Ambassador J. Nociar: EU Membership for Slovaks and Czechs Wouldn’t Have Been Possible Without the Velvet Revolution

Brussels/Bratislava – On Sunday evening, around 100 Slovaks and Czechs gathered in Brussels' Leopold Park at the Václav Havel Bench to honor the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and reflect on its significance today. In attendance were the Czech Ambassador to the EU, Edita Hrdá, and the Slovak Ambassador to the EU, Juraj Nociar, as reported by the TASR correspondent.

Established in October 2021, the Václav Havel Bench has served as a venue for various cultural and social events for the past three years.

Following the playback of the national anthems of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Ambassador Hrdá reminded attendees that Czechs and Slovaks had returned to this spot, just as they did last year, to remember the pivotal events of 35 years ago. She expressed appreciation for the families present, emphasizing the importance of passing the Velvet Revolution's message to the next generation.

“Personally, this is one of my most significant national holidays,” she remarked, underscoring that the Velvet Revolution marked a crucial turning point in society. She noted that 35 years later, the meaning of this date remains relevant for our history, present, and future. Hrdá highlighted the importance of transmitting Václav Havel's legacy.

“Those of us who knew and collaborated with him understood that his thoughts were profound and grounded in clear, simple principles. It is perhaps surprising to see how mutual tolerance and dialogue have faded from our society,” Hrdá stated.

During his address, Nociar characterized the Velvet Revolution as the most significant event in the contemporary history of Slovaks and Czechs. He reminded the audience that the events of November 17 did not occur spontaneously; they were preceded by a candlelight vigil in 1988 and a student march in Bratislava on November 16.

“Without the events of November, it would be difficult to envision the Czech Republic and Slovakia as members of the EU and part of the Western democratic world,” he asserted. Nociar also acknowledged Havel, emphasizing that without his non-confrontational approach, advocacy for civil society, and leadership, the revolutionary changes of 1989 would not have been as peaceful.

He conveyed a profound message for today's society, noting the increasing polarization not only in political realms but also across society as a whole, both in their countries and globally.

“We should celebrate the reunion of Czechs and Slovaks within the European Union, just as we were once united in a single state. However, it is essential that we ensure the message of November 17 continues to thrive and evolve,” Nociar concluded.

“Without November, it would be hard to consider that the Czech Republic and Slovakia would be part of the EU and part of the western democratic world”: Juraj Nociar