site.btaPrime Minister Borissov Talks with EC First Vice-President Timmermans

Sofia, January 22 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov talked with the First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, here on Monday, the Government Information Service reported.

The talks focused on the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2018. Borissov said that during this period Bulgaria will seek agreement on all topics, including migration, the EU-Turkey relations, digitalization, and Brexit, and will work towards the EU's unity. Timmermans expressed certainty that Bulgaria will put the necessary efforts in the implementation of all key matters on the European agenda.

Discussing the topic of the Western Balkan countries' European perspective, Borissov and Timmermans agreed that the region's stability is of key significance for the whole of Europe, which is why it is important to give these countries a clear European path of integration. The Bulgarian Prime Minister underscored the significance of the Western Balkans' connectivity through infrastructural projects, which will give an impetus to the economic and cultural development of the countries in the region and their connection with Europe.

The participants in the meeting also talked about the debate in Europe triggered by the Istanbul Convention. Borissov said that he will make the necessary efforts for this document's ratification by the National Assembly, and added that violence against women and children will not be allowed. The Bulgarian PM thanked Timmermans for the superb cooperation with the European Commission.