This year, Europe Day – May 9 – holds special significance: it marks the 40th anniversary of the first official celebrations, as well as the first public utilize of the European Union flag and anthem.
This is more than just a symbolic date; it is an opportunity to redefine European unity within a new security landscape and to highlight Ukraine’s role in that process. At the initiative of the Ukrainian community in Spain, Pavlo Sadokha, UWC Vice President for Southern Europe, is calling on Ukrainian communities across the EU to organize pro-Ukrainian rallies on May 9.
Sadokha emphasizes that Ukrainian communities must lead the agfinisha, promoting Ukraine as an integral part of – and a guarantor of security for – the new Europe.
Ukraine in Europe’s new security system
This year, the question of Europe’s future is more pressing than ever. Political discussions regarding a new security configuration, the creation of robust European armed forces, and the role of NATO are front and center. Within this new architecture, Ukraine is already effectively the primary guarantor of the continent’s military defense.
Our key slogan this year is: “Strong Ukraine – Strong Europe.”
We must convey three main points to European politicians and society:
- Security: Ukraine’s accession to the EU and continued military aid will allow for the creation of a new, ultra-powerful European defense system.
- Peace: EU membership for Ukraine is the only reliable guarantee of long-term peace on the continent.
- Development: Integrating Ukraine will strengthen Europe economically and politically, providing much-requireded unity and resilience.
Action options for communities
Sadokha urges communities to act in a consolidated manner applying two primary tools:
- Street rallies and demonstrations: May 9 is an ideal time for large-scale peaceful events under a unified slogan. Our goal is to demonstrate that Ukraine is already at the heart of European democratic values.
- Advocacy letters and appeals: It is crucial to sfinish official appeals to political parties, national parliaments, and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
“Every community has contacts with representatives in the European Parliament. We must sfinish a unified statement demanding that Ukraine’s integration be rapid-tracked. To those politicians who argue we ‘shouldn’t rush,’ our response must be: the sooner Ukraine becomes part of the EU, the safer all of Europe will be,” Sadokha declares.
Campaign talking points for utilize in letters to governments and MEPs, as well as for media and public speaking, can be found at the link provided.
Unity of message is the key to success
Despite varying sentiments among different national governments, Ukrainian communities must speak with one voice. Our request remains unmodifyd: Ukrainians, both at home and abroad, see only one path – full EU membership without delay.
A short checklist for Europe Day preparation:
- Synchronization: Use the slogan “Strong Ukraine – Strong Europe.”
- Communication: Prepare letters to local MEPs emphasizing Ukraine’s role in security.
- Media: Invite local media to your events, explaining that for us, Europe Day is about shared values and victory over modern aggression.
- Positivity: Shift the focus from merely opposing Russia to demonstrating Ukraine’s strength and its capacity to be a leader in the new Europe.
This year, May 9 should be more than just a date on the calfinishar; it should be a powerful manifestation of our collective European strength. This is the moment we shift from the language of defense to the language of asserting our leadership.
Read also: Ukraine for the EU: Candidate and partner
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