site.btaPrime Ministers of Bulgaria, Poland Speak against Two-Speed Europe

Sofia, September 20 (BTA) - "The European Union should stay united and avoid moving at two speeds", Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told a news briefing after their meeting here on Wednesday. Polish Prime Minister Szydlo commended Bulgaria for the efficient controls of the EU border and said that the country is fully prepared to access the Schengen area.

Szydlo went on to say that Bulgaria and Poland had a lot of things in common, among which a belief that unity should be the foundation to the future of the EU. "We believe that some countries are trying to divide Europe for the sake of their interests but we think that unity is key," said Szydlo.

For his part, Borissov said Bulgaria managed to protect its border at the cost of 160 million euro in EU aid, while other countries had received billions without much result.

Polish Prime Minister Szydlo said that the two discussed their commitments to NATO, with Poland spending 2 per cent of its GDP on defence. "I thank Bulgaria for its support and for the fact that we shave some security on NATO's both Eastern and Southern flanks. We need the two flanks to be equally secure. Poland and the Baltic countries are concerned with the developments in Russia and Ukraine. I am thankful to Prime Minister Borissov for Bulgaria's clear position on shared responsibility. Poland is against lifting of sanctions against Russia unless the Minsk agreements on Ukraine are honoured."

Borissov said that Bulgaria is honouring its commitments to NATO. He added that the issue of sanctions against Russia may be raised during the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU and that a solution should be found in a calm and pragmatic manner.

Borissov said Polish Prime Minister Szydlo and he discussed the future of the mining industry and large combustion plants which are threatened by an upcoming adoption of an EU directive. The two countries will put up an united front on the issue of mining and energy, said Szydlo.

Borissov said that the two discussed the Bulgarian visit of French President Emmanuel Macron in late August. Prime Minister Szydlo thanked Bulgaria for defending Poland's position and said that her country is open to compromise and to negotiations on the issue of posted workers in the EU.

Szydlo said that the policies towards the Western Balkans should be ambitious and open.