Georgia joins Europe Day celebrations
The Georgian officials have sent letters of gratitude to the European Union for its support during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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The Tbilisi TV tower has been lit up with the colours of the flag of the European Union as a sign of joining the Europe Day celebrations.
Today the EU and its member states celebrate ‘peace and unity in Europe’, commemorating the historic 1950 Schuman declaration, which has 'laid out a vision of cooperation' between European nations leading to the European Union.
However, all of the celebrations have moved online this year amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of European Commission, Josep Borrell, calls on everyone to 'build the next chapter in Europe’s history together'.
70 years ago we started our integration process. Today we mark this anniversary, recalling our history that shows that a strong Europe in the world begins at home.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 9, 2020
So let's do it, let’s build the next chapter in Europe’s history together. #EuropeDay #TogetherweareEUrope pic.twitter.com/TRNHCP62TG
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated earlier today that the European Union was the first among the strategic partners of Georgia ‘to assist Georgia in various areas’ during the coronavirus outbreak.
Today is Europe Day and it is symbolic that exactly five years after the healthy world defeated fascism, the idea of united coexistence emerged in Europe. This idea gained so much magnetism that even today, we, Georgians, are doing our best to become members of this united family”, Gakharia said.
President Salome Zurabishvili noted that ‘today’s crisis has taught us that solidarity can help us overcome any challenge’.
75 years ago, the end of WWII brought us peace. 70 years ago, out of the ashes of the war rose the base of what’d become the EU. Today’s crisis has taught us that solidarity can help us overcome any challenge. We’ll come out of this with a stronger cooperation with our ???????? family.
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) May 9, 2020
Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani also said that ‘undoubtedly world is safer place with united, free and peaceful Europe.’
Sending warm congrats to EU on the occasion of the Europe Day!????????shares European values & standards & takes steps for integration into the EU. We are greatful for EU’s firm support on this way. Undoubtedly world is safer place with united, free & peaceful Europe. Happy #EuropeDay pic.twitter.com/oqbwn9odfE
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) May 8, 2020
The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Carl Hartzell, released a video address hailing Georgia in tackling the challenge of the coronavirus ‘thanks to strong political resolve, the support of a truly professional healthcare team and a dedicated population’.
Through hard work and political will, we have managed to mobilise an unprecedented GEL 1.5 billion to help Georgia getting through the current health crisis, and standing better prepared to tackle the economic and social challenge’, Ambassador Hartzell said.
Hartzell further added that Georgia – ‘where hospitality and solidarity are deeply ingrained in the national identity – knows how to value a friend’.
He also said that although ‘this is going to be a tough year for Europe and Georgia’ together they are stronger.
#EuropeDay!
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) May 9, 2020
Today we recall the vision of European unity & solidarity launched 70 years ago, laying the foundation for today’s European Union of 27 countries & 445 million citizens.
Also a celebration of our strong coop & solidarity w/ key partners like ????????.#strongertogether pic.twitter.com/MwaXgMscn1
The EU, its member states, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have come together in a Team Europe response to assist Georgia especially during the COVID-19 crisis:
#TeamEurope delivering a single message on #EuropeDay in ????????! pic.twitter.com/iNqCOcBdCy
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) May 9, 2020
On May 9 Georgia also marks the 75th anniversary of victory over fascism when Nazi Germany was defeated by allied forces bringing World War II to an end.