

Moments after signing, Christian Kern, the Austrian chancellor, raised his fists in triumph.

But behind the pomp and ceremony were concerns about the prospect of the project’s failure. With Britain starting this Wednesday a two-year timetable to leave the union, Prime Minister Theresa May was absent from the gathering. And in a speech at the Vatican on Friday, Pope Francis warned the leaders that their union “risks dying” as nations and citizens turned inward.

Underlining the disaffection with the union, protesters from organizations such as trade unions and left-wing parties took to the streets Saturday, shutting down Rome neighborhoods and railing against European technocrats, capitalism and shadowy economic powers.

“Europe was a dream that has turned into a nightmare,” said Mario De Giorgi, 50. “We are Italians who want more rights and a better life, what we had before the euro.”

That single currency is viewed by many as unfairly benefiting countries like Germany while imposing painful austerity on others like Greece.

There also is rising dissatisfaction with Europe’s claims to moral leadership on human rights since the introduction of tougher policies to limit the entry of refugees and migrants.

But at other marches and sit-ins, most celebrated the treaty. The March for Europe held a rally close to the Roman palazzo where the signing took place.

“Europe gave us 60 years of peace, so I felt I had to give something back,” said Mauro Armadi, 23.