A new chapter of Europe’s history is being written today in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia as well as Western Balkans, said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in New York when receiving the World Peace and Liberty Award.

“The story of our union is one of the democracies, young and old, getting stronger together. This is the story of Germany’s and Italy’s rebirth after the war. It is the history of Spain’s, Portugal’s and Greece’s path from dictatorship to democracy. It is the democratic renaissance after the fall of the Iron Curtain. And the next chapter in this story is being written today in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia as well as the Western Balkans. This is Europe’s promise, a united Continent, where all are equal before the law, with freedom and democracy for all,” she said.

Ursula von der Leyen said it was an honor to receive the award on behalf of the European Commission. She spoke about the 60th anniversary of the World Jurist Association and stressed on the long-lasting peace grounded on law.