This morning, to celebrate the Europe Day and this year also commemorate victims of Ukrainian war, a flag raising ceremony was held at the Riga Castle Tower of the Holy Spirit where Ukrainian and European Union flags were hoisted and Latvian flag was lowered half-staff. Ceremony was attended by Egils Levits, President of Latvia, H.E. Mr Olexandr Mischenko, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia, and Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, to show that Ukraine belongs in Europe and celebrate common values of Europe.
Statement by President of Latvia Egils Levits:
‘This is the 18th annual Europe Day celebrated by Latvia. European Union was created after the war and one of its aims was to prevent wars from ever happening again in Europe and bring countries on opposing sides together in the process of rebuilding Europe as friends, side-by-side. Europe held this promise for a long time, but now it has been broken as we can see, and European Union and us should stand with Ukraine who is the victim in this aggression. We must provide all available support to Ukraine. That is why Ukrainian flag is being raised today above the Riga Castle Tower of the Holy Spirit.
European Union is the world’s strongest political and economic union. As a member state of the European Union, Latvia is a part of Europe’s political realm, legal and economic area. I urge everyone today to contemplate their role in shaping Latvia, and at the same time the whole Europe, the way we want them to be. We want free, democratic, developed Europe where rule of law is respected. Let us build one. Hurray for Europe!’
Statement by H.E. Mr Olexandr Mischenko, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia:
‘Today marks the 75th day since Ukrainian people were forced to take up arms to defend themselves against Russian aggression. Blood-thirsty Russian dictator sparked a war in the centre of Europe to emulate the historic path of Soviet Union. Ukraine and its people, however, said yes to European values and future, and is now paying in blood for their right to choose. Let me, in the presence of high representative of the European Commission, reiterate our commitment to achieve this goal.
Russian army of looters, murderers and rapists is killing our children, seniors and women as we speak. Their aim is to pull us back towards Russia. That will never happen because we know that Latvia, European Union and the whole civilised world is behind us. I am extremely grateful to Latvia and its people for all the help it has given us, in terms of military, humanitarian, emotional and mental support. I firmly believe that Ukraine will win this war and join the European Union. We will defeat Putin’s regime. Glory to Ukraine! Thank you, Latvia!’
Statement by Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission:
‘Congratulations on Europe Day, everyone! Congratulations on Latvia being the member state of European Union and having access to all the benefits that it entails, and the right to decide our common future in Europe. For the past 12 months all citizen of European Union had the opportunity to provide their views on the future of EU. People have clearly demanded European Union to take more active and united role. Last week, in Strasbourg, during the closing session of this dialogue at the European Parliament, leaders of European Union and people discussed how to achieve that. Europe has shown that at times of emergency its response can be swift and united. This time is no exception because Russia has attacked Ukraine and thus challenged the whole democratic world. Europe and the resto f international community stands firmly with Ukraine. We are providing Ukraine with everything it needs, while also showing our resolve to the aggressor, which is Russia.
This year Europe Day in Latvia coincides with Remembrance Day of the Victims of War in Ukraine. Those who are injured or killed in this war. Europe continues to provide Ukraine political, humanitarian, financial and for the first time ever also military support. Our sanctions against Russia, its political and economic isolation, show our resolve.
I want to thank all Latvians who are helping Ukraine at this dark hour. That is how solidarity works in Europe. Ukraine must join the European family of democratic countries one day. It is a choice Ukraine made during the Revolution of Dignity and we need to support it the same way we were supported when we decided to accede to EU. However, what we are also seeing right now is that we should not take freedom and democracy for granted. We must continue strengthening our freedom and democracy every day and be ready to defend them, if necessary. God bless Latvia! Glory to Ukraine!’
