site.btaStart of Finnish EU Presidency Discussed at Sofia Meeting

July 2 (BTA) - Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina
Zaharieva Tuesday expressed hope that the launch of EU accession
 talks with Albania and North Macedonia is not postponed again
in October. "Reaching a compromise is not easy, but I hope that,
 for the sake of the EU's reputation and for the sake of the
young people in those countries, the commitment for October will
 be honoured," Zaharieva told a public discussion in Sofia
occasioned by the start of the six-month Finnish Presidency of
the Council of the European Union.

The discussion was organized by PanEuropa Bulgaria, the Finnish
Embassy in Bulgaria, the local Representation of the European
Commission, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and the Diplomatic
Institute under the Bulgarian Foreign Minister.

Zaharieva welcomed the inclusion of the topic of EU enlargement
on the agenda of the Finnish EU Presidency. She said: "The
Finnish EU Presidency does not come at an easy time, but I am
confident that the Finns, who are known for their ability to
reach compromise, can work with a strategic vision and
dedication to the European idea and be successful in a period of
 transition between the old and the new European Commission, a
period when compromise seems less feasible." Bulgaria's top
diplomat asked the Finnish EU Presidency to ensure that
"diversity unites us rather than dividing us into first- and
second-class nations."

Finnish Ambassador to Bulgaria Paivi Blinnikka said she is
certain that the Finnish EU Presidency's cooperation with
Bulgaria will be very good. She said the Presidency's priorities
 include protecting citizens and their liberties, developing a
strong economy, and building a green and socially sensitive
Europe. Other key topics are the rule of law, migration,
strengthening the EU, and handling Brexit. "We would like to see
 the EU as a global leader in addressing climate-related
problems," Ambassador Blinnikka said.

She noted that citizens' protection includes fighting terrorism
and crime and enhancing border management. "This means that the
EU should try to work concertedly and efficiently.
Decision-making should become more efficient and more rapid,"
the diplomat said. She added that transparency in the EU's work
and active communication are foremost principles. RY/VE