site.btaPresident Radev Confers with Visiting EU Council President Tusk

President Radev Confers with Visiting EU Council President Tusk

Sofia, April 4 (BTA) - The security of the EU and the Balkans, EU-Turkey relations, Bulgaria's role for the Balkans' economic development, energy independence, cohesion policy and Brexit topped the agenda of the meeting between President Rumen Radev and European Council President Donald Tusk, who is paying a visit to Bulgaria on Tuesday as part of his Balkan tour. The two gave a joint news conference after their one-to-one meeting.

Radev answered in detail a journalist's question about the recently repealed decree by the caretaker Cabinet, which concerns the integration of refugees in Bulgaria. It transpired that some members of Cabinet have voiced concerns that repealing the decree goes against Bulgaria's commitments to the EU and could lead to sanctions.

"The loyal EU membership does not mean mechanical copying of regulations, but making responsible strategic decisions, which can guarantee in perspective the integration process, without threats to national security and that of the Union," Radev commented the repealed decree. He added that integration without clear mechanisms and criteria leads to isolation, capsulation and radicalism, "which can be observed in a quite a few European countries".

The Bulgarian head of State noted that this country plays an important role in the complicated geopolitical situation, because the security of European citizens starts with the security of the Bulgarian border. He recalled the proposal, drafted by the caretaker Cabinet, for a common EU operational plan to protect the Union's external border in case migration pressure increases, and for additional financing of Bulgaria's border protection. He also recalled that the matter has been discussed at the Council of Europe and that Bulgaria has sent official letters to Donald Tusk and EC President Jean-Claude Juncker.

"Bulgaria is perhaps the best example of how to protect our borders. I witnessed this myself today during the briefing on the situation at your borders with both Turkey and Greece," Tusk said. He noted that the EU remains committed to the full implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement. "The EU is honouring its commitments, just like we expect Turkey to continue keeping its part of the deal," the European Council President noted.

Tusk acknowledged that Bulgaria's tighter border control has significantly burdened its budget, adding that the EU and its Member States have helped with financial support and the rapid deployment of a joint European operation. "For me the excellent job you are doing at your borders is evidence that you have made enough progress to become part of the Schengen area. Many think this should already have happened by now. I can assure you of my support but we need, as you know, all Member States' agreement," Tusk said.

Radev said that he and Tusk have agreed that on the crucial importance for the EU to have a common position and policy towards Turkey. The Bulgarian President stressed the exceptional importance for Bulgaria to develop good-neighbourly relations with Turkey, adding, however, that "the increasing risk between the EU and Turkey creates the highest risk precisely for Bulgaria."

The EU leadership, in the face of Donald Tusk, accepts Bulgaria's proposal for a common overall approach towards the situation in the region, for its development and reducing tension, which includes political, economic, energy, transport, communications and cultural measures, Radev said. He noted that it is time to once again review the possibility for Bulgaria to become an energy independent supplier of natural gas and its transiting towards the Western Balkans and other EU Member States.

The two have also discussed the upcoming negotiations with Gazprom, on which, according to Radev, there should be a clear, strong and united European position.

The Bulgarian President thanked Tusk for his commitment to the Bulgarian initiative for continuing the cohesion policy during the EU's next programming period.

Commenting the negotiations related to Brexit, Tusk said that the EU's goal is to minimize the costs of Brexit for all EU citizens, regardless of where they come from.