Portugal can count on Bulgaria for EU recovery policies after COVID-19
18 January 2021 News
The General Affairs Council held its first informal videoconference today within the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council. On the Bulgarian side, the meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Petko Doykov.
The main topic on the ministers' agenda was the preparation of the forthcoming video conference of the heads of state and government on January 21, at which the coordination of the measures for counteraction to COVID-19 will be discussed. Leaders will exchange views on measures in place in the Member States, the EU immunization process, and support for ensuring access to vaccines for third countries.
Bulgaria supported the need to continue coordination between Member States with the assistance of the European Commission. It was stressed that the provision of vaccines against COVID-19 is the basis of joint efforts and actions to more quickly overcome the effects of the crisis. Noted was the importance of the communication campaign. Regarding the idea of introducing a common European vaccination certificate, Bulgaria drew attention to the need to clarify open scientific and ethical considerations. Deputy Minister Doykov also informed that Bulgaria has made a political decision to study the possibilities for providing vaccines against COVID-19 for the countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership, after securing Bulgarian national needs, in compliance with the national procedures of the countries and the terms of each of the preliminary agreements concluded by the European Commission and the manufacturers of medicinal products.
During the videoconference, the Portuguese Presidency presented brief information on the organization of a Conference on the Future of Europe. Despite the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presidency is making every effort, including at the highest political level, to overcome the remaining obstacles. Member States expressed their support for the forthcoming launch of the Conference, with some of them indicating the Europe Day (9 May) as an appropriate launch date for the initiative.
The Portuguese Presidency also presented the priorities in its program for the next 6 months. The main focus is on the EU's recovery from the negative effects of the pandemic, supported by green and digital transformation, the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the strengthening of the EU's strategic autonomy. In the ensuing discussion, the speaking Member States expressed their support in principle for the priorities presented. It was generally agreed that action to address the effects of COVID-19 would inevitably remain the focus of the Council's attention. In this context, the timely launch of the next Multiannual Financial Framework and the Next Generation EU Instrument is of great importance. "Portugal is taking over the rotating presidency of the Council in a difficult period and can count on our support for the economic and social recovery of the EU," said Deputy Minister Doykov.