In Prague, Von der Leyen singled out the Czech Republic for its support of Ukraine and thanked it for its contribution to the formation of the EU | iRADIO

“For decades, the Iron Curtain kept everyone on their side, but the Velvet Revolution brought you back to Europe,” recalled von der Leyenová, who greeted the audience in Czech and also remembered former dissident and President Václav Havel.

She pointed out that she did not want to recall what twenty-year membership in the union meant for the Czech Republic. “You see it every day. You attract tourists from all over the world, investors from all over Europe and you export five times more than 20 years ago,” she listed.

According to the President of the European Commission, Europe strengthened the Czech Republic, and the Czech Republic, on the other hand, strengthened Europe, for which, according to her, the struggle for freedom was an inspiration. “I want to thank the Czech nation for your contribution to the formation of our current union,” she said.

“You have become one of Ukraine’s most reliable allies not because it was easy, but because it was right. You led the initiative to get ammunition, not because it was easy, but because it was right. You have accepted the most refugees from Ukraine per capita, not because it promises any success, but because it is right. And under the Czech presidency, we managed to free ourselves from the yoke of Russian energy blackmail, again because it was right,” she said.

‘Stronger and safer’

“The European Union, as well as the North Atlantic Alliance, where we celebrate 25 years of membership this year, each holds Western democracies together in their own way. And the Czech Republic is much stronger and safer thanks to them,” said Fiala in his speech.

According to him, especially in times of crisis, despite the differences between the member states, the Union is able to pull together, help each other and quickly reach a common solution. The prime minister pointed to the Russian threat, which, according to him, is about preserving peace and freedom, as well as the pressure of global competition. “What is at stake here is for the European Union to be able to maintain and develop an exceptional quality of life for its residents, to be able to compete with the rapidly developing economies in Asia and America,” he said.

According to Fiala, the Czech Republic is already fully influencing the activities of European institutions. “For us, the European Union is no longer a they, be it Brussels, bureaucrats or even the old European states. Today, we are fully the European Union as well,” he emphasized. He added that the Czech Republic must no longer play “in some other league” and must compete with the best.

In the Rudolfinum, the Czech Philharmonic, soloists and the Prague Philharmonic Choir conducted by Semjon Byčkov performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor with the final Ode to Joy by the German poet Friedrich Schiller, which became the anthem of the European Union. The Philharmonic Orchestra will also play the symphony for the public on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

CTK

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