After years of managing crises that tested our foundations, across the European Union, there’s a renewed sense of purpose: Europe is back, and it means business.

Last year’s European elections saw a political shift that demanded a return to basics. First, people desire economic stability. They want systems that work, and which they understand — systems that simplify and do not complicate. They want Europe to make things easier, fairer and more straightforward.

Second, people want opportunity. They want jobs and a business environment that enables companies to innovate and grow. People believe in our European way but demand a renewed focus on ensuring prosperity and the economic growth that allows our way to deliver.

Third, people are desperate for a sense of security. They want to feel safe — that peace of mind that comes from knowing their children can go to school or walk down the street without fear. They want to know that if their countries face threats, their partners will step into the breach with them.

Our voters’ messages echoed loud and clear.

The European Parliament is to Europeans what the U.S. Congress is to Americans — the institution that represents its........

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