Yesterday was Europe’s 50th Birthday. That is, the 50th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community and brought the ‘Original 6’ countries together: Italy, West Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg. It was the precursor of the European Union.

I just want to take the time to say “Happy Birthday, Europe.”

Heritage has bequeathed me a UK passport, and on this basis Europe has given me an Italian health card and a 5 yr Belgian work permit, all just for showing up. I can take a RyanAir flight across the continent for the price of a decent lunch, and cross umpteen borders without waiting in a line-up, or having a working dog sniff me up.

Basically, I’m at the party eating extra helpings of the cake, and washing it down with a glass half full of good spirits.

Sante!