LONDON, March 22 (UPI) -- The British government says the role of the European Union in the next 50 years must be to safeguard the world children would inherit.
Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon said in a statement Thursday at the Chatham House that security and prosperity in Europe was something the present generation and its predecessor ought to be proud of.
"The 50th anniversary provides us all with an opportunity to celebrate the European Union's achievements and to look ahead to the challenges the EU faces in the next fifty years," Hoon said.
Tackling environmental, security and international development issues are some of the challenges the minister said the EU might face in the coming half of the century. "One of the key challenges which we currently face in the U.K. is raising awareness about how relevant Europe is to our everyday lives and how we can learn from each other across a range of issues," the minister added.
To mark the anniversary, Britain is launching an initiative to "develop learning partnerships" between British schools and their European counterparts. Hoon expressed optimism the scheme would open doors for teachers and young people.
"I hope that it will help more schools to offer their pupils access to an international experience and encourage more joint learning opportunities between U.K. schools and their European counterparts," the minister said. "The young people of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and they deserve every opportunity to learn and develop to their full potential."
