site.btaBulgaria Takes Over Presidency of General Affairs Council

Brussels, December 12 (BTA) - Bulgaria symbolically took over the rotating Presidency of the General Affairs Council of the EU from Estonia on Tuesday. Participating on the Bulgarian part was Deputy Foreign Minister Emilia Kraleva, the Foreign Ministry's press centre said.

The Council finalised preparations for the European Council of December 14-15, 2017 by discussing draft conclusions. At their meeting EU leaders will focus on defence, where they are expected to welcome the launch of the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). They will also review progress in other fields, in particular EU-NATO cooperation. The EU leaders will adopt conclusions in the field of social issues, education and culture. A debate will be held on the latest foreign policy developments and migration.

"Bulgaria highly commends the focus placed on PESCO. While holding the EU Council Presidency, we will work actively to finalize the negotiations with the European Parliament on the European Defence Industrial Development Programme," Kraleva said in her statement. "We will keep on supporting the further strengthening of cooperation between EU and NATO including in spheres such as cyber security and the fight against terrorism.

Regarding migration, Bulgaria shares the stand that addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach including both strengthening of the control along the EU external bodies and an efficient policy of return of refugees.

The Council approved the EU's legislative priorities for 2018-2019 which have been agreed with the European Parliament and the Commission. The priorities are set out in a joint declaration due to be signed by the Presidents of the three institutions on December 14. The declaration lists the main legislative initiatives on which the three institutions aim to achieve substantial progress and, where possible, agreement, before the 2019 European elections.

A working lunch with EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn was held within the forum. Kraleva underscored that the process of EU enlargement is the best instrument for achieving stability, security and prosperity and an important incentive for the holding of the tough reforms needed. The maintenance of good neighbourly relations and the strengthening of regional cooperation are an inseparable part of the integration process. Bulgaria will work actively for promoting connectivity within the region in all its aspects - energy, transport, communication and digital connectivity.