site.btaHerman Van Rompuy: We Need an Even Stronger Faith in European Idea

Herman Van Rompuy: We Need an Even Stronger Faith in European Idea

Sofia, April 20 (BTA) - At times of multiple crises, an even stronger faith in the European idea is needed as the sole option for the Europeans to maintain and strengthen peace, prosperity and democracy, Herman Van Rompuy, the first president of the European Council, said in Sofia on Tuesday during a ceremony at which he received the 2016 Pro-European Policy Award of the Evropa Television.

The award was presented by Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev who won the distinction in 2015.

The European guest further said that at times of insecurity and unrest, people should remember what the EU and its purpose is. Herman Van Rompuy said that Europe has been living in peace for 70 years now and the Cold War was ended by peaceful means. The guest said Europe is surrounded by hostilities along its Eastern and Southern borders but peace continues to reign in the EU, which should never be forgotten.

Herman Van Rompuy said that democracy is Europe's way of life, that there is no place in Europe for new authoritarian regimes such as exist close to it. Democracy is incompatible with polarization, confrontation, violence, corruption and lies, he said, noting the need to work for promoting dialogue, moderation, and mutual respect.

The former president of the European Council said further that the refugee crisis has taught Europe that funding the right balance between humanism and realism is no easy thing. Herman Van Rompuy said that in each person entering Europe people should see the human being above all, but that still, the European borders and values must be safeguarded.

Plevneliev for his part said that at times of multiple crises: the Greek, the Ukrainian, the financial, Herman Van Rompuy has acted as a true leader whose decisions were as correct and proper as they were far-sighted.

The officials attending the ceremony included Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, GERB floor and deputy floor leaders Tsvetan Tsvetanov and Krassimir Velchev, Constitutional Judge Filip Dimitrov, President Peter Stoyanov (1997-2002), National Ombudsman Maya Manolova, MPs, diplomats.

Earlier on Tuesday Prime Minister Boyko Borissov conferred with Herman Van Rompuy, the government's information service said.

Borissov said that the award is a proper distinction of Herman Van Rompuy's role for keeping the unity and solidarity of the EU during hard times. "Thanks to your diplomacy, negotiation skills and ability to compromise in favour of the EU, many crises were averted for the Union as a whole which could have had grave consequences for the member states," Borissov said. The PM also noted the support Bulgaria has always received from Herman Van Rompuy. "For Bulgaria you will always be a big friend," Borissov said.

The two discussed the migration situation. Borissov familiarized the guest with the measures undertaken by the Bulgarian government to protect the EU external borders and the support this country renders to neighbouring countries subjected to strong migratory pressure.