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Plenković on Europe Day: 'We choose freedom over fear, right over might, and solidarity over division'
🇭🇷 Croatia /Culture & Society

Plenković on Europe Day: 'We choose freedom over fear, right over might, and solidarity over division'

From Večernji List · (1h ago) Croatian Positive tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković marked Europe Day by emphasizing the choice of freedom over fear and solidarity over division.
  • He highlighted Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression as a defense of fundamental European values.
  • Plenković noted the tangible benefits of EU membership for Croatia, including infrastructure and economic development, and expressed confidence in a shared European future.

On Europe Day, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković articulated a powerful message for Croatia and the wider European Union. He reminded us that Europe is not merely a geographical space but a conscious choice – a commitment to freedom, justice, and solidarity, especially vital in these challenging times.

Europa nije tek prostor u kojem živimo, već i izbor "slobode nad strahom, prava nad silom i solidarnosti nad podjelama", koji se svakodnevno potvrđuje

— Andrej PlenkovićPrime Minister Plenković emphasized the meaning of Europe as a choice of values.

Plenković's words resonate deeply as he drew a direct parallel between Europe's post-war aspirations and Ukraine's current fight for survival. By invoking Ukraine's struggle against brutal Russian aggression, he underscored that the defense of Ukrainian freedom is intrinsically linked to the defense of core European values. This connection is crucial for us in Croatia, a nation that understands the cost of conflict and the importance of a united Europe.

Zato se danas moramo prisjetiti i Ukrajine, koja se brani od brutalne ruske agresije već više od četiri godine te štiti svoju slobodu i temeljne europske vrijednosti

— Andrej PlenkovićPlenković linked the celebration of Europe Day to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

He rightly pointed out that Croatia's membership in the EU is not just an institutional affiliation but a source of tangible progress. The new schools, kindergartens, hospitals, roads, and economic projects funded by the EU are visible proof of our shared future and the improved quality of life for our citizens. This is the Europe we believe in – one that delivers concrete benefits and strengthens our nation.

Hrvatska kao "ponosna članica" Europske unije sudjeluje u oblikovanju zajedničkih odluka i određivanju smjera kojim blok ide, "uz čvrstu pripadnost civilizacijskim vrijednostima koje dijelimo"

— Andrej PlenkovićThe Prime Minister highlighted Croatia's active role and values within the EU.

As we celebrate Europe Day, we reaffirm our commitment to this vision. Croatia, as a proud member, actively shapes the Union's direction, firmly rooted in shared civilizational values. Plenković's address serves as a reminder that the EU, born from a desire for peace and cooperation, continues to be a beacon of hope and a project built on freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and solidarity.

Europska unija nije samo institucionalni okvir, ona je u Hrvatskoj vidljiva u svakodnevnom životu – u novim školama, dječjim vrtićima i bolnicama, u cestama i mostovima, u obnovljenim zgradama i gospodarskim projektima koji razvijaju sve krajeve Hrvatske i podižu kvalitetu života naših građana i gospodarstvenika

— Andrej PlenkovićPlenković detailed the tangible benefits of EU membership for Croatia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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