Minister Vigenin presented Bulgaria’s priorities within the Italian presidency of the EU
01 July 2014 News
Bulgaria and Italy share many common positions on a number of issues on the EU agenda. Our country will support the implementation of the objectives of the Italian EU Presidency and we will continue to actively participate in the European politics, said Minister Kristian Vigenin at a public discussion on the topic "EU during the Italian Presidency and Where Bulgaria stands" organized by PanEuropa Bulgaria, in cooperation with the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria.
The Italian Ambassador to Sofia H.E. Marco Conticelli symbolically assumed the EU Presidency and offered an insight into the development of Europe over the next six months. He presented the country’s priorities, including economic growth and combat unemployment, civil rights, migration issues and strengthening the global role of the EU.
In his speech Minister Kristian Vigenin outlined the main priorities of Bulgaria in the context of the Italian Presidency. "It is extremely important to us in the next mandate of the European institutions to prevent fragmentation and divisions within the EU. I believe that we share a common vision with the Italian Presidency and common goals to maintain the integrity, inter-institutional balance and respect for the community approach," he said.
Bulgaria shares with the Italian Presidency a common vision for the continuation of the enlargement policy of the EU, which remains a strong stimulus for reform in the neighboring countries of the Western Balkans and should be among the priorities on the European agenda.
In the field of energy, Bulgaria will support the efforts of the Italian Presidency to achieve a balance between energy and climate targets and the objectives of competitiveness and security of supplies. We support also the focus of the Italian Presidency on the diversification of energy routes and sources through swift implementation of selected infrastructure projects for energy imports and construction of reversible connections, said Minister Vigenin. According to him, all projects that have the potential to contribute to the diversification of sources and routes should be considered as part of the measures to improve energy security.
The Foreign Minister endorsed Italy’s intention to place the fight against illegal migration, border security of the Union and the implementation of the Common European Asylum System as a top priority. According to Kristian Vigenin, the main focus should be on the measures that strengthen solidarity between member states under enormous pressure while particularlyimportant is to take preventive measures for the migration streams.
An important issue for us, however, isto continue in the fall of 2014 theactive discussions with our European partners on Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area. Our country has fulfilled all the conditions and requirements for Schengen membership. In response to the increased migration pressure on the external borders of the Union, we proved that we are a serious and reliable partner that fulfills all the responsibilities of a Schengen Member State, Minister Vigenin said.
Regarding the topic of economic growth and employment, the Italian Presidency can rely on Bulgaria’s support. Achieving a balance between measures aimed at fiscal discipline and those for growth and jobs is crucial, the Foreign Minister said.
Over the past six months, the Bulgarian government and the Foreign Ministry have worked in close collaboration with the Greek Presidency, achieving better dialogue and cooperation. I believe that this will continue with the Italian Presidency and together we will be able to achieve positive results - both beneficial for the EU and Bulgaria, said in conclusion Minister Kristian Vigenin.