Hello! May name is Borislav and I am a European!

Speaking as one, for me that means to be  a citizen of the European Union and believe in its principles. To be a European is not a gift, personality trait or geographical identity. Today it is not possible to determine our race, or even our nationality based on where we are living. May people ask themselves: “What makes a European more special?”

Naturally, only one of us can answer that question. The European is distinctive with great freedom, which naturally has its limits. The other factor is the respect for the differences of each people or the right of each small nation or people to have their voice heard. They grow and get to know European history from its earliest stage of education because, after all, in order to feel European, one has to learn where everything started.

Bulgaria has definitely proved its historical belonging to the family of European states. We Bulgarians have a culture dating back thousands of years and have undisputed merits for the Slavic world. We are the heirs of ancient proto-Bulgarians, of the art and culture of the Thracians, of the love of freedom of the Slavs. We have our share in the spiritual and cultural development of modern Europe – our literature, music, architecture and fine arts have their unique style and colourfulness.

It is an intriguing fact that a European can communicate in minimum two languages. Twenty-three languages are spoken in the European Union. English is the official language of the Union but our belonging to the community encourages us to learn and know other languages, to spare time and energy to familiarize ourselves with the culture, history and customs of the other peoples within the European Union. This makes us more united and enriches us as personalities.

How can Bulgarians contribute to the development of the European community? Our people established one of the first European states and has its historically deserved place in Europe. It has its spirituality and culture, distinguishing it from the other peoples; it has a clear conscience of its national identity and a tolerance to all, etc. On the territory of Bulgaria people from different ethnicities are living – Bulgarians, Turks, Vlachs, Romani, Armenians. History has proved that we can live in peace and understanding, respecting our identities, our shrines, celebrating our holidays together. Bulgarians are hard-working, friendly and peaceful. They can give, not just receive. These are qualities that make them valuable for the community.

In between its small boundaries, Bulgaria has gathered Thracian music and dances, Strandzha chants, Dobrudzha rhythms, Northern ”horo” group dances, Shop dancing contests, Macedonian melodies and Rhodopi songs. All of this diversity, which has preserved history until today is also nurturing my personal self-esteem and pride as a Bulgarian and European.

Europe inspires faith and based on that builds up the spirit of the young people by attracting them. Bulgaria has sufficient knowledgeable and capable young people who can contribute to the development of the European Union with their talent and skills.

Author:

Borislav Dimitrov,

Student from the VIII-th grade of Secondary School “Sv. Kliment Ohridski”,

town of Aksakovo, Varna district