site.btaPM Borissov Confers with Visiting German Foreign Minister Maas

June 18 (BTA) - Speaking at the start of his meeting here with visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov recalled that Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 during the German EU Council Presidency, and now it once again expects the German EU Presidency, which starts on July 1, to resolve important current issues, the Bulgarian Government's information service reported Thursday.

In this context, Borissov said that Bulgaria counts very much to be accepted into the eurozone's waiting room (ERM II) in July, when Germany will assume the EU Presidency. "We have fulfilled absolutely all the criteria," the Bulgarian Prime Minister told Maas.

The two also discussed the overcoming of the socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Borissov and Maas agreed that Europe needs unity and solidarity in order to address the coronavirus' social and economic consequences.

Borissov said during the meeting that, in this decisive time for Europe, Bulgaria supports the German EU Council Presidency's plan to urgently conclude the negotiations concerning the multiannual financial framework. Reaching promptly a political agreement and finalizing the relevant legislation are important for applying all the measures and starting the new programmes without delay, Borissov said.
"The green transition and digital transformation are also key goals in the process of returning to the normal functioning of our economies and sustainable growth," he added. RI/MY
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