Dear Chairman of the Munich European Conference, dear Manfred Weber,
dear Prime Minister Söder,
dear Mr. Wintergerst,
dear Mr. Konstantinidis,
dear Ministers,
dear Members of Parliament,
ladies and gentlemen,
good evening to you all,
I want to express my deep sorrow and outrage over the terrible attack that took place today in Munich, injuring many. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Despite these sad events, I am pleased to be here at the Munich European Conference and thank Manfred Weber for the invitation.
As a young man, I lived in Germany for two years and have always been impressed by German hospitality.
Munich and Bavaria uniquely blend tradition and innovation, giving them a strong regional identity.
The technology companies and research institutions here, such as the start-up Deep Drive I visited today, are inspiring.
Europe faces challenges such as the war in Ukraine, climate change, and technological shifts. We must work together on solutions that offer stability and progress.
Europe must increase its defense spending and prepare for hybrid threats. Cooperation within the EU and with global partners is essential.
Climate change requires a strategy that benefits both the environment and the economy. We must invest in renewable energy and infrastructure.
Technological innovation offers opportunities for economic growth and must be supported by policies that promote entrepreneurship.
The coming years will require joint efforts to strengthen Europe. I am optimistic that with an open mind and strong principles, we can overcome these challenges.
Thank you for your attention.