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During the war in Ukraine, we see Europe fighting for its values

During the war in Ukraine, we see a united Europe fighting for its values, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskis said on Friday, speaking in video format at the “Idea of ​​Europe” symposium in Kaunas, also attended by Latvian President Egils Levits.

“We see a Europe that works and not only wants justice but defends it,” said Zelensky.

“We see a Europe whose unity is not just an idea or a goal, but a political achievement here and now. Europe has learned from its historical mistakes,” the Ukrainian president said.

He stressed that Ukraine is currently fighting for European values ​​and that “Russia is doomed to failure”.

Zelensky said that Ukraine is and will remain a democratic country that protects European values.

“Very often I hear the same question: how can Europe help Ukraine? Of course, we are grateful for that, but (..) Europe is helping itself, it’s not about helping Ukraine,” he said the president of Ukraine.

Zelenskiy stressed that he does not see a division in Europe because of the war in Ukraine. However, he called on European countries to completely abandon Russian energy resources.

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen also spoke remotely at the symposium, saying that Europe was back to its beginnings.

“Today the idea of ​​Europe has returned to its beginnings. And joining Europe has become synonymous with regaining one’s sovereignty from foreign oppression,” Leyen said.

“For the ancient Greeks, Europe was not just a geographical term, it meant freedom, democracy and power in the hands of free citizens, absence of autocracy,” said the president of the European Commission.

He added that “Russia is trying to take us back in time”, but those who fight for freedom will not allow it.

On the other hand, Lithuanian President Gitans Nauseda said it was symbolic that the symposium was held in Kaunas – “in the city where, both throughout history and now, European identity has manifested itself to the fullest.”

The symposium should not only encourage “rethinking the idea of ​​Europe, but also discuss its possible future”, said Nausėda.

“Maybe this idea won’t be implemented quickly, but it will remind us of the intellectual efforts that carry us forward,” said the Lithuanian president.

He stressed that Europe faced great uncertainty because “Russia is actively trying to destroy the world as we know it”.

“One of its goals is the idea of ​​Europe, the idea of ​​democracy,” said Nauseda.

He regretted that “Russia has missed this opportunity to be Europe”.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said Europe must redefine itself and be ready for the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine.

“I believe that the guiding principle for all actions and goals of the European Union should be the rational redefinition of the union itself, as well as the redefinition of its short-term needs, opportunities and difficulties. The war in Ukraine will continue and the prices of raw materials they will never return to pre-war levels,” Duda said.

He warned that falling living standards in Europe could lead to unrest, so the EU should think about how to avoid such problems.

Duda stressed that after February 24, when Russia started the war, Europe has changed forever, because all common values ​​- unity, solidarity and the supremacy of international law – are being tested.

“A secure Europe is a Europe in which Russia is defeated militarily, economically and politically,” the Polish president said.

On the other hand, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said that while the war in Ukraine has strengthened Euro-Atlantic unity, it has created serious challenges for global unity.

“This war has certainly affected the whole world in terms of food and security. (..) We must be aware that Russian aggression, although it has united us at the Euro-Atlantic level, creates the risk of polarization and fragmentation of the framework international community,” warned Johannis.

It has already been reported that the “Idea of ​​Europe” symposium will take place on the event program in Kaunas as the European Capital of Culture 2022 on Friday, about the changes that have taken place in European geopolitics and culture in recent decades, and the perception of the concept of “Europe” in society. The symposium is attended by the presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.

A meeting of the four presidents is also scheduled in Kaunas, where the current situation of European security will be discussed.

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