site.btaPrime Ministers of Bulgaria and Estonia Discuss EU Presidency Trio Programme

Brussels, December 15 (BTA) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas met in Brussels to discuss the implementation of the programme of the EU Presidency Trio of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria (July 2017 - December 2018), the government information service in Sofia reported on Friday. The two met ahead of a working session of the European Council.

Borissov and Ratas looked back on the accomplishments of the Estonian EU Presidency and considered the matters on which further work is needed during the Bulgarian stint after January 1.

Borissov praised the innovative approach applied by Ratas during the Estonian EU Presidency and noted that the priorities in the field of digital economy and cybersecurity will be upheld by Bulgaria.

The two prime ministers concurred on the need for special attention to the Western Balkans. Borissov said: "We all have an interest in making sure that the region is more secure and more stable and achieves considerable progress. It is essential for the people in the Western Balkans to know they can count on Europe and its solidarity."

The positive programme adopted by Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria, which is oriented to the future and to achieving concrete results, will continue, the two leaders observed. They agreed that the Trio will press ahead with its priorities concerning the security of EU citizens, the boosting of employment and economic growth, the continuation of the cohesion policy and the stabilization of the EU's neighbours.

The Estonian Prime Minister congratulated his opposite number on the sound planning of what will be the first Bulgarian EU Presidency ever and wished him good luck. For his part, Borissov vowed utmost continuity about the priorities. He invited Ratas to visit Sofia.