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SOFIA – With various initiatives across the country, Bulgaria celebrated Europe Day. This day has been part of the national holiday calendar since March 29, 2005.
This year’s celebration began with a ceremony of raising the European Union flag in front of the presidential institution in the presence of the head of state Rumen Radev, vice-president Iliana Yotova, acting prime minister and foreign minister Dimitar Glavchev, mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev, ministers, and representatives of parliamentary political forces.
The EU flag was raised accompanied by the “Ode to Joy”, followed by the Bulgarian anthem.
Today, on Europe Day, let us wish for a European Union that engages even more actively and contributes even more effectively to the development of its member states, which continues to build its unity based on the principles of democracy and peace. This was stated by President Rumen Radev after laying flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. I also expect the EU to engage more actively in the enforcement of democracy principles and human rights, the rule of law in the Western Balkans countries, which have declared their ambitions to join the EU, added Radev.
Regarding Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen, the head of state commented that opening the country by air and sea, “as much as it is positive, there is also a negative aspect.” The pressure towards Austria was extremely high, but now this pressure has decreased because it is said: “Look, Bulgaria is already in Schengen”, Radev pointed out. We will continue to work with both the President of Austria and the Chancellor, added the Bulgarian president. Asked what the right approach is, Radev pointed out that at the base is the calm, very open debate on the topic. We do not need clashes and nerves in the situation, he added regarding the expectations for the removal of the land Schengen borders for Bulgaria and Romania soon.
The Day of Europe will continue with events under the auspices of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria. The culture and traditions of the countries that joined the EU 20 years ago will be presented in Sofia’s City Garden. Embassies of Cyprus, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic will give visitors the opportunity to try local foods and drinks, and to participate in games with awards.
Later there is a concert “20 years together” with music and dances from performers from different parts of Europe. The event is organized jointly with the Sofia Municipality, the Representation of the European Parliament in Bulgaria, embassies of Cyprus, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, Sofia Airport and the European Investment Bank in Bulgaria.
In the evening, the three-dimensional video mapping show “Your Voice” is expected on the façade of the National Gallery – The Palace, as part of the third edition of the LUNAR Festival of Lights. The organizer of the spectacle is the Bureau of the European Parliament in partnership with the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria. Projections in Bulgarian and English languages will alternate, continuing until midnight. The spectacle can be followed freely on-site or from 9:30 PM on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of the EP in Bulgaria. (May 9)