site.btaDeputy Foreign Minister Shekerletova Expects December European Council to Lay Emphasis on Migration

Bulgaria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Shekerletova hopes that the forthcoming meeting of the European Council will lay particular emphasis on fighting illegal migration in all its forms, including returns, human trafficking, and preventive action in cooperation with the countries of origin. Shekerletova represented Bulgaria at an EU General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, her ministry reported.

The General Affairs Council started preparations for the European Council (December 19-20) by discussing the draft agenda. It reviewed the annual rule-of-law dialogue with several EU member states, looked at the EU values situation in Hungary and saw an exchange of opinions on the role of cohesion policy in boosting the bloc’s competitiveness.

The forthcoming European Council will discuss the EU’s role in a changing world, its resilience and response to emergencies, based on a report by the European Commission President’s Special Adviser Sauli Niinisto.

The European Council agenda includes the topics of Ukraine, the Middle East, the EU in the world, resilience, preparedness and prevention and response to emergencies and migration.

The Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister said: “Today is 1,000 days since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. One thousand days in which the Ukrainian people have shown courage, resilience, self-sacrifice and willingness to defend their freedom and independence. Our support for Ukraine should remain strong and unified.”

Shekerletova further dwelled on the situation in the Middle East. She expressed Bulgaria’s concern over the growing instability in the region, which she said would have negative implications for the EU.

The ministers shared views on the role of cohesion policy as a factor for enhancing competitiveness. The discussion was based on a concept document released by the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council on November 12. Shekerletova argued that, to become more competitive, the EU needs equally developed regions. She said a successful cohesion policy can contribute to boosting the resilience and the competitiveness of the European economy.

The EU General Affairs Council discussed the annual Rule of Law Report, in the part about Malta, the Netherlands, Austria and Poland.

Shekerletova also participated in an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday.