EUROPE

EUROPE
The Trajectory, Musical Evolution, and Discography of Swedish Rock Pioneers

1. Melodies Resonating from Scandinavia to the World

Formed in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, the rock band EUROPE is a pioneering entity that pushed the genre of Nordic Metal into the global mainstream during the golden age of hard rock in the 1980s. EUROPE's career is unique not only for its commercial peak with the global anthem "The Final Countdown," but also for its artistic maturity achieved by returning to its roots in Blues and '70s Classic Rock following a hiatus in the 1990s and a reunion in the 2000s.

2. Chapter 1: The Genesis - The Era of Force and Early Struggles (1978-1982)

2.1 Cultural Background and Formation

In the late 1970s, Upplands Väsby, a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden, was an area inhabited largely by working-class youths, where rehearsal studios and youth centers formed the hub of youth culture. Under these surroundings, two talents who would later form the core of EUROPE met: vocalist Joey Tempest (born Rolf Joakim Larsson) and guitarist John Norum.

Joey Tempest, who was 15 at the time, was active in a band called Roxanne, playing bass and handling vocals. Meanwhile, John Norum played guitar in a band named WC and was well-known locally for his outstanding technique. Having seen each other's live performances and recognizing each other's talent, the two decided to join forces in 1979.

They added bassist Peter Olsson and drummer Tony Reno (born Tony Niemistö) to form a new band called "Force." The band name was chosen as a symbol of power in the hard rock scene of that era.

Table 2-1: Force Lineup at Formation (1979)

Member Name	Instrument	Remarks
Joey Tempest	Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar	Primary songwriter. Also played bass at the time.
John Norum	Guitar	Influenced by Michael Schenker and others.
Peter Olsson	Bass	A central figure in the formation, but left in 1981.
Tony Reno	Drums	Supported the early groove, but was later dismissed due to technical issues.

2.2 Early Activities and Industry Barriers

Force's initial rehearsals began with covers of their idols, such as UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Deep Purple. John Norum, in particular, was heavily influenced by the guitarists of these British hard rock bands, which determined the direction of the band's sound. However, Joey Tempest began writing original songs early on, and the band gradually established its own unique identity.

They produced several demo tapes and sent them to Swedish record companies, but the response was cold. While the Swedish music industry at the time still carried influences of progressive rock and punk, it was exclusionary toward hard rock bands singing in English. Record executives demanded that they "cut their hair" and "sing in Swedish," but the band members told them to "Fuck off" and stubbornly stuck to their style (long hair and English lyrics).

2.3 Lineup Changes and the Joining of John Levén

In 1981, the band experienced its first lineup change when bassist Peter Olsson departed. According to John Levén's testimony, although Peter Olsson contributed greatly to the formation of the band, his playing technique could not keep pace with the band as its popularity and skills rapidly escalated.

Following Peter Olsson's departure, the band temporarily brought in Marcel Jacob as their bassist. Marcel Jacob was a talented musician who would later achieve success with Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force and Talisman, but his tenure with Force lasted only three months, from April 1 to June 1, 1981.

Subsequently, John Levén officially joined as the bassist. His arrival finalized the lineup for the debut album: Joey Tempest, John Norum, John Levén, and Tony Reno. John Norum recalled that the band under this new structure gained a reputation as the "most hardworking and hedonistic musicians in the region," living a lifestyle where they would drink until morning after 10-hour rehearsals.

2.4 The Turning Point of Fate: Rock-SM (1982)

The year 1982 became a decisive year for the band's fate. Joey Tempest's girlfriend at the time entered the band's demo tape without their knowledge into "Rock-SM" (Swedish Rock Championships), a nationwide rock talent contest held in Sweden.

Upon entering this contest, Joey Tempest proposed changing the band's name from "Force" to "EUROPE." The name was inspired by Deep Purple's live album *Made in Europe*, which he deeply admired.

Around 4,000 bands from all over Sweden participated in the contest, but EUROPE smoothly made their way through the qualifiers to advance to the finals held on December 13, 1982. On the final stage, EUROPE performed two songs: "In The Future To Come" and "The King Will Return."

The result was an overwhelming victory. EUROPE not only won the championship but also swept the individual category awards.

• Grand Prize: EUROPE
• Best Vocalist: Joey Tempest
• Best Guitarist: John Norum

The grand prize was a recording contract with Hot Records, managed by Thomas Erdtman. There are testimonies stating that Erdtman was initially skeptical about managing a hard rock band, scratching his head and wondering, "What can I do with a hard rock band?" However, he became EUROPE's manager after their victory and guided their early success.

3. Chapter 2: Debut and the Early Breakthrough in Japan (1983-1984)

3.1 The Impact of the Debut Album *EUROPE*

On March 14, 1983, their self-titled debut album *EUROPE* was released. This album was recorded at Electra Studio in Stockholm, but the production budget was limited, and it was completed in just two weeks utilizing weekends.

• Musical Characteristics: This album strongly reflected the influence of NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal), blending fast-paced riffs with the melancholic melodies unique to Scandinavia (the prototype of so-called "Nordic Metal"). The use of synthesizers was still limited, with John Norum's guitar serving as the main pillar of the sound.
• Tracks: The opening track "In The Future To Come" and "Seven Doors Hotel" symbolize the youth and energy of EUROPE at the time.

3.2 Enthusiasm in the Japanese Market and "Seven Doors Hotel"

Particularly noteworthy was the speed and intensity of the response in the Japanese market. The debut single, "Seven Doors Hotel," was a hit in their home country of Sweden, but in Japan, it became a massive hit, breaking into the top 10 on the Oricon international chart.

This track was written by Joey Tempest, inspired by the Italian horror film *The Beyond*. Its dramatic structure and catchy chorus struck a chord with Japanese rock fans. As of 1983, the Japanese LP edition of the debut album reached No. 62 on the Oricon comprehensive album chart. There is no doubt that their success in Japan during this period gave the band confidence and served as a stepping stone for international activities.

3.3 *Wings of Tomorrow* and Evolution

On February 24, 1984, their second album, *Wings of Tomorrow*, was released. Recorded at Polar Studios in Stockholm, the production quality improved significantly compared to the previous work.

• Musical Evolution: A leap in growth was evident in their songwriting. Diversity increased with hard tracks like "Stormwind" and "Scream of Anger," alongside ballads like "Open Your Heart" (later re-recorded for *Out of This World*) and melodic tracks like "Lyin' Eyes."
• Evaluation: This album is positioned as a highly critical work for the band. It was the catalyst for CBS Records to take notice of EUROPE and offer them an international major contract.

3.4 Lineup Changes: Joining of Mic Michaeli and Ian Haugland

Following the release of *Wings of Tomorrow*, the band refreshed its lineup aiming for even greater heights.

1. Joining of Mic Michaeli (March 1984): As the importance of keyboards grew during the album's production, Joey Tempest wished to lessen the burden of playing keyboards during live shows and focus entirely on vocals. Thus, the band recruited Mic Michaeli from a local Upplands Väsby band called "Avalon," initially hiring him as a touring member before making him an official member.
2. Dismissal of Tony Reno and Joining of Ian Haugland (August 1984): As the band's performance level elevated, drummer Tony Reno's technical shortcomings began to surface. He struggled with precise playing to a click track (metronome) and faced motivational issues, including chronic lateness to rehearsals. It is also said that he harbored distrust toward manager Thomas Erdtman. The band dismissed him and welcomed Ian Haugland as his successor. Ian, originally from Norway, was a skilled drummer with experience in bands like Trilogy and Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force.

With this, the five members known as the "classic lineup" (Tempest, Norum, Levén, Michaeli, Haugland) came together, completing the preparations for world domination.

4. Chapter 3: Global Success and Its Price (1985-1987)

4.1 Production of *The Final Countdown*

Having secured a contract with CBS/Epic Records, the band set to work on their third album. Kevin Elson, who had worked with Journey and others, was brought in as producer, and recording took place at Powerplay Studios in Switzerland among other locations.

The main riff of the album's title track, "The Final Countdown," was composed by Joey Tempest during his student days on a Korg keyboard he had borrowed. Initially, guitarist John Norum in particular expressed reluctance about including this song on the album, arguing that "a disco-like song like this is not suitable for a rock band." However, persuaded by the other members and those around them, the song was adopted as the album's opening track and lead single.

4.2 Explosive Hit and Chart Records

Released on May 26, 1986, the album *The Final Countdown* achieved global success rarely seen in music history.

• Single "The Final Countdown": Reached No. 1 on the charts in 25 countries. Its fanfare-like synthesizer riff became a staple at sports events and celebrations, turning into a cultural icon.
• Single "Carrie": Peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's biggest hit in the United States.
• Album Sales: Peaked at No. 8 on the US Billboard 200. Combined global sales of the album and singles exceeded 15 million copies (over 20 million according to some sources).
• Charts in Japan: Reached No. 13 overall on the Oricon album chart and dominated the top positions in the international music category, recording estimated sales of over 300,000 copies.

4.3 The Departure of John Norum

Ironically, at the very moment the band reached its commercial zenith, fractures were forming within. John Norum could no longer endure the band's direction drifting away from the hard rock he envisioned.

Reasons for Departure:

1. Musicality: Dissatisfaction with the keyboard-driven pop sound (so-called "hair metal" or "poodle rock"). He aimed for more bluesy, guitar-heavy hard rock music.
2. Media Handling: Resentment over being treated like pop idols and being forced to lip-sync on television shows.
3. Management: Conflict with manager Thomas Erdtman.

On October 31, 1986, following a live show in Amsterdam, John Norum left the band. This was a massive loss for the band, costing them the core of their musical identity.

4.4 The Joining of Kee Marcello and Touring

As Norum's successor, Kee Marcello (born Kjell Hilding Lövbom), guitarist of the Swedish glam rock band "Easy Action," was selected.

Kee Marcello initially hesitated to join a band experiencing such massive commercial success, but after persuasion from management and considering the opportunity for his own career, he officially joined on November 1, 1986. He excelled in technical and melodic playing, and his appearance matched the band's image perfectly, making the subsequent "The Final Countdown World Tour" a massive success.

5. Chapter 4: The Stable Period into the Grunge Storm (1988-1992)

5.1 *Out of This World* (1988)

Produced under the new lineup, the fourth album *Out of This World* was released on August 9, 1988. Ron Nevison, who had worked with Heart and Ozzy Osbourne, was hired as producer.

• Musicality: While inheriting the pop direction of the previous album, it became a more sophisticated hard rock record with a strong AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) flavor. Kee Marcello's guitar playing was technical yet blended seamlessly into the songs, showcasing the band's matured performance skills.
• Evaluation: The single "Superstitious" was a hit, but band members (especially Ian Haugland and Kee Marcello) later looked back critically, stating that Ron Nevison's production was "too clean, losing the raw energy present in the demo tapes."
• Charts: It reached No. 1 in Sweden, No. 19 on the US charts, and No. 4 on Oricon in Japan, proving that they still maintained high popularity.

On tour, they were highly active, serving as the support act for Def Leppard's US tour. However, overwhelmed by the popularity of Def Leppard's *Hysteria* tour, the band struggled to maintain its position in the American market.

5.2 The Phantom Album "Le Baron Boys" and *Prisoners in Paradise* (1991)

From 1989 to 1990, the band worked on demos for their next album. These sessions, known as the "Le Baron Boys" sessions, yielded a collection of rawer, harder songs. However, their record label, Epic, rejected these tracks as lacking "hit potential" and forced the band into co-writing with outside writers (such as Jim Vallance) and crafting catchier tracks.

The resulting fifth album, *Prisoners in Paradise*, was released on September 23, 1991. While the album itself was a highly polished piece of melodic rock, the timing of its release was disastrous. The very next day, September 24, 1991, Nirvana's *Nevermind* was released, reshaping the music scene overnight into a landscape dominated entirely by Grunge.

"Hair metal" and "'80s hard rock" were instantly branded as "outdated," and EUROPE felt the full impact of this shift. Sales plummeted, and media interest waned.

5.3 Hiatus

In 1992, following a live performance in Portsmouth, the band announced a hiatus. Officially styled as a "break" rather than a "disbandment," the members went their separate ways.

• Joey Tempest: Launched a solo career, releasing albums with country and singer-songwriter-oriented approaches.
• Kee Marcello: Moved on to solo work and record production.
• Ian Haugland, Mic Michaeli, and John Levén: Continued their musical activities by participating in projects like Glenn Hughes and Brazen Abbot.

6. Chapter 5: Reunion and the Challenge of Modernism (1999-2008)

6.1 A Single Night on Millennium's Eve (1999)

After a long silence, on December 31, 1999, the band reunited for a one-night-only performance at a millennium celebration event held in Stockholm. A notable aspect of this live show was the coexistence of two guitarists on stage: John Norum and Kee Marcello.

EUROPE performed two songs, "Rock the Night" and "The Final Countdown," under a freezing sky of minus 20 degrees Celsius. The excellent chemistry among the members during this performance (described by Ian Haugland as being so comfortable that "it didn't take five minutes to let out the first fart") served as a prelude to a full-scale reunion later on.

6.2 Official Reunion and Setting the Direction (2003)

On October 2, 2003, EUROPE officially announced their reunion. However, this reunion involved crucial decisions.

1. Lineup: The band chose to return to the classic lineup from *The Final Countdown* era (Tempest, Norum, Levén, Michaeli, Haugland), and Kee Marcello did not participate in this reunion. The band (especially Joey and John Norum) aimed to "create new, modern music."
2. Musical Direction: Rejecting a mere "recreation of the '80s" and pursuing a modern, heavy rock style incorporating down-tuned guitars.

6.3 *Start from the Dark* (2004)

On September 22, 2004, their comeback record and sixth album, *Start from the Dark*, was released. This album surprised many fans. The glittering keyboard sounds of the past had receded, replaced by a sound dominated by John Norum's thick, distorted guitar riffs, drawing close to dark, contemporary alternative metal. Despite divided opinions, this bold shift in direction established their status as "active creators."

6.4 *Secret Society* (2006)

Released on October 25, 2006, the seventh album, *Secret Society*, pushed the modern approach even further. Critics praised it as "the heaviest and most experimental album in the band's history," showcasing EUROPE's depth of inquiry as musicians.

7. Chapter 6: Return to Classic Rock and Maturity (2009-2017)

7.1 *Last Look at Eden* (2009)

With their eighth album, *Last Look at Eden*, released in 2009, the band hit another major turning point. While maintaining a modern heaviness, they established a style that fused the grandeur and elegance of '70s classic rock (such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple), which formed the roots of EUROPE. The album reached No. 1 on the Swedish domestic chart (their first in 21 years since *Out of This World*), symbolizing the band fully reclaiming its status as Sweden's "national band."

7.2 Leaning into the Blues: *Bag of Bones* (2012)

For their ninth album, *Bag of Bones*, released in 2012, they hired talented producer Kevin Shirley, who had worked with Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, and Black Country Communion. Featuring a guest appearance by renowned blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, the album delivered a earthier, more bluesy, and organic sound. John Norum's playing grew richer in emotion, and Joey Tempest's vocals added deeper layers.

7.3 The Golden Era with Dave Cobb: *War of Kings* & *Walk the Earth*

The albums *War of Kings* (2015) and *Walk the Earth* (2017) were produced under Dave Cobb, a highly sought-after Nashville producer known for his work with Rival Sons and others.

*Walk the Earth* in particular was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, famous for its history with The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Utilizing vintage gear to produce a warm analog sound, alongside progressive rock elements and socially conscious lyrics, the album completely erased any lingering traces of being an "'80s idol band," cementing their reputation as a majestic, mature rock outfit.

8. Chapter 7: The Present and Outlook on the Future (2018-2026)

8.1 The Pandemic and the Documentary Film

Following the 2017 album, the band toured actively with King Crimson and Deep Purple, but was forced to slow down due to the global pandemic starting in 2020. Utilizing this period, production progressed on *EUROPE - The Movie*, a documentary film spanning the band's entire history. Directed by Craig Hooper, editing is moving forward aiming for a release in early 2026 despite delays from the original schedule. The film will feature unreleased archival footage and candid interviews with the members, summing up the band's volatile career.

8.2 Production of a New Album (2025-2026)

As of January 2026, EUROPE is in the midst of producing their 12th studio album.

• Recording Status: Recording began in October 2025 at RMV Studios in Stockholm.
• Producer: Tom Dalgety, who has worked with Ghost and Royal Blood, was hired. The band is once again attempting to challenge themselves with a new sound.
• Musical Style: According to drummer Ian Haugland, the new work is expected to be "more melodic," paying homage to the band's roots while integrating a modern production style courtesy of Tom Dalgety's expertise. The release is scheduled within 2026 (as early as the beginning of the year, or in autumn).

8.3 40th Anniversary Tour (The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour)

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of *The Final Countdown*, a large-scale world tour is planned for the latter half of 2026. The tour will feature full-album performances, making it an unmissable event for long-time fans. It is scheduled to visit various locations around the globe, including the UK, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Japan.

9. Member Biography

Detailed profiles of the members who have shaped the history of EUROPE are listed below.

Current Members - The Classic Lineup

Joey Tempest

• Real Name: Rolf Joakim Larsson
• Responsibility: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards (early era)
• Date of Birth: August 19, 1963 (Born in Stockholm, Sweden)
• Details: The frontman and primary songwriter of the band, best known as the creator of "The Final Countdown." He initially played keyboards as well, but focused entirely on vocals after Mic Michaeli joined. Influenced by singer-songwriters like Elton John and Bob Dylan, his solo work also showed a Neil Young-style approach. Since the reunion, his lower-to-middle vocal range has matured and blossomed with age.

John Norum

• Real Name: John Terry Norum
• Responsibility: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
• Date of Birth: February 23, 1964 (Born in Vardø, Norway)
• Details: A guitar hero heavily influenced by Gary Moore and Michael Schenker. He combines emotional, bluesy phrasing with precise, blistering speed. As the guardian of the band's "rock spirit," his insistence on a modern, heavy sound during the reunion was a key factor in extending the band's lifespan. He has released numerous solo albums and once performed as a guitarist for Dokken.

John Levén

• Real Name: John Gunnar Levén
• Responsibility: Bass
• Date of Birth: October 25, 1963 (Born in Stockholm, Sweden)
• Details: A tall bassist with a striking stage presence. Capable of solid root-note playing as well as melodic phrasing, he forms a powerful rhythm section alongside Ian Haugland. He also acts as a mediator within the band and shares a childhood-friend-like bond with Joey. He has remained a permanent member since joining as Peter Olsson's successor in 1981.

Mic Michaeli

• Real Name: Gunnar Mathias Michaeli
• Responsibility: Keyboards, Piano, Backing Vocals
• Date of Birth: November 11, 1962 (Born in Upplands Väsby, Sweden)
• Details: Joined during the *Wings of Tomorrow* tour. He is a co-writer of "Carrie." From the shimmering digital synthesizer sounds of the '80s to recent vintage styles heavily utilizing the Hammond organ and Mellotron, he plays a crucial role in shaping the band's sound colors.

Ian Haugland

• Real Name: Jan-Håkan Haugland
• Responsibility: Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
• Date of Birth: August 13, 1964 (Born in Storslett, Norway)
• Details: Characterized by powerful, groovy drumming, influenced by Cozy Powell and John Bonham. Serving as the band's mood maker, his live drum solos and comical MC segments are highly popular. He has also been a well-known DJ on Stockholm's rock-centric radio station "Rockklassiker" for many years.

Past Members

Kee Marcello

• Real Name: Kjell Hilding Lövbom
• Tenure: November 1986 – 1992
• Responsibility: Lead Guitar
• Details: Joined from Easy Action. Possessing highly advanced musical theory and technique, he refined the band's sound further. He participated in *Out of This World* and *Prisoners in Paradise*. Since departing, he has been widely active with his own band "K2," solo activities, and musical appearances.

Tony Reno

• Real Name: Tony Niemistö
• Tenure: 1979–1984
• Responsibility: Drums
• Details: Original drummer. Participated in *EUROPE* and *Wings of Tomorrow*.

Peter Olsson

• Tenure: 1979–1981
• Responsibility: Bass
• Details: Founding member of Force.

Marcel Jacob

• Tenure: April 1981 – June 1981
• Responsibility: Bass
• Details: Stayed briefly between Peter Olsson's departure and John Levén's arrival. He is credited as a co-writer of "Scream of Anger." Passed away in 2009.

10. Discography

Details of all studio albums and major live albums/compilations by EUROPE. Chart positions for each album indicate the highest ranks in Sweden (SWE), the US (Billboard 200), and Japan (JP Oricon).

Studio Albums

Table 10-1: List of Studio Albums

Year	Title	Chart (SWE/US/JP)	Commentary
1983	幻想交響詩 (EUROPE)	8/-/62	Debut work. Heavy NWOBHM influence. "Seven Doors Hotel" became a hit in Japan. A record packed with youthful impulse despite a low budget.
1984	明日への翼 (Wings of Tomorrow)	20/-/24	A key record demonstrating the band's growth. Contains "Open Your Heart" and "Stormwind." Catalyst for overseas advancement.
1986	The Final Countdown	1/8/13	Global mega-hit. Features "The Final Countdown," "Carrie," and "Rock the Night." An album symbolizing the '80s.
1988	Out of This World	1/19/4	Features the debut of Kee Marcello. Sophisticated AOR hard rock. Contains "Superstitious." Their popularity in Japan peaked with this.
1991	Prisoners in Paradise	9/-/12	Last album before the hiatus. Recorded in LA, leaning toward American rock. Contains "I'll Cry for You." Struggled in sales due to the rise of grunge.
2004	Start from the Dark	2/-/-	First comeback release. A heavy and modern sound utilizing down-tuned guitars. Contains "Got to Have Faith."
2006	Secret Society	4/-/-	Dark and experimental style. An ambitious work showcasing the band's creativity. Contains "Always the Pretenders."
2009	Last Look at Eden	1/-/-	Return to '70s classic rock. Contains "Last Look at Eden" and "New Love in Town." Reclaimed the No. 1 spot in Sweden.
2012	Bag of Bones	2/-/-	Produced by Kevin Shirley. Bluesy and earthy rock. Contains "Not Supposed to Sing the Blues."
2015	War of Kings	2/-/67	Produced by Dave Cobb. Displays the presence of a legitimate successor to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Contains "War of Kings."
2017	Walk the Earth	2/-/-	Recorded at Abbey Road. A masterpiece incorporating progressive elements. Won a Swedish Grammis award.
2026	(Untitled)	-/-/-	12th album scheduled for a 2026 release. Produced by Tom Dalgety.

Live Albums

• 1993: 1982-1992 - Band-authorized compilation, containing some live recordings.
• 2004: The Final Countdown Tour 1986 - Contains recordings from their peak live performances in 1986.
• 2008: Almost Unplugged - Semi-acoustic live show performed in Nacka. Includes covers of Pink Floyd and UFO.
• 2011: Live! At Shepherd's Bush, London - London show from the *Last Look at Eden* tour.
• 2013: Live at Sweden Rock - 30th Anniversary Show - Record of their appearance at a major festival celebrating their 30th anniversary. Features guest appearances by Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) and Michael Schenker.

Compilation Albums

• 1993: 1982-1992 - Encompasses representative tracks from the Epic era.
• 2004: Rock the Night: The Very Best of EUROPE - A 2-CD best-of compilation released alongside the reunion.
• 2009: The Final Countdown: The Best of EUROPE - Compilation album released by Sony Music.

11. Swedish Legacy and the Future

Looking back at EUROPE's career, it becomes clear that they are an entity that far exceeds the label of a mere "'80s one-hit wonder." Following ABBA, EUROPE is a pioneer in the rock world that proved Swedish music could succeed in the global market, paving the way for Roxette, melodic death metal bands like In Flames, and producers such as Max Martin to advance into the international arena.

The history of EUROPE has been a succession of "challenges." The early period when they were denied singing in English, the middle period when they tried to protect their musical identity amidst idol-like frenzy, and the late period when they steered toward modern sounds and blues-rock without fearing the risks after their reunion. The body of work since 2004 in particular eloquently states that EUROPE remains active as artists possessing superb musicianship.

The new album and 40th-anniversary tour scheduled for 2026 will demonstrate to the world that EUROPE's "final countdown" is not yet finished, and that they continue to spread their "wings of tomorrow."