What does Europe mean to you?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/27/what-does-europe-mean-to-you

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Norman Stone, historian

Should Britain aim to be at the heart of Europe ? That question was decided when we failed to join the euro, which turns out to be a very good thing. A common currency without common taxation and bonds was not likely to work and the eurozone countries will have to intensify their arrangements if matters are to improve. Britain cannot go along with this: we still have big, worldwide interests that would suffer. In any case, who is convinced that the eurozone, with 25% unemployment in Spain, and a terrible demographic problem, is something to join? The euro project needs serious change if we are to go along with it.

Norman Stone is professor in the Department of International Relations at Bilkent University, Ankara

Imran Amed, entrepreneur

Britain is undoubtedly close to the heart of Europe. Indeed, from a fashion perspective, London offers easy access to Milan and Paris. But Britain's destiny is as linked to a fast-emerging global economy as it is to Europe. London lies at the centre of the world, with an advantageous timezone and geographic position, while the country's cultural output has global impact. This is what first drew me to London from Canada – and why I have chosen to set up my business here. Britain's tradition of openness has made the country a magnet for talented people who bolster London's status . To maintain this enviable position, Britain must remain open to Europe – and to the world.

Imran Amed is the founder of Business of Fashion, "the Economist of fashion'"

Kasper Holten, opera director

The second act of Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro ends with sheer genius: starts with two voices, another gets added, then another, and so on until seven people with different agendas are all talking over each other – and it forms perfect harmony. If this could serve as an ideal for European collaboration, it would seem that the ensemble still needs a lot of music rehearsals! As a guest in the UK, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on what is best for Britain. But as a European, my hope is that Britain will make sure that its voice is heard in Europe. The question is not only whether Britain needs Europe, but also whether Europe needs Britain, and the answer is yes. In music, there can be no balance without a mix of voices. Europe needs Britain as a prima donna in its ensemble.

Kasper Holten is director of opera at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden

Anastasia de Waal, policy analyst

As I fear is the case for a large chunk of the population, to date, the topic of the our European Union membership hasn't elicited quite the interest in me that it should have.

Like recycling, it's clearly imperative, but somehow it's always seemed to be the favoured stamping ground of either the dull or rabid.

Last Wednesday, all that changed – with the choice description of the EU as not available a la carte. Suddenly, the debate was in a language we spoke – not French, but food. And yes, not just hoping to dine a la carte, you might well say that David Cameron was trying to order for the whole table.

Food matters aside, renegotiation has an important place, but so does the EU and its other member states.

Anastasia de Waal is deputy director at the thinktank Civitas