On June 5th, H. E. Mr. Jess Brogaard Nielsen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Bulgaria, and his wife Mrs. Anette Beatrice Holek

hosted a reception at their residence in Boyana to mark the national holiday of their country. The Constitution Day was honored by representatives of the Bulgarian government, the diplomatic corps, members of parliament, businesspeople, journalists, and friends of Denmark.

His Excellency Mr. Jess Brogaard Nielsen welcomed them with "A very warm welcome to all of you!" and in his speech, he stated:

Today we celebrate the 175 years of the constitution of Denmark. The constitution marked the end of royal absolutism and the beginning of the constitutional monarchy and the democracy we have today.

This is celebrated all over Denmark with speeches and festivities. Cake has been served at the main city square in Copenhagen. Politicians from different parties celebrate together, since the Constitution is our common foundation, the rules we all follow in spite of our political differences. It is our basic democratic value.

So today is a joyous day. A day to celebrate.

However, it is also with some sadness that I speak today. It will be the last time I will be hosting the national day celebrations here in this beautiful garden at the foot of Mount Vitosha. My term in Bulgaria will come to an end in less than two months.

My family and I are very sad that we have to leave. We have enjoyed our time in Bulgaria very much, and we are confident that we will visit Bulgaria again as we have made good friends here.

A lot has happened during the last three years. Back home in Denmark, we have gotten a new King. Her Majesty, Queen Margrethe II decided to retire, so her son, King Frederik X, is now the sovereign. He has in fact already visited Bulgaria in 2008 when he was crown prince. I hope he will visit Bulgaria again sometime in the future.

In the world around us, many things have also happened. First of all, Russia’s brutal and illegal attack on Ukraine. This war is still going on. My government sees this war as the defining moment for our generation. A lot of illusions and wishful thinking about the Russian leadership has disappeared after Russia’s attack.

Ukraine is under attack in a very direct way – with bombs and bullets. But the war in Ukraine is just the tip of the iceberg. At the same time as the physical war in Ukraine, there is a hybrid war going on in our countries. A war against our institutions and values. A war against liberal democracy, and the rule of law.

"Darkness descends upon us", one of my good colleagues recently stated. But together we can fight the darkness of authoritarian regimes.

It will not be cheap. So far, Denmark has given approx. EUR 6.3 billion in military support to Ukraine, and approx. EUR 588 million in civilian contributions.

I am very happy and grateful that Bulgaria is also assisting in the war effort. All the governments in Bulgaria since the start of the war (and there have been a few) have supported Ukraine. This was not a given thing. For historical and other reasons, for many Bulgarians it was not easy to go against Russian interests. But thanks to clear political leadership, Bulgaria was from the beginning, on the side of Ukraine. Thank you, Bulgaria!

During my three years in Bulgaria, I have also witnessed other types of progress. Bulgaria is on its way to full membership of Schengen. One more step is needed, but I am convinced this is just a matter of time. You are on track to membership of the Euro. Bulgaria has low debt and sound public finances, so also here I believe it is just a matter of time.

Even the demographic challenge seems to be improving: For the first time in almost three decades, there have been more babies born compared to the previous year. [57.197, or 601 more compared to 2022].

As ambassador, I have many obligations. One of the more pleasant ones is to sample the local cuisine. And this includes wine. I really appreciate the good Bulgarian wine. And today I am serving you some of my favorites. But naturally, I cannot celebrate the Danish Constitution without also serving some great Danish beer. I am very grateful to Carlsberg for sponsoring this event. Please try a Carlsberg or a Somersby. There are also non-alcoholic beers, if you prefer without alcohol. I invite you to taste the food and drinks.

Thank you all for coming here today and celebrating the Danish National Day.

Thank you to Bulgaria for giving my family and me three fantastic years.

Thank you to my always smiling and helpful staff.

Thank you to all partners, friends and colleagues for the support and cooperation in enhancing and maintaining the excellent Bulgarian-Danish bilateral relations.

I would like to propose a toast to Bulgaria and Denmark, and to peace and democracy.

Cheers!

Photos: "Diplomatic Spectrum" and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in the Republic of Bulgaria.