The answer to our current conundrum is more, not less, Europe — one that is more competitive, more resistant to economic crises, and more united in the face of the challenges of globalization. That’s why institutions that work to the advantage of the whole E.U. should be enhanced. More Europe with stronger institutions means a Europe with a truly single market area.

Our priority needs to be the euro, however. Containing the crisis is our responsibility. And we will deliver on it. But beyond that our ambition is to ensure that Europe plays a global role that corresponds to its economic power. We refuse to allow the E.U. to be, in the words of a former Belgian minister of foreign affairs, Mark Eyskens, “a political dwarf and a military worm.”

We have already set up the E.U.’s External Action Service. We must now enhance its coherence and visibility. We have to greatly strengthen the Common Security and Defense Policy as well. Shying away from military capabilities simply sidelines the E.U.

We are also looking at other policy areas. We propose that the Schengen area’s external borders be strengthened and better protected by creating a European border police force. In addition we are seeking wider representation in international organizations. Our main objective is to endow the European Union with the means to wield the political clout it merits.

It will take much to motivate citizens to implement these reforms. What can help is to give them a perspective, a vision. Here is ours: For Europe to be a truly strong actor and global leader it needs a strong institutional setup, a streamlined and efficient system for the separation of powers. It also needs a directly elected European Commission president who personally appoints the members of his “European Government,” a European Parliament with the powers to initiate legislation and a second chamber for member states.

No matter how dismayed the majority of citizens may be with the economic situation, they are proud to be part of this unique project called the E.U., with its free movement of goods, services, labor and capital. We are confident that if it ever came to choosing, they would not let the Union unravel. We still stand by the Berlin Declaration that we signed on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome — “We must always renew the political shape of Europe in keeping with the times. ... Europe is our common future.”

Radek Sikorski is the foreign minister of Poland and Guido Westerwelle is the foreign minister of Germany.