To mark Europe Day and the 70th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, the European Parliament hosts a “stay-at-home” Open Day, where doors are opened to citizens virtually, with a programming schedule across EP media channels. This year, the focus is on EU citizens, particularly those directly helping in the crisis, as well as on informing citizens about and debating on EU solidarity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Statement by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader, on our common future post-COVID-19, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brussels

statement

WEBER, Manfred (EPP, DE)

70th anniversary of the Schuman declaration (T)

Open day 2020 (T)

Europe Day - Schuman Declaration Anniversary - 70 Years of Solidarity: statement by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/4357012/I190682Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP chair, Seventy years ago, Robert Schuman proposed a broad plan to avoid the conflicts between France and Germany to build a better future for the people on our continent. This declaration was a turning point in the history of Europe. Last week I read the text again and it is striking how courageous and visionary the proposals were.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Chair, Just imagine after the two world wars to propose that countries like France and Germany give up a bit of sovereignty to become stronger together. It is fascinating that the verts of Schuman are still true 70 years after the first bill. I quote 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.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Chair, Lasting peace starts with acts of solidarity, not only with words. These words should guide our work in the challenges we are facing now.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Chair, Also, in the current crisis, I think, especially of people like Nicole, 23 years old from Milan, she had a fixed term contract until March that it was not renewed. Unemployed Nicole decided to volunteer for the Italian Civil Protection to deliver masks and groceries to covid patients in isolation at home.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Chair, Yes, she is one of millions of European heroes of this terrible pandemic. And we are for always thankful for her service. Her generation that has already suffered the consequences of the financial and economic crisis 10 years ago is now again challenged as they start their families and careers. Europe cannot afford to leave these brave young people behind. They are the source of hope, inspiration for our future.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Chair, In fact, not a single country is strong enough to manage the challenges of these times alone. And if one country suffers in Europe, we all suffer. Though the question we are facing now is Europe in Europe is simple. Either we succeed together or we fail. Divided unity and solidarity are the foundations of better, stronger and safer Europe from the disasters of the world wars.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Chair, We build the most successful peace project in our history, and we have given back freedom and prosperity to Europeans like never before. Today, 70 years after the Schuman Declaration, the Europeans can be proud of our achievements, but we also know that our future is far from being certain. Let us stand together. Let us work together. I wish you a happy Europe Day