Date of Speech : 25-04-2005

Place : Luxembourg, Neumünster Abbey

Speaker : Simeon Saxe-Coburg, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : Signing of the Accession Treaty of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union - 25 April 2005

Distinguished Prime Minister,

Distinguished Ministers,

Distinguished Presidents of the European Parliament and of the European Commission,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am greatly excited and happy to be signing today the Treaty of Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union. Without doubt, this event is one of the historic milestones for our country. We are making yet another step towards the unity of the Continent and are coming closer to the ideal of its founding fathers to bring together the European nations.

Today we are not just signing a treaty between states, we are establishing a union among citizens. I am glad that the event is taking place in one of the cradles of the Union, Luxembourg, which is Robert Schuman’s homeland.

I would like to express gratitude to you, our European partners, to your Governments, especially the Governments of the states which presided over the EU in recent years, to the Parliaments and citizens of your states and to the EU institutions, for your support, assistance and trust. Without you,  my country would not have been able to accomplish this historic process on its own and in such a short time. Along with that, let me commend the tireless effort of the Bulgarian Parliament, Government and all Bulgarian citizens. We would not be here today if it was not for their hard work and determination. Embracing the European case and united, today my country welcomes the Treaty of Accession.

Before the expiry of its mandate, my Government will submit it for ratification by the Bulgarian Parliament. Furthermore, we shall focus on reforms that still remain to be effected. While modernizing the country, we shall again count on support from the civil society, trade unions, business community and NGOs. Just as before, we shall follow this route with constancy and pragmatism, united in the pursuit of our shared goal.

We trust that you and the member states will do what is needed to ratify the Treaty so that Bulgaria and Romania join on 1st  January 2007 as scheduled.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This day is important for the Republic of Bulgaria because it is taking on a new responsibility: from today onwards, it will participate in the EU decision-making process. I assure you that we are making ready to be a constructive partner.

Bulgaria is returning politically to the family of European nations to which it has always belonged. With its millennial history, unique culture and profoundly European values, my country will contribute to the general welfare, cultural diversity and development of the Union.

I would like to dedicate this Treaty to the young generation of Bulgaria. They will carry the European integration process further, promote the ideals of the Community and work for the unity, peace and success of Europe in the 21st century.