Dear all,
I am very happy to participate at the 12th Conference of the YEPP here in Athens.
I would like to welcome the young Europeans of EPP, the future -not only of our party- but also of Europe, as well as my good friend Manfred Weber and wish him good luck. His success will be a success of our family.
Especially in these difficult times in which Europe will need dynamic leadership, Manfred Weber can guarantee this.
In these turbulent and volatile times, our big EPP family has a historic role to play. A pivotal role.
The European Union is confronted with huge challenges and the European project is at stake.
Some believed in the beginning that it would be the economic crisis to cause this. Finally, it is migration and security that are the main challenging issues.
Both issues have fueled the rise of nationalism and populism - which is the biggest challenge of all.
We should not however confuse the voices of nationalism with patriotism. The difference between the two is clear: In patriotism you love your country. In nationalism you hate the other's country. And the latter led Europe and the whole world to the abyss just some decades ago.
We should never forget this, or where we stand as a Union today Because the European Union is about unity and solidarity.
In this context, we should erect a wall to stop populism and nationalism that seek to isolate and divide us.
To revert Europe to its dark past, by reviving old rivalries.
Instead we should embrace our belief in Europe in combination with our love for our homeland and strive to find ways of prospering and living better together.
Because ultimately, we can be both Europeans and patriots at the same time.
We and you belong to the unique generations in Europe that have not lived and experienced division, rivalries and war. But we shouldn’t take it for granted.
The values upon which the EU is built, providing us 60 years of peace, stability and progress, must be defended and upheld.
Our EPP party’s ideological and political values should inspire our duty towards this unique historical responsibility: to safeguard our beloved Europe and our Union. To make it stronger, deeper, more humane. To revive the European vision.
Unfortunately, we hear more and more voices that want to divide. Some governments prefer looking only inwards, ignoring their historical responsibilities and turning their back to our common EU values, such as the rule of law, solidarity and shared responsibility.
Dear young Europeans,
This is Europe’s biggest and most existential crisis. The upcoming European elections therefore come at a very critical moment for Europe’s future, or your future.
During this electoral campaign we need to uphold and defend the democratic values and principles of our Union.
Dear friends,
It is time for all to take responsibility for the Europe of tomorrow. It is time to take the lead.
In order to do it, we need to set an example to everybody and invite other Europeans to join us on this path.
The EPP is the only political power, which can achieve this: by providing stability; by ensuring that the flag of the European Union will continue waving high and the European values will hold strong; thereby keeping Europe united.
By taking the lead to complete the Europen project.
By moving Europe forward.
By making Europe a strong block for our nations and our citizens who share a common history and a common destiny.
This is also what Nea Dimokratia represents and stands for. A leading European and patriotic political power and a strong member of the EPP family.
A party, which under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, safeguards those values that remain at the core of the European project and very soon will be entrusted by the people of Greece to pave the way and ensure a more auspicious future for our country.
In view of our political struggle, I wish you all a fruitful meeting in Athens and a successful electoral campaign for the months to come. Our victory will be above anything else a victory of Europe, a victory of our values, a victory of our citizens.
Thank you very much for your attention.