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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต Nepal /Elections & Politics

EU-Nepal partnership in a changing world

From Kathmandu Post · (5m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The European Union commemorates Europe Day on May 9, celebrating the peace, stability, and prosperity achieved through its foundational Schuman Declaration, which merged French and German coal and steel industries.
  • The EU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russia's aggression, providing a โ‚ฌ90 billion aid package and continuing sanctions to weaken Russia's war capabilities.
  • The EU recognizes Nepal's democratic values and recent election success, pledging continued partnership and support for its development priorities and global crisis response.

Europe Day, observed on May 9, marks a pivotal moment in history โ€“ the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. This visionary proposal, born from the ashes of World War II, laid the groundwork for unprecedented peace and prosperity in Europe by fostering cooperation between former adversaries. Today, the European Union stands as a testament to this ideal, uniting 27 member states and 450 million citizens under shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Tomorrow, May 9, marks the anniversary of what became known as the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union (EU).

Explaining the significance of Europe Day.

However, the peace and stability that Europe cherishes are under severe threat. Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine is a stark reminder of the fragility of the international order. The EU's unwavering stance is clear: we stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, providing substantial financial and military support, including a โ‚ฌ90 billion aid package, and imposing stringent sanctions on Russia to cripple its war machine. This commitment is not just about defending Ukraine's sovereignty; it's about upholding the principles of international law and ensuring that 'might does not make right.'

The unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine by Russia, now in its fifth year, is an assault on the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine and a threat to the international order we have painstakingly built.

Condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Our partnership with Nepal, built on shared values and mutual respect, remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy. We commend Nepal's commitment to democracy, as evidenced by its recent peaceful elections and the vibrant participation of its citizens. The EU, through its Member State ambassadors, is eager to support Nepal's development priorities and its efforts to navigate global challenges. Our long-standing partnership, spanning over 50 years, is a beacon of cooperation, demonstrating how nations can work together to build inclusive institutions, foster prosperity, and empower future generations. The EU's experience in regional integration and promoting democratic values offers valuable lessons for Nepal as it continues on its path of progress.

The EUโ€™s stance is clear: We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes and until there is a just and durable peace.

Stating the EU's commitment to Ukraine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.