site.btaPM Borissov Gives Public Lecture, Voices Concern over Failure to Form Government in Germany

Sofia, November 20 (BTA) - In his first public lecture to students in Sofia's University of National and World Economy, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov expressed concern over the failure to form a government in Germany. He also dwelled on relations between the EU and Turkey. "There is mistrust in the EU about Turkey but this is the strongest army in the southern flank of NATO," said Borissov repeating what he has said on previous occasion."We have good relations with Turkey and this is why the migration pressure on our southern border is not strong," he argued.

Borissov also said that Europe is the best place to live and "everybody wants to come here" but they have to respect its rules and traditions. He believes that European politicians must take a firm stance on migrants.

He also dwelled on the Balkans and said that Europe must pay attention to this region. He reiterated his position that the Brexit gives the Balkans a chance to replace the UK as it is about to leave the EU. the Balkans have a chance to take the vacated place. "Unles the Balkans get in the EU, tensions will be created in the future and there will be spheres of influence of other great powers," he added.

He said that while it is unrealistic to expect a date for EU accession to be given to the Balkan countries during the six months of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2018, "it should be clearly said to the young people in the region what they prospects are so that they don't leave".

He also reiterated Bulgaria's hopes that the roaming charges will be cut down with the countries in the Balkans.

The Prime Minister hopes that the 2018 meeting in the 16+1 format (the Eastern European countries and China) will be in Bulgaria.

He is optimistic about Bulgaria's entry in the euro zone waiting room.

He expects that the Schengen agreement on visa-free travel "will be revised and free border crossing will be reconsidered".

Borissov said that Bulgaria has fine relations with the Arab countries, China and Iran.

"If Russia abides by the Minsk agreements, the sanctions will be dropped there as well," he said.

He also said that peace and talks are the best way to resolve all problems, and that "nothing is worse than war".