"Impetus for change in the EU will come from the young" - Chancellor David Byrne
-10 November 2008

Speaking at today's graduation ceremony in DCU, David Byrne, Chancellor of the university and former European Commissioner said that the impetus for change in the EU would come from the young.

"Last week we saw the inspirational effect of a new young leader in the United States. The American people embraced his message of change. I believe with that kind of leadership, we can do the same in Europe", he said.

He said that it was appropriate on the anniversary of Armistice Day to remember the deprivation and devastation of the First and Second World Wars.

"We should enjoy our peace and prosperity. However, peace and prosperity do not continue without support. It has been sustained by an extraordinary degree of cooperation and interdependence between former enemies. The enlargement of the EU has brought these hopes and benefits to our new fellow citizens in Eastern Europe", he said.

"Because of Enlargement, that balance needs to be refined, and that is what the Treaty of Lisbon seeks to achieve. This will of course bring some change. Here in Ireland we should not be afraid of change. In difficult economic times there is a natural tendency to withdraw inwards and I perceive the growth of protectionism and an emerging nationalism in many countries. In fact in a recent survey, Ireland emerged as the most nationally minded of all EU Member States, by which I mean we were the least likely to describe ourselves as European. While patriotism is an admirable value, in today's interdependent world, we need to keep a much broader view. We are all affected by events elsewhere - we cannot stand alone", he said.

He urged young graduates not be fearful and to remember that most of today's diseases will be cured, climate change and energy needs will be addressed and things we have never dreamed of will become reality.

ENDS