Welcoming the President of Latvia to the European Parliament, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that Latvia is a symbol of hope, of transformation, of a nation's ability to break free from authoritarianism. Both Presidents reiterated unwavering support to Ukraine.
Dear colleagues,
Today, it is a pleasure to have with us the President of Latvia: Egils Levits.
President Levits, we are honoured, that you will address the House of European democracy, shortly before the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Since the 24th February 2022, the day Putin’s regime launched an illegal and brutal attack on sovereign Ukraine, Latvia has led on shaping EU policy and has demonstrated unwavering support for Ukraine’s cause and solidarity with Ukrainian people.
There is no doubt that the world has changed after 356 days of war on our continent.
And throughout that change, I am glad that the European Union can count on members, like Latvia. As Latvia can count on the European Union too.
We know, that together the European Union will build a real security and defence Union.
President Levits, your country knows - as you also know - what it means to be under political pressure from an oppressive authoritarian regime.
Our European Union must remain the guarantee that the past can never again be the future. The last generation broke down walls and tore open curtains in the name of liberty and democracy. That is Europe’s legacy and one that it is now up to us to preserve.
Latvia is a symbol of hope, of transformation and of the enduring proof in a people and a nation’s ability to overcome the odds, to break free from authoritarianism and to join a Union based on shared values of justice, freedom and democracy.
European unity must prevail.
Because it is only together that Europe can rise to meet the challenges of our time.
President Levits, the floor is yours.
You can read President Metsola's speech in Latvian here.