ATHENS — The European Union "is an area of prosperity and security for Greece," President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou said on Sunday, Europe Day 2021 and the year of Greece's 40th anniversary as EU member.

Earlier in the day, Sakellaropoulou had attended the raising of the Greek and EU flags on the Acropolis, joined by European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas.

The president then attended a liturgy at the Athens Cathedral to commemorate the end of World War II on May 8, 1945, the national struggles and national resistance against Nazism and fascism. This was followed by laying a wreath at the Unknown Soldier's Tomb before Parliament.

In a brief message, Sakellaropoulou spoke of the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for freedom. She noted that 2021 commemorates the 71st anniversary since the Schuman Declaration called for the first European union, and the 40th anniversary of Greece's membership in the EU.

"For Greece, the EU is an area of prosperity and security," she said. "We participate in its values and share European life and culture. We are proud of what we have achieved with our European fellow-citizens, and have high expectations for the future. In our era's challenges – the pandemic, economy and climate change – Europe is obligated to respond with unity and solidarity."