(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAY 7 - "We join the European University Institute in our shared responsibility to advance the European project while strengthening the values that underpin our unity and resilience in a changing world." This was stated by Romanian President Nicusor Dan in a message read at the EUI's 50th anniversary celebrations, which began today in Florence. "As a sign of our deep appreciation for its contribution to European research," he said, "and for the role it has played in shaping generations of scholars and leaders, I have the honour, as President of Romania, to award the European University Institute the Order of Merit for Research and Science, one of the Republic of Romania's highest honours." (ANSA).