site.btaBorissov Participates in Munich Security Conference

Munich, February 16 (BTA) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov Friday participated in a discussion on the EU's Defence Union and its impact on transatlantic relations, moderated by the European Parliament's EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber. The roundtable is part of the Munich Security Conference, said the Government Information Service.

Borissov said: "NATO remains the main guarantor of the European allies collective defence. At the same time, strengthening the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy is an investment in NATO's European Flank. Establishing Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is an important step in this process." He noted that PESCO is helping to build joint capabilities through multinational projects, which is a step towards enhancing European defence integration.

Speaking at a formal dinner given by the Munchner Europakonferenz and the Munich Security Conference on Thursday, Borissov said there is no better guarded border than the Bulgarian-Turkish one. He highlighted the efforts Bulgaria is making to provide security for its territory and for the EU, said the Government Information Service.

Borissov elaborated on Bulgaria's good financial indicators. He said it is "a very loyal, disciplined country, which strictly meets the Maastricht criteria" and quoted the current results of the government's fiscal policy. "I am convinced that after we have been meeting these criteria for years, it is time you admitted us both to the Eurozone and to Schengen. High achievers deserve high marks for their efforts," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that Bulgaria's EU Council Presidency is an opportunity to table the topic of the Western Balkans, as well as of the EU's relations with its large neighbours. "Infrastructure-wise, work on Pan-European Transport Corridors IV, VIII, IX and X and on digital infrastructure must be promptly put under way. No matter how you underrate the Balkans, they are where several wars started. The solution is their fast accession to NATO and the EU," said Borissov, urging Europe to work in unison on foreign policy matters.

Borissov also underlined the importance of good EU-Turkey relations, explaining that Turkey guards NATO's Southern Flank and that Europe relies on it. "That is why I am very pleased with the EU's decision to normalize its relations with Turkey. Not just because of the migrants, but in the interest of cooperation and support within NATO," he said.

Also on Thursday, Borissov attended the launch of The Security Times special edition for the 54th Munich Security Conference.

The Prime Minister stressed Bulgaria has always set great store by the EU, which is why Sofia wants the EU to invest in the Balkans. He added that the funding Brussels can allocate for the region's development now is negligible compared to what would be required if Europe forgot about those countries and they fell under foreign influence.

The EU Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Gunther Oettinger commended the Bulgarian government's efforts regarding the Western Balkans, saying that what Bulgaria is doing for Europe is very impressive. He wished Borissov and his government success, stressing that Bulgaria has a chance to help integrate the Balkan countries which are not part of the EU yet.