Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear visitors to the website of the Bulgarian Embassy in Vienna,

It is my pleasure to welcome you most cordially!

When analysing relations between European nations, we often see a vast range of deep historical ties and diversity of relations reflected in our intertwined traditions, customs and culture… The specific feature of the relations between Bulgaria and Austria is that they have always brought renovation and modernisation of Bulgaria, while at the same time being always beneficial to both states, irrespective of whether these were relations in the sphere of politics, economy, culture, art, architecture, education or some other area. That was the situation nearly 130 years ago when the beginning was laid of the bilateral relations after the National Liberation of Bulgaria, this is the situation today, when we are partner states in the European Community.

After the changes in Bulgaria in 1989, relations with Austria acquired a new quality and a more dynamic development, and the two nations share the same ideals and identical values. Over the past years, Austrian companies consolidated their leading position among foreign investors in Bulgaria. Today we are called upon to resolve jointly common issues that concern not only Europe and its citizens, but define also the role of the European Union as actor on the global scene.

The year 2007 was important both for Bulgaria and for the European Union. It was in 2007 that Bulgaria joined the EU as its full member, and the Union marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome that created the European Economic Community as the predecessor of the European Union of today. We, Bulgarians, are proud to belong to this community of security, freedom and rule of law. Bulgaria’s accession to the EU provides many opportunities, but it also brings new challenges and responsibilities. In fact, the process of the European integration of each Member State hardly ends on the day of its EU accession, because the persistent work goes on – but already in the Community. I am convinced that Bulgaria, as one of the medium-sized European countries, is giving its constructive contribution to the European project of peace, security and – gradually – of welfare as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good bilateral relations need constant care. This website of our Embassy in Vienna will inform you about political, economic and cultural events in the relations between our two countries. I shall be happy if you find interesting and useful information here.

Please accept my best wishes,

Ambassador Radi Naidenov