The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs, Bojan Maricik, today in a video address, with a message for peace, unity, unity, and solidarity, congratulated May 9, the Day of Victory over Fascism and Europe Day.

- May 9 is a symbol of the heroism and unity of the people who defended their countries and the whole world from the greatest evil of the last century - fascism. This historic date warns us that the evil committed by fascism must never be repeated for the good of future generations. At the same time, this date obliges us to continue to nurture the true principles of building peace, unity, stability, and freedom, Maricik said.

He reminded us that today is celebrated the victory of democracy, European values, tolerance, and dialogue, in fulfilling the vision of Robert Schumann and Jean Monnet, and that this day is an opportunity to pay tribute and to express gratitude for what the European Union has done in the interest of peace, stability, and development of the continent.

- This year, May 9 is celebrated by Europe and the world in conditions of security, economic and energy crisis and therefore, as never before, we need the foundations of European values: solidarity, unity, and cooperation, said Deputy Prime Minister Maricik.

According to him, the current challenges clearly show that enlargement, as the most successful policy of the European Union, is still the only way to strengthen and protect Europe's security, peace, and progress, and that a coherent open door policy will return high on the EU agenda and in the following period will give results.

- Our goal and the only guarantee for a prosperous future for present and future generations is the European Union. That is why we remain permanently committed to our country becoming a full-fledged, trustworthy, and responsible member of the European family, Maricik said.

Today and tomorrow, Deputy Prime Minister Maricik pays a working visit to Paris, where he will have meetings with Clement Bon, Secretary of State for European Affairs of the Republic of France, Macron's Political Adviser for the Balkans, Isabel Dumont, and Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs and Defense, Christian Cambon.

During the visit, Maricik will also be a speaker at the "Balkan Dialogues" conference, which will be attended by senior state officials from the Western Balkans and Europe.