site.btaDeputy PM: Two-Speed Europe Absolutely Unacceptable to Bulgaria

Deputy PM: Two-Speed Europe  Absolutely  Unacceptable to Bulgaria

Sofia, March 1 (BTA) - Deniza Slateva, Deputy Prime Minister for the Preparation of the 2018 Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, said two- or three-speed Europe or any form of multi-speed Europe is absolutely unacceptable to Bulgaria as an EU Member State.

Addressing a meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation on Wednesday, Slateva said this view was stated in all national positions and during all visits to Brussels - by the President, the Prime Minister, ministers and deputy ministers.

Slateva said: "We firmly oppose the creation of a "core Europe" and a periphery, which would affect all EU policies."

This position will be stated by the Bulgarian President at the March 7 General Affairs Council and at the European Council, as well as at bilateral meetings with the General Secretariat, with the European Commission and with Estonia and Austria which make up the Presidency Trio with Bulgaria. Slateva said the three countries are unanimously in favour of Europe's development as a single community.

The Deputy Prime Minister's comments came before Jean-Claude Juncker's presentation of a white paper on options for supporting unity once Britain triggers its withdrawal process.

Slateva argued for an expanded discussion format at the Council for European Affairs, with a more active role for the social partners.

She noted that progress had been made on the Trio's political programme, and once it is announced, the preparation of the national programme for the EU Presidency should start.