"Today is a time not only for a stocktaking, but also for a new ambition - for Bulgaria to be an active voice for a united, strong and peaceful Europe". This is what President Iliana Yotova wrote on her Facebook page on the occasion of 21 years since the signing of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union by Bulgaria.
In her words, this choice has given us the opportunity to develop as part of the largest economic and values-based union in the world.
"Today our appeal is clear: to work for a stronger European economy - competitive, innovative and sustainable. Only in this way can we guarantee the well-being of our citizens and the stability of the Union", the head of state said, quoted by bTV.
According to Iotova, Europe's security must be built not only by strengthening forces, but also through dialogue and diplomacy. In a world of growing challenges, reason, cooperation and respect for international law are the path to lasting peace and security, she added.
On April 25, 2005, at a solemn ceremony in Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Romania signed the EU Accession Treaty. On the Bulgarian side, the Accession Treaty was signed by President Georgi Parvanov, Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Minister of Foreign Affairs Solomon Passy and Minister for European Affairs Meglena Kuneva. On January 1, 2007, Bulgaria officially became part of the European Union.