Dear Fellow Citizens,
Today is a day that will be indelibly inscribed in the thousand-year history of our Republic.
In that history, the events that have marked a watershed between one era and another have often been tied to matters of foreign policy.
Since the twilight of the Middle Ages, we have been aware of the Republic’s relevance within the regional context, and from the 1500s to the end of the 1700s, through great diplomatic skill, we withstood attempts to challenge our sovereignty.
From the 19th century onward, full international recognition grew ever broader and stronger.
It is only from that point on that what had once been a necessity — the ability to operate beyond our borders — became a choice.
From the 20th century, and especially over the past 50 years, the Republic of San Marino has chosen to join the most important multilateral organizations, understanding that its small territorial size did not mean international insignificance.
The Association Agreement signed today is part of this history.
It is a history of the endurance of our sovereignty — not as a relic to be defended, but as a tree that grows on solid and deep foundations, enriched by new branches of international cooperation and new leaves that bring fresh oxygen to the Republic.
With the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, our country takes a decision of historic significance, crowning a long and rigorous institutional and negotiating process, carried out over the years with seriousness, determination and a spirit of unity among all components of our society — who are today gathered together here at the Kursaal.
This is a journey that began in the early 1980s and has never been interrupted; no fewer than five legislatures have passed since the preliminary study phase in 2011, through the negotiations that began in March 2015, up to today’s solemn signing.
The effects of the Association Agreement extend well beyond the institutional dimension: they concern the future of all Sammarinese citizens and, through its gradual implementation, will open new opportunities for the Republic and its people.
Indeed, becoming part of the European Single Market means offering our young people new opportunities for study, training and work; it means providing our businesses with a framework of certainty and competitiveness on a continental scale; and it means strengthening the rights of our citizens while raising the quality of services and social protection.
We believe this Agreement represents a crucial step for the present and, above all, for the future of coming generations.
San Marino approaches this new chapter as a conscious protagonist, strengthened by its democratic tradition and its unique cultural identity.
On this historic day, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Congress of State, to the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale), to the Secretariat of State and to the Department of Foreign Affairs — in particular to the Directorate for European Affairs, to the Permanent Mission of the Republic of San Marino in Brussels, to the diplomatic corps, to the technical staff, to all social and economic forces, and to the many people who, in various capacities and roles over the years, have worked with dedication and commitment to make this extraordinary achievement possible.
A word of gratitude also goes to the European Union and its institutions, in particular the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, for the constant respect and sensitivity shown toward our state and its unique circumstances.
Dear Fellow Citizens, great historic turning points require trust, courage and a shared vision.
The path that opens today will call upon all of us to work together to turn this great opportunity into tangible growth, social cohesion and sustainable prosperity for the entire San Marino community.
With this spirit of hopeful dedication and pride, the Captains Regent renew to all of you their heartfelt wish for a future of peace, progress and shared well-being.
