site.btaDeputy PM Gabriel: We Need to Keep an Eye on Risks of Regional Escalation of Middle East Conflict

We need to monitor the risks of escalation of the conflict in the Middle East over the entire region, said on Tuesday Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel during the “Government Meets the Business" forum organised by Capital magazine.

Bulgaria condemns Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, Gabriel reiterated. She pointed out that Bulgaria had reacted very quickly by removing Bulgarian citizens from there. This country expresses clear support and solidarity with Israel, the Foreign Minister noted, adding that Bulgaria continues to be a bearer of security and stability in our region. “We are in constant coordination with our NATO and EU partners,” Gabriel underlined. According to her, the biggest risk is in the word "division". Existing and future crises will contribute to continued division, she said. Bulgaria must continue to stand with its partners and allies and not contribute to new divisions in society, in the country, regionally and internationally, she was adamant.

We want to be in Schengen and the euro area not because this is an end in itself, the Foreign Minister said. According to her, joining these unions will allow this country to be part of the decision-making process. “We need to calm people's fears and we should not allow playing with them. Next year we have a chance to explain in the best possible way what the benefits are of joining Schengen and the euro area,” Gabriel said.

On the issue of corruption, the Foreign Minister said it has no place in a democratic society because it affects every sector of the state. The responsibility lies with everyone - the government, the citizens, the NGOs. The fight against corruption is a daily fight, Gabriel stressed.

The Deputy Prime Minister drew attention to the fact that the corruption criterion was not a criterion for the entry of other countries into Schengen. “It must be shown that the EU is a union of principles, Bulgaria has met the criteria,” the Foreign Minister said. She stressed that the Schengen area will function better if Bulgaria and Romania join it. “Bulgaria is fully prepared to defend the EU's external border. We must be a factor of stability in the region,” Gabriel further said.