European Commission President José Manuel Barroso promised to work toward “a future where Europe exploits its full potential” in a September 3 document designed to convince the European Parliament to back him for a second term in what is currently the European Union’s most high-profile office.

In his 41-page paper, titled “Political Guidelines for the Next Commission,” the former premier of Portugal said he envisions an EU that “projects European values and interests in the world.” He said it is time for Europe to “move on with conviction and determination to a new phase of ambition” (emphasis ours throughout).

“Our action now will determine the vitality of the European model of society for future generations. It will determine how much influence we have in shaping a new world order,” he continued. “These are no ordinary times. What Europe needs is a transformational agenda.”

So far, Barroso is the only publicly declared candidate for the powerful position. The European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, is in charge of proposing and enforcing legislation that affects the lives of almost half a billion Europeans.

Barroso already has the endorsement of European Union leaders, but still needs backing from the new European Parliament. The Commission’s slow and sheepish reaction to last year’s financial crisis earned Barroso strong criticism, so his endorsement by the newly elected Parliament is not guaranteed. Addressing these concerns, Barroso focused much of the paper on the economic crisis.

“Only by working together,” he wrote, “can Europe have the critical mass needed. We face a choice: Either we collectively shape the new order, or Europe will become irrelevant. … [T]hese days it is fashionable to speculate about Europe’s decline. I take a radically different view. I am convinced that now is Europe’s moment, Europe’s opportunity.”

With Germany only weeks from electing a new chancellor, Barroso’s “radically different view” and his belief in “Europe’s moment” take on special significance.

On August 25, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote that the “[German] election and events to unfold from it are going to bring devastating consequences to this world. A dangerous political structure has been built in the European Union, and it’s about to get a lot worse.”

When Barroso emphasizes his desire to “rekindle a passion for Europe, a new pride and feeling of connection between the EU and its citizens,” it becomes clear that he could be instrumental in hastening the transfiguring of Europe into a stronger, more unified union.

“What needs to be recognized,” Barroso wrote, “is that the European dimension, the European spirit, the European culture in decision-making at all levels, the community method are decisive to use Europe’s assets to achieve the best results for citizens.”

Prophecy tells us that the “European spirit” Barroso longs to nurture will grow to be powerful. To understand the historic and prophetic significance of this “European spirit,” read Germany and the Holy Roman Empire and “Is Germany’s Charlemagne About to Appear?”