Today we mark the Europe Day.
On this occasion, Verena Taylor, Director of the Office of the Directorate General of Programmes (ODG Prog), together with Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, welcomed representatives of diplomatic corps, beneficiary institutions, NGOs and the media, in new premises of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade.
Marking this important date, the Director conveyed a message of the Council of Europe Secretary General in her speech.
Speech of Verena Taylor, Director of the Office of the Directorate General of Programmes (ODG Prog)
Excellencies,
Dear representatives and partners in Serbia,
Dear colleagues and friends,
It is a particular pleasure to be here with you today to open the new premises of the Council of Europe in Belgrade on behalf of the Secretary General, Marija Pejčinović Burić.
Since 5 May 1949, when 73 years ago, ten states, few years after the Second World War, came together in London to create the Council of Europe our continent has changed considerably, certainly for the better. For the last 71 days, Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the subsequent war cast a terrible shadow on Europe. To quote Secretary General's Europe Day message: “The success of (effective) multilateralism rests on the determination of governments to ensure that their citizens’ fundamental rights are interwoven with every aspect of life on our continent. Words and pledges at ministerial sessions matter, but they are not an end in themselves. What counts is that promises are kept, results are delivered and standards are met: that there is the political will to deliver. The lesson to be drawn, yet again, is that our success as an Organisation – and as a continent – relies on our member states’ determination to do the right thing: to invest in human rights, democracy and the rule of law as the basis of a just future.”
This is why Europe Day this year fills us with humility and the renewed resolve, to pursue, for the whole of Europe, peace based on justice and international cooperation, as the Council of Europe statute demands. Our action and the office in Belgrade are testimony to this commitment.
Some 20 years ago, I had the privilege to spearhead the opening of a first small office in Belgrade, aspiring democratic change. It was a period of hope in the region. Together with colleagues, some of them present here today, we helped bringing Serbia into the Council of Europe in April 2003. The history of this office shows us how change is possible, but also teaches us that sustainable change does not come quickly. It calls for determination.
The Council of Europe has this determination. The more than a dozen projects and regional programmes, carried out by almost 40 staff, our joint efforts with the European Union and the voluntary contributions of our member states, are supporting society and authorities to firmly root human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Serbia for the benefit of all people.
This is the message of Europe Day: by working together we can achieve greater unity in Europe; with the right tools, we can move forward.
I am convinced that the work of this office will remain a unique instrument for sincere and effective cooperation to support Serbia on its European path. I am wishing the whole team and all partners that this office will continue to be a place of inspiration, creativity, and a source of genuine progress.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Happy Europe Day!
