On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the people of the European Union as you celebrate Europe Day this May 9.

Sixty-three years have now passed since Robert Schuman declared that a united Europe was indispensable to the maintenance of world peace. This vision—protecting the peace within Europe while promoting the values of democracy and freedom throughout the world—was recognized this past year when the Nobel Committee awarded the 2012 Peace Prize to the European Union.

The United States and the EU are bound together by common values and together provide sustained global leadership. Over the past year we have worked toward a more secure, democratic and prosperous world. We have provided humanitarian assistance to displaced Syrians, supported civil society in Egypt, and sustained a democratic opening in Burma. We will continue to be partners in the Balkans and especially commend EU leaders for their contribution to the Serbia-Kosovo agreement to normalize relations.

On this Europe Day, we look ahead to exciting new prospects for the U.S.-EU relationship, including the launch of negotiations for an ambitious new Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. This is a tremendous opportunity to deepen and broaden our strong U.S.-EU ties and add to the over 13 million American and European jobs already supported by existing trade and investment.

As you pause to mark Europe Day this May 9, know that the people of the United States stand with you as friends and partners. Together, we will continue to build a better and brighter future for both our peoples and the global community.