site.btaMinister Pavlova: "We Hope to Change Bulgaria's Image with the EU Presidency"

Sofia, December 1 (Lora Metanova of BTA) - One of Bulgaria's goals is to bring about a change in its image with the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, to have people know Bulgaria more, to show what the strengths are of this country and why it should be respected, Liliayna Pavlova, the Minister for the EU Presidency, said in a BTA interview.

Bulgaria assumes the half-year Presidency of the EU Council at the beginning of 2018.

"I hope we will be able to prove being a reliable, stable and predictable partner in Europe," she said.

She also said that it is important for Bulgaria to emerge as a leader in the Balkans, to be a motive force for prosperity, stability and peace in the region.

Bulgaria has identified four priorities for its Presidency: the future of Europe and young people; the Western Balkans; security and stability; and digital economy. These will be presented by Minister Pavlova on December 6 for final approval by the Bulgarian government and then on December 12 to the committee chairs in the European Parliament.

Bulgaria has Europe's support for the priorities during its Presidency, Pavlova said.

During its Presidency, Bulgaria will take an opportunity to showcase also its cultural and historic heritage, its nature and human potential. Pavlova believes that these can help show Bulgaria as an attractive place to invest, do business and visit for tourism.

A major reconstruction project at the NDK convention centre in Sofia, which will be the key venue of Sofia events during the Bulgarian Presidency, is due for completion this week and work goes as planned, said the Minister.