VIENNA. On the occasion of yesterday’s Europe Day, “the birth of the European Union”, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called for people to take part in the EU elections in a televised speech. On May 9th, 74 years ago, the European states decided to work together for “a life in peace, freedom and prosperity” instead of waging war against each other.
Liberal democracy in Europe is currently threatened primarily by autocratic regimes, especially Russia. “They are striving for more power, more land, more influence. A weak Europe would be vulnerable. And it would be powerless against this influence,” said Van der Bellen.
Only a “strong, independent Europe” could defend itself. Strength is demonstrated through a functioning democracy, an intact media landscape and an independent legal system. However, one must also be prepared to be able to defend Europe against military attacks, added Van der Bellen.
Big problems like the climate crisis also need to be tackled on a large scale. It is important to decide “whether the Union will be fragmented into individual small parts” or whether it will be further developed. The small parts are all wonderful, of course, “but in order to protect the small – our country – the big – the united Europe – must be strong.”
The freedoms of Europe, easy travel, networked work or the freedom to live, love and believe “do not fall from heaven. We have to do something about it,” said the Federal President. It therefore doesn’t matter whether you cast your vote on June 9th or not. “Take part in the election. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.”
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Source: Nachrichten
