PM Borissov Presented Bulgarian Presidency Priorities at the European Parliament

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borissov presented the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 17^th of January. He highlighted the ways to improve the connectivity of the Western Balkans and the European perspective to the countries and people in the region, the security and stability issues of the Union, and the challenges for the economy.

PM Borissov's statement included two important points - Bulgaria is fully ready for the Presidency in the next 6 months and it will be successful. In the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the prime minister arrived together with EP President Antonio Tajani and in a one-to-one meeting before the start of Boyko Borissov's speech, it was stressed that the success of the EU depends precisely on the joint work between the various institutions, towards which part of the work of the Bulgarian Presidency will be focused. Antonio Tajani said that to a great extent Bulgaria's priorities are priorities for the EP as well.

He presented the four main priorities of the Presidency, which are focused on the future of Europe and young people, the European perspective and connectivity of the Western Balkans, a secure and stable Europe and the digital economy. In his speech, Borissov started with one very important topic, namely the migration crisis. According to him, within one year, Bulgaria has reduced the migration wave to zero and he emphasized that this is largely due to Turkey's compliance with the migrant agreement.

“The solution, I think, and I have insisted on for years, is to guard our external borders in such a manner, that entry into Europe can take place only through the Border Checkup Points where proper checks should be carried out. Europe has always been the most humane towards those fleeing wars, bullets and missiles, to take care of them, but it should be known that it will be until the end of the military conflicts. Or build centers, secure centers that we can financially secure, that are close to the military conflicts so that people can go back and participate in the rebuilding of their countries. You have all seen on the news what the degrees of destruction are in the places where there is war. And those who are economic migrants should be allowed to go where they need them,“ he said.

A significant emphasis in Boyko Borissov's speech was also the most important foreign policy priority of the Bulgarian Presidency related to the European perspective of the Western Balkans. Borissov once again pointed out that the safest and most uncomplicated way in which this can happen and a way that doen not bear risks for Europe is related to the specific infrastructure and digital connectivity of these countries.

"We know that within the mandate of this European Commission there will be no new Balkan countries admitted to the EU. At the same time, however, we should tell them very clearly and honestly what hopes they may have for their integration in Europe. This is the right moment to do this," the Bulgarian PM said.

In his statement to the EP, EC President Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated the priorities of the Bulgarian presidency and again pointed out that in Sofia last week he was convinced that it would be a success.

“I am proudly looking forward to the next 6 months of the Bulgarian Presidency. I visited Bulgaria last week and found it well prepared for it,” Juncker said pointing out the importance of working together with Bulgarian Prrsidency on migration, digitalization and security. He added that Bulgaria has proved that it can build bridges between the countries.