The President of the Republic Constantine A. TasoulaHe was involved in the roundtable debate on “The Security of Europe and the Strengthening Democratic Resilience” at the 6th European Political Community Summit in Tirana.
In his speech, Mr. Tasoulas said, among other things, that in an ever -changing and uncertain environment “we are called upon to preserve our principles and values, taking responsibility for promoting the peace, stability and durability of democracy throughout our continent.”
In this context, he emphasized that “one of our most important priorities must be continuous support for Ukraine, as tangible proof of respect for international law and the United Nations Charter” and added that “we fully support efforts for peace in Ukraine and our politics. The proposal for immediate and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days could pave the way for a fair and sustainable peace agreement. “
At the same time, he noted that “in the light of the observance of international law, common values and mutual respect, we can work together to develop integrated strategies that will face both immediate threats to security and the long -term durability of our societies.”
Following is the whole intervention of the President of the Republic Constantine Tasoula in the roundtable debate on “The Security of Europe and the Strengthening Democratic Rules” at the 6th European Political Community Summit.
“It is my honor to participate in the Summit of the European Political Community, for the first time as President of the Hellenic Republic.
Our today’s meeting is being held at a particularly critical juncture, amid tectonic geopolitical changes and multiple crises around the world, which call into question the post -war international rules, and shake the sense of security, as well as the faith of European rights and the faith of European citizens.
In this ever -changing and uncertain environment we are called upon to preserve our principles and values, taking responsibility for promoting the peace, stability and durability of democracy throughout our continent.
In this context, I would like to emphasize three points:
First, one of our most important priorities must be continuous support for Ukraine as tangible proof of respect for international law and the United Nations Charter.
We fully support the efforts for peace in Ukraine and exemplify the political will displayed by the Ukrainian leadership. The proposal for immediate and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days could pave the way for a fair and sustainable peace agreement. Violence and the loss of thousands of lives must be stopped immediately. But we must be clear. No peace plan can be accepted if the map of the United Nations are violated, the fundamental rules of international law and, above all, the dominant will of the Ukrainian people. The European Union should participate in any peace agreement is reached under international law and ensure the necessary guarantees that will prevent such a tragedy in Europe in the future. The change of border with the threat or the use of armed violence cannot be accepted either in Ukraine or anywhere else on the European continent. Greece, as a non -permanent member of the Security Council, is committed to working with all its partners to keep the Ukraine issue at the top of the UN agenda.
In addition, Greece fully supports Ukraine (and Moldova) efforts in the process of integrating them into the EU as an essential means of promoting peace, stability and security in the wider region of the eastern neighborhood. The same is true of our partners in the Western Balkans, whose accession course is consistently supported by Greece by the Thessaloniki Summit in 2003.
Secondly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the wider geopolitical developments have highlighted the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its defense, always in the context of the narrow Euro -Atlantic ties. The EU has taken specific initiatives to enhance its defense readiness and potential in order to enhance its strategic autonomy and collective durability, of course fully respecting the interests of the security and defense of all Member States.
In this endeavor, cooperation with other OMONOCE European countries can be beneficial, since these countries are committed to the principles and objectives of the EU’s common foreign foreign security policy.
Regarding the third point, I would like to emphasize that military capabilities on their own cannot fully guarantee our safety. Hybrid threats, including the tooling of migration by third countries, are an increasing threat of security, democratic institutions and social cohesion and must be addressed with perseverance and determination. The preservation of democratic institutions and the rule of law is the foundation of stability in our countries, and therefore we must increase our resilience to such attacks that target our democracies.
We must also remain alert to protect electoral processes, ensure transparency and cultivate a political environment resistant to misinformation campaigns. Promoting citizens’ education in the media and supplying them, especially new generations, with the necessary tools to learn how to evaluate information, ask critical questions and avoid manipulation, is vital.
Within the EU, we have developed a wide range of means to tackle hybrid threats and misinformation, which could be useful in other European partners who have the same values as the EU.
With a view to keeping international law, common values and mutual respect, we can work together to develop comprehensive strategies that will face both immediate threats to security and the long -term durability of our societies. “