In his message for Europe Day, President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas underlines that “The European Union remains the leading project of peaceful cooperation and progress of peoples in modern history” and stresses the need to “work for a Europe that is stronger, fairer and more cohesive. A Europe of the future, worthy of the values that founded it”.
Specifically, in his message, the President of the Republic said:
“Today we commemorate Europe Day as a vision that has become an institutional reality. We commemorate the declaration of 9 May 1950 by Robert Schuman on the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. And above all, we honour the essential aim of this historic declaration: to make war “not only unthinkable but also materially impossible.”
Today’s Europe was born from the ruins of two world wars and the need to ensure that the continent never again experiences violence, division and destruction. Through the creation of a series of supranational European institutions, suspicion was gradually transformed into cooperation, competition into a common perspective and historical memory into a cornerstone of peace.
The European idea, however, is not only a product of post-war necessity. It is deeply rooted in the history and culture of our continent. In ancient Greek thought, which highlighted the value of reason, democracy, the city, dialogue and moderation. To the ideals of the Enlightenment, which laid the foundations for the modern understanding of freedom, rights, justice and human dignity. And to the spiritual and moral legacy of Christian faith and tradition, which has decisively shaped European identity.
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Greece was on the road to European integration early on. As early as 1959, Greece applied for association with the European Economic Community. Under the leadership of Constantine Karamanlis, post-independence Greece linked its international position, political stability and development prospects to Europe. From full membership in 1981 to participation in the Eurozone, Greece has travelled a long and demanding road within the core of the Union.
The European Union remains a leading project of peaceful cooperation and progress among peoples in modern history. Today, geopolitical tensions, energy security, the climate crisis, the digital transition, inequalities, demography and migration are emerging as new challenges. So let us work for a stronger, fairer, more cohesive Europe. A Europe of the future, worthy of the values that founded it.”
