Europe displays its strength

Sir, – This weekend we commemorated two truly historic events.

On Friday the 75th anniversary of VE day, marking the liberation of Europe from fascism and war, and on Saturday Europe Day, celebrating the foundation of a united Europe that would make another war among our nations unthinkable.

On Saturday the European Movement in Scotland marked the anniversary of the 1950 signing of the Schumann Declaration, the first move towards the creation of what is now the European Union.

It has proven to be highly successful in transforming a previously warring continent, delivering the foundations of peace, stability and prosperity after centuries of bloodshed.

Freedom of movement – allowing EU citizens to work, learn, travel and make friends without restrictions – grew out of this.

We know there is much to be done to continue to realise the vision of founders of the Council of Europe and European Union, including Winston Churchill.

However, we take hope from the European Commission’s global pledging event.

World leaders came together – including Boris Johnson – to raise €7.4 billion to support the ongoing research and development of treatments and vaccines for all, leaving nobody behind.

The European Movement believes only countries working together can defeat this common threat.

This co-operative effort will develop solutions that will be critical to fully restoring our way of life, just as it did in the even more difficult days during and immediately after the war.

Mark Lazarowicz. Chair, The European Movement in Scotland.