AS THE ENORMOUS challenge of Brexit focuses the minds of leaders of the 28 EU member states, the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome today is a compelling reminder of the values that founded the union of member states.

Over 1,000 citizens from all over Europe are taking part in a Forum on the Future of Europe and a celebratory March for Europe through the streets of Rome.

EU heads of state are gathering in what will be the start of a crucial process of deliberation and reflection on what the EU now means, and the way forward to share ideas and values over the next 60 years.

Reflection and analysis are critical now

This focus on the Future of Europe is a starting point for what should be a wider discussion involving all citizens and sections of society, politicians, civil society, trade unions, business, cultural groups, and the media.

Such a deep-rooted analysis is critical as Europe sees, not for the first time, the rise of voices of extremism, racial intolerance and aggression to serve a protectionist ultra-nationalist agenda.

After the devastation wreaked by two world wars, it is all too easy to take for granted the combined efforts required over the past 60 years to advance the cause of peace, and greater cooperation on trade and politics.

In the beginning

When signing the Treaty of Rome, the six founding members – France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg – stated their resolve to pool their resources in order to preserve and strengthen peace and liberty. In the words of the Treaty, they gathered “to call upon the other peoples of Europe who share their ideal to join in their efforts”.

What comprised the original EEC has developed into a Union of 500 million citizens and 28 member states. It has brought about a sustained period of peace in Europe, and a social vision of justice and equality.

The Treaty paved the way for European integration, and shaped what was to become the EU that we recognise today. All subsequent treaties have built on or amended the Treaty of Rome and its provisions still form the majority of EU treaty law.

How the end of the Second World War is linked to the birth of the EEC is important to acknowledge, in order appreciate why the Treaty of Rome is such a significant milestone in European history.

With this came the first signs of Europe uniting both economically and politically

It is saddening that on the anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, for the first time a country is asking to leave rather than join the “union among the peoples of Europe” which the Treaty of Rome envisaged all those years ago.

With the triggering of Article 50 in the coming week by UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Ireland has an opportunity to assert ourselves in the negotiations that will lead to a reshaped EU without the UK.

Now is the time to deepen and strengthen closer relationships with our EU partners and to frame new alliances that will support and develop diverse trade, commercial and investment opportunities.

In light of this, the leaders of the 27 remaining member states will adopt a “Rome Declaration” on the direction of the EU post-Brexit. This comes in the context of a White Paper presented by the European Commission which outlined five possible scenarios for the future of the EU.

These scenarios effectively range from more to less integration, including a scenario which allows for the integration of member states at a different pace; commonly referred to as “multi-speed Europe”.

Unity in an unstable world

But the underlying message of the “Rome Declaration” will be unity, and the need to stand together in an increasingly unstable global order. Sixty years on from the signing of the Treaty of Rome, European unity is more important than ever.

The EU is not perfect nor a panacea for all ills.

But we in Ireland have a choice and an opportunity, just as in 1972, to see our future inside a reshaped EU, to be a full and active member, and to actively contribute to the form of Union we wish to be part of.

Noelle O Connell is the Executive Director of European Movement Ireland, an independent not-for-profit, membership organisation working to make the connection between Irish people and the European Union through education programmes and advocacy work.