"Today is a day for celebrations. We celebrate this very important event in the European history, Bulgaria and Romania's accession to the EU. I want to send you in Bulgaria a message on behalf of the European Commission and on behalf of the EU, said EU Commission President Barroso. "My first message is of congratulations since this important historic achievement was only possible due to the efforts of the people of Bulgaria. Your country has gone through an impressive reform process which started more than a decade ago", added he. 

"Your efforts show a strong desire for freedom and democracy, as well the commitment to the European family and our common values. I know it certainly was not always easy to carry out the reforms needed to comply with the very strict rules of the EU but it was worth effort. That effort was important not just to please the institutions in Brussels, but in the very interest of Bulgaria to strengthen democracy, to modernise the country, to make the justice system more independent. This is important and I can tell you that more important is the idea of solidarity.

"The EU will express its solidarity to Bulgaria through a generous support in the structural funds and the agricultural funds. All that solidarity will gradually make it possible that you catch up with the living standards in the EU. Today with Romania and Bulgaria 30 million people are joining us, creating an EU of almost half a billion citizens. The EU is already the biggest trade partner in the world and is providing plenty of opportunities for its people and business", said the Commission President.

"United in diversity is the motto of the enlarged EU. In welcoming two new members in the family we know that our culture and heritage will be richer, and our economy will be boosted. In short, Bulgaria and also Romania's accession will make our Union stronger", concluded Jose Manuel Barroso.

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