THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RATIFIED THE TREATY OF ACCESSION OF BULGARIA TO THE EUROPEAN UNION AT A SOLEMN PLENARY SITTING

At a solemn plenary sitting, the National Assembly ratified the Treaty of Accession of Bulgaria to the European Union.

The ratification bill was adopted at second reading with 231 votes in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions, following the first-reading passage with 230 votes in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions.

Speeches were delivered by the leaders of all Parliamentary Groups.

The 39th National Assembly and the current government successfully performed the two priority tasks related to Bulgaria’s foreign policy, which were set at the beginning of this parliamentary mandate, National Assembly President Assoc. Prof. Borislav Velikov said. In March 2004, the North Atlantic Treaty was ratified by the National Assembly and Bulgaria became its member, and following this ratification of the treaty for accession to the EU, Bulgaria has the prospect to become a full EU member in January 2007, he stressed. In his opinion, Bulgaria’s EU and NATO integration categorically supports this country’s democratic development in the context of peace, security and prosperity.

With today’s ratification, Bulgaria gives an example and calls for ratification in due time by the member states as well, National Assembly President Velikov added.

After the ratification, the Choir “Cosmic Voices” performed the anthem of the European Union “Ode to Joy”.