Speeches of Traian Băsescu, President of Romania, Simeon Saxe-Coburg, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, at the Signing Ceremony of the Accession Treaty of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union.

Speech by Traian Băsescu, President of Romania, on the occasion of the signing ceremony of Romania’s EU Accession Treaty

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Fifty-five years ago almost to the day, the Schuman declaration marked the opening of a completely new era in the Europe of the 20-th century – an era of peace, prosperity and unity. In the same spirit, the visionary decision taken here in Luxemburg, in December 1997, opened up a new chapter for the Europe of the 21-st century.

Opening the horizons of European unity, from the north of the continent to the Mediterranean, and from the Atlantic to the Black Sea, will be the greatest achievement of the current European generation. It certainly lives up to the vision of the founding fathers of the Union, all of them advocates of bold and constructive action for a common European destiny.

The process of EU enlargement towards Central and Eastern Europe represented from its very beginning a historic opportunity to erase artificial dividing lines, strengthen and extend peace and prosperity on our continent, prepare us better for the future. The opportunity was not missed and, after the epoch-making 1-st of May 2004, here we are today, in our turn, expressing our common will to be together, „for better or for worse“, in an enlarged European family of 27.

For us, EU membership will represent the fulfillment of a dream, more than half a century old, that of overcoming all barriers and becoming part of the European community of values, prosperity and security. There can be no doubt that accession to the Union will represent one of the most important moments in Romania’s long European history. The signature of the Accession Treaty opens the door wide towards that moment.

We have, today, signed up for our future in a Union based on economic performance, sustainable development, social and economic cohesion. A Union founded on the principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. A Union devoted to the practice of tolerance, justice and solidarity. A Union committed to furthering respect for human dignity, liberty and human rights.

Our aim is not that of being just a new EU member. We are preparing to play a full part in shaping our common future, to play it by the agreed rules and to play it with enthusiasm. We will assume our share of responsibility and solidarity. We can contribute to economic growth, security and cohesion in the Union. We are taking very seriously our role as future guardian of a large part of the Union’s eastern border, and we fully share the vital interest of strengthening the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice.

We have set, as one of our priorities, to contribute actively, along with our partners, to a stable and secure Eastern neighbourhood, our common neighbourhood. We also share the vision of a Union with a growing role on the world scene, a Union which attracts and inspires, a Union which is respected and heeded. We are determined to do our part, according to our capabilities, and contribute to a Union destined to play the role befitting its potential and aspirations.

Eliminating a difficult historic legacy and preparing for EU accession have not been easy tasks. Romania has, however, undergone far-reaching transformations in a relatively short period of time. These transformations would have been unthinkable before the fall of the Iron Curtain. In fact, a lot of what we now take for granted, such as a prosperous economic and political European community, embracing, in the near future, almost 500 million people, would have been difficult to imagine just fifteen years ago.

The process of change started in December 1989 has reshaped the foundations of the political, economic, and social life of Romania. It can be rightly compared to a peaceful revolution – a revolution which is still unfolding, in some areas more intensely than in others, with the joint effort of all Romanians and for the benefit of all. The wide popular support for the fundamental political objective of EU accession clearly testifies to our commitment and determination to be an integral part of the European family. At the same time, explaining to our citizens what this new relationship entails, what are its opportunities and challenges, will continue to be high on our agenda.

I will avail myself of this occasion to reiterate our thanks to the European Commission, the member states and the European Parliament for their invaluable role in Romania’s preparations for membership. Today’s event, which I would again compare to an engagement ceremony, was only made possible with the constant assistance, guidance and advice received from the EU, all along the road which led us to this momentous day.

I am sure that the same family spirit will continue in the months to come, a period which we view as no less important for the „marriage“ to take place as planned. In what we are concerned, I can assure you that we will spare no effort in fulfilling our commitments. We will continue with our preparations, with energy and determination. We have no intention of missing the rendez-vous in 2007.

Speech by Simeon Saxe-Coburg, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the signing ceremony of Bulgaria’s EU Accession Treaty

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.

Speech of José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, at the Signing Ceremony of the Accession Treaty of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union

Senhores Presidentes,

Senhores Primeiros-Ministros,

Caros amigos,

Hoje é um dia importante para todos os Europeus, 25 de Abril é uma data especial na história democrática. Foi a 25 de Abril de 1974 que a revolução dos cravos permitiu a instauração da democracia em Portugal o que veio a ter um impacto profundo em transições democráticas no nosso Continente e noutros áreas do mundo. É pois uma feliz coincidência celebrar no mesmo dia a democracia e a ùltima etapa da caminhada da Bulgária e da Roménia para a adesão à nossa União Europeia; uma caminhada que também ela se iniciou com revoluções democráticas há cerca de quinze anos.

Hoje completamos igualmente o quinto alargamento da União que é também o mais ambicioso. Aquele que a história registará como o da reunificação da Europa, que ultrapassa as injustiças do século XX e que consolida a propagação da paz e da liberdade no nosso Continente.

Em breve a Bulgária e a Roménia ocuparão em pé de igualdade o lugar que lhes cabe legitimamente entre os 27 Estados Membros e os cerca de 500 milhões de cidadãos.

A igualdade garante os direitos e as vantagens que a qualidade de membro da União Europeia confere mas implica também obrigações e responsabilidades importantes.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I know that this has been a challenging and demanding voyage. The Union and its Member States set high standards for newcomers. There are good reasons for this: more than ever, the Union is now a community not only of States but of citizens. Its success affects the wellbeing of its people in their everyday life and work.

It is my task and that of the Commission to see that the high standards are met by both existing and future Member States. So: yes, the Commission must sometimes be tough: we point out there the gaps are and we insist that they are addressed well before accession.

If necessary, in the case of serious problems we will take the measures foreseen in the Accession Treaty. But rest assured that we will also be working with you to overcome any difficulties as you make you final push between now and January 2007.

And we have every confidence that you are capable of completing even the most demanding reforms in areas such as public administration and the judiciary.

Of course, these reforms – and preparations for membership in general – should be seen for what they are: an opportunity to ensure your citizens and businesses feel the benefits of membership: benefits such as a safer workplace, a better economy and an increased standard of living, a cleaner environment, a more efficient and transparent administration, and better delivery of justice for all.

So let’s work on this together: the European Commission will provide its help and expertise where needed. We will continue to help through the pre-accession programmes. Assistance is being increased by 30% in the final years before accession and will continue to be delivered in the first years of membership. We are investing together in crucial infrastructure and in transferring know-how.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

A partir de demain, vous participerez en tant qu’«observateurs actifs» aux réunions des divers comités et organes de l’UE et du Parlement européen. Cela vous permettra de rencontrer vos homologues, de faire connaître votre avis et d’apprendre de l’intérieur comment fonctionne l’Union.

Après la signature d’aujourd’hui, le Traité d’adhésion sera soumis pour ratification à tous les parlements des États signataires. Ce processus s’accompagnera d’un effort de communication majeur, pour expliquer l’importance et l’impact de cet élargissement. La Commission jouera son rôle, mais c’est avant tout le travail des dirigeants nationaux, et je compte sur leur engagement actif.

Vous avez attendu ce jour avec espoir et vos attentes sont nombreuses. Et à juste titre: l’adhésion à l’Union européenne est l’aboutissement de longues années de travail acharné.

Vous avez entrepris des réformes souvent difficiles et exigeantes pour construire une société moderne.

Vous pouvez être fiers de vos réalisations, que nous saluons aujourd’hui. Vous avez bien mérité votre récompense

Bienvenue dans l’Union; nous sommes heureux de vous accueillir à nouveau au sein de la famille européenne!

Je vous remercie.