The 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which instituted the European Economic Community, reminds us of the principles around which United Europe was built and the trust that European citizens invested in the European Union. This is an occasion to reflect on what guarantees we are giving and how we must work to ensure that a United Europe continues on its path as a democratic community in the interest of the peoples that make it up, of all our neighbours and of the world. This is what President Rumen Radev told journalists today in the Maltese capital Valletta. Late last night, the Bulgarian President held a working meeting with his counterparts from the Arraiolos group. This year's 17th Heads of State Meeting is hosted by Maltese President George Vella.
The Arraiolos Group is a platform for political dialogue bringing together the presidents of EU member states with parliamentary governance. Discussions in Valletta focus on topics related to European security and stability, the EU's role in international politics, policies to combat inequalities and climate change.
Radev said that faced with an unprecedented security crisis caused by Russia's war in Ukraine and the severe energy, economic and social crises, the key to our common future lies in dialogue, solidarity and the ability to find joint solutions. A united Europe cannot and must not remain indifferent to this war, which is the biggest security threat since World War II, Radev stressed. It is in the interest of all of us that this ferocity gives way to dialogue and peace negotiations, because the aftereffects are felt by all of us and especially by the neighbouring countries, the president said.
In the President's words, the world needs a united and strong Europe, as well as a positive role of the EU in international relations. The common European security and defence policy will invariably be the focus of every subsequent EU Council presidency, the Head of State said, and called for not weakening the focus on cohesion policy and overcoming inequalities, as the energy and economic crises are drawing dividing lines within the EU.
Bulgaria and Romania can no longer be kept outside the Schengen area just because 11 years after we have met all the technical requirements, someone is constantly inventing some unwritten criteria, the President further stressed. He also pointed out that this country continues to invest huge financial and human resources to protect the common European border and in return receives misunderstanding and double standards. Bulgarians cannot be second-class Europeans and wait humiliatingly at all the border checkpoints of Europe, the President stressed.
Later today, the President will represent this country at the first summit in the European political community format, which is taking place in Prague ahead of tomorrow's informal European Council meeting.