site.btaBulgarian Government Calls for Preserving Integrity of EU as Opposed to Idea Two-Speed Europe, to Support Tusk's Reelection

Bulgarian Government Calls for Preserving Integrity of EU as Opposed to Idea Two-Speed Europe, to Support Tusk's Reelection

Sofia, March 8 (BTA) - The Bulgarian government calls for preserving the integrity of the European Union instead of going for differentiated integration goals or a two-speed Europe. This transpired Wednesday as the government approved its position for the European Council on March 9-10 and the meeting of the EU27 state and government leaders which will focus on preparing a declaration on the future of the EU.

"The trend for fragmentation of the EU should be opposed by overcoming the differences and reaching accord on the common goals," the government said in a press release.

Bulgaria will support a second term by Donald Tusk as President of the European Council.

The government press office said that at the discussion on the election of a European Council President for the period from June 1, 2017, to November 30, 2019, Bulgaria will give a high mark to Tusk for his outgoing term. "Our position is that in the conditions of unprecedented crises facing the EU today, he has been performing successfully the important role of protecting the unity of the Union and its founding principles," the government press office said.

The Bulgarian position for the March 9-10 European Council in Brussels will be expressed by President Rumen Radev.

In the area of jobs, growth and competitiveness, Bulgaria will underscore the importance of measures aimed to further encourage investment, economic growth and employment in order to ensure sustainability of the positive trends in the European economies.

In the area of migration, the Bulgarian position is that ensuring full control on the external borders is of paramount importance and needs to be a standing priority for the EU, requiring solidarity and support for the front-line countries.

In the area of foreign relations, Bulgaria will reconfirm its position in support of the policy of further enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans, while stressing that the progress of each country should be based on its ability to fulfill the accession criteria.