On 6^th of June the Embassy of Denmark celebrated Constitution Day. H. E. Mr. Jes Brogaard Nielsen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Bulgaria,

was happy to welcome distinguished guests, partners and friends of Denmark to the residence in order to mark this special day for Denmark.

The celebration started with a speech by the Ambassador:

Today we celebrate the fact that on June 5, 1849, King Frederik VII, gave the Danish citizens a constitution. A constitution, which marked the end of royal absolutism and the introduction of the constitutional monarchy and democracy we have today.

The constitution has been changed four times since then. The last time we changed it was in 1953, when among other things, it was decided that both women and men could inherit the throne. Following this change, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II could ascend the throne in 1972 after the death of her father. Therefore, this year is even more special as we also celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty.

In Denmark, we celebrate Constitution Day and not an independence day, because the Kingdom of Denmark has existed uninterruptedly since the eighth century. This doesn’t mean that Denmark has not been occupied by foreign forces such as our neighbours Sweden and Germany, but fortunately this happened many years ago. Today, we consider Sweden and Germany close friends and allies.

Unfortunately, not all countries can consider their neighbours friends. Just a few hundred kilometers from here, Ukraine is fighting for its independence and its democracy against an authoritarian regime. In Denmark, we consider Ukraine’s fight also our fight.

Last week, the Danish population voted with a clear majority to abolish the defense opt-out and thus participate fully in the EU cooperation on security and defense.

This is a clear recognition that the security situation in Europe has changed and that Denmark wants to participate in a strengthening of EU’s security and defense policy. At the same time, the Danish commitment to NATO is as strong as ever. And we welcome our Nordic brethren in Finland and Sweden to NATO.

Bulgaria and Denmark are already members of both NATO and the EU. In this framework, we share a common priority to work for the well-being and progress of Europe and our peoples. Bulgaria and Denmark have excellent bilateral ties. Last year we marked 90 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. And the presence here today of a number of renowned Danish companies shows that also in the commercial area the ties are strong and growing.

I would like to end this speech by thanking all of you for coming here today and to toast for the excellent bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Denmark and for peace in Europe.

After the Ambassador's words, in the pleasant coolness of the garden of the residence, the attendees indulged in conversations and enjoyed wonderful Danish culinary specialties and drinks.

The photos are provided by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in the Republic of Bulgaria.