Minister Kristian Vigenin demands swift agreement with the EP Cohesion package of regulations
30 September 2013 News
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin insisted in his statement today at theEU General Affairs Council (CGA) on a swift agreement with the European Parliament Cohesion policy legislative package, due to its direct link with the multiannual financial framework (2014 -2020). The two are essential for triggering the next operational programmes and thus, flexibility is of significant importance- both from the EP and the Council, Bulgaria’s top diplomat said. Stressing on the importance of the Cohesion policy for the European integration process, Kristian Vigenin said that he supports the incentives in that policy but he is reserved towards the disproportionate restrictions and penalties. In view of the economic crisis, Minister Vigenin spoke in favor of retaining the 25 percent threshold on the Youth Employment initiative and not following thelow percentage of the average youth unemployment rate in the EU . Minister Vigenin addressed once again the need of unlocking more opportunities for absorption of EU funds by introducing greater flexibility , referring to the application of the rules n +2 and n +3.
CGA discussed preparations for the European Council meetingon October 24-25, this year, which is devoted to the restoration of the economic growth and employment, with a focus on the digital economy, research and services, as well as the Eastern Partnership and other foreign policy issues.
Kristian Vigenin continues his visit to Brussels with a number of important meetings, including with two EU Commissioners - Štefan Füle and Kristalina Georgieva, with the leaders of three political groups in the European Parliament - the EPP, PES and Greens/EFA group, as well as with the Chairman of the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs. In his meetings, the topic of the influx of Syrian refugees in Bulgaria and the opportunities for financial assistance from the EU will be addressed.
In front of Bulgarian media correspondents in Brussels, Minister Vigenin commented also current foreign policy issues such as the Schengen enlargement, the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership.