The Embassy of Bulgaria together with the Embassy of Romania celebrated the 10th year anniversary of becoming EU member states. The event took place on the 10th of April 2017 close to the alley “Laan van Europa” in Malieveld, The Hague, where on the 1st of May 2004 25 trees were planted which marked the accession of ten new members to the EU. Two more trees were planted in 2007 when Bulgaria and Romania became member states. 

 

An official guest of the event was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, who delivered a speech. Among the guests were the Deputy Mayor of the Hague Mr. Tom de Bruijn, the Head of the European Commission Representation in the Netherlands, the Head of the Information Office of the European Parliament in The Hague, the ambassadors of other EU member states, directors and other representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Dutch institutions, university lecturers, journalists, members of the Bulgarian and the Romanian communities.

 

In his speech Ambassador Alexandrov pointed out that this 10th anniversary is an appropriate occasion for rethinking the political, social and human aspects of the membership to the EU which has made Bulgaria an equal participant in the discussion about the future of the European continent. Moreover, after less than eight months the country will take over the rotation presidency of the Council of the EU. As a member of EU, Bulgaria shares its common values and principles and understands the meaning of the principle of solidarity and cohesion within the EU. Ambassador Alexandrov  also mentioned that Bulgaria has proven as loyal and responsible member of the EU, who during the unprecedented migrant crisis protects the external boarder of the EU with high efficiency and dignity. He noted that we are proud that as every other member state, Bulgaria contributes to the development and the validation of the cultural identity of the Union. An eloquent evidence for that were the new 50 euros banknotes released by the European Bank with inscription in Cyrillic on it. 

 

The Ambassador of Romania Ms. Brandusa Predescu also made a short statement regarding the membership of Romania to the EU, while noting that it was the fulfillment of Romania’s national project to reintegrate into Europe and its principles. So far, throughout those 10 years of membership, Romania has managed to grow considerably while learning to be more active in the European initiatives, trying to find the best solutions to some of the challenges which Europe is currently facing. Her Excellency Ms. Predescu also stated that for Romania there is no other alternative than the European project and she would like her country to be in the core of the integration process, which is fundamental for Romania’s foreign policy.

 

In his speech, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders has acknowledged the long way which Bulgaria and Romania went through as EU members. He noted that both of the countries gave many answers to questions raised and discussed among the Dutch society before the accession of the two countries. Therefore, today Bulgaria and Romania are considered as countries which could offer new opportunities for the Netherlands and they are also important trade partners. H.E. Mr. Koenders also implied on the fact that the EU is no longer only seen as a trade market as it was before. Currently, attention is drawn to the values of the Union, the rule of law and the peaceful solution for differences. Europe is facing new realities and therefore the European integration stands with a different meaning.  In conclusion, H.E. Mr. Koenders stated that the Netherlands will be the constructive partner of Bulgaria and Romania and together the countries will easily face new challenges.

 

The musical formation of the event was carried out by Rositza Ovcharova (violin) and Mariana Preda (flute).