site.btaVice President Iotova: EU Must Decide If It Will Be Dominant or Dominated Economic Force

Vice President Iliana Iotova was a guest at the presentation of the 2024/2025  Yearbook of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Thursday, the head of State's press secretariat said. In her speech, Iotova said that on the eve of the European Parliament elections and in this tense world situation, there should be talks with the MEPs about whether the EU will be the dominant or dominated economic and political force. "The EU is a union of shared values and human rights, and to be able to defend them, we must show the world our economic and political strength," she added.

"Now is the time to have a conversation about what kind of economy Europe wants to develop, taking into account the conflicts and confrontations globally - to bet on more production here on the Old Continent or abroad. The disastrous experience of the COVID pandemic has shown us that the right policy is more production in Europe. Bulgaria should take full advantage of the opportunities that this reorientation provides," Iotova said.

The Vice President underscored the good and sustainable cooperation with the presidential institution of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which she described as the most faithful ally of the Bulgarian state and Bulgarian business. There are already over 300 members of the Chamber.

In her address, Iotova focused on the link of French business with education, which encourages young people who learn French to develop and find employment in French companies.

"In order to further strengthen and facilitate business relations between the two countries, Bulgaria must complete its full membership in the European Union with full acceptance into Schengen and the eurozone," the Vice President said.