I am honored to celebrate Europe Day in the house where Robert Schuman grew up. Schuman was a visionary. Five years after a devastating war, he chose a story of peace and reconciliation. He understood that free nations could only survive and thrive together.

Schuman saw our unity as a way for Europe to stand strong during the Cold War. Today, as tanks and missiles parade on Red Square, we celebrate peace and democracy. Our Union was born as a peace project and it remains so.

Today, justice for Ukraine begins to take shape. A special tribunal for aggression is being established in Lviv. This sends a powerful message: Russia will be held accountable.

From this house, we turn our eyes, hearts, and minds to Ukraine, where Europes future is being written. We will support them on their path to the European family.

This is Schumans greatest legacy: a stable and attractive Union. Twelve countries are waiting to join the European Union voluntarily, not just for prosperity, but for shared values. Europe is more than a market; it is our common home.

Happy Europe Day.