The EU’s fundamental purpose has always been to prevent another war in Europe. Economic prosperity and integration are means to that end. However, over the years, a misunderstanding has crept in, as if market-oriented competiveness were the overriding objective. Success of EU policies should be measured against a wider ambition and on a longer timescale. A high-profile conference in Brussels, 19-20 November 2007, will revisit the issue of goals and measurement of progress. President Barroso is to deliver the keynote speech.