site.btaDeputy PM Zaharieva Receives France's European Affairs Minister Loiseau

Sofia, January 19 (BTA) - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva Friday received France's European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau, who is paying a working visit here, Zaharieva's Ministry said in a press release.

The guest congratulated the chief Bulgarian diplomat on the start of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. "We expect a fruitful Bulgarian Presidency," she said, stressing that Bulgaria is heading the EU Council at an important moment for the future of Europe.

"As holder of the Presidency, we will focus on the matters that are important for both Bulgaria and the EU. One of our key priorities in this respect is the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. We see a direct link between their future and safeguarding Europewide security and stability," Zaharieva noted for her part.

She added that one of the main goals of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia in May is to deliver a clear political message of the Union's commitment to the future of the countries in the region.

"Needless to say, our friends of the Western Balkans will have to prove their readiness for thoroughgoing reforms. The European perspectively is directly contingent on meeting certain criteria and rigorous conditions," the Deputy PM added.

Zaharieva and Loiseau concurred that the EU should project a more visible presence in the region.

"It is important to demonstrate practical support to the countries in the region. This is especially important for young people because youth unemployment is exceedingly high in the Western Balkans," the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said. As possible areas for practical action, she listed student exchange programmes and seeking opportunities to support business start-up ideas, which would encourage young people to stay in their countries.

The future of the EU, Brexit and the next multiannual financial framework were also on the agenda. The two agreed on the need to achieve an effective and balanced allocation of funds in the future EU budget, as well as control the way these funds are spent.

"We must focus on the EU policies that bring added value to all Union citizens," Zaharieva emphasized.