Speech delivered by H.E. Mrs. Luisa Ragher on the occasion of the celebration of Europe Day 2026

Your Excellency Mr. Sihasak Phaungketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, 

Honourable Members of Government and Parliament, 

Distinguished Guests, dear Friends,

Today we gather to celebrate Europe, and the European Union’s long-lasting friendship with Thailand. 

It is also a moment to remember Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, for her devotion to the preservation of Thai culture and affection for Europe.

During the month of May, across the world, we celebrate the project of peace born from the devastation of World War II. In the aftermath, Europe’s founders made a visionary choice. They chose cooperation over conflict, democracy over authoritarianism, and solidarity over isolation.

This vision gave rise to what we now know as the European Union—a unique project that has helped secure more than seven decades of peace, stability, and prosperity across a region once divided by war. It has not always been an easy journey. There have been crises, moments of doubt, and tests of unity. Yet, time and again, Europe stood together. Unity has prevailed. 

Today, the principles on which the European Union was founded are more important than ever. We live in a world marked by increasing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and complex global challenges. From Europe’s eastern border to the Middle East and other fragile regions, conflicts are affecting millions of lives and disrupting the global economy.

In such times, partnerships matter. We turn to partners who share our values and our vision—partners like Thailand. Together, we uphold the rules-based international order, where cooperation prevails over confrontation, and where multilateral institutions guide our collective efforts, - rather than the law of the strongest.

The European Union continues to act decisively in the face of global challenges. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine, reinforcing our commitment to peace, sovereignty, and international law. At the same time, we are strengthening our defence capabilities, countering disinformation, and addressing transnational threats — from illegal trafficking to cybercrime.

By working closely with partners - such as Thailand, we are building a safer, more stable, and more prosperous future. To our partners, we offer predictability, reliability, and long-term commitment.

The relationship between the European Union and Thailand is both longstanding and forward-looking. Diplomatic relations date back to 1962, followed by the opening of our first office in 1978. Since then, our partnership has expanded across political, economic and people-to- people domains.

The implementation of the EU–Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 2024 marked a new chapter. It provides a strong framework for deeper engagement across many areas of shared interest.

Our cooperation on transnational security has become a cornerstone of this partnership. From combating online scams, to strengthening maritime security, our joint efforts, with the support of flagship EU projects such as ESIWA+ and CRIMARIO, are making a tangible difference. 

We also support livelihoods and inclusion of migrant workers and vulnerable communities, including displaced populations along the Thai–Myanmar border. Despite strained resources, we continue to step up our efforts. 

Economically, our ties are strong and growing. The European Union is one of Thailand’s key trading partners and a major source of investment. 

There are approximately 20,000 European companies operating in Thailand, supporting around 220,000 direct jobs, and contributing to innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable growth. More are looking at the Thai market. Next week, EU Agriculture Commissioner Hansen will lead a business delegation of over 100 EU companies to the THAIFEX fair in Bangkok, where European food and beverage products will be on display. 

Tourism is another important link between our peoples. The EU is the second largest source of foreign visitors to Thailand, with several million tourists travelling here each year. And Thai nationals’ travel to Europe has been made easier by the recent introduction of a simplified way to obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas

Yet, despite these impressive achievements, there is still considerable untapped potential in our economic partnership. The conclusion of a modern, ambitious and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Thailand will be a transformative step. It will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and enhance economic resilience on both sides. 

The Global Gateway strategy – our offer to partner countries - will also contribute to realising the vision of a sustainable and resilient future. Global Gateway mobilises resources to support sustainable infrastructure. For Thailand, we intend to partner on flood prevention for the Chao Praya river basin. At the regional level, working on the ASEAN Power Grid will help crowd in funds for renewable energy. 

In closing, the challenges of today’s world—geopolitical uncertainty, fragmentation, and global crises—cannot be addressed by any country alone, whether large or small.

As an old say reminds us: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Our choice is clear. We choose to go far—and to go far together, with trusted partners like Thailand.

On this Europe Day, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and a more prosperous future.

I would like to thank the sponsors that made this event possible - Bayer, Bosh, Airbus, The Mall Group, Mercedez- Benz, The Central Group, and Thai BEV -, and the EU team for the impeccable organisation.