16.10.2020
“At last we have a common anti COVID-19 action plan produced by the European Commission. However, in my view we are late. We should have come up with it in July at the latest to forestall the panicking response where many member states take measures and dissonant actions ensue.” This is what Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said early on the second day of the regular European Council meeting in Brussels.
The Prime Minister noted that he and the other European leaders focused on the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus, including the masks to be worn. “The maintenance of social distancing is the second exceptionally important factor. Disinfection is the third factor,” Prime Minister Boyko Borissov pointed out. The Bulgarian Prime Minister added that if the Ministry of Health requirements as set forth in the directions are complied with, there should be no need to impose further restrictions.
Mr. Borissov appealed for responsibility and self-discipline on the part of citizens in public places. The Prime Minister is convinced that children should go to school and that it is important to protect people’s mental health. In this context, Mr. Borissov directed the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education to take appropriate action. “I have instructed them to shorten the duration of the quarantine period to 10 days. Currently the medics test to the extent required, therefore every day the Government spends over BGN 120,000 on tests”, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said further.
Regarding the European Council’s discussions about the Green Deal, the Prime Minister said that he presented the problems of Bulgaria, as other member states did, in relation to climate neutrality to be achieved within the EU by 2030. “The conclusion I can draw from the speeches of colleagues is that given the demanded 60% reduction of hazardous emissions, the Council will opt for 55% reduction by 2030,” Mr. Borissov said. He stressed that Bulgaria should work very hard and fast on the Green Deal. “It should be free of populism and partisanship, as this will materialize by 2030. We must do it in whatever way, be it the reduction of hazardous emissions from motor vehicles, from power plants or from other sectors of the economy. This is a decision of the European Union and they will be very strict in its enforcement. This is what I tell Bulgarian citizens,” Prime Minister Boyko Borissov pointed out.
