The goal of the EU is to form a region of freedom, security and justice. Freedom in this connection cannot be just the freedom of the strong, but it must be combined with fraternity and equality.

In this quote, Tarja Halonen, the former President of Finland, outlines her vision for the European Union (EU) and its central goal of creating a region that embodies freedom, security, and justice. Halonen stresses that freedom cannot merely be a privilege for the powerful, but should be an inclusive concept that applies equally to all individuals, regardless of their strength or status. This perspective suggests that true freedom is only realized when it is combined with principles of fraternity and equality, ensuring that it extends beyond mere liberty to include the well-being and fairness for everyone in the region.

Halonen's call for fraternity and equality within the EU emphasizes that social and political freedom should not be restricted to the strongest members but must involve a collective sense of solidarity. The EU, in her view, is not just a union of states focused on political and economic cooperation, but also a community committed to upholding human dignity, social justice, and equal opportunities for all. This reflects the EU’s broader mission to establish a fairer and more inclusive society, where human rights and social welfare are prioritized.

By including equality as a key pillar of the EU's vision, Halonen highlights that genuine freedom cannot exist without justice for all. This implies that any region or society that claims to be free must actively work to dismantle inequalities—be they economic, racial, or gender-based—to ensure that freedom is accessible to every citizen. Halonen’s quote challenges the idea that freedom is simply about individual rights or national sovereignty; it stresses the importance of fostering a society where solidarity and shared responsibility are central to the social contract.

Ultimately, Halonen’s message calls for a balance between individual freedoms and collective responsibility, asserting that the future of the EU depends on its ability to create a region where equality, fraternity, and justice are not just ideals, but actionable realities for all its citizens. Through this, she envisions a truly inclusive Europe, where all members, regardless of their background or power, can thrive together.