New EU Member States Bulgaria and Romania Welcomed

Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement on January 1 to mark Bulgaria and Romania's accession to the European Union:

"It is my pleasure to welcome Bulgaria and Romania into the fold of European Union nations punctually at the start of the New Year. I wish both countries a smooth and successful kick-off as Members of the European Union.

We commend the great efforts that these states have undertaken since 1989-1990 to adapt their political, economic and legal frameworks to the standards of the European Union. We all know that they are still on the road towards full integration into European structures. Further progress will require considerable effort on the part of both states; it will however make Bulgaria and Romania's accession to the European Union a success that will also benefit the 25 current Member States.

With their accession to the European Union, these two countries have completed their "return" to Europe, which commenced with the fall of the Iron Curtain. This is a joyful occasion for Bulgaria and Romania, and for us all in their 25 EU partner countries."

Links

Germany's EU Presidency in 2007

Advanced Search    Help

Statements & Speeches

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

Subscribe Here You can also read the current issues here.

Printer-Friendly Page