Today is a very symbolic day. It marks 61 years since French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman read out his famous declaration, laying the cornerstone of the European edifice.
It is also 66 years since the end of World War II in Europe: an experience that resulted in our embarking on an historic process, a peace project.
Out of the rubble of the War, hope, vision and the profound need for brotherhood amongst the peoples of Europe was born. The path that the great visionaries of the European idea opened at that time – laying the foundations for solidarity and sincere dialogue as forms of practical cooperation – led to the creation of a Union whose social and development model, despite any deficiencies it might have, has rightly won the admiration of the world. An historic achievement – a model of stability and peaceful coexistence – unprecedented in human history.
The realization of the European vision is unavoidably impacted by international political and economic realities. The instability of the economic environment, migration, rapid geopolitical developments like those in the Arab world, environmental problems combined with energy security – all of these form a complex and constantly shifting international landscape that creates challenges, as well as opportunities, for the European Union.
It is precisely this state of affairs that European politicians need to take a stance on in order to make direct decisions and provide real responses. But the synthesis of views requires the participation of all European citizens, because it is these citizens who will provide the answers in the end.
At this critical crossroads where the EU finds itself, we need to reaffirm the notion of the basic principles and values that have determined the content of the European idea: freedom, justice, respect for others, devotion to human interests and the showing of solidarity. Solidarity cannot be allowed to become an empty notion, especially today, when we are facing major developments that are testing the staying power of the European Union. And I am referring here in particular to the challenge of the common economic and monetary policy for economies in a different phase of the economic cycle; I am referring to migration flows from the south that no EU country can be left to face alone.
This year is the 30th anniversary of Greece’s entry into the EEC. On acceding to a United Europe, we embraced the European vision of which our peoples have such great expectations. The Foreign Ministry was not just the main agency for our country’s accession negotiations with the Union, but has since then had a very active, institutional role in coordinating Greece’s European policy and in promoting Community policies here in Greece. In the space of these three decades, Greece has consolidated its democracy, strengthened its political stability and bolstered its international standing.
The fact is, Greece and the European Union share common values and ideals, including democracy, freedom and respect for human rights. These are ideals that form the basis of our policy in all the international organizations. Within the framework of these organizations, Greece promotes these ideals, as well as the case of the United Europe. The latter is promoted particularly through our joint representation; the single voice the European countries projected internationally; a vision that is gradually being realized, despite doubts, delays and lapses. After all, it is the role of politics and diplomacy to overcome obstacles, realizing visions.
Greece supports and promotes the European idea. Greece is unwavering in its pursuit of the European perspective of Southeast Europe. So that our neighbourhood can become a region of peace, cooperation and coexistence. This is the substance of Greek foreign policy; at once an aspiration and an imperative. For the people of the Balkans, the path towards Europe is the only path. It is the only path that can ensure the stability and prosperity of societies; the consolidation of democratic institutions. This is a strategy towards which Greece’s 2014 EU Presidency will work, and we have already begun our preparation to this end.
The European Union is currently going through a period of reflection. This is a process necessary to our reaching the deeper destination of the European Union itself. The European Union has shown its historical staying power time and again. We have often seen crises, delays, lapses; sometimes, fatigue. But the course has been constant and unbroken, putting first the common interest and the vision for a common future, rather than the national hostilities that resulted in the most tragic moments in Europe’s history. And what is most important is that the citizens of Europe, despite any disappointments, continue to invest their aspirations for a better life and a better world in the European idea.
May 9, 2011