Europe, a Continent of Traditions

This lecture, given under the auspices of the William and Mary Trust, is the first of an annual series that will alternate between two historic seats of learning, Cambridge and Leiden. Fittingly for such an international venture, the series has been inaugurated by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Ruud Lubbers with a discussion of the various common values that might reasonably be described as 'European', and the ways in which these might shape any future, post-Maastricht European union. Dr Lubbers reminds his audience that the recovery and re-generation of Europe in its entirety, and the restoration of a common sense of purpose and destiny, is the single most important challenge facing European leaders as this century draws to a close. Only a dynamic, forward-thinking Europe would be true to those traditions that have always characterised the development of Europe hitherto.

• Major statement on important theme by leading European politician
• Strong Anglo-Dutch interest