James Chéron, Candidate on the "Need for Europe" list, National Secretary of the UDI for European Affairs, Mayor of Montereau (77) and Vice-President of the Île-de-France Region and Louis Giscard d'Estaing, Vice-President of the UDI, Regional Councillor of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Mayor of ChamalièresEurope is the DNA of the UDI.

From the founding fathers, Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman, to Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and Simone Veil. President Giscard d'Estaing, in conjunction with German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, played a decisive role in the effectiveness of European democracy, notably through the introduction of the election of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage in 1979, which saw the election of Simone Veil as its first president, and through the creation of the European Monetary System, the precursor of the euro. These advances have helped to forge a continental economic power, which must now be rid of all forms of naivety in order to free our companies from the unfair competition it is now facing, particularly in social and environmental matters. Today, more than ever, Europe is at a decisive crossroads, facing pressing threats such as the security of our continent or climate change. Europe's borders have become a major concern, with the return of war on our doorstep and the hostile shadow of illiberal regimes over EU member countries. If the military threat from the East is very visible, so is the fear of Europeans about the escalating migration crises. Migration tensions are fuelling extremists in all member states; a unified European approach to visa policy and the management of nationals forced to leave Europe is essential to overcome the feeling of powerlessness that prevails across states. Facing us, a challenge of another kind is immense with considerable impacts: climate change. Jean-Louis Borloo, founding president of the UDI, warned us of the catastrophic consequences of global warming on our daily lives. Faced with erratic climatic conditions, isolated responses by States are insufficient. Europe is the appropriate scale for massive and urgent action in the face of this crisis. As we celebrate Europe Day, it is crucial to remember that we need Europe. The stakes of the next European elections are fundamental for us and for future generations. The future of Europe depends on our ability to evolve, adapt and respond together to the challenges that arise. Inside or outside, together or separately, how are we stronger: these are the questions that must be answered. Today, 9 May, as on 9 June, we need Europe.