Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Lilyana Pavlova: Bulgaria takes the helm of the EU in rough seas with a host of challenges

БНР Новини
Photo: BTA

On the day of the official launch of the Bulgarian Presidency, Lilyana Pavlova, Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU gave an exclusive interview for Radio Bulgaria:

Minister Pavlova called the date 11 January historic: “What makes it a historic date is that 11 years after the country joined the EU, something that had been a dream and a cause for all Bulgarians, we now have the opportunity of taking the helm of the presidency of the ship called EU, and of the big European family in rough seas with a host of challenges. The most important tasks are in several directions, and top of the list is the security and stability of Europe. It is a task that passes through reaching accord on how to consolidate the external borders, the question of migrant relocation and how to work in this process more efficiently. The future of Europe, the future of the European budget – there are many topics that are upcoming in the days to come.”

The European Union’s motto is United in Diversity. In Minister Pavlova’s words, Bulgaria can be a model of tolerance in the region: “Bulgaria and we, from the Borissov cabinet have been working in the spirit and conveying a message of ethnic and religious tolerance for a third term of office. And I think we have demonstrated this many a time. We have been endeavouring to show, directly and indirectly, that being a country at a crossroads between East and West, Bulgaria is a country with traditions, with religious and cultural communities living together in friendship, good nehgbourhood and tolerance. This is our message to the Western Balkans – the only way to attain unity, to live together is tolerance.”

During the six months of its presidency, Bulgaria will be visited by thousands of guests who know nothing about the country.

“The country is a gem that has to be revealed, a country with a rich history and culture, but also wonderful people. Bulgaria is also an excellent place to invest. So we are presenting Bulgaria as a tourist destination, a country to invest in, but also as a reliable and stable partner in the Balkans and also for our European partners,” says in conclusion Lilyana Pavlova, Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.


English version: Milena Daynova


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

North Macedonia‘s Premier Hristijan Mickoski

North Macedonia's Premier Hristijan Mickoski spoke with GERB leader Boyko Borissov

North Macedonia‘s Premier Hristijan Mickoski stated that he had a ''sincere and friendly phone conversation with GERB leader Boyko Borissov''.  Hristijan Mickoski congratulated Boyko Borissov on his victory in Bulgaria's parliamentary elections...

published on 10/29/24 8:57 AM

After the vote: Expectations of a cabinet against the backdrop of an even more fragmented parliament

The latest in the string of snap elections for parliament is over but, except for a slight rise in voter turnout compared to the election in June this year, it is still hard to say what the political configurations might be that could lead to the..

updated on 10/28/24 12:04 PM
Sevar Ognyanov

Bulgarians in Greece - fewer and increasingly apathetic at the polls

There are 23 polling stations where Bulgarians can vote in Greece today. They are five less than their number in the previous election on June 9 this year. The most sections – five – were opened on the island of Crete . They are located in..

published on 10/27/24 4:27 PM