As of today, Bulgaria is taking over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. Up until June, this country will host a number of forums, focusing on priority spheres like security, enlargement of the EU in the direction of the Western Balkans, good neighbourhood and regional cooperation, speeding up the process of building a digital single market.  

Bulgaria’s agenda over the coming six months will also include continuing the cohesion policy as an important tool for economic growth and a fair distribution of funds among the member countries.

Other priorities include asserting the common agricultural policy and reaching agreement on finalizing the reform of the European asylum system, with the aim of putting in place targeted measures to curb illegal migration and people trafficking. Priority will also be given to the struggle to combat organized crime and terrorism, as well as the adoption of a new legal framework for the functioning of the Schengen Information System.

The Bulgarian Presidency calendar features 25 main high-level events, more than 200 political events at an expert level, 6 parliamentary events and 12 informal councils. The EU’s enlargement policy will be a key priority for this country. It is connected with the adoption of a final document at the scheduled summit in Sofia, to confirm the political will of the European Union for the integration of the Western Balkans.  

Bulgaria is taking over the rotating Presidency at a time when unity and solidarity among the member countries is crucial to the future development of the EU. Though not top of the agenda of the Bulgarian Presidency, it is a period when the most active phase of the Brexit negotiations is expected to begin. Discussions of the financial framework for the next programming period will also take place.

As it takes over, Bulgaria is receiving 120 dossiers from the country previously presiding over the Council of the EU – Estonia. Some of the most difficult discussions will endeavour to seek consensus on the distribution of migrants among the EU member countries. The issue has remained an open one after the European Council meeting in December, although willingness was expressed to reach accord on the reform of the asylum system by July this year. The social pillar, SMEs, social innovations and trade, energy efficiency and power generation are all among the challenging dossiers on which the country will have to seek accord.

The official opening of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU will take place at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia on 11 January and will be attended by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and all European commissioners.