site.btaHead of the EC Representation in Bulgaria Says Next 5 Years Will Determine Future of Europe for Coming Decades

Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria, said an event of the Euroclub at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerse and Industry (BCCI) on Thursday, that  European Commission has rightly stated that what is done in the next 5 years will determine the future of Europe for the next 50 years. "The current 2025 is the year of key measures and reforms - we see really big changes in the global economy, new leadership in the USA, with the most important message being that, despite the difficulties, the EU should continue to be united in its demands and policies," Chobanova pointed out. 

The topics of the discussion included the first 100 days of the new European Commission, Bulgaria in Schengen and advantages and challenges that come with that, results achieved during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024 and priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The event was attended by Miklos Boros, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland Anna Janiszewska- Fraczek, Dr. Ingrid Shikova, Chairwoman of the Euroclub and founder of the Department of European Studies at Sofia University, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, politicians, bankers, entrepreneurs, members of the BCCI.

Chobanova said that a series of decisive steps will be taken precisely in the first 100 days of the new European Commission. A European action plan on cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers has already been proposed.

Chobanova noted that over the next 5 years, the EC will be focused on investments, and they must be focused on innovations, and for this, financing is needed, which in turn creates the need to complete the important common capital market.

Chobanova noted that by March 10, the EC is due to come up with an initiative on infrastructure complexes for artificial intelligence.

Chobanova also noted that there will be a review of the EU enlargement policy, as this is an important priority for the EC.

"Bulgaria has an important role here as a country that is neighboring these countries, especially the Western Balkan countries," she said, specifying that the EU enlargement is a long-term investment in strategic security and strengthening the economic growth and prosperity of all of Europe as one community.

Chobanov also noted that a youth council is to be established under EC President Ursula von der Leyen in the first 100 days, as young people are the most sensitive to injustices in society and their voice must be heard.