The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, has given the new members Bulgaria and Romania a warm welcome.
"In welcoming two new members to the family we know that our culture, our heritage will be richer, our little ties and our economies will be boosted," he said in a televised address broadcast minutes after midnight on January 1.
"In short, Bulgaria and also Romania's accession will make our union stronger. Welcome to the European Union," Barroso underlined.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Durao Barroso wished the two newcomers a warm "Welcome home", underscoring that Romanias and Bulgarias EU accession "is very important for Europe's history".
"It was worth the effort", he said and pledged the Unions solidarity and generous support for its new members.