site.btaForeign Minister Presents Priorities of Bulgarian EU Presidency at First Major Forum on Its Calendar

Sofia, December 1 (BTA) - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva presented here Friday the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council at an informal meeting of state secretaries and secretaries-general of the foreign ministries of the EU member states, said the Foreign Ministry. It is the first major event on the calendar of the Bulgarian Presidency.

Explaining the motto of the Bulgarian Presidency, United, we stand strong, she said that unity and solidarity are key to the success of the European project and the EU.

The Western Balkans are of vital importance for security and prosperity in Europe, and this will be one of the central messages during the EU summit in Sofia next May, said the top Bulgarian diplomat.

Ekaterina Zaharieva spoke about the need to develop the digital skills of people in the EU, especially young people; the importance of economic growth and the cohesion policy; as well as the security and stability of the EU in the context of the geopolitical processes and the migrant crisis.

She said that the cohesion policy is important for Bulgaria and each euro that goes to Bulgaria, returns 0.60 euro to the net payers.

The participants in the forum also discussed other current political issues focusing on the interaction between the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the member states.

The Sofia meeting was chaired by the permanent secretary of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, Elena Shekerletova, and EEAS Secretary General Helga Schmid.