EC chief Ursula von der Leyen thanks Czechs for their contribution in shaping the EU

Czechia is marking 20 years since the country’s accession to the EU. Speaking at a gala concert in Prague’s Rudolfinum on Tuesday evening, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU had made the Czech Republic stronger and Czechia had in turn strengthened the EU. The EC chief thanked the Czech Republic for its contribution in shaping the EU, and for being an active and reliable member of the alliance.

“Václav Havel has said: 'Work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed. ' In these years, I have seen the Czech people put these words into action: You have been one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters – not because it was easy, but because it was right. You are hosting the most Ukrainian refugees per capita – not because it is easy, but because it is right. Under the Czech Presidency's leadership, we broke free from Russia's energy blackmail. And it certainly was not easy, but it was right,” the EC chief said.

Tuesday's concert at the Rudolfinum, performed by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of  its chief conductor Semyon Byčkov, included Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the official anthem of the European Union.