site.btaMEP Penkova: Safeguard EU Progress, Remember History's Lessons

Much has been achieved within the European Union concerning the creation of a united Europe, Bulgarian MEP and member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament Tsvetelina Penkova said on Wednesday at commemorations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Penkova said it is important at commemorations like the one on Wednesday, and at the upcoming event on May 9, to remember the true facts of history instead of trying to distort or change them.

Veterans attended the celebrations on Sunday, reminding everyone that these events happened not so long ago. Even though we are living through major geopolitical changes, it is important to remember the facts of history, learn from them, and work to prevent repeating the same mistakes, Penkova said.

She added that the European Union’s most valuable achievements are the free movement of people, goods, and services. 

We grew up as a generation that waited many years for Bulgaria to become part of the EU. Now I realize there are generations in Europe who have only known life within the EU. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when restrictions brought back physical borders within the EU, I saw that some young people in Central and Western Europe were seeing borders for the first time. This shows that there has been real progress, and it is something to appreciate, Penkova said.

She pointed out that the EU was created to maintain peace in Europe, but diplomatic measures alone have not been enough to achieve this goal in the past four years. “I hope that common sense will guide us, and that this year people will witness the end of the military conflict in Europe,” Penkova said.

There are significant economic challenges, mainly because of global events and a possible trade war with key partners like the United States. This has caused a review of some important policies and strategies. On the positive side, Penkova noted that the EU is now reconsidering the importance of maintaining real manufacturing within Europe.

She pointed out that over the past 20 years, a large share of manufacturing has moved from the EU to third countries, mostly because of lower labour costs, easier access to raw materials, and cheaper electricity. The impact of Covid-19, the war, and now the risk of a trade war with the US seem ot have shown everyone that the EU cannot fully depend on imports from outside its borders, Penkova said.