Statsministerens tale ved åbningsplenaren til European Political Community d. 2. oktober

Det talte ord gælder

 

For the past few months, there has been much talk about peace in Ukraine. 

With meetings. Pre-meetings. And briefings about the meetings. 

And meanwhile, Russia continues its brutal attacks. 

It must be clear to everyone now: Russia will not stop until they are forced to. 

And they are a threat. Not only to Ukraine. But to all of us.

Today, we have one major task ahead of us: 

We have to make Europe so strong that war against us becomes unthinkable. 

And we need to do it now. 

* * *

Excellencies.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Dear friends.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you here in Copenhagen.

As you all know. This very forum was founded as a response to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. 

Created to unite all of us.

That purpose has not become less urgent – or less relevant – today.

We have important discussions ahead of us.

And none more urgent than the issue of European security.

Dear Volodymyr.

For almost 4 years, you and your countrymen has been defending Ukraine against a merciless full-scale Russian aggression.

You are fighting with outstanding determination.

Right now, you are fighting for European security. Holding back Putin. Defending all Europeans.

You have done what no one thought possible.

And you deserve our steadfast support.

* * *

We are around 50 leaders here today. From all over Europe.

We represent very different countries. We all have our own interests, our own headaches and our own wishes for the future. 

For some of you the threat from Russia is very clear and very present. For others, it still seems further away. 

But none of us can be naive.

The war was never just about Ukraine.

It is about Europe.

All our nations. All our citizens.

Our values and our freedom. 

And please just take one look at the history of our continent. 

From the expansion of the Russian Empire to Soviet tanks rolling across several borders during the Cold War. Shattering hopes of freedom. 

Recent history tells us the exact same story. So why should it not happen again?

Russia is now converting into a war economy. Using every means, every opportunity to intimidate. Threaten. And divide us.

Unfortunately enabled by China. Soldiers from North Korea and drones from Iran. 

And I see no signs that Putin’s imperial fever dreams stop with Ukraine.

* * *

On the positive side, many European nations are ready to do what is necessary to support peace in Ukraine and in Europe. 

But peace with Russia can only be achieved through strength. 

We must strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia with more sanctions. 

We have to be able to finance the armed forces in Ukraine. 

And we must deliver more weapons. More ammunition. And we have to do it faster. 

Nowhere will it make a greater impact for European security than at the front lines in Ukraine

It is not charity what we do in Ukraine. It is direct a defence of our continent. 

* * *

And at the same time, we must rearm Europe.

I know that almost everybody have increased their military budgets massively over the last years.

And we have taken very important steps in the European Union. In Europe in general. And in NATO. 

So, in other words, we are on our way. But we need to move much faster.

We have to learn from Ukraine. Your sense of urgency. Building an incredible defence industry in just a couple of years. 

We must take that lesson and we have to speed up.

But building a stronger military is not enough. We need more than that.

Because Russia has intensified its use of hybrid means in Europe.

And we face an enemy that uses all kind of tools: 

On day it is military drones.

Another day it’s migrants being pushed across the borders. 

They are targeting critical infrastructure. 

We see the fight with misinformation. All with the purpose to create uncertainty and lack of trust. 

And attempts to interfere in democratic elections. 

Security is of course not only a question of military means. 

It is also a matter of our hearts and minds. 

* * *

And in a time where democracy is under pressure around the world. We need to show that we deliver for our societies. 

That we as political leaders are able to help our people tackle the challenges of everyday life.

Our citizens need jobs and economic security. 

They need healthcare. Education for their kids. Affordable food. Opportunities for their future. 

That is why we need to build a stronger Europe economically as well. 

We have to create the jobs of the future. We have to reduce our dependencies. We have to invest in new technologies. And source the critical raw materials that are necessary. 

And by the way we need to take much stronger action on migration.

We have to strengthen our borders. 

Uncontrolled migration is changing our societies. And it is our citizens that pays the price.

Who can enter and stay in our countries. It has to be a democratic decision. 

* * *

Before I pass the floor, there is one thing I want you all to remember.

Back in 2022. When this political family was established. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin wanted at least 3 things:

He wanted to capture Kyiv.

He wanted to overthrow the Ukrainian government.

He wanted to tear Europe apart.

Today. After almost 4 years of full-scale war. After spending billions of dollars. Sacrificing thousands of Russian lives.

Putin has not succeeded in any of that.

The war is a Russian failure.

First and foremost, thanks to you, Volodymyr. To every brave Ukrainian man and woman fighting for our freedom.

But also, to every nation supporting you. 

Europe is strong when we decide to be. 

And we need to make it much stronger.

So therefore, dear colleagues.

Welcome once again!

And let us use this opportunity to provide concrete solutions. And show the way forward for Europe.

Thank you, I would like to pass on the floor to you António.