Based on that pragmatic approach, I have selected twelve domains, twelve labours of Hercules as illustrated on the metopes of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. Both Hercules and Europa are part of the Greek mythology, from the cradle of European civilization, and are even interconnected. We know that Zeus disguised himself as a white bull to seduce Europa. That same Zeus used the same technique, disguising himself, this time as Amphitryon, the spouse of Alcmene, and conceiving with her a child, Hercules. The mother was considered the tallest, most beautiful woman, and wise with it. The child inherited from his natural father the combination of enormous strength and a certain leanness and was thus very powerful. By analogy, the power of Europe is based on the synergy and power of the constituent Member States and pragmatism should hence allow each of the Member States to be better off together.

The reader should see these twelve priorities as an illustration of how a pragmatic approach can work in practice. Other domains can be added and domains can be omitted, but always based on the premise that actions on the European level should make a difference and that citizens should be able to feel this in everyday life. And just as no metopes stands alone, these twelve policy areas must also become holistic, rather than a menu to select from.

My aim is to briefly summarize each of the labours and still – it is becoming more difficult now – avoid Eurocrat jargon. I will discuss for each labour the potential impact on European citizens and what it is all about. Let us not forget Jean Monnet’s earlier thought that Europe is not for the Member States, but for the citizens. The twelve labours, or priorities, are:

• 1. Erasmus4All or the happy few?

• 2. Environmental and climate policy: a sense of urgency

• 3. Europe: a home for industry?