site.btaForeign Minister Zaharieva Attends Forum on Economic, Social Convergence in Balkans Region

Sofia, May 15 (BTA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva on Tuesday participated in a forum on the economic and social convergence in the Balkans region, organized by the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Commission with the support of the Bulgarian EU Presidency and the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council.

Zaharieva called for strong cohesion in the next EU budget. "If it is upheld then I will be convinced that the open doors with regards to enlargement is something which is expected from all EU members and not just from the neighbouring contries and the countries which traditionally support our friends from the Western Balkans."

According to Zaharieva, the budget will determine the future of the EU. Among the the positive aspects of the draft she outlined the increased allocations for securuty, economy, education, research and innovations.

Zaharieva said that the reduction of the money for cohesion and agricultural policies is concerning but the debate is yet to begin and the EU should heed to the demands of the institutions and the citizens. She said that the citizens want from the EU solidarity, security and social Europe, and a turn to fundamental values and the idea underlining the Union.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that the European perspective of the Western Balkans will be a priority not only during the Bulgarian EU Presidency but a longterm foreign policy priority. She urged the employers, the trade unions and the institutions from the Western Balkans to implement reforms not only for the the sake of the EU membership but for the sake of its citizens.