In the framework of the 20th anniversary of Democratic Change in Central and Eastern Europe, Vaclav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic, gives an address at the formal sitting, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brussels

plenary session

BUZEK, Jerzy (EPP, PL)

HAVEL, Vaclav

formal sitting

EU - Czechia (T)

Celebration of the 20th anniversary of Democratic Change in Central and Eastern Europe - Formal sitting: extracts from the address by Jerzy BUZEK, EP President and Vaclav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic

Exterior of the European Parliament, Brussels

Jerzy BUZEK, EP President, and Vaclav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic, in the hemicycle

SOUNDBITE (Original) Jerzy BUZEK, EP President, " We exchanged views with President Havel, We could not believe in something like that 25years ago, we can assure you"

SOUNDBITE (Original) Jerzy BUZEK, EP President, " Today Parliament is playing host to a man who 20 years ago was one of those setting the dominos falling , a writer, an intellectual, a wonderful human being, a friend to all of those fighting for freedom and human rights wherever they are, President Vaclav Havel, My dear Vaclav welcome

SOUNDBITE (Original) Jerzy BUZEK, EP President, "Vaclav Havel was and remains a Hero to us all."

Extract of a video shown in the hemicycle with archive pictures of the velvet revolution Czecholoslovakia, and Jos&eacute; Manuel BARROSO, President of the EC

SOUNDBITE (Czech), Vaclav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic, We need to show clear and unequivocal solidarity with anyone anywhere in the world confronted with totalitarian or authoritarian regime, no economic or particular interest should stand in the way of such solidarity," Applauds

SOUNDBITE (Czech), Vaclav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic, "I believe that the EU has a chance to inspire the rest of the world with something more profound than its model of international cooperation, I am thinking about Europe's quest to remedy all the questions of all things which it has done in the history of contemporary civilisation, I have in mind the shift away of from the cult of profit at all costs regardless of the long term irreversible consequences, a shift away from the quantitative growth and a growth of growth"Applause

SOUNDBITE (Czech), Vaclav HAVEL, former President of the Czech Republic, "For 20 years now Europe has not been severed in half . I firmly believe that Europe will not allow itself to be divided. I believe it will be the source of ever deeper solidarity and cooperation; I hope that for us and our descendants, Schiller's "Ode to Joy" will not just be a poem celebrating friendship among people I hope it will be transformed in a strong symbol of our powerful thriving for a more humane world, thank you for your attention"

Vaclav HAVEL waves to the Chamber with a v sign