EUROPE DAY RECEPTION: Opening speech by Vassilis Maragos, EU Ambassador to Armenia
Excellencies,
Music unites us. Special thanks to these talented young musicians from the “Armenian Virtuosos” program of the Music for Future Foundation for the wonderful performance of the EU and Armenian anthems.
A warm applause to all.
DELARM
Europe Day marks the anniversary of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which signalled the start of European integration and the creation of the European Union. This was a decisive break with the wars and conflicts which had dominated Europe.
Ethnic hatreds, extreme nationalism, territorial claims have been Europe’s nightmare.
Just a couple of years after the end of World War II the Schuman Declaration offered a new path: one based on partnership instead of confrontation, and on shared responsibility and common values instead of strife for hegemony.
European integration, the foundation of our Union was the promise of peace, freedom, equality and democracy.
Equality which respects diversity.
Integration which respects national cultures and national sovereignty.
On Europe Day we celebrate not just who we are, but what we do, together with partners worldwide, to protect our way of life and promote a fairer, safer, more sustainable world.
We cannot take peace and democracy values for granted. In a world of rising conflicts, we must continue to defend these principles. The spirit of the fathers of Europe who provided a vision for peace and cooperation continues to inspire us today.
We should continue to look back to past conflicts to learn from them, but we should mainly look ahead to the future, a future of cooperation, partnership and creativity.
This is what our forefathers did back in 1950 when they created a new peaceful continent, and this what Europe continues to do today.
This creative spirit, this spirit of concrete achievements and peaceful cooperation, has also prevailed this week in Yerevan with the successful hosting by Armenia of the 8th European Political Community a meeting and the first EU-Armenia Summit.
Our partnership with Armenia is inspired by our focus on concrete achievements which has brought about in Europe the solidarity which Schuman aspired for in his declaration.
This week Europe has proven here in Yerevan that it can unite.
Europe came together in Armenia to discuss peace, stability and cooperation. Armenia hosted Europe’s leaders, coming to the European spotlight. And the first ever EU-Armenian summit elevated our relations to an unprecedented level, stressing the strategic importance of our partnership.
With a commitment to strengthen ties with full respect for sovereign choices, and focus on a prosperous and secure future.
The partnership between the European Union and Armenia has been built strong over the years and is getting stronger.
We are closer than ever – and with the ambition to go further.
United by common values and joint interests.
By our belief in democracy, human rights, where nobody is left behind, and in a rules-based international order.
By our aspiration for peace, security and prosperity for all.
DELARM
The connectivity partnership we signed this week is more than a list of projects. It is an ambition to bring us ever closer. In a prosperous and peaceful region.
But the true strength of our partnership lies in the links between people. Students, youth, entrepreneurs, artists, volunteers, teachers, researchers and local leaders who build ties every day.
These human ties are the living fabric of our relationship. They show why people-to-people contacts matter.
Beyond energy, transport and digital connectivity, on which we will increasingly invest, we will focus on culture, business and youth.
Visa liberalisation will make travel easier and bring our societies even closer. The newly released first progress report on the visa liberalisation dialogue confirms Armenia’s steady progress in this area.
Here I also wish to acknowledge the huge impact of the work done by the European Union Monitoring Mission. EUMA’s presence has shown EU’s solidarity with the Armenian people, support to peace and normalisation in the region, and support to Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
I want to stress the impact of EUMA’s work on human security for the people in border regions.
Across Armenia, we have seen how EU support translates into real stories of resilience and creativity.
I especially want to acknowledge some of you who honour us with your presence tonight.
Lyudmila and Laura – displaced from Karabakh, whom I had the honour to meet several times in Goris and lately at the centre for the elderly which was supported by the EU.
Ruzzana from Winnet, who has done so much to offer support and sustainable and dignified living to hundreds of women and men in need.
Marina and Vehanush from the Source foundation whom I met in Alaverdi at one of the many Guyqadarans in Armenia offering much needed assistive equipment to children with disabilities and providing relief to their families.
Nelly and Kristina whom we visited with commissioner Marta Kos in Shirak. Nelly is the Aragats Valley Local Action Group Manager driving local development in the southern Shirak, and Kristina a businesswoman who initiated a successful investment providing jobs to 12 women in Nor Kiank.
DELARM
These people are Europe’s voice in Armenia – these women are the embodiment of Armenia’s resilience and fight for a better future.
As we look ahead, our message is clear. The European Union stands with Armenia. It stands with you as you pursue your reforms, strengthen your institutions, build public private partnerships, invest in new enterprises and innovative technologies, as you build your sovereignty and national security and resilience, prosperity and peace, as you develop your vision for an interconnected region, which will bring people, economies, ideas closer.
DELARM
Our partnership is strong and growing.
Long live Armenia, long live Europe.
Happy Europe Day.