In the speech delivered at the award giving ceremony, Ivan Gašparovič said that ten years ago, Slovakia had become a member of the European Union - a community that promotes peace, prosperity, cooperation and human rights across Europe. “Over the ten years, the Slovak Republic became a responsible member of the EU,” the Slovak President emphasised. European Parliament President Martin Schulz thanked the Slovak head of state for the state decoration he received, adding he considers the award a recognition for the work of the entire European Parliament. He also appreciated the achievements made by the Slovak Republic over the ten years of its EU membership and its contribution to the community, especially Slovakia’s solidarity. EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy described this day as very emotional for Slovakia and the entire region. He noted that the past twenty-five years of freedom and ten years in the heart of the Union changed Slovakia both at home and internationally. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Slovak Republic and the Slovak President for the high-level state decoration which he said he exceptionally valued because it was awarded to the EU officials on the eve of this momentous anniversary.