In times when international peace and security are at stake, the European Union's role is very important and it has an obligation to support the preservation of international stability, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis stated in a message on Europe Day, which is celebrated each year on May 9.

He also underlined that Greece, as one of the oldest members of EU, has been contributing for more than four decades to achieving European unification, enlargement and integration.

Gerapetritis pointed out that it was the collective duty of all the European countries to continue the legacy of the Schuman declaration which founded the union and continue to work toward promoting social cohesion, the citizens' prosperity and to ensure Europe's position as an important factor in the international community.