Romania has modernised „not with empty words” but with European funds, and for our country the path is clear – only alongside the European Union and its partners, Social Democratic Party (PSD) Chairman Marcel Ciolacu said on Friday, on the occasion of Europe Day.

„Today, on Europe Day, we have the duty to reaffirm our choice to build our future alongside nations that have chosen freedom, law and human dignity as their foundation. Beyond values and ideals, we are speaking about a simple reality: Romania has modernised not with empty words, but with European money! The motorways being built today, the hospitals taking shape, the renovated schools, the water or sewage networks – all have behind them the billions of euros that made the difference. Only this way have we managed to bridge gaps, create jobs, and improve people’s lives. That is why, for Romania, the path is clear: only alongside the European Union and its partners. Not because it was imposed by others, but because we, the Romanians, wanted it, voted for it, and defended it many times in the streets,” Ciolacu wrote on Facebook.

He added that the European Union is „far from perfect,” „but it is the only construction that has brought peace to a continent torn by wars, brought prosperity and openness for its citizens.”

„Today, more than ever, we must not mistake national dignity with isolation. Leaving the European path would actually mean abandoning everything we have built over the past 18 years. It would even nullify our latest major achievement – accession to the free movement area, to Schengen. That is why we must not go backwards! We must move forward with heads held high, with our own distinct voice, but as part of the democratic Western family. Happy Europe Day! Happy European Romania!,” the former prime minister conveyed.

AGERPRES