On the occasion of today’s EuropeEurope Day, Constantine Tasoulas was quoted in statement on the importance of the European Union and the historical role played by the continent after the Second World War.
The President of the Republic noted that 9 May is a day with special symbolism for Europe, as it is linked to the 1950 Robert Schuman Declaration and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. He stressed that the main objective of that initiative was to prevent war on the European continent and to create stable conditions for cooperation.
In his message, Constantine Tasoulas focused on the historical roots of the European idea. He referred to ancient Greek thought, to the beginnings of the Enlightenment, but also to the Christian tradition, noting that all of these shaped the modern European identity and the framework of values on which Europe was based.
At the same time, he made a special reference to the course of Greece within the European family. He recalled that the country moved early on towards European unification, and referred to the role of Constantine Karamanlis in the post-communist period. He stressed that Greece’s accession to the then European Economic Community and later to the Eurozone were decisive steps for the country’s stability and development.
The President of the Republic also referred to the modern challenges facing the European Union today. Among other things, he spoke about geopolitical developments, energy security, the climate crisis, the migration issue, the demographic problem and social inequalities.
He said: “The European Union remains a leading project of peaceful cooperation and progress of peoples in modern history.”
Concluding his message, Constantine Tasoulas called for a common effort in the face of the new conditions that are taking shape in Europe.
“So let us work for a stronger, fairer, more cohesive Europe. A Europe of the future, worthy of the values that founded it.”
