site.btaPM Borissov, EC President-Elect Von der Leyen Meet

ESD 16:36:32 29-08-2019
DD1634ES.114
114 POLITICS - PM - EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT-ELECT - MEETING

PM Borissov,
EC President-Elect Von der Leyen
Meet


Sofia, August 29 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov met with Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the European Commission, who arrived in Sofia Thursday afternoon, the Government Information Service said. The visit is part of her consultations with the leaders of the EU Member States prior to submitting the new Commission to a vote of approval by the European Parliament.

The two made statements before their working meeting.

Von der Leyen said she was eager to continue the good cooperation with the Prime Minister and the Bulgarian Commissioner. She said she is confident that great decisions will be found for a substantially important portfolio because the Commission needs the expertise. What is needed is to work for economic development, but also to meet the public's needs, she told reporters.

Borissov said the President-elect of the European Commission is well aware of the Bulgarian Government's priorities regarding the portfolio. It is people, not just digitization, that are important. Central and Eastern Europe has a huge potential. The West must invest heavily now to improve the skills and competitiveness of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the Prime Minister said.

Von der Leyen was elected European Commission President in July to become the first woman in this post. IG/DD
//