Europe, part of which to be is an honor for every nation, is indeed a dream. A dream that unites us. Twenty years ago this dream became a reality for Czechia. And I am sure – it will soon become a reality for Ukraine, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during the conference "20 Years of Czechia in the EU: A Vision for an Enlarged Europe" on Tuesday.

"All of this is not just about the enlargement of the European Union, but about how Europe can protect itself. Europe can be strong and really peaceful only when no one among Europeans is left behind Europe," he said.

According to the head of state, "Europe is destined to be a space of cooperation to remain the space of life. This is what we have to keep, this is what we have to defend."

Zelenskyy thanked "the Czech Republic and President [Petr] Pavel personally for every effort that now helps Europe under the Ukrainian flag to overcome Russian assaults."

"I am grateful to Germany and President [Frank-Walter] Steinmeier, Chancellor [Olaf] Scholz, to everyone in the political class and society in Germany, who helps Europe overcome Russian terror with the hands of Ukrainians soldiers. I am thankful to everyone who devoted their political career so that the career of our entire Europe is successful – so that people win," he said.

"I am confident that during our lifetime, the same conference will be held but devoted to twenty years of Ukraine in the European community – twenty years of our full membership in the EU. And already in June we can begin this pathway by the actual start of Ukraine's accession negotiations. I am thankful to everyone who helps!" the Ukrainian president said.