Today, a battle is raging for the future of Europe. A battle for its form and direction, its outline and its components, its principles, values, and rules of operation, and ultimately, for its soul. For whom it represents, and whether it offers – and to whom – what it has promised.

We have emerged from a terrible economic and social crisis alive but wounded, divided but still together. During the crisis, we had great difficulty arriving at the right decisions at the right moment; but when the situation became critical, we managed to find the political will to keep the project alive – "whatever it takes."

As Europe seeks its new identity after the crisis, George Papaconstantinou's new book explores its new political, economic, and institutional architecture, so it can take the lead in a rapidly changing global economy, as well as answer the call for more democracy and prosperity.

PRAISE: "Only with faith in Europe can the European crisis be overcome. That is why there is still hope. George Papaconstantinou is a man of faith and hope." Herman van Rompuy, former President of the European Council