Svetlan Stoev before the Bulgarian Forum of Business Leaders: The EU's strategic autonomy and building a sustainable economy are the key messages in our diplomacy
01 July 2021 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev singled out economic diplomacy as one of the main priorities for the EU and Bulgaria - an integral part of the foreign policy and the activities ensuring the sustainable development after the pandemic of COVID-19.
Svetlan Stoev spoke before the 5th annual meeting of the Bulgarian Forum of Business Leaders with the ambassadors accredited in Sofia.
"The EU's strategic autonomy and ensuring sustainability are two new key messages in our foreign economic policy and diplomacy. The aim is to provide effective protection for citizens and businesses and to reduce Europe's dependence in key sectors,“ said Minister Stoev in his welcoming speech to the representatives of the Bulgarian business and diplomatic corps. He emphasised that autonomy could not be understood as isolationism or protectionism, and that the EU should remain attractive for foreign investment and open to business partnerships with the rest of the world.
Minister Stoev also pointed out that as an active participant in European and global policies in the field of carbon-neutral economy, in the digital and green transition, Bulgaria and Bulgarian diplomacy support the development of public-private partnerships with the active participation of the Bulgarian business and civil society.
According to him, the pandemic has its medium and long-term consequences and leads to a revision of a number of traditional policies and dependencies, but also to the confirmation and strengthening of existing strategic alliances. Among the positive developments in recent months, Minister Stoev highlighted the renewed transatlantic dialogue between the EU and the United States.
"We cannot talk about sustainability and economic recovery without a transatlantic partnership. We support the rule of international law and the principle of multilateralism in solving global problems, which in our opinion is a leading factor in the world economy,“ said Svetlan Stoev.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of the Package of Economic Recovery and Sustainability "Next Generation EU" together with the new Multiannual Financial Framework. They have mobilised unprecedented financial resources not only to restore pre-pandemic levels, but to create a future dynamic and globally competitive European economy based on new environmentally friendly and digital technologies.
"The Bulgarian government is working on our National Plan, which is in the final phase and is of priority for the caretaker cabinet. The activity on it is carried out around the clock in order to be handed over to the European Commission", said Minister Stoev.
Bulgaria has a good potential to be an active participant in the construction of the new European economy and to take advantage of its chances for green and intelligent technological growth, according to our Foreign Minister. In this context, the ambition of our country to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an expression of confidence that we can participate in the development of global policy-making policies and standards.
Svetlan Stoev noted that Bulgaria already applies a significant part of the OECD standards and is ready to bear the responsibilities arising from the membership. Bulgarian business is also already engaged and contributing to our participation in the OECD.
In conclusion, Minister Stoev assured the representatives of the Bulgarian business and diplomatic corps that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government as a whole will continue to provide the necessary support to achieve the common goal - a sustainable economy that contributes to increasing the living standards and quality of life of the Bulgarian citizens.
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