EU General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels
22 February 2022 News
Today, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasil Georgiev is leading the Bulgarian delegation to the regular meeting of the General Affairs Council. European ministers began preparations for the forthcoming European Council meeting on 24-25 March, discussed the final phase of the Conference on the Future of Europe, and strengthened the Union's preparedness for resilience and resilience to possible future crises. A hearing on the rule of law in Poland was held in the framework of the procedure under Article 7 (1) of the Treaty on European Union. There was also a brief discussion on ensuring the security of journalists, as well as EU-UK relations. In preparation for the European Council meeting on 24-25 March, European ministers voiced unanimous support for a swift and decisive EU response to Russia's recognition of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. Other topics that European leaders will discuss at their meeting in March 2022 are COVID-19, security and defense, the European Semester and the pressing issue of energy prices. "Bulgaria supports a discussion on the high prices of energy resources and security of supply in today's situation. It is crucial to provide reliable, predictable and affordable energy for all consumers. As member states, we must have sufficient flexibility in the implementation of measures in relation to high prices", said in his speech on the subject, Deputy Minister Vasil Georgiev. European ministers discussed the next steps from the work of the Conference on the Future of Europe to its closing on May 9th. They stressed the high importance of the opinions and proposals of European citizens, which should be heard. 7, para. 1 of the Treaty on European Union, Poland was heard on the state of independence of the Polish judiciary and constitutional review. EC Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič briefed the Council on the ongoing difficult negotiations with the United Kingdom on the implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol. Another important focus of the EC's dialogue is on the rights of European citizens in the United Kingdom. Member States reaffirmed their support for the Commission's approach in talks with the United Kingdom. The Council also discussed the security situation of journalists in Europe. The significant contribution of journalists to the development of democracy, human rights and the rule of law was emphasized.