9th May 2016 On 9 May the European Union is celebrating Europe Day worldwide. On this day in 1950 French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of the EU, made the famous ‘Schuman Declaration’, in which he called on the nations of Europe to unite and render war on our continent unthinkable. Robert Schuman’s appeal to overcome age-old divisions just five years after the Second World War laid the foundations of what has become the European Union. Sixty-six years later, Robert Schuman’s message of peace and unity is as relevant as ever.
For the first time in our history, the European Union faces an existential threat. This is not simply about terrorism: we have the tools to defeat the terrorist threat and prevent radicalisation. This is certainly not about migration: a Union of 500 million people can manage the current flows, protect lives and build strong partnerships with other countries, in our region and beyond.
The European Union is at risk when we build walls, instead of tearing them down. It is at risk when we behave as part-time Europeans – we call for help when we need it, but we are not ready to help. In this tough moment in the history of the world, the world needs a strong Europe more than ever. We have a responsibility to our own citizens, and also to the Pacific.
Indeed, the European Union has a long standing relationship and friendship with Tonga and other Pacific countries. Our partnership with Tonga and the Pacific is based on our shared values, on common concerns and on common aspirations. In the Pacific we are an important trading partner, a reliable investor, a generous donor of humanitarian and development aid, and a loyal ally in a fight against climate change.
Three weeks ago, 175 countries signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the UN High-Level Signing Ceremony in New York. 15 countries deposited their instruments of ratification on the same day sending a signal to the international community on the paramount importance of this Agreement. Remarkably, six out of these 15 inspiring countries were Pacific Island States. The Pacific has done its share, now it is for the developed countries to deliver. A key objective of the EU for 2016 is to maintain this political momentum and alliance with the Pacific nations as we start moving towards the implementation of the Paris deal.
Despite the voices calling for the closure of the European borders as an answer to waves of refugees and migrants, we continue to open our doors to the Pacific nations. Recently the EU signed short-stay visa waiver Agreements with Tonga, Samoa and Palau allowing their nationals to visit Schengen Area visa free. Several other Pacific island States will join this group later this year.
We take pride in our strong partnership with Tonga. Our assistance of €17.4 million for the period till 2020 in improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy is vital for Tonga’s sustainable and inclusive development in the years to come. We continue to support civil society in the areas of private sector development, trade policies, public finance management, energy policy and gender.
The European Union played an important role by providing €5.5 million in budget support to Tonga during its financial crisis in 2010, thus contributing to ease fiscal constraints. Additional €1 million was granted in 2014 to assist with the recovery in Ha’apai in the wake of Cyclone Ian.
On Europe Day we celebrate not only Europe and all the achievements we must preserve, but also our strong partnerships around the world, including with our friends in the Pacific. The peoples of the European Union and the Pacific share challenges, ideals and ambitions. Working together we can help make the world a better place for our children.
Happy Europe Day.
Andrew Jacobs
For further information or questions, contact the Delegation of the Pacific for the Pacific Press and Information Officer on email: Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu or call on (679) 3313 633