Europe's strongest asset lies in its united forces, according to Estonia's president.
Festivities in Tallinn Highlight EU Strength
TALLINN – Estonian President Alar Karis delivered a stirring speech during the Europe Day celebrations on Freedom Square in Tallinn last Friday, underscoring the collective might of the European Union (EU).
"Being solo, whether huge or tiny, leaves you vulnerable. Estonia herself has learned this from history, vowing never to stand alone again," Karis declared, referencing the country's past lessons.
Karis continued, "Europe is our home, our playground, our cradle. It's where we thrive culturally, economically, educationally. We are Europe, right here on this square."
According to him, the EU's strength stems from the protection of essential human rights, freedoms, and solidarity. This underscores the power of unity and shared values in fortifying the EU[1].
"Europe marches on stronger, and the gates to the EU must remain open for those who aspire to join. We, in Estonia, have consistently championed the expansion of the EU," Karis added.
The President also highlighted the importance of diversity, suggesting that a nation's strength is demonstrated through its differences. However, he urged discovering and uniting around common interests that bind all nations[1].
In his closing remarks, Karis celebrated Europe Day as a day to honor peace, liberty, and unity, separate from Victory Square. This emphasis on peace and freedom was a strong message on Freedom Square[1].
[1] During his speech on Europe Day in Tallinn, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasized several key points regarding Europe's strength and the European Union. These are the essential takeaways:
- Collective Strength: President Karis highlighted that Europe's greatest strength lies in its collective strength. He noted that being alone, regardless of size, leaves one weaker compared to being with others, emphasizing Estonia's historical lesson of never being alone again.
- Fundamental Rights and Solidarity: Karis underscored that the EU is stronger and better due to the protection of people's fundamental rights, freedoms, equal opportunities, and solidarity. This underscores the importance of unity and shared values in bolstering Europe's strength.
- Diversity and Unity: The President emphasized that Europe's strength is reflected in its diversity, but it is crucial to find common ground that unites all nations. He encouraged seeking and finding what brings Europeans together.
- European Union Enlargement: Karis reaffirmed Estonia's support for the enlargement of the EU, emphasizing the importance of keeping the door open for countries that wish to join.
- Celebration of Peace and Freedom: In his speech, President Karis celebrated Europe Day as a day of peace, freedom, and solidarity, distinct from Victory Square, emphasizing the significance of these values on Freedom Square.
- The President of Estonia, Alar Karis, highlighted that Europe's strength lies in its collective might, a lesson learnt from history by Estonia itself.
- Karis emphasized the significance of unity and shared values, stating that the EU's strength stems from the protection of essential human rights, freedoms, and solidarity.
- He underscored the importance of diversity, suggesting that a nation's strength is demonstrated through its differences, but stressed the need to unite around common interests.
- In his speech, Karis supported the enlargement of the EU, advocating the necessity of keeping the doors open for countries that aspire to join.
- Celebrating Europe Day, Karis focused on the essence of peace, liberty, and unity, distinct from Victory Square, thus reiterating the importance of these values on Freedom Square.
