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European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Welcome speech by Commissioner Kubilius at the Conference "Europe and Central Europe at a global turning point" (recorded) Tallinn, 16 April 2026 Dear Friends from Estonia, Saxony and Central Europe. Central Europe is the heart of Europe. Geographically, and Politically and Metaphorically. Once cut off from the rest of Europe – the west of Europe, we now shape the...
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Welcome speech by Commissioner Kubilius at the Conference "Europe and Central Europe at a global turning point" (recorded) Tallinn, 16 April 2026 Dear Friends from Estonia, Saxony and Central Europe. Central Europe is the heart of Europe. Geographically, and Politically and Metaphorically. Once cut off from the rest of Europe – the west of Europe, we now shape the future of Europe. We have the power to inspire Europe and beyond. Our massive economic, democratic and social success after joining the EU is a massive contrast to authoritarian countries in the Eastern part of the European continent. Our success inspires our non- authoritarian neighbourhood to choose the European way of life. And Europe, the EU, should be ready to accept these aspiring members to join our club. Especially Ukraine and Moldova. The EU should not miss this opportunity of enlargement by 2030. Because this is the only way, how this continent can make strategic steps towards implementation of the famous peace formula “Europe - whole, free and at peace”. Europe still is not whole, it is not free in all its parts, and it is not at peace. Europe still is divided into two parts: free and non-free, democratic and authoritarian. And the authoritarian part of the European continent, authoritarian Russia under the Putin regime is the only reason why there is no peace on the European continent. Authoritarian Russia is a permanent threat. Not only to its democratic neighbors, but towards the whole of democratic Europe. And even more. Authoritarian Russia was, is and will remain a major threat to Europe as long as Russia remains an aggressive authoritarian power. We don't want to live in the dark shadow of the permanent threat of authoritarian Russia. Do we have a strategy on how to avoid such a gloomy perspective? Putin is afraid that his regime will not survive the inspiration of success of Ukraine both on the front lines and created through its integration into the European Union. The inspiration of the success of Ukraine can trigger ordinary Russians to start to demand and seek the transformation of Russia back to normality. That is why Putin started the war against Ukraine – to stop Ukraine from becoming a successful country in the neighborhood of authoritarian Russia. That is why our strategy towards authoritarian Russia should have a very simple title - “Success of Ukraine”. Success of Ukraine is what we, democratic Europeans, can deliver to Ukraine. And to create the possibility for Russia to transform itself. Even if the possibility of such a transformation is almost zero, it's worth to try and to invest into it. A normal, non aggressive Russia would be the best security guarantee for Europe. We have the power. European power - by inspiring others and by building our collective defence capabilities. Our long history shows: There never was a peace dividend. The danger of authoritarianism on the European continent is real! And more acute in the present geopolitical situation. With Russia ' s war continuing, America shifting attention away from Europe, the crisis in the Gulf. That is why Europe is staying alert! And that is also the task and achievement of Central Europe: to keep Europe alert to the threat from the authoritarian East. And Europe is delivering! Last year in Europe we created massive opportunities for defence. 150 billion in SAFE loans and the 60 billion defence loan for Ukraine. Member States pledged trillions for defence, in NATO. And we, all together, have the power to defend Europe. Starting from Ukraine Our countries on the eastern border are leading in building European defence. And we are leading in support for Ukraine. At the same time, we are learning from Ukraine in building our defence. Our destiny is the same. Ukraine is part of Europe. And let's hope that in the not so far future Europe will become whole, free and at peace. Because the authoritarian East of Europe will not be able to stop the slow, but unavoidable spread of democracy from the West to the East of the European continent. Despite that until now such a spread is resisted with aggression and blood. I am always saying: we need a big bang in our defence. Financial big bang. Production Big Bang. Institutional readiness Big Bang. But the defence of Europe and the future of sustainable peace on European continent starts with good and big ideas. And it ' s your job to create an intellectual big bang for such a goal. And I know you will do a great job! SPEECH/26/811
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