On May 1, 2013, The European Institute hosted The Honorable Rosen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria who discussed Bulgaria’s role within the European Union and the transatlantic relationship. President Plevneliev emphasized the importance of the European Union as an historic and global force, highlighting two of its biggest achievements: a common currency and spreading democracy East. The President also outlined the transformation his own country is undertaking to ensure a more transparent government, a stronger economy and the greater well-being and progressive future for its citizens.