In Celebration of Europe Day

Flags of the OSCE participating States outside the Hofburg Congress Center in Vienna, Austria (USOSCE/Colin Peters)

In Celebration of Europe Day

As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Michele Siders
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
May 10, 2018

On behalf of the U.S. government, please allow me to congratulate my colleagues in this room on the occasion of Europe Day and offer good wishes to your nearly 750 million co-citizens.

The United States and the European Union have a strong and enduring partnership based on our shared democratic values, strong economic ties, and social and cultural links. These bonds between our peoples unite us, but so do the many common interests we share. The United States values the European Union’s role in promoting peace, human rights, and prosperity in Europe and around the world. We work closely with the EU across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to coordinate our humanitarian assistance. And the EU is an increasingly important partner in countering terrorism and extremism.

As we honor the spirit of Europe Day, we reiterate our appreciation for the strong friendship and cooperation between the United States and the European Union.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.