site.btaDeputy PM Gabriel Attends Conference with Belgian Presidency of EU Council

Bulgaria will approach the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union with responsibility - to be constructive on issues that are important for the country, but also important for European unity and European strength, and with ambition – to share its experience in certain areas that will enable European goals to be realised faster and benefit all citizens, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel said on Tuesday during a conference on the start of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Belgium took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1. “It was written very clearly in the last agreement we had during the Spanish Presidency that in 2024 we should be able to fix the date for the abolition of checks at land borders,” Gabriel explained, adding that everyone can win if Schengen is well-functioning.

She said upholding the rule of law and democracy is a cornerstone for the government and Bulgaria will remain very strongly committed to this issue, as democracy should not be taken for granted.

“The issue of women's rights will be of utmost importance. Bulgaria is a champion in Europe in terms of the number of women in information and communication technologies. We have more to do in certain areas,” Gabriel said.

Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary, as by fighting for Ukraine, Bulgaria is defending EU values and its own security, she noted.