These pages describe a political project pursued with determination and passion over a five-year period featuring many key events for Europe and the world, including the introduction of the single currency, the enlargement of the European Union to 25 countries, the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, and the war in Iraq. In this account of his experience at the helm of the European Commission, Romani Prodi relates facts, emotions, and challenges of his efforts in favour of an ever stronger and more politically integrated Europe.

Romano Prodi presided over the European Commission from 1999 to 2004. From 2006 to 2008 he has been the President of the Council of Ministers in Italy, a post he had already held from 1996 to 1998. He is also professor of Economics and Industrial Policy at the University of Bologna, a former Minister of Industry and a former President of IRI.