MAE sends message of unity and confidence on Europe's Day

The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) conveyed on Europe's Day a message of unity and confidence in the European Union, mentioning that Romania remains a firm supporter of this project which represents "the guarantee of a common, peaceful and prosperous future in Europe."

"The celebration of Europe's Day represents a favorable moment to remind ourselves the manner in which the vision and determination to achieve a common goal have given birth to the capacity to heal a continent torn apart by a worldwide conflagration. The ambitious declaration launched by Robert Schuman 68 years ago laid the foundations of what today is the European Union, a model of peace, democracy and the observance of fundamental rights and freedoms. Today, 9 May 2018, it's time for all European citizens to celebrate together, show their respect for our common history and vision, but also to reflect on the future that we are building together," a release of the MAE sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday underscores.

According to the MAE, the concrete accomplishments of the European project represent the outcomes of the work put in by its visionaries, who didn't get discouraged when dealing with the obstacles they have been confronted with.

"Our responsibility is to defend these accomplishments gained in time, to stay faithful to the European fundamental creed and values, to preserve the shared legacy and tackle our future in the European project with confidence. This is firstly a project of solidarity - among member states, among citizens. As Europeans, we have the duty to preserve our unity and cohesion, and to cooperate in order to strengthen our Union. It is the most efficient common response that we can offer to the current issues, both internally and externally," the quoted source mentions.

According to the MAE, "the unprecedented challenges" on the EU level "represent a clear expression of the current global scene complexity."

"Precisely because of that, the fundamental principles and values of the EU, expressed through freedom, tolerance, dignity, equality and solidarity, serve as an anchor for the attractiveness of the European Union," the MAE release added.

Furthermore, the MAE mentions that promoting stability and prosperity in Romania's vicinity it's essential for our country.

"Functioning as a pillar of stability in the region, for Romania it's essential to promote stability and prosperity in its vicinity, especially through the Eastern Partnership. Our commitment expressed in front of our eastern partners acts as a powerful catalyst for stability and modernisation, thus bringing our partners closer to the European values and standards. We have the duty to continue to support this journey. Only together we can succeed in being stronger and more prosperous. Both at the EU and global level, there is a sharp need to re-establish the links with the citizens. We are all European and we should celebrate together the shared values and principles that have kept us united for decades," the release highlights.

According to the quoted source, the Romanian citizens continue to strongly endorse the European Union and are fully aware of the fact that the EU membership position has a huge importance in ensuring a durable economic and social development.

"This year we proudly take a look at the past and celebrate the Greater Union Centennial. In order to honor its forefathers who made possible this relevant historic moment, Romania will reconfirm its role as a credible and determinant pro-European actor, it will continue to actively contribute to the development of our common policies to the benefit of the citizens and it will remain strongly involved in the process of strengthening the European Union and reaffirm the role that it plays on the international scene. Next year, as of 1 January 2019, for six months, Romania will hold for the first time in its history, the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. The responsibility that we will be entrusted with in stimulating the European agenda represents an extraordinary opportunity for our country to show its firm position in support of the European project and bring a substantial contribution to the general efforts to consolidate the European Union," the MAE underscores.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry also mentions the objectives of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

"The Romanian Presidency of the European Union Council aims to successfully concentrate the efforts in the direction of a more united, cohesive Europe, more sure and relevant on a global level, based on the joint values that we all share. During its mandate, Romania will promote a European Union capable to project more stability, democracy and prosperity in its neighborhood. Continuing the enlargement policy and that of improving the EU action in the eastern vicinity must remain essential benchmarks of the external action of the EU," the MAE shows.

The message for Europe's Day is one of unity and confidence in the EU, the quoted source mentions.

"Our constant message on Europe's Day is one of unity and confidence in the European Union. We stay committed to the idea of acting as firm supporters of this project that represents the guarantee of a common, peaceful and prosperous future in Europe. Many happy returns Romania! Many happy returns Europe!," the MAE release concludes. AGERPRES (RO - author: Alina Novaceanu, editor: Claudia Stanescu; EN - author: Rodica State, editor: Adina Panaitescu)