11.01.2018
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov met with European Council President Donald Tusk in the framework of the official launch of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister said that the topic of integration of the Western Balkans remains a top priority during our Presidency and that our country will rely on the support of all European institutions and member states. “The European hopes of the citizens of the Western Balkan countries will bring together all leaders at the table. I know this will be a long process, but it is a process that teaches us reconciliation and to look forward. My colleagues' expectations are for accelerating the European integration process, “the Bulgarian Prime Minister stressed. Boyko Borissov and Donald Tusk agreed that the issue of the integration of the Western Balkan countries is important not only for the region but also for the whole European Union. They discussed opportunities in the area of infrastructure and connectivity in the region. Donald Tusk expressed gratitude for the Bulgarian Prime Minister's initiative for the summit in Sofia on 17 May, when the leaders are expected to discuss the topic of the Western Balkans. During the conversation, the two talked about the organization of the summit which they will host together.
The Prime Minister said that improving the dialogue with the Turkish state should be done with consensus and with wise and calm decisions. The expropriation policy should not continue because, for Bulgaria and for the EU, Turkey is a strategic partner in the fight against migration.
Boyko Borissov and Donald Tusk agreed that the Cohesion Fund and the agricultural policy should be preserved.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister has assured Donald Tusk that our country is ready for its first presidency and that Bulgaria will be a balancing factor and will seek consensus on the current issues for the European Union.
