site.btaBulgarian, Estonian, Austrian PMs to Declare EU Council Presidency's Priorities

Bulgarian, Estonian, Austrian PMs to Declare EU Council Presidency's Priorities

Brussels, June 22 (BTA correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov) - On Friday the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Estonia and Austria will declare the EU Council Presidency's priorities, Bulgaria's EU Presidency Minister Liliyana Pavlova told journalists here late on Thursday .

Pavlova outlined five priorities of the Bulgarian EU Presidency as being economic growth and jobs; an energy union and climate change; social pillar; security and justice; EU as a global factor on the world stage. Bulgaria plans on paying particular attention to the question of the European perspective of the Western Balkans, including matters pertaining to connectivity, security, flight connections, mobile phone roaming. The Western Balkans are a topic of priority for Bulgaria, which wants a European perspective for the region, but does not wish to give empty promises and hopes, she said.

Pavlova listed the future EU budget after 2020, cohesion policy, migration and security matters, and the Brexit negotiations as some of the pitfalls the Bulgarian EU Presidency might face.

Bulgaria is also to focus on cooperation in the Black Sea region in the areas of environmental protection and tourism, as well as the cohesion policy in the EU's next multiannual budget.

Commenting Mariya Gabriel's approval in the European Parliament for the Bulgarian Commissioner-designate for Digital Economy and Society, Pavlova said that she is exceptionally proud as a Bulgarian. Gabriel's presentation was outstanding, Pavlova said, adding that Gabriel will be a worthy EU commissioner with  the portfolio of the future.