2023 Europe Day Reception Speech by EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa
Musical Centre of Montenegro, Podgorica, 9 May 2023
Dear Mr President, Mr President-elect, Madam Parliament Speaker, Mr Prime Minister, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening and welcome!
Thank you for doing us the honour of celebrating another Europe Day with us.
The year behind us was riddled with challenges. We are most certainly the generation of Europeans that is faced with the biggest threats to our security, health and livelihoods since the birth of a united Europe 73 years ago.
Yet, I cannot help but feel proud and thankful for the resilience and unity that we have shown as Europeans in these trying times. We have proved, to ourselves and to the world, that we remain true to our values, that we deliver for our citizens and that we stand with our friends and partners.
Together, we have weathered the worst health crisis in living memory, we have supported those most in need through difficult economic times, and we have stood by our neighbours in Ukraine in their righteous fight against tyranny and aggression.
And let me say that I am honoured to serve in Montenegro, which has joined the EU in standing against Russia’s war of aggression, while opening its doors to tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Montenegro has done what is right and just.
Furthermore, the tragic events of last week in neighbouring Serbia have shown that solidarity and compassion know no borders. Just as we stand united in empathy over these horrible tragedies, so must we strive together for a better present and future for our children.
Now Montenegro needs to foster that same unity and commitment to its European Union future, and move the key reforms forward.
Let me recall the memorable words of one of the most prominent EU pioneers, former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer:
“European unity was a dream of a few people. It became a hope for many. Today it is a necessity for all of us.”
We share a desire to build societies rooted in our respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and rule of law. This is what best defines us as Europeans, despite all our differences and diversities. I see this desire everywhere I go in Montenegro. But, what I also want to see is the unity building around it and the joint action taken, beyond political and other differences, to enable this beautiful country to become integral part of a united Europe.
With this in mind, let us all raise a glass to Montenegro, to Europe and to our shared future!