Paolo Micheli, member of the European Democratic Party and mayor of Segrate, an important municipality in the Milanese hinterland in Italy, brings to this manifesto the experience of those who live every day under the government of a local community. His contribution is based on the conviction that Europe must once again become an area of solidarity, education, sustainability and participation.
Starting from the concrete needs of the people, Micheli proposes a European vision rooted in values and capable of courageously facing the challenges of our time. A contribution that combines good governance and openness to the future.
ROOTED AND COURAGEOUS
Manifesto for the new Europe
The Europe we dream of is not fearful, closed in on its past, imprisoned by selfish interests. It is a Europe rooted in its history and its deepest values, and now capable of looking boldly to the future. We Europeans. Rooted and bold, because only those with roots can leap forward without fear. But to build this Europe, it is not enough to sit still and reflect: we must go out, walk, meet, share. It is on the road that communities are built, fears are dispelled, the future is created. We need solid and humble figures, capable of being resistance and leaven for society. People with a long, disinterested and therefore deeply “interested” gaze: turned towards the common good, that is, the good of all.
- True progress in the city is measured by caring for the last
Our cities are not only made up of buildings and infrastructure, but also of people. Progress is not measured by skyscrapers or speed of connection, but by the ability to care for those in need. A strong Europe is one that knows how to bend over the weakest. On the street you meet the last, and there you see the heart of a city.
- The priority is education
Education is not a luxury, but the most strategic investment for tomorrow. Schools, universities, libraries, training centres must be the beating heart of the community. If we want a better tomorrow, we must sow today. On the road we grow, we learn, we teach. The Europe we dream of is a Europe that teaches responsibility and beauty, capable of valuing the strong and courageous spirits in society, the undisputed bearers of human values.
- It is illusory to think that we can save ourselves by our own efforts.
No one is saved alone. This is the illusion of our time: to believe that technology, wealth, strength are enough to secure the future for everyone. Europe will be great above all if it knows how to be a community, if it knows how to revive the values of solidarity, cohesion, joint planning and implementation. Along the way, we will help each other, support each other, save each other.
- Blessed are the meek
Gentleness is the highest form of strength. Europe must not imitate arrogant and overbearing powers. It must be an example of the capacity for dialogue, listening and respect. Violence, even verbal violence, is a poison that corrodes the social fabric. We need leaders who are gentle and courageous, capable of showing new ways without raising their voices. It is on the road that one learns patience, kindness and the ability to stand by others.
- The beauty of diversity
Political correctness has paved the way for the acceptance of diversity, all diversity, individual and cultural diversity. The strength and beauty of our thousands of linguistic traditions, of our local, regional and national communities, allow Europeans to live together in an enriching and growing way. In the streets and squares of Europe, tradition and innovation coexist and enrich each other.
- Signs are also important
We live in a time when we underestimate the value of gestures, of symbols, of the beauty that surrounds us. Yet what we see, what we celebrate, what we choose to show the world, tells us who we are. Europe must rediscover the value of signs, of attention to detail, of beauty that speaks to the present. On the road, even a small sign can change everything: a gesture of care, a glimpse of hope, a symbol that unites.
- Artificial intelligence and the future of truth
Europe is on the verge of an epochal change. Artificial intelligence is transforming work, culture, politics and social relations. It is revolutionising communication: it can be used to create new truths, proven by images, videos, documents, verisimilar historical reconstructions. On the road ahead, George Orwell’s ‘1984’ can become the near future already under construction. On the road ahead, Europe must be an authoritative guide in this new era, combining innovation and social rights, development and human dignity with the authority of the cradle of Western culture.
- A Europe that breathes clean air
Being the best is hard work and can be expensive. Europe was the cradle of the industrial revolution, born of the unbridled consumption of raw materials, the pollution of soil, water and air, and the ruthless exploitation of labour. Now it has the task of showing that it is possible to find a new balance that will save our planet, the only one we have. Walk the path and leave it clean for those who will walk it tomorrow.
- A new communication for a new era
Politics and public debate are in a deep crisis. The language of hatred, extreme simplification, the logic of confrontation are extinguishing thought and participation. It is time to find a new register of communication: more authentic, more profound, more constructive. In the streets, words will once again become a bridge, not a wall. We need a politics of dialogue, not of shouting. That unites, not divides.
- A new participation for a new politics
Today, politics and society are experiencing a crisis of participation. Too often, civic engagement is seen as a burden rather than a path to personal fulfilment and shared growth. True democracy needs active citizens who are able to get involved and build the future together. On the way, one discovers that commitment to the common good is a vocation that may even go against the grain, but for that very reason must be lived with serenity and deep joy.
Conclusion
Rooted in our history, boldly building the future. The Europe we want is not closed in fear, but open to hope. It does not defend privilege, but builds opportunity. It does not build walls, but bridges. If we have the courage to be on the road, tomorrow will not scare us. We, On the Road, are committed to building this Europe. Rooted and bold.
