Asgraf AboArafe
At the “Europe Day 2023”, Ambassador Christian Berger gave a speech as follows
Masa al-khair wa ahlan wa sahlan bikum djamean, ahlan wa sahlan fi youm Europa
Dear Ministers, Governors, Members of Parliament, colleagues, friends of the European Union,
One year ago we all had hoped that the Russian war of aggression against its neighbour Ukraine, an independent and sovereign state, would end soon. As a sign of solidarity we hoisted the Ukrainian flag which by now is a bit tattered but still flying in the wind and it will be up there until the war ends.
Since last year’s Europe Day the world has changed, certainly for us. The ideas of Robert Schuman which he proclaimed on 9 May 1950, five years after WWII had ended, ring very true and timely: World peace cannot be safeguarded without creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it. COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have proven to us that to protect the lives and health of citizens and preserve our economy, the European Union must take robust actions, proportionate to the dangers threatening us. We must be able and willing to defend our achievements, if need be with military means but also building alliances and partnerships.
Robert Schuman predicted that Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity. Solidarity we also must show with our partners and friends around the world. We are and remain the first source of official development aid and humanitarian aid; we provide 30% of global climate finance; on debt relief we have been on the progressive wing inside the G20 and with the Global Gateway we are making concrete our commitment to work jointly on high-quality investments and connectivity
Another conflict has arisen on the Southern border of Egypt – again, we need to show solidarity with the victims, support those who help, those who provide shelter and protection. Let me welcome tonight the colleagues of the EU Delegation Khartoum who are with us, safe and sound here in Egypt.
The past twelve months have seen a strong Egypt – EU relationship: we held the Association Council, agreed the Partnership Priorities which will guide our relationship the next seven years. We signed MoUs determining our future in energy and hydrogen cooperation. I would like to extend my thanks to Egypt for helping us meet our needs in energy security.
We launched projects with our European partners as a team. Allow me to extend a special welcome to the Ms Vigliotti, the Vice-President of the EIB, who is with us tonight.
The follow up to COP27 and climate change, food security and migration are important topics of cooperation with Egypt. The 2023 European Year of Skills will give new momentum to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, supporting innovation and competitiveness. This is a great opportunity to focus on developing skills, boost social inclusion and growth, working, in particular, with youth and women.
Allow me to thank my extraordinary team and all the other colleagues working for the European Union in Egypt, in the embassies of our Member States, the Financial Institutions, the many companies and businesses for the work they have been doing in challenging times.
Your dedication is impressive, your spirits are uplifting, and your willingness to make a difference is outstanding.
Thank you! And now, let us enjoy ourselves, celebrate Europe Day and spend this beautiful evening together with Amro Saleh Quartet and the fabulous Noha Fekry.
Happy Europe Day to all of us!
