Speech by the EU Ambassador Paweł Herczynski on the occasion of Europe Day

Dear guests, dear friends, welcome,

Today is Europe Day! On this day, we celebrate the unity of Europe and our long-standing friendship with Georgia, with you.

Since restoration of independence, we have stood by your side as a long-term and reliable partner. 

The EU helps Georgia to move forward and what is most important, it improves people’s lives.

And if the question still arises—what is Europe—let me say: Europe is a space of diversity, where each country not only preserves but also enriches its own culture, identity, and traditions. 

Europe admires Georgia precisely because of its uniqueness and rich culture. We find inspiration in your proud history.

However, this is not enough to join the European family. Progress on the EU path is based on democratic development. 

Unfortunately, recently Georgia has stopped moving toward the European Union. Anti-European rhetoric continues, further damaging a friendship built over years and the hope of generations. 

Together we are stronger than any of us alone. As Georgian proverb says: „Brother, you are stronger with a brother by your side.“

We do not lose hope that one day Georgia will become an EU member. Therefore, we stand ready to resume working together towards this goal.

The best way to maintain peace and prosperity is the EU membership. This is proved by nearly 80-year history of the European Union.

Georgia’s future belongs to this country and its people, to you. 

Go forward, Georgia, go forward!