site.btaMEP Kristian Vigenin: EU Institutions Must Prove Their Ability to Solve Issues

MEP Kristian Vigenin, of BSP/Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, spoke to BTA on Wednesday. In his interview, he highlighted the need for effective action to demonstrate the EU's commitment to resolving fundamental challenges faced by its citizens.

The European Parliament (EP) faces a more challenging mandate, Vigenin said.

He added that EP has a chance of tackling pressing public issues directly, reflecting its unique status as the only directly elected body within the EU. This approach aims to align closely with citizen concerns, prioritizing their agenda over institutional preferences.

His priorities are also focused on other key social issues, including poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, and ensuring equal income and opportunities across member states. Health improvement also remains a central point.

Following is the full interview:

What are your thoughts on the first plenary session of the new European Parliament?

While the setting feels familiar, the atmosphere has subtly shifted due to significant changes in Parliament's composition. With over half of the Members being new and the introduction of two new political groups, the next five years promise to be more challenging. However, this change presents an opportunity to focus on addressing specific public issues. As the only directly elected EU institution, it's crucial that we are driven by the people's agenda, not our own, especially considering recent discrepancies between institutional objectives and public expectations.

What are your objectives, and what can people expect from you?

We must strive to demonstrate that EU institutions are actively addressing people's fundamental problems and meeting their expectations, primarily concerning social issues, income, poverty reduction, and inequality. We emphasize the importance of income and opportunity convergence between member states and regions, and highlight inequality as a key issue. We advocate for youth support, solutions to the demographic crisis affecting not only Bulgaria but almost all EU member states, and healthcare, a critical issue for socialists in the European Parliament and a focal point of our campaign. As we form new institutions, we must begin work on the next EU budget, the multiannual financial framework, ensuring it aligns with these priorities for adequate policy funding, which must also be supported nationally. Green policies and climate change effort are also significant, requiring analysis of the effectiveness of current measures. We propose adapting some measures to alleviate the struggles of European businesses, particularly the administrative burden on small and medium-sized enterprises. By focusing on these issues and demonstrating effectiveness, we can restore faith in EU institutions and the European project. Failure to do so risks further right-wing shifts in Parliament in five years.

Yesterday, you met with the Bulgarian delegation, which includes far-right representatives from a new parliamentary group. Do you believe a dialogue is feasible, and will you collectively examine Bulgaria's common picture?

Within the European Parliament, a so-called sanitary cordon is being established, isolating far-right political groups. They're unlikely to secure leadership positions or committee roles, a response from centrist and center-leaning forces to far-right and anti-European tendencies. However, national issues require collective resolution, regardless of opposition government or group affiliations in Bulgaria. On key national issues, we should collaborate with all, mirroring the inclusive dialogue within the Bulgarian National Assembly, where Vazrazhdane plays a part. As socialists, we belong to the second largest group here, providing us with some leverage. Yet, when it comes to Bulgaria, we must seek everyone's support. This tradition, initiated when Bulgaria first elected its MEPs, has continued over time, benefiting both the country and Bulgarians.

Could the volatile political climate in Bulgaria impede your work, given that European matters are currently not a priority in our country?

The ongoing political instability in Bulgaria hinders its effective participation in the European decision-making process, impacting not only the country but also its positions on key issues. As MEPs, we're indirectly affected, struggling to defend crucial policies that the Bulgarian Government or Parliament have yet to clearly articulate. This lack of coordination is evident when compared to other member states, where a government that knows its objectives can effectively liaise with European institutions. Currently, we're often left to identify and address issues independently, sometimes even reversing the process by seeking support from the Bulgarian government after identifying a problem at the European level. This is far from ideal, and it's crucial that we find a solution soon. After all, a country that has failed to form a government after six elections in two and a half years struggles to be taken seriously at the European level. Despite our best efforts to explain the complexities of the Bulgarian process, it's challenging to convey the seriousness of the situation to our European partners. The constant rotation of ministers at council meetings further undermines our credibility. Therefore, finding a way out of this predicament is imperative.

Regarding your work in Strasbourg, I have one final question. Tomorrow, a vote on the European Commission is scheduled. What is your opinion on Ursula von der Leyen's candidacy?

While some colleagues argue for supporting von der Leyen due to a lack of superior candidates and a desire for stability, I respectfully disagree. My vote against her stems from two main concerns. First, her performance as President of the Commission over the past five years has not been sufficiently persuasive. Second, during a group meeting, I found her lacking in vision and commitment to policies crucial to socialists. To address the European Union's challenges, regain a serious global presence, and restore public confidence in European institutions, we need change. Merely maintaining the status quo won't solve the Union's significant issues. Therefore, the argument that 'we have no better option' fails to convince me to support Ursula von der Leyen. I believe that even if she doesn't succeed tomorrow, there remains an opportunity for improvement, and I will actively pursue that.