Mattarella: "Never has it been so necessary to spend on common European defense"

“The expense of equipping ourselves with effective tools that guarantee collective defense has always been understandably unpopular. Even when, as in this case, the objectives of protecting security and peace are pursued, within the framework of a policy that respects international law. And yet, rarely like now, is it necessary”. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, said this during the exchange of greetings with the high officials of the State.

It is necessary, he explained, “also to make our decisive contribution to the creation of common European defence, an instrument of deterrence against wars and, at the same time, safeguarding the shared space of freedom and well-being. National security and European security are indivisible today, whatever the perspective with which we approach the issue of the protection of freedom and the development of our societies”.

“I referred to participation as a vital element that animates the life of the Republic. Everyone’s contribution to the community of which they are part is precious. Participation is also made up of questions, answers, discussion, trust in the institutions”. The President of the Republic said this, Sergio Mattarella.

“Those who are called to represent the institutions, to give them a face and a voice, those who have the honor of serving them are asked to correspond to these expectations and this trust. The trust of citizens is the most precious resource for the State. The constitutional pact of our coexistence is based on it”, he added.

EU road to follow without second thoughts

“There are some major issues of national life that go beyond the horizon of legislatures, and cross any alternations between government majorities. Issues that require long-term programs, investments of huge resources, commitments and sacrifices that will concern generations to come. Strategic issues that define the future of our Republic by their content.” President Mattarella said during the exchange of greetings with the high officials of the State.

“The theme of international politics, of alliances, of the choice of Europe as the path to follow without second thoughts”, he explained, “And this not only because of the commitments we have undertaken by adhering to the Treaties. We know well that the Union has some problems and many adversaries. Only Europe can preserve, and give a future, to those conquests that states have guaranteed for decades with their laws. There are ever more and more numerous great problems of our time which cannot be governed, solved by the dimension of the single state. Not even the richest, the largest, the strongest militarily among European countries can have the ability to act alone in this changing world.”

Democracy stronger than its enemies

“Democracy is stronger than its enemies. It is especially strong where it was built with sacrifice. Where it is rooted in the consensus of the community, in the beliefs of the people, in the full affirmation of the rights and duties of citizenship”. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, said this during the exchange of greetings with the high officials of the State.

“In the approaching year we will celebrate 80 years of the Republic. 80 years of democracy, development and peace. What lesson should we draw from what we have achieved, collecting what was built by the generations that preceded us? The first value on which to place emphasis is given to us by the word “together””, he added, “the Republic has lived and lives on the contribution of each one. On the commitment, responsibility, sacrifice of every Italian. On their participation. Together is also the antidote to the mistrust towards the future. Together means people. It means participation in collective life. It is the root of that unity that the Constitution places at the foundation of the Republic”.