On 9 November 2011, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, spoke at the "Berliner Europa-Rede", a strong appeal for deeper integration, unity and democracy. “Provided there is the political will, the greatest emerging power in the world will be the European Union,” said the President. In front of almost 900 invited guests at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, he urged: “Europe is at a crossroads.” "The challenge is how to further deepen Euro area integration without creating divisions with those who are not yet in it. A split union will not work. The Treaties define the euro area as the core of the EU. Deepening convergence and integration of the European Union must also involve deeper democracy. The agenda for Europe must be a positive one. It must not be a reluctant intervention to avoid the worst, but an enthusiastic plan to create the best.” Die Europa-Rede, the “State of Europe” is an event organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Robert Bosch Stiftung and Stiftung Zukunft Berlin. Each year on 9 November, one of Europe’s highest representatives, delivers a speech to present their views on Europe’s past and future. In 2010, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, opened the “State of Europe” series. Related links: • Full speech of President Barroso • Watch President Barroso's speech • The State of the Union • More information on the event • Speech Herman Van Rompuy in 2010