29.06.2017
“Bulgaria is prepared to take over its responsibilities as President of the Council of the EU in the beginning of 2018 and to support the negotiating team in the process for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland from the European Union. We rely on you as a guarantor for the transparency of the negotiations,” said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at a meeting with Michel Barnier, EU Chief Negotiator for Brexit.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov underlined that Bulgaria supports placing the issues related to citizens’ rights as a leading priority. According to him, the future agreement should establish a non-discriminatory and effective mechanism that would create legal certainty for long-term and permanent residence of European citizens in the UK. Borissov highlighted his particular concern for the large number of university students in the UK.
“For Bulgaria the principle of unity of the Union in the negotiations with the United Kingdom is very important. Therefore it is of key importance to reach a withdrawal agreement that in a fair and balanced way guarantees the interests of all member states and their citizens,” said the Bulgarian Prime Minister. He expressed hope that after Brexit the European Union and the United Kingdom will remain partners in the fields of security and counter-terrorism.
Borissov and Barnier expressed the common opinion that the UK should fulfil its financial obligations towards the EU following the principle that commitments made should be carried out. Abiding by this approach will contribute to minimizing the negative effects on the EU budget and would not entail changes for the budget contributions by member states.
Prime Minister Borissov stressed the personal contribution of Mr. Barnier for the effective preparation of the negotiations with London and expressed confidence that the team will achieve the optimal result for the citizens of the European Union.
