President Petr Pavel, in a speech before members of the European Parliament on October 4, 2023, supported the expansion of the European Union to include the countries of the Western Balkans or the so-called Associated Trio (Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia). He also called for European countries to continue supporting Ukraine. He further warned against misinformation at the plenary of the European Parliament.
The President recalled the twenty-three-year-old words of former Czech President Václav Havel from the European Parliament about the need for constant reflection and critical examination of European values, ideals, and principles. Since then, he said, the urgency of the task has not changed. “Making sure our citizens can identify with the principles we stand for is even more important,” he said.
In his speech, President Pavel also commented on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He called it a blunt and cynical attempt to wipe Ukraine, its people and culture off the map. He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin, who tried to destroy a sovereign state and undermine the international order, must not win. “I therefore appeal to all to continue to provide assistance by all possible means. If Ukraine falls, so will we. And it will cost us much more,” he said.
He mentioned the accession of ten countries to the EU in 2004, which, according to him, brought benefits to all member states of the Union. He described the EU as the most successful peace project that the European continent has experienced. He supported further expansion of the European Union. “I am convinced that striving for a full-fledged European future for the Western Balkans and the Associated Trio is not only our moral duty. From a long-term perspective, this is an investment in the security and resilience of Europe and its citizens,” he added.
He stated that the integration process cannot be completed without the necessary reforms, both on the part of the candidate countries and the EU. “Enlargement should be seen as an opportunity to reshape the European idea. It should be seen as a chance to create a more effective Union,” he added.
The president also warned against disinformation, calling it a real threat. According to him, it is also necessary to create stronger bonds between natural European and transatlantic allies.
Today in Strasbourg, the President also met with Czech MEPs and held talks with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, with whom he spoke, for example, about the biggest challenges facing the EU. Before the end of the trip, President Pavel will also meet with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić.
Photo By: Tomáš Fongus