The date 15 June 2021 will probably not be etched in anyone's memory, but the history books will record that it was the day the European Commission made the first joint long-term debt issue to finance the recovery funds, known as Next Generation, which are due to start being distributed as early as August. Specifically, 20 billion in ten-year bonds have been raised, but demand has climbed to 142 billion, proof that Europe is considered a safe and profitable long-term investment. In a European Union often lacking in good news to boost its self-esteem, this is no small feat.