site.btaGallup International Balkan Director Simeonov Discusses Bulgarian Attitudes towards the EU in BTA Discussion Bulgarian Voices for Europe

December 20 (BTA) - At the discussion "Bulgarian Voices for Europe: for a Better Education", organized by BTA in its Press Club in Stara Zagora as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, sociologist Dr. Parvan Simeonov, director of Gallup International Balkan, said that he is not sure that Bulgarians have a very clear vision of what kind of Europe they want to see, but in any case their starting point is good, because Bulgaria is a pro-European society and can fully participate in this debate.

According to Simeonov, most European citizens see the European Union and its institutions as a corrective to their own national governments. "Europe is something of a reference measure for Bulgarian citizens. They like it for three reasons. First, deep down they have always been Europeans. In their hearts they can sometimes look to the East, but in their minds they have always looked to the West. Second, funding comes from the EU. And third, Europe sometimes scolds local elites, which they deserve,'' he explained, adding: ''Yes, there are times when Europe loses credibility in the eyes of Bulgarians - during the Greek crisis, BREXIT, but this does not lead to serious consequences''.

Simonov added that sometimes Bulgarian citizens even idealize the EU and its institutions, expecting them to solve all problems at the national level.

More citizen participation in decision-making, more democracy are needed, the sociologist said of the ongoing debates at European level on the future of the EU.

''The main accusation against the Union is that it is a project of the elites, not the citizens. Europe is a great place from a social, economic and cultural point of view, but politically it is often held hostage to foreign interests because there is no clear subjectivity. The challenge is whether Europe has a more unified leadership, whether it has its own armed forces, that is, to be united and strong. The challenge is twofold because Europe is national'', Simeonov said. . "I think they should be preserved," Simeonov said, noting: ''What sets us apart from the United States, for example, is that we are a collection of individualities. In my opinion, they should be preserved".

In his personal vision of Europe, Simeonov sees it as "stronger but with stronger nationals".

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Education is the special focus of the discussions Bulgarian Voices for Europe on Monday at the BTA Press Club in Stara Zagora.

The conference "Bulgarian Voices for Europe: for Better Education" includes MEP Andrey Novakov, Stara Zagora Mayor Zhivko Todorov, Regional Governor Ivan Cholakov and BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, who is one of the moderators of the discussion.

The first part of the discussion is dedicated to the topic "What Kind of Europe do We Want in 2050?", and the second - to specific ideas for better education.

The event is open to the media and to the public on Zoom:

zoom.us/j/9522835000?pwd=R1grWmpUZlhCV2puZTRxbThQVlNkZz09

Meeting ID: 952 283 5000

Passcode: 470451

For more information about the initiative Bulgarian Voices for Europe, which BTA implements with the support of the European Parliament, visit https://europe.bta.bg/, as well as: http://www.bta.bg/bg/page/310

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