The reason why the celebration took place in Kuressaare a day earlier (unlike in other locations in Estonia) is that on 8 May the town celebrated its 459th anniversary of being granted the charter of municipal rights by King Frederik II of Denmark. The main square in Kuressaare was decorated with Estonian and European flags and blue and yellow flowers symbolizing colors of Europe. This year Ukrainian flags were added – after all, the colors of Ukraine are the same as those of Europe - blue and yellow.

The aggression against Ukraine has casted shadows over the festive atmosphere of celebrating the rebirth of Europe after WWII this year. That´s what Ambassador Král also alluded to in his speech - Ukraine is fighting for European values in the battlefield right at European doorstep and the EU has to do whatever it takes to help her win this fight. Once that happens, we should be able to welcome Ukraine in our European family.

As a part of the celebrations, the Embassy of the Czech Republic organized a screening in the Kuressaare Theatre of a Czech movie Trap (2020). The film not only maps the time when the State Security were unlimited masters over people and of a time that should never happen again. 

Ambassador Král further discussed with Mayor Kallas possibilities for cooperation in cultural exchange and education projects.

Photos courtesy of European Commission Representation in Tallinn.

Ambassador Král together with the mayor of Kuressaare

Celebrations of Europe Day in Kuressaare

Ambassador Král together with the mayor of Kuressaare