The new European Parliament has started active work. It was formed after the elections in May 2014 for a term of five years. It has a total of 751 members of the 28 EU member states, while 17 of MEPs represent Bulgaria. After electing the head of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy last week, this week hearings of the Commissioners-designate started. They must be approved by MEPs until 31st of October this year, when the term of office of the current European Commission expires.

What would happen next in Europe? Here are the expectations of Bulgarian MEP of the Year 2013 Maria Gabriel:

"It will be very interesting, since very dynamic developments are expected. The new term of the EP is characterized by a very significant presence of extremely anti-European and nationalist groups. We need to prevent them from blocking the work of institutions and legislation concerning some 500 million. This reality has made the two biggest groups in the European Parliament - EPP and SD /Socialists and Democrats/ act responsibly and cooperate when common European goals are concerned. With the choice of Jean-Claude Juncker for head of the EC, Donald Tusk for head of the EU and Federica Mogherini for the position of the so-called foreign minister, an important signal was given to parties such as that of Nigel Farage, who says EU was not important. At the backdrop of the situation in Ukraine and the ongoing economic crisis in the EU, we need stronger Europe in political and economic aspect. That is why the composition of the EC is of great importance. We look forward to the hearings of Commissioners in the European Parliament and hope they would not only be committed to European values​​, but would also have actual ideas for common European policies. "

What are the main priorities?

"Priorities are economic recovery and creating new jobs, as well as establishing new energy union. The crisis in Ukraine shows clearly that it is much needed by the EU and directly affects Bulgaria. Also a common immigration policy is necessary. But immigrants are not only coming from outside the union. Migration processes happen inside the EU and we must not allow new negative campaigns like those against the Bulgarians and Romanians. We are all citizens of the EU and this must become clear. Reducing youth unemployment is also a priority. "Youth Guarantee" is a very good initiative, but it does not provide a long-term perspective. We also need reindustrialization. Serious debates that are to focus on reindustrialization and the internal digital market are coming between the EPP and PES. Just completing the digital market alone would bring 500 billion euro of profit to the EU. We are also to continue working on visa policy. Some 6.6 mln. tourists canceled their trips to Europe in 2012 over administrative issues. The EU should have a clear answer whether we want more common policies. This means Member States should overcome the reflexes of jealously guarded sovereignty and give more power to European institutions. The EP is the direct link between citizens and this policy. "

What are the risks?

"Risks are both internal and external,” says Maria Gabriel. We should keep fighting with unemployment and the feeling that some EU citizens are second- class people. External risks are associated with the events in Ukraine, but also Syria and the Middle East. Relations with the United States are also important. There will be talks on the trade agreement and should be very careful. The EU wants to create the largest market in the Euro-Atlantic world, but this should not come at a high price. We oppose liberalization of culture as it is not a commodity, as well as the so-called geographical indications for agricultural products, which are actually identical in different European regions. We should also have strategic ties with Russia and the Middle East. Therefore transparency in upcoming EU discussions is of huge importance.”

English: Alexander Markov