Today we must remember that our power as citizens resides in our ability to participate in the construction of the Europe in which we live

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminiţa Odobescu, states on Thursday, on Europe Day, that on this day we must remember that our power as citizens resides in our ability to participate in the construction of the Europe in which we live. She emphasizes that the elections for the European Parliament from June 6-9 represent, from this point of view, a major opportunity for this active involvement of citizens in the European democratic exercise. “We must remain united in the aspiration for a better, stronger, more democratic and more prosperous Europe for all its citizens,” the minister also says, according to news.ro

“Today we celebrate Europe Day, 74 years after the founding moment of the European construction process. On May 9, 1950, in a continent still marked by the scars of war between its nations, the Schuman Declaration launched an unprecedented project based on an ideal of peace, solidarity, cooperation and European unity. Today, when we live again with the reality of a brutal war of aggression taking place in the vicinity of the Union, we must remember the value of this fundamental landmark of our common European history. The achievements of our common path confirm that the vision of the European construction launched then was and remains the correct one. On May 9, we celebrate the solidarity and diversity that define the European community, but also our commitment to the fundamental values ​​of democracy and human rights, respect for the option of our peoples to live in freedom and to build a future together”, says the Minister of External in message.

According to Luminţa Odobescu, “that is precisely why today’s celebration, which takes place a month before the upcoming European elections, is an opportunity to reflect not only on our achievements, but also on the road ahead”.

“Today’s holiday is not just about celebration. It is also about action. Romania is today a member state with a strong pro-European vision, acting to promote national interests, in full harmony with the objectives of the further development of the European project and having the conviction that only together we can build our future. Our citizens directly enjoy the benefits of this project and want this project to go further, to our European partners who, in turn, have chosen for their citizens, the path of European integration, democracy and freedom”, states Odobescu.

“In our view, the continuation of the expansion of the Union is at this moment more than a geopolitical necessity. It is the best instrument of the Union for ensuring prosperity and peace in Europe, as we have seen so far. On May 1, 20 years have passed since the biggest wave of enlargement, which began with 10 new member states in 2004, and was completed on January 1, 2007, with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria. Today, the benefits are felt by all member states. We are stronger together, better prepared to respond to challenges and to take advantage of the opportunities of our coordinated action”, says the Foreign Minister.

Luminţa Odobescu emphasizes that “Romania remains deeply attached to the objective of advancing the European project through enlargement and believes that it is essential to turn the next steps of this process into a success”.

“A larger Union is today, as yesterday, the best tool to protect European interests and prosperity, to support the principles of the rule of law and to defend EU citizens from external threats. In difficult conditions, the Union knew how to embark on the path of advancing expansion. Last December, European leaders decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, partner states that have made significant progress and are firmly committed to pursuing their European destiny. Romania supports them directly, starting from its accession experience, in order to continue this path and to complete their progress internally”, says Luminiţa Odobescu.

She mentions that at the same time, “we must advance the European project by deepening the degree of integration in key areas: strengthening European security and defense, strengthening the Single Market and competitiveness, in parallel with the further promotion of cohesion and convergence within the Union, as and achieving the double green and digital transition in a fair and equitable manner”.

“We recently celebrated 30 years of the Single Market, which brought prosperity to the member states and those in the European Economic Area. Europe is in a crucial year for its future. Faced with the current challenges, we must continue to come up with answers together, in close coordination and solidarity. Today we must remember that our power as citizens resides in our ability to participate in the construction of the Europe in which we live. The elections for the European Parliament from June 6-9 represent, from this point of view, a major opportunity for this active involvement of citizens in the European democratic exercise. We must remain united in the aspiration for a better, stronger, more democratic and more prosperous Europe for all its citizens. Let’s be active, be informed and be involved! Europe is ours, everyone’s! Happy birthday, Europe!”, says the minister in the message.