EU Ambassador celebrates Europe day, shares message
THE European Union Ambassador Dessislava Choumelova has celebrated the Europe day with a message of reflection on unity, peace, and prosperity. This was contained in a statement shared by the European Union Eswatini office to the media.
The Ambassador, “that 9 May marks a significant milestone for the European Union (EU) as we commemorate Europe Day. It is a day when we celebrate our achievements, honor our shared values, and reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. As we observe this occasion, it is imperative to acknowledge the journey of the EU, from its inception to its current standing as a beacon of unity, peace, and prosperity.”
The Ambassador on the statement asserts that on 9 May 1950, six visionary European states signed the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the unification of Europe. Emerging from the devastation of two world wars, the EU was conceived as a peace project, with the aim of preventing further conflicts on our continent. Over the past 74 years, we have made remarkable strides towards realizing this vision, becoming a major global actor committed to peace, stability, and sustainable growth.
“At the heart of the EU’s success lies the principle of cooperation and economic interdependence among our member states,” said Choumelova. “From the initial six founding members to our current 27, the EU has expanded its reach and influence, encompassing a diverse population of close to 450 million people. However, joining the Union is not merely a formality; it entails a commitment to our shared values of freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.”
She added, “In light of recent geopolitical challenges, such as Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, the EU remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold peace and security on our continent. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and reaffirming our commitment to multilateralism and human rights.”
The Ambassador has also stated that internally, the EU is preparing for the upcoming European Parliament elections, where citizens across their member states will elect their representatives. The European Parliament serves as the voice of the people, transcending national boundaries to form political alliances based on shared values and aspirations. Together, we work towards prosperity, progress, and global cooperation, dedicating a significant portion of our budget to external action, including sustainable development and climate action.
On the global stage, the EU is committed to reforming the multilateral system to address pressing challenges such as climate change, health security, and economic inequality. “We advocate for a more inclusive and effective United Nations, capable of anticipating and responding to emerging risks and crises,” reads part of the Ambassador’s message. “Additionally, the EU’s Global Gateway initiative aims to strengthen digital, energy, and transport infrastructure worldwide, promoting sustainable and resilient connections that benefit people and the planet.”
Choumelova also expressed that in Eswatini, the EU has been a longstanding partner in the country’s development journey, providing significant support across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance.
She said through collaborative efforts, they strive to empower communities, promote gender equality, and support economic growth and resilience.