Though the events of autumn 1989 were cause for much celebration, it now seems clear to me that during this decisive moment for democracy and freedom in Europe, many people failed to realize that the fall of the Berlin wall was set to be just the beginning of a period of great upheaval in Europe, a period that would bring new risks, new uncertainties and new opportunities. If we look back calmly over the past 15 years, it all seems so obvious.
So sicher wie die meisten den Herbst des Jahres 1989 bejubelten, so sicher scheint mir heute, dass viele in dieser Sternstunde der Demokratie und der Freiheit in Europa übersahen, dass der Fall der Mauer nur der Beginn einer großen Umwälzung in Europa sein würde, mit neuen Risiken, neuen Ungewissheiten, neuen Chancen.