site.btaDeputy Prime Minister Zlateva Stresses Importance of Hearing People's Views about Future of EU

Deputy Prime Minister Zlateva Stresses Importance of Hearing People's Views about Future of EU

Brussels, March 7 (BTA corr. Nikolay Jeliazkov) - Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Denitsa Zlateva who is in charge of the preparation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU in 2018 said here on Tuesday that it is extremely important to hear people's views about the future of the EU given that one of the main problems of the growing Euroscepticism is that the leaders and institutions in Brussels have lost their connection with the ordinary people. Zlateva spoke to Bulgarian reporters in Brussels where she attends the General Affairs Council meeting.

Zlateva said that the EC's White Paper on the Future of Europe is yet to be discussed, noting that some of the scenarios in it are "more acceptable". "I have my preferred option but the discussions are upcoming and the decision may not be within just the framework of one of the suggested five options," Zlateva said. At the upcoming European Council meeting, Zlateva will express the national position. "It is important that the talks involve not only the political leaders but the public as well, and the non-governmental sector," she said.

On Tuesday Zlateva expressed Bulgaria's stand in support of continuing the effect of the European Fund for Strategic Investments until 2020 and increasing it to 500 million euro, with a more clearly defined geographical and sectoral approach. In respect of migration, Bulgaria insisted on shared solidarity for tackling the challenges facing Europe, and special attention to the protection of the EU external borders.

In the discussion about the Western Balkans Bulgaria voiced concern with the development of the situation in Macedonia. Zlateva said that the democratic processed and procedures are to be adhered to and respected. "The European perspective of the Western Balkans is irreversible," Zlateva said. Bulgaria also supported the creation of a European Public Prosecutor's Office, she said.