London , 30 October – 9 November 2006 Click here for the full programme of events and some quick facts about Romania. On 1 January 2007 Romania , along with Bulgaria , will be welcomed into the European Union as its newest members. Their entry marks the end of a process designed to bring the former communist countries of central and eastern Europe into harmony with the rest of the continent. To Romania , however, EU accession means so much more. Since the overthrow of the Ceausescu dictatorship in 1989, Romania has systematically transformed itself and its institutions, rooting out the legacy of communist brutality. At times this process has been both slow and painful, but always it was driven by the goal of delivering for the Romanian people the freedoms and advantages so long taken for granted in the UK. Acceptance into the EU is the most striking testimony to the journey we have made. No country’s application for EU membership has been more vigorously scrutinised than that of Romania . The demands made of the country have been harsh but fair. Throughout this process of change the UK has stood alongside Romania as one of its strongest supporters and closest friends, yet for many people in the UK Romania is a land known only for the legend of Dracula. Getting to know the real Romania will take time, but we invite you to begin your own journey through the series of events held in London from 30 October – 9 November. The programme of events includes a conference of Mr Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu, Foreign Affairs Minister of Romania; a talk by Mr Tudor Chiuariu, Secretary of State, Department for the Fight against Fraud; a presentation on Romania’s Europeanisation Process, Romanian art exhibitions and concerts, events at Language Show at Olympia Hall, a wine tasting event, and events at the World Travel Market at ExCel exhibition centre.