LONDON, June 23 (Xinhuanet) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Thursday the European Union (EU) risks failure if it does not modernize and meet the needs of its citizens, the Sky News reported.

    Addressing the European Parliament in Brussels setting out his vision for Britain's EU presidency, Blair said there was a need for reform and renewal of the EU.

    The prime minister insisted, however, that he still believes inpolitical and economic integration.

    "Whatever else people disagree upon in Europe today, they at least agree on one point -- Europe is in the midst of a profound debate about its future," Blair said.

    "The debate over Europe should not be conducted by trading insults or in terms of personality. It should be an open and frank exchange of ideas," he said.

    "In every crisis, there is an opportunity. There is one here for Europe now, if we have the courage to take it," the prime minister added.

    "The issue is not about the idea of the European Union. It is about modernization. It is about policy. It is not a debate about how to abandon Europe but how to make it do what it was set up to do: improve the lives of people. And right now, they aren't convinced," Blair said.

    On July 1, Britain will take over EU presidency from Luxembourg, and its term will last for six months. Enditem