Speech by Ambassador Anne MARCHAL on the occasion of Europe Day 2026

PRINT

Speech by Ambassador Anne MARCHAL on the occasion of Europe Day 2026

19.05.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)

Mr Minister,

Excellencies, Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions,

Dear colleagues of "Team Europe",

Dear partners, dear friends,

It is with immense pleasure that the members of the Delegation of the European Union and I welcome you this evening in this beautiful hall decorated in the colours of Europe as we gather to celebrate Europe Day together.

9 May marks the birth of a unique project: a Europe built on peace, solidarity and cooperation among peoples.

But today, this celebration takes on a particular significance.

In a world marked by tensions, conflicts and uncertainty, we are called upon to defend the very values that define our Union: freedom, democracy, equality and respect for international law.

Respect for international law also means embracing multilateralism - an approach that bases international cooperation on common rules aimed, in particular, at preserving peace and addressing global challenges under the aegis of the United Nations.

His Excellency Mr Denis Sassou N'Guesso, President of the Republic and Head of State, frequently recalls in his major addresses to the nation the importance of multilateralism, and I would like to commend this commitment.

Europe was built as a peace project. But peace can never be taken for granted.

As Ms Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission - in other words, Europe's chief diplomat - recently reminded us: "Peace is not free. It must be defended - every single day."

In the face of today's challenges, the European Union is acting to protect its citizens, support stability and promote a rules-based international order.

But we also know that this mission cannot be carried out alone.

Our security is inseparable from that of our partners.

It is in this spirit that the partnership between the European Union and the Republic of the Congo is built.

A longstanding and solid partnership, founded on mutual respect, dialogue and a shared ambition: to concretely improve people's lives.

Today, this cooperation - articulated under the Global Gateway strategy and often implemented together with Member States through the "Team Europe" approach - translates into concrete actions:

- supporting access to sustainable and affordable energy;

- accompanying young people towards employment and training, including through digital opportunities;

- promoting equality between women and men;

- strengthening governance and public policies;

- protecting the forests of the Congo Basin, which are essential to the global climate balance;

- building infrastructure that is vital for economic development, regional integration and the well-being of populations.

Through these initiatives, we are doing more than simply financing projects.

Together, we are building sustainable solutions.

And above all, we are reaffirming a strong conviction: sustainable development, stability and prosperity are built through partnership.

In an interconnected world, no country can face the major challenges of our time alone.

Climate change, economic transitions, pressures on democracy - these challenges require collective responses.

This is why the European Union remains fully committed alongside the Republic of the Congo through Global Gateway initiatives and the Team Europe approach.

Our objective is clear: to transform shared challenges into shared opportunities.

Because, as Ms Kaja Kallas underlined, "The vast majority of the world seeks stability and a rules-based order." And it is precisely this order that we wish to strengthen together.

On this Europe Day, we celebrate our history. But above all, we reaffirm our commitment to the future.

A future where Europe remains a pillar of peace and stability, where its partners, such as the Republic of the Congo, move towards sustainable prosperity, and where our cooperation delivers tangible results for populations.

Europe is, and will remain, a reliable partner - committed and action-oriented.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to raise my glass:

To the friendship between the European Union and the Republic of the Congo,

To our partnership, founded on trust and mutual respect,

To a shared future that is fairer, more sustainable and more prosperous,

And of course,

To Europe!

© European Union, 2026