site.btaPM Borissov Confers with Permanent Representatives in EU

Sofia, May 31 (BTA) - Speaking at a meeting with the Permanent Representatives in the EU (COREPER) in Sofia, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that the efforts for association of Western Balkan countries should continue, as there is already a political will to that end, the Government Information Service reported Thursday.

COREPER II consists of heads of mission (Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary) and deals largely with political, financial and foreign policy issues.

Borissov said the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia on May 17 was very successful because all Member States were convinced that the countries in the region have to follow and Euro-Atlantic path.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister said that migration is an issue to which Europe should have a flexible approach. "This country is the most harrowing place in Europe. It has an enormous land and sea border with Turkey. It has erected a fence [along the border with Turkey], it spends quite a lot of money, but it also guarantees the EU external border," Borissov said. He underscored that a solution with clear-cut rules for migrants is required and that anyone entering Europe should do that legally through a border checkpoint.

Borissov informed the EU diplomats about the talks during his recent visits abroad.

COREPER visits are traditionally held during all rotational presidencies of the Council of the European Union.