Minister Svetlan Stoev discussed priority issues on the EU agenda with European ambassadors
07 June 2021 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev discussed with the Ambassadors of the EU Member States priority issues on the agenda of the Union, including recovery from the effects of COVID-19, including the implementation of the Mechanism for Reconstruction and Sustainability, Environment and Climate, Migration , the EU enlargement process.
"Bulgaria has always supported the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans and as a country in the region is clearly aware that the path to the EU is the strongest factor in the transition to democratic governance," said our Foreign Minister.
Regarding the European integration of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Svetlan Stoev stressed that Bulgaria's position is clear, consistent and predictable and that it has not changed. He stated that the caretaker government is guided by the Framework Position and the declaration of the National Assembly from October 2019. Our position also enjoys the support of 85 percent of the Bulgarian citizens. "Bulgaria has always shown a will for a constructive and pragmatic dialogue with Skopje. We will continue to work for restoration of the trust,” said Minister Stoev. "We expect legal guarantees for compliance with the 2017 Treaty and a constructive response from Skopje for a long-term solution to the issue," he added.
Minister Stoev welcomed the adoption of the digital certificate for COVID-19 of the EU and informed that the Bulgarian authorities are already issuing certificates compatible with European requirements. "We believe that the EU digital certificate will facilitate safe and free movement and will contribute to the revitalisation of the economy, tourism and international mobility, while its adoption should not lead to additional barriers, privileges, restrictions and discrimination," he stressed. Regarding the European Commission's proposal for an EU vaccine sharing mechanism, Bulgaria is strongly committed to providing vaccines to the countries of the Western Balkans as soon as possible and is in contact with the European Commission pursuant to the relevant procedures.
In connection with the National Plan for Reconstruction and Sustainability, Minister Stoev stressed that the caretaker government highly appreciates the Mechanism for Reconstruction and Sustainability and works actively on adapting the national plan, focusing on future-oriented projects that will support the green transition and digital transformation.
The environment and climate were also among the highlights of Minister Stoev's speech. He emphasised that Bulgaria supports and works hard to achieve the EU's goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Our country has significantly contributed to the EU's climate efforts by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 43.2% in 2018 compared to the levels in 1990, which were well above the EU average of 25.2%. "Given the agreement reached to increase the EU's overall climate target by 2030, we must emphasise that the specific circumstances in our country, including socio-economic and our starting position, impose objective limitations on our ambitions," said Stoev. He clarified that such an ambitious goal must be supported by a "facilitation framework" to ensure a fair and socially balanced transition.
The meeting of Minister Stoev with the Ambassadors of the EU Member States in Bulgaria was organised by the Ambassador of Portugal Maria Coelho Ribeiro da Silva as a final event of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU, which ends at the end of June.
Minister Stoev thanked the Portuguese Presidency for the skilful and effective guidelines in the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, which made possible the distribution of 10 million accelerated doses of vaccines in a spirit of solidarity.