site.btaEurope Day Celebrated in Odesa with Bulgarian Participation

In Odesa, a ceremony was held on Europe Day, May 9, which took place at the UNION International Cultural Centre.

The event was attended by members of the city council, representatives of ethno-national associations and societies, honorary citizens of Odesa.

Among the official guests were representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Ukrainian Black Sea city, among whom was the Consul General of Bulgaria in Odesa Svetoslav Ivanov.

Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity for citizens to live and work in a free Odesa and congratulated those present on the occasion. 

He stressed that Odesa was built by Europeans, has always been and remains European. Odesa is not only a port city but also a cultural centre that embodies European values of cooperation and mutual respect, he said.

"The power of international support is enormous to help Ukraine through difficult times. Thanks to the solidarity of partners, sister cities and international organizations, Odesa is receiving the necessary assistance, which contributes to its development and strengthening its ties with the European community," Trukhanov added.

On behalf of the diplomatic corps, the Bulgarian Consul General addressed the audience with welcoming words.

"Today, united Europe and our European values face the threat of military marches in Red Square. The ongoing full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine represents an existential challenge not only for Europe, but also for the world as we know it," Svetoslav Ivanov said.

He noted that now more than ever European unity and unconditional support is needed for Ukraine, which for the fourth year is waging a just struggle and heroically defending its independence and its right to choose its own path of development. 

"We firmly believe that Ukraine's security means Europe's security. A comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without Ukraine. Nor can it be achieved without the European Union. Security in Europe is a key issue and that is why at today's crucial moment it is essential that we all demonstrate our determination together for a united and effective response to the Russian threat," our Consul General stressed.