Minister Daniel Mitov and Ambassador Jean Faltz discussed the priorities of the forthcoming Luxembourg Presidency of the EU
28 April 2015 News
Minister Daniel Mitov welcomed today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Bulgaria, Jean Faltz. They discussed the cooperation between Bulgaria and Luxembourg in the light of the forthcoming Luxembourg Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2015.
Ambassador Faltz outlined the priorities of the Presidency which will be defined to a great extent by the current international situation. The Luxembourg Presidency will focus on relaunching economic growth and boosting job creation, implementing the investment plan, the role of social policies for a more sustainable economic growth in the EU, preparations for the climate change conference in Paris in December 2015 and neighborhood policy. Another key priority will be migration and the problems arising from it in recent months as a result of the conflicts in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Ambassador Faltz said.
Minister Daniel Mitov welcomed the package of priorities, saying that at this stage the migration policy is extremely important for Bulgaria and we consider it necessary within the framework of the Luxembourg Presidency to review the Dublin Regulation regarding the reception of refugees, as it does not meet the reality. Minister Mitov emphasized the need of a more balanced EU approach in solving migration problems, adding that countries like Bulgaria, which are at the forefront of the migration pressure, should receive more support, including financial. Daniel Mitov expressed hope that the issue of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area will move forward during the Luxembourg Presidency.
The two diplomats also discussed the investment prospects of EU countries, as foreseen in the "Junker" plan for the promotion and development of the European economy. Bulgaria will do its utmost to generate together with its neighbors joint projects to be funded under the plan, in areas such as transport and energy connectivity of the countries of our region.
The Foreign Minister also focused on the importance of a European Energy Union, in order to ensure energy independence of the Member States, as well as to diversify sources and routes of energy supply.
As another priority for Bulgaria, Minister Mitov identified joining the European banking union that would ensure maximum security of the Bulgarian and European banking and financial system, as well as the swift accession of our country to the eurozone.
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