site.btaPM Glavchev on Next Bulgarian EU Commissioner's Portfolio, Chances of Cabinet Formation in Sofia

Caretaker Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev talked to Bulgarian journalists in Brussels on Monday, where he arrived for a working dinner of EU Member States' heads of state or government.

"We are very far from the point of discussing a portfolio for the next Bulgarian EU commissioner," Glavchev said.

"Bulgaria has preliminary positions," he pointed out, regarding the early nominations for presidents of the European Commission and of the European Parliament and for a EU high representative for foreign affairs. The PM specified that the positions will be discussed at Monday's informal meeting. In his opinion, all EU countries have formed an idea of whom they will back.

Glavchev expects the European Council to come up with more specific decisions when it meets on June 27 and 28. In his words, a decision on the next Bulgarian commissioner's portfolio can hardly be expected until the end of this month. "It takes more time and patience to get to the portfolio. The European Commission is supposed to be constituted in November," he pointed out. "Clarity on the key positions in the Commission is expected next week," he added.

"We favour a quick understanding. The idea is that the Commission should start functioning as soon as possible, so that the bodies that are subject to MEPs' approval could start functioning, too," Glavchev said.

He is optimistic about the chances of a Parliament-elected cabinet being formed soon, after the lawmakers in Sofia come to terms without delay. "This is the best option for Bulgarian citizens, too," the PM commented.

Asked whether Bulgaria can have a Parliament-elected prime minister next week, he said this would be a good thing, but all depends on the President who should hand the first cabinet-forming mandate.