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Speech by Edmond Israel, 17 September 1997

Mr. Chancellor,
Excellencies, dear Mesdames, dear Sirs,

The foundation carrying my name and which was created by Cedel International, has designated as recipient of the 'Vision for Europe' Award this year, Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

By doing so, we pay tribute to a great European, a political leader of world rank and the main designer of German unification; and a country which, after the terrible events of the thirties and the last world wars, has developed into an exemplary democracy. A country in which people think freely and speak freely.

You, Mr. Chancellor, are also one of the main designers of the new Europe; on the threshold of the next Century.

You point the way for a unified, multi-cultural Europe, which revives the intellectual and spiritual values of Hellenistic and Jewish-Christian ideas in the spirit of today.

You are the untiring pioneer for a Europe which, in the following years and decades, will play a predominant role on our planet which is shrinking in size.

Helmut Kohl, a visionary? Yes, if this means:

Foresight linked with pragmatism; and, well targeted actions, linked with a good understanding of the inner mechanisms, that determine political events and historical developments. At the same time, you remain modest in your approach to people. Even in the most difficult moments, you remain calm and retain a good sense of humour.

In conclusion - a short explanation of what we mean by the term ‘Vision for Europe’. We have in mind a Europe in which culture, science and technology are promoted. Where the thoughts and actions of people are far more directed towards the future than towards the past; aware that historical processes are dynamic and time moves only in one direction, namely forward.

In this sense, Mr. Chancellor, I am honoured and pleased to present to you, in the name of the Foundation and Cedel International, the 'Vision for Europe Award 1997', symbolised by a sculpture of the Luxembourg sculptor, Lucien Wercollier.

 
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