On Europe Day
As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
May 13, 2021
Thank you, Madam Chair.
The United States wishes to extend our congratulations to our colleagues here at the Permanent Council on this past Sunday’s Europe Day. When Robert Schuman proposed the European Coal and Steel community 71 years ago, he sought to make war between France and Germany, “not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible.” Over time, Schuman’s audacious plan would unite much of the continent in peaceful, prosperous cooperation in the European Union. Schuman’s dream exchanged trade and collaboration for conflict, a situation we strive to extend throughout all of our 57 participating States. Full integration into a united, peaceful Europe remains an aspiration for many states, including Ukraine. Unfortunately Russia seeks, through its aggression, to prevent the people of Ukraine from realizing that aspiration.
One of the early priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration was to underscore the importance the United States places on transatlantic cooperation. Our transatlantic alliances and partnerships are built on a cornerstone of shared values, and for more than 65 years the United States and our EU partners have enjoyed close diplomatic ties and, together, addressed both global and regional issues.
The EU is a partner of first resort on a host of international efforts, and our cooperation is crucial to upholding the rules-based international order and addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis and pandemic response.
After two world wars that killed tens of millions on the continent, the most profound lesson of the European Union is the proof that centuries of animosity and division can be overcome for the benefit of all citizens. We congratulate our European partners on the success of the union that started 71 years ago, and look forward to a long future of peaceful cooperation with you.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
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