site.btaRegional Development Minister Pavlova: "Regional Stability: Mission Possible"

Regional Development Minister Pavlova:"Regional Stability: Mission Possible"

Brussels, June 11 (BTA) - Each of the countries in Southeastern
Europe has its comparative advantages, but only together the
region can be competitive in the world market, Bulgarian
Regional Development and Public Works Minister Liliyana Pavlova
said, addressing the 26th Annual Session of the Crans Montana
Forum, which is taking place in Brussels, June 10-13, Pavlova's
Ministry said in a press release on Thursday.

"This requires regional stability, which includes enhanced
economic relations, more effective cross-border cooperation and
better transport networks," Pavlova said. As a EU Member State,
Bulgaria participates in five cross-border cooperation
programmes, of which three are with EU accession negotiating
countries: Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. "Managing this process
contributes substantially to an improvement of connectivity and
establishment of good-neighbour relations."

The Bulgarian Minister expects much more focused, simplified and
regional needs-specific European territorial cooperation aid
during the new programming period. She noted that the Balkans'
geographic location as a crossroads is an advantage that can
make the region a stronger global market partner.

Pavlova cited the Danube Strategy cooperation opportunities as a
good example of an advantage of Southeastern Europe. She sees
this programme as an adequate tool for addressing common
problems and improving regional competitiveness.

The Minister presented the priorities of the
Chairmanship-in-Offce of the South-East European Cooperation
Process (SEECP) which will rotate to Bulgaria between July 1,
2015 and June 30, 2016. Under the motto "SEECP: 20 Years Key to
Regional Cooperation", the Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office will
be actively working for the assertion of the Process as a
leading political format for cooperation in the region.

In sector partnership, the Bulgarian Chairmanship will focus on
the following priority interaction areas: connectivity:
transport, energy and infrastructure, and emigration.

"Bulgaria actively and consistently supports the EU enlargement
process," Pavlova said, concluding her remarks. "We have a
shared interest in building a region of stability, security and
prosperity. Regional stability is a mission possible."