The message of the Pan-European Picnic lies in the compatibility of patriotism and Europeanness

On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic, Lívia Járóka, Vice-President of the European Parliament from Fidesz, emphasized the past and present role of loyalty and openness to Europe. “Sopron, as the Most Loyal Town – as well as the whole of Hungary – testified not only in 1921, but also in August 1989 its patriotism and determination to European values,” she emphasized.

“After more than 30 years, the opening of the border in 1989 sends a double message to Europe and to the Hungarians. And this double message lies in the unity of the idea of ​​national commitment and Europeanness,” the Fidesz politician said. She pointed out that today, when European values, national sovereignty, mutual respect and acceptance are under attack and many are preaching the incompatibility of these values, we, Hungarians have a historic duty to stand up and proclaim that the key to Europeanism, the cooperation between East and West, North and South lies in listening to each other and understanding each other.

“The opening in 1989 brought a new chapter to the life of Europe. A new chapter that has torn down the walls of a system based on oppression and exclusion for decades. Our present brings new difficulties and challenges. However, solutions to these problems can only be achieved by learning from past experiences. And this experience is rooted in fidelity to our national identity and the historical values ​​of Europeanness. Thus, today it is also a celebration of a Europe of sovereign nation-states based on mutual acceptance,” concluded Járóka.