The European Union is one of Europe's greatest successes, not only because it has brought peace for over 70 years, but prosperity for many people on the continent.

As the former chair of the Council of the European Union, better known as the 'first president' of the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy holds a unique perspective on European society.

In this talk about Europe and ideals, he explores the main challenges ahead to build on the values the European project holds.

Herman Van Rompuy, first president of the European Council and former Belgian prime minister, needs little introduction.

As a lifetime politician, Herman has been at the forefront of driving our society forward, slowly but steadily.

During the financial crisis of 2008, he led Belgium - one of the most culturally complex countries on the face of the planet - to safer waters.

As the “president of Europe”’, 7 years later with the Greek debt crisis, he did the same thing again with the European Union.

Apart from a politician, Herman is also a thinker and creative author, you may know him from his famous haiku’s or his politically oriented books.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx