27.11.2017
In recent years, the cooperation within the “16+1” format has developed significantly in the fields of politics, economics and trade, transport and logistics, connectivity. This was highlighted by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and his Hungarian counterpart Victor Orban, who met on the occasion of the handover of the hosting of the Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe and China. In 2018 Bulgaria will host the forum.
The “16+1” Initiative with all its projects will contribute not only to prosperity but also to peace, said Boyko Borissov. He underlined that a priority for the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council in 2018 remains the European integration of the Western Balkan countries. "We have the rare chance of bringing together through our initiatives two huge economic powers - the EU and China. This will enable us to advance on many projects. The more projects we realize, the more prosperous and competitive the region will be,” said the Bulgarian Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed the hope that the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2018 will be successful and added that the topics on the Western Balkans, the future of Europe, migration, the multiannual financial framework, cohesion policy, competitiveness, and digital Europe are extremely important for all EU citizens.
