Federal President Joachim Gauck has travelled to the southern Italian city of Naples for a trilateral meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Polish President Bronisław Komorowski on 19 and 20 November. This is the first time the three heads of state have met. After their talks, they issued “The Naples Appeal” which is intended to send a message of encouragement. In this document the three Presidents state that “we will overcome this serious economic and financial crisis”.

On 19 November the three heads of state held several talks in small groups. These meetings focused on subjects such as the economic and financial crisis in Europe, the high rates of youth unemployment in large parts of the continent and the European Union’s changing role in the world. In addition to discussing these topics, the Presidents also met and exchanged views with students.

Before flying back to Berlin on 20 November, Federal President Gauck also attended a ceremony honouring Polish freedom fighter Gustaw Herling in Naples.

The Naples Appeal

In these times when so many look to Europe with uncertainty or despondence, when Europe seem no longer capable of fulfilling the promise of a socially just society, when many fear for their jobs, their savings, their futures and those of their children, we Heads of State from EU member states both new and old, of countries with different experiences, traditions and mindsets, are sending a message of encouragement. We will overcome this serious economic and financial crisis.

• Let us realize what a fortunate gift it is that the EU member states have lived in peace and freedom for more than 60 years. The Nobel Peace Prize for the EU is an encouragement to us, and spurs us on to move Europe further forward : Europe must live up to its responsibilities and act united in the world.
• Let us stand firmly against mutual resentment and any relapse into nationalistic and narrow - minded views. Only standing united we will be able to cope with the challenges of the globalised world.
• Let us recognize that solidarity is inextricably linked to the respect of shared commitments and common rules
• Let us strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the EU decision – making and continue to work towards a real Political Union.
• Let us reaffirm our common goal that focused investment into sustainable growth and employment is the best way to maintain prosperity and stability on our continent. In this context we highlight the upcoming European Council that will negotiate the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020.
• Let us underline the importance of the EU enlargement policy that continues to advance democracy, the rule of law and human rights as well as fostering peace and prosperity.
• Let us appreciate the value of pluralism and diversity in language and culture, which is a distinctive brand of our societies and lifestyle.
• Let us place a serious priority education, science and research as indispensable conditions for prosperity and a bright future for our children and grandchildren.

More than 60 years ago, at the end of the World War, our continent lay in ruins. Death, destruction and unspeakable suffering had visited the lives of millions. After the war’s end, unprecedented rebuilding efforts began in the Western countries of our continent, while the citizens in Central and Eastern Europe were forced to live under totalitarian rule.

More than 20 years ago, the people who took to the streets of Central and Eastern Europe showed the power of the yearning for freedom which had from the outset formed the foundation of our Europe.

Let us draw inspiration from the strength of those who rebuilt Europe after the Second World War, of those who joined later and of those who fought for freedom, justice and self-determination in 1989-90. They all achieved something extraordinary and taught us to have trust in our own powers. Let us reflect on our creativity, our economic strengths and our political culture, which includes contention but does not end in strife, but rather has created a culture of successful consensus. Let us not give up in building up a truly European public sphere. We look forward in particular to the ideas and to the engagement by the younger generations of Europeans.

Every generation faces its own challenges. Let us take on ours!