site.btaPresident Plevneliev: EU Needs Reinforcement, New Dose of Trust after UK's Referendum

President Plevneliev: EU Needs Reinforcement, New Dose of Trust after UK's Referendum

Paris, June 27 (BTA) - The EU needs to be reinforced and get a new dose of trust after the UK's referendum, while the moral crisis, which is the worst, must be avoided, said here on Monday President Rosen Plevneliev, quoted by his Press Secretariat. The Bulgarian head of State is paying a visit to France, as part of which he conferred with French counterpart Francois Hollande.

According to President Hollande, the European project must be protected from the insecurity after the referendum in the UK. The EU and Britain must remain being friendly, however, the next moves must be clear, the French President is quoted as saying.

Plevneliev noted the current importance of starting new European integration projects, such as the European energy and digital unions, stressing the exceptional importance of continuing EU enlargement. The weakening of the European project and the lack of a European perspective for the partner countries in the region could lead to destabilization, the Bulgarian President warned. He noted that this country actively and consistently supports the process of EU enlargement. President Hollande has initiated a summit in Paris on July 4, during which the Balkans will be discussed, it transpired from the meeting.

Bulgaria counts on France's support for its Schengen accession, Plevneliev said during the meeting. France's decision on the matter continues to be linked to the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism.

Commenting the migration crisis, presidents Plevneliev and Hollande voiced their expectations that the commitments made will be fulfilled. All EU Member States must show as much solidarity as possible with those who are first to bear the migration pressure, because the EU's external borders are not just Schengen, Plevneliev said.

The two presidents discussed the possibilities to boost economic ties. There is untapped potential in areas, such as water and waste management, building of infrastructure sites, organic framing, information technologies and tourism.

Plevneliev and Hollande discussed the need to strengthen NATO's collective defence and the crisis management capabilities. In their shared view the NATO summit in Warsaw on July 8 and 9 will contribute to the strengthening of security of the member states of the Alliance. Plevneliev recalled that Bulgaria supports the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine and insists on reaching a peaceful solution of the crisis in Eastern Ukraine.

"The French-German engine of united Europe should not only continue working but should also switch to a higher speed. Today, we need this tandem that should take responsible decisions for Europe. These decisions should be taken through dialogue, understanding and consensus," President Plevneliev stated.

According to the Bulgarian President, the British authorities should be given a clear signal for the need to launch a legitimate process of negotiations for the UK's leaving the EU. "We are all highly concerned with the results of this referendum. However, from now on we should not allow ambiguity and should look forward. We should remain friends, so that the British would be able to re-join the family of European nations, if they choose to do so some day," he stated.

Plevneliev was adamant that sustainable solutions should be sought within the EU. "Consensus and understanding are our strengths," he noted.

While discussing the migrant crisis with his French host, President Plevneliev said: "Bulgaria has received high recognition. The country' efforts to protect the external borders of the EU have strong resonance in Europe and is recognized by all European leaders."