Czech Republic celebrates two decades of European Union membership

The Czech Republic celebrated the 20-year milestone with a star-studded ceremony at Prague Fortress within the capital on Wednesday. 

The central European nation grew to become a member of the European Union on 1 Could 2004 along with its Visegrád 4 counterparts — Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland — and 6 different European states.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala reiterated Czech assist for the enlargement of the EU to incorporate the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. “Some international locations have been searching for entry for a really very long time, and we should be clear and never play any pretend recreation with them. In the event that they meet the situations, the foundations, then we should always settle for them,” he stated.

“Allow us to give them this opportunity and allow us to make the most of the alternatives that enlargement will deliver.“

Czech President Petr Pavel stated the European Union is based on a foundation of “mutual respect” and shared curiosity. “Membership within the European Union and NATO is the unquestionable basis of our freedom, prosperity and safety,” he stated.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier additionally advised the gang that European states can reply collectively to threats towards the union and that Ukraine is taken into account an “integral half” of the continent. “The states that need to stay collectively peacefully and sovereignly in a united Europe can provide a solution to this assault,” he stated.

“And the reply? We assist Ukraine as an integral a part of Europe and as a future member of [the EU]. And right here too, our power is appearing collectively. We can’t let ourselves be worn down or divided.“

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an impassioned video speech proven on the occasion, saying it’s an “honour” and a “dream” for international locations to be thought-about a part of the European household. “Twenty years in the past this dream grew to become a actuality for Czechia and I’m certain it would quickly change into a actuality for Ukraine,” he stated. 

Ukraine utilized for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate standing. EU leaders and Kyiv are presently present process accession negotiations.  

European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen was additionally in Prague for the event. She spoke to reporters whereas touring the Czechoslovak Group firm facility: a enterprise specialising within the manufacturing of defence, aerospace, ammunition, automotive and railway business merchandise. 

Czech navy business has been “essential” in supporting Ukraine because it defends itself towards Russia’s ongoing invasion, von der Leyen stated. 

“They’ve delivered and are delivering the a lot wanted navy functionality to Ukraine in order that Ukraine can defend itself towards Russia’s warfare aggression.”