The Czech Republic in the EU

Ambassador and Mrs. Stanislav Slavicky recently hosted a reception to mark the momentous entry of the Czech Republic in the European Union. At the unique ceremonies, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime Yambao sang both the Philippine and Czech national anthems, climaxing these with Beethoven’s "Ode to Joy", the EU’s theme song. Marek Slavicky, the ambassador’s son, played F. Buencamino’s "Mayon Concerto" on the piano, and Mr. Yambao sang La Vie en Rose with pianist Mary Ann Baclao assisting.

A condensed version of Ambassador Slavicky’s speech follows:

The historical dream of generations of Czechs has become a reality. The Czech Republic is now a brand new member of the EU. It was already a vision of Czech King George in the 15th century. After years of wars, he thought of Europe’s peaceful unification, and so he addressed several influential European Kings in this regard, but without success. It took five more centuries and dozens of wars with millions of victims before the idea of a United Europe took shape.

Although it is only now the Czech Republic is entering the EU, it belonged for over a thousand years to the family of Western European countries built on the fundametals of Christian civilization. Known as the Kingdom of Bohemia, it has always been open to Jewish and Islamic influences as well.

The 1st of May, 2004, is an exceptional historic day for Europe. The EU has been enlarged by ten new members, including the Czech Republic, to a total of 25 countries. This institution now represents a united Europe, definitely removing the last traces of the Iron Curtain which once divided Europe into the Eastern and Western blocs. The EU has opened doors to other countries from East and South.

The Czech embassy in Manila has a special status in this issue. It is the only residential embassy of one of the ten newly accepted states in the Philippines because Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Latvia, Eston, Malta and Cyprus have only honorary consulates here. The Czech embassy is thus a symbolic, unofficial representative of the new EU members in Manila. Therefore, please welcome also the honorary consuls of these countries!

Our membership in NATO’s security system in 1998 was the first important step towards our country’s integration into major Euro-trans Atlantic institutions. Our republic’s cultural heritage coupled with a powerful economy driven by a high level of industrialization will be an important contribution to the new Europe, the largest trading bloc in the world!

Our membership in the EU offers a unique opportunity and challenge to our republic. A major advantage is the stabilization of the economy. It is a challenge to the future, a challenge to the young generation. In the referendum regarding our entry to the EU, over 50 percent were young voters!

After our tragic experience in WWII, our republic is especially sensitive to the adherence to human rights and fully aware of the significance of democracy and security.

Therefore, the Czech Republic, prepared to face new threats, has joined the anti-terrorist alliance in its operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. September 11, 2002 in New York and March 11, 2004 in Madrid–these are symbols uniting us all against global terrorism.

Our republic has already submitted a request for membership in the asem, asean-eu common institution which will extend possible bilateral economic relations with the Philippines. The rich traditions of mutual ties closely linked with the Sto. Niño de Praga and Rizal, and the friendship of former President Vaclav Havel with former Presidents Ramos and Aquino suggest further development enhanced by our partnership with EU member countries.