Dear guests, dear friends,

Today we are celebrating Europe Day and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration. In the turbulent geopolitical context, the strength of European political, economic and social integration is a vivid testimony of what peaceful collaboration between nations can bring to the world.

The European Union is committed to peace, partnership, and cooperation — within our borders and worldwide. Even when faced with the greatest challenges, we stand for unity in diversity — working to promote dialogue, stability and prosperity as well as universal values.

The world is changing rapidly and is becoming more fragmented. International cooperation has turned into global competition. The European Union is however continuing to engage with countries around the world. Working on solutions and building partnerships is the only way to resolve the problems facing the world.

We are a reliable partner and invest in mutually beneficial relations based on trust and respect. We defend and promote a rules-based international order, not the law of the strongest. This is why the EU has been standing with Ukraine and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that Ukraine achieves just and lasting peace from a position of strength.

The EU stands firm on values. Universal values we have built together for many decades and that we will continue to promote.

As global challenges grow, so does European determination to remain a reliable, consistent, predictable and principled partner:

A partner for prosperity, committed to open economies and rules-based trade that contribute to sustainable development.

A partner for security, leveraging our strategic autonomy to promote security and stability worldwide through our missions and operations, and security and defence partnerships

A principled, consistent and reliable partner for life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people in need.

This is Europe.
And now, let me say a few words in Georgian:

Georgia and the European Union have a long history of successful partnership. This relationship has brought many benefits to the people of Georgia. Look around, see yourself what the EU has done in your villages and cities.

It is a third year that I am privileged to mark Europe Day together with you.

In 2023, EU opened the door of the European family to Georgia and your country became a candidate for EU membership. We celebrated this historic moment together.

Today, unfortunately, as a result of the actions taken by Georgia’s authorities, Georgia’s European integration process has been stopped. If the current situation continues, Georgia risks missing a historic opportunity of becoming a member of the European Union for a long time. Even more, Georgia’s democracy is again in danger.

Becoming a member of the European family is an opportunity not an obligation. It is based on the sovereign choice of the people and the state. European choice of the people is clear.

As you see, the reality is that EU membership means peace, prosperity and respect for history, culture and traditions of all our countries. This is why we are together.

If Georgia returns to the path of democratic development, we are ready to work with you for Georgia’s EU membership.

We are proud to be friends of Georgia.
Today, let’s celebrate what unites us and let’s hope for a better future. Happy Europe Day! Go forward Georgia, go!