Michel: We are on the cusp of a historic moment for the EU

(Patria) - The big enlargement in 2004 was a transformative event for our continent. For the new member states, joining the EU was a driver for greater prosperity.

And the spectacular growth of their GDP is the best proof of that, said President of the European Council Charles Michel on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the big EU enlargement.

- The fall of the Iron Curtain brought about the rise of the big enlargement. It brought ten new member states into our Union. The year 2004 marked the reunification of a divided continent.

Today, twenty years later, war has returned to Europe. The next wave of enlargement is again a date with history, a geopolitical imperative - believes Michel.

Speaking about the motives behind the big accession, he says that for the new member states it was a fierce desire to become part of this world of freedom and prosperity.

- Europe was much more than geography, Europe is an idea, a dream, a journey, a beacon of hope. We must never forget the determination of the candidate countries at the time.

You made accession your guiding star and aligned your policies and your hearts with this common strategic goal. It was spectacular.

On the other hand, what motivated the EU? Our moral obligation was to answer the call of history, but it was also in our strategic interest.

At that time, many doubted the EU's ability to integrate populations and economies of more than 100 million people. But we responded to the challenge by being smart and pragmatic - Michel stated.

The current rules-based order, Michel is aware, is certainly not perfect, but it should play a stabilizing role.

- Today, this world order is shaken, and it is happening right here on our European soil. Russia is waging war against the sovereign nation of Ukraine. And Russia's war is not limited to the skies and trenches of Ukraine.

The EU, its candidate countries, and even Africa are subject to hybrid attacks from the Kremlin. Russia uses migrants, money, and fake news to destabilize them.

The Kremlin has a clear goal - to overthrow the European dream. Why? Because the Kremlin fears freedom and democracy on its doorstep - assesses Michel.

He emphasizes that today it is the test of our generation to make this Europe stronger, more sovereign, more influential, more integrated, and even more united.

- We are on the cusp of another historic moment for our Union, we have a date with history, let's seize it with both hands - concluded Michel.