site.btaIn Tallinn, PM Borissov Confers with European President Tusk, European Commission President Juncker, Italian, Dutch Prime Ministers

Tallinn, September 29 (BTA) - "Bulgaria does not pose a risk to the Eurozone and deserves a place in its 'waiting room' because it meets all criteria for this," Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said at a meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk, quoted by the Government Information Service on Friday.

The PM stressed his country's good macroeconomic performance and pointed out that 2016 was the first fiscal year with a budget surplus reported since 2008. He added that Bulgaria has the third lowest government-debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU after Estonia and Luxembourg. Borissov noted the growth of the Bulgarian economy, of investments and construction, the advance of business and the substantial decrease of unemployment, as well as the resolute fight against contraband.

The head of government was adamant that Bulgaria will be working for achieving constructive compromises on all important topics for the EU. "Our country will count on an open and partner dialogue with all Member States during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council," Borissov stressed.

During his session with Tusk, he emphasized that he expects a clear perspective rather than empty promises with regard to the policy towards the Western Balkans. "Bulgaria, together with the other EU Member States, is a wonderful mediator and can foster greater closeness and understanding between the Balkans and the Union," Borissov added.

Tusk pledged full support to Bulgaria's priorities. "Bulgaria is a leader, and I can see your personal efforts. I will stand behind you, and you can rely on me about everything both during the Presidency and for entry into the Eurozone 'waiting room'," the President of the European Council told the Bulgarian Prime Minister.

Borissov thanked Tusk for agreeing to the holding of a EU Summit on the subject of the Western Balkans in Sofia during the Bulgarian Presidency. Bulgaria is ready to start talks on arrangements for the meeting with Tusk's team and the Secretariat of the European Union, as well as with all commissioners whose portfolios concern the Western Balkans policy.

BORISSOV - JUNCKER

"We will rely on the support of the European Commission and on your advice during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council," Borissov said during a meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Tallinn, the Government Information Service reported.

Topics of great future promise can be discussed during the six-month Bulgarian Presidency if Bulgaria manages to present them correctly, according to the Prime Minister. He pointed to the notable support that his country is getting for its initiative to organize a EU Summit on the subject of the Western Balkans in Sofia.

Borissov thanked Juncker for describing Bulgaria as a role model of financial and economic stability and secure borders. "We are doing marvelously well as a Schengen border," the PM stressed. He is pleased with the visits of European leaders to his country, "as they can subsequently share what they have seen and how we manage with their colleagues". In his words, this helps dispel all doubts about Bulgaria's readiness to join Schengen and the Eurozone.

The Prime Minister also stressed Bulgaria's financial performance, low unemployment, fight against contraband, and the Government's effort to remove more administrative burdens for individuals and businesses.

BORISSOV - GENTILONI

At a working meeting, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov of Bulgaria and Paolo Gentiloni concurred on the need for a more visible political dialogue between their countries and on mutual support on issues on the current European agenda, the Government Information Service said. The two heads of government discussed opportunities for cooperation within the contexts of the challenges facing Europe.

The Italian PM was highly appreciative of Bulgaria's effort to guard the EU border. "Bulgaria protects very well the EU external border," Gentiloni stressed. He noted that the two countries should be very careful about migration and should follow these processes in detail. Borissov invited his Italian counterpart to attend the Western Balkans Summit in Sofia in May during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. For his part, Gentiloni invited Borissov to visit Italy at his convenience.

BORISSOV - RUTTE

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte also gave high marks to the Bulgarian Government's efforts and success record in combating contraband and corruption and assured Borissov that Bulgaria is on the right track, the Government Information Service said.

At a bilateral meeting in Tallinn, Borissov familiarized Rutte with the Counter-Corruption Bill drafted by his Cabinet and with the results of the joint action of the law-enforcement authorities, the revenue agencies and the prosecution service to dismantle smuggling operations and rings which are detrimental to both the Bulgarian and the rest of the EU Member States' economies. He cited a recently published survey, which showed that the illicit cigarette trade in Bulgaria has dropped to a record low of 7 per cent. In this respect, Bulgaria ranks eighth in the EU, ahead of France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

Borissov briefed Rutte on the measures taken to guard the EU external border and on migration pressure. He recalled the praise that EU institutions and visiting heads of government have given to Bulgarian border protection.

The Prime Minister was categorical that Bulgaria meets the admission criteria for the Eurozone 'waiting room' and the Schengen area and will continue, by its daily actions, to persuade its European partners of this. Borissov invited his Dutch colleague to attend the Summit that the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council will organize in Sofia in May 2018, entitled "European Union and Western Balkans: Dialogue, Prospects, Cooperation, Partnership".