Tbilisi, 9 May, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
EU and Georgia celebrate Europe Day
Stronger Together
Today, with 27 Member States and almost 446 million people, the EU
marks the
70th anniversary of this
declaration. The theme of 2020 Europe Day is Stronger Together,
highlighting the need for solidarity particularly in the face of the Covid-19
crisis.
To
mark 9 May, Europe Day
EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell has issued a
statement:
“Today, exactly 70 year ago a new vision for Europe was presented,
that would put an end to wars and conflict in favour of cooperation and peace.
It may have sounded utopic at the time, but has since become a reality through
the creation and building of the European Union.
Unfortunately, this year we cannot mark Europe Day together, as in
previous years, because of the pandemic. Georgia has in many respects done
better than others in tackling this challenge – thanks to strong political
resolve, the support of a truly professional healthcare team and a dedicated
population. Still, we recognize the hardships currently experienced by so many
Georgians, whether for health or economic reasons. My thoughts go out to all
those who are suffering today.
It is in times of crises when you need your partners and friends
the most: it is said that “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. I am therefore
proud to say that the European Union, its Member States and financial
institutions, have stepped up to this challenge as Team Europe, sending a
strong message that our friendship goes beyond words. That we are friends
indeed. Through hard work and political will, we have managed to mobilise an
unprecedented 1.5 billion GEL to help Georgia getting through the current
health crisis, and standing better prepared to tackle the economic and social
challenges ahead.
Georgia – where hospitality and solidarity are deeply ingrained in
the national identity – knows how to value a friend. Let me thank you for the
kind expressions of compassion that our Member States and citizens have
received from Georgia over recent weeks.
This is going to be a tough year for Europe, and a tough year for
Georgia – but together we are stronger and together we will prevail.
Take care of your beautiful country and take care of each other!
Happy Europe Day!
“
See video statement here:
https://we.tl/t-a2nTKMU36Y
Historically, cooperation and solidarity between the EU member
states has resulted in over 60 years of unprecedented peace and prosperity on
the European continent (more
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1386234074905741
).
In this current crisis, this solidarity is equally crucial and is what drove
the EU and its Member States to quickly organise and provide each other
hospital beds or announce EU wide financial support measures:
https://we.tl/t-vD0gU1sdbA
This solidarity also spreads beyond the borders of the European
Union and to key partners.
In the past
weeks, the EU has committed almost 1.5 billion GEL to help manage the crisis in
Georgia.
These funds will go to medical
equipment, support to vulnerable groups most impacted by the crisis, and
financial assistance for economic recovery.
This cooperation is another step in the very close relationship
between the EU and Georgia.
The EU
remains Georgia’s main donor, Georgia businesses have received access to the EU
market, and over 500,000 Georgians have travelled without a visa free to
Schengen countries. More EU programmes are active in Georgia than ever before,
with over 7000 students have taken part in university exchanges, or over 40,000
Georgian business having received support from the EU.
More on EU-Georgia cooperation here:
https://bit.ly/2SKDbTm
In the past over 100,000 people have taken part in large scale Europe
Day celebrations in Tbilisi and the regions.
See the video about past events:
https://we.tl/t-vKvcPqkdTR
This year to maintain this spirit, on May 9 the European Union Delegation to Georgia will launch a social and broadcasting media information campaign which you can follow here: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanUnioninGeorgia
For more information, check this link: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/georgia/78916/eu-and-georgia-celebrate-europe-day-stronger-together_en
