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Rumen Radev: Bulgaria Has Given a Lot to Europe and Can Give a Lot to its European family

Bulgaria has given a lot to Europe and can give a lot to its European family. This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said in the speech he delivered at the official opening ceremony of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the Ivan Vazov National Theater. 

Before the leaders of the European institutions and the representatives of the College of Commissioners of the European Commission,  Rumen Radev depicted  Bulgaria as the country having a 13-century “highly paid” historical experience to be Europe’s southeast gateway.

“Europe is too big to be monolithic, yet too small to be divided. Therefore the slogan of our Presidency is “United We Stand Strong.” As a region the Balkans is aware that division gives rise to tragedies,” the Head of State said.

In his opening speech, Rumen Radev expressed pride that Bulgaria boasts the model of good co-existence of a couple of religions and as the homeland of the Cyrillic alphabet plays the role of a bridge between Europe and the East. “Moreover, Bulgaria, which currently has to catch up with the developed countries in the Union, engaged in rescuing its Jews way back during Europe’s gloomiest years,” the President further said.

Rumen Radev was adamant that Bulgaria is taking over the Presidency at a moment difficult for the Union and enumerated the challenges the continent is currently facing. “Global insecurity makes European defense an imperative. Migration and terrorism require that the EU holds an active dialogue with its big neighbors. Competitiveness should not be achieved by restricting social rights but by making strategic investments in education and in high technologies,” the Head of State said.

At the ceremony President Radev further called on for solving the common problems the EU is facing by being realistic and showing solidarity. “In the name of Europe’s future, we need to engage in comprehensible talk, ensure simplified procedures, construct a new self-confidence and overcome egoism,” the Head of State said.

Rumen Radev voiced conviction that the guests of the Bulgarian Presidency will feel at home among Bulgaria’s ruins from Roman times and orthodox churches, and in Sofia, where the orthodox church, the Catholic cathedral, the mosque and the synagogue are located only a couple of hundred meters away from one other. “This is a unique historical achievement. I believe this is a marvelous inspiration which will remind all of us that Europe is not an economic space, but a land of freedom, rooted in history, culture and humanism, which we should never turn our backs to,” the President further said.