27.10.2017
The perspective for the Western Balkans is important, and it is not by accident that the topic will be in the focus of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. This was said by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, who immediately upon his return from Sarajevo met with the Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Guenther Oettinger.
Borissov highlighted that the initiative for placing the Western Balkans among the important topics to be discussed by the EU leaders is in continuation of the debate on the need for a strong EU commitment to the region. “It is expected that the meeting will be chaired by the European Council President Donald Tusk personally. Sofia has the willingness for a close cooperation with the EU institutions for the successful organization of the event and the achievement of maximum results from it,” pointed out the Prime Minister.
Borissov and Oettinger agreed on the position that work should be done not only for the European integration of the Balkans, but also practical measures should be taken to improve the life of citizens. “For the first time the EU Presidency will be so close to the region and Bulgaria will put huge efforts in supporting our friends and neighbors on their way to the EU,” added the Prime Minister. He highlighted also the role of the Cohesion Policy for attaining economic and social convergence both among the member states and with the candidate states.
Borissov informed the European Commissioner about the priorities of the draft state budget for 2018, whereby education is identified as a priority – a development that Oettinger welcomed and underlined that namely education is the best investment for the country. “Only this way the young generation can be prepared, as the business and the investors need well qualified young people. This is not a process that takes place only in Bulgaria, it is underway in other member states as well,” said Oettinger.
The meeting was also attended by the Bulgarian European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel, who pointed out that Bulgaria has an extremely responsible approach towards its first Presidency of the Council of the EU. Prime Minister Borissov mentioned to the two Commissioners that the moto for the Presidency “United we stand stronger” is an expression of the desire of our country to work for cohesion, understanding, and an increase in the competitiveness and the stability of the European countries.
