On July 1 the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg takes the six-month rotational presidency of the EU from Latvia. Being one of the founders of the community, Luxembourg will head the Council for the twelfth time. "Bulgaria shares the objectives and priorities of the Luxembourg presidency," said Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov during a public discussion on the topic of "EU during the Luxembourg Presidency: What is Bulgaria’s place?" Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Bulgaria Jean Faltz, also took part in the discussion.

"We will work closely with our European partners in order for a decision on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen to be taken during this presidency," said the Bulgarian Foreign Minister.

"We believe that we have shown our commitment and efficiency within the EU. Bulgaria’s integration needs to continue with membership in the Schengen area, as we have repeatedly proven that we are technically prepared,” Minister Mitov said. “At the backdrop of increased migratory pressure on the EU, Bulgaria has proved to be a reliable partner that fulfills all the responsibilities of a Schengen member state. Now, more than ever, the expansion of the Schengen zone would strengthen our borders and send a strong political signal of EU unity in the fight against illegal migration and terrorism. We welcome the plan of the Luxembourg Presidency to put the issue of migration among the main priorities. Being an external border of the EU Bulgaria is among the countries that are most affected by the strong migration pressure. It is necessary to pay particular attention to the effective implementation of readmission agreements with third countries. The dynamics of migration processes lead to a growing need to review the current provisions of the Dublin Regulation. In relation to our demands for effective implementation of the principle of solidarity, we support the introduction of rules that are to reduce the burden on countries with outer EU borders.”

Minister Mitov said also that Bulgaria supports one of the goals of this presidency, which is to overcome the serious social consequences of the economic crisis in Europe. It is vital to continue with joint efforts for creating new jobs and for coping with high levels of unemployment, especially among young people.

The willingness of Member States to promote the necessary structural reforms, as well as respect of fiscal responsibility and attracting investments to support employment and growth is also required. "In this respect we share one of the main priorities of the Luxembourg Presidency that is to effectively unfreeze investments,” Minister Mitov said.

"We share the common vision with the Luxembourg Presidency for the implementation of the Energy Union. Bulgaria gives high priority to financing of investment projects aimed at its implementation. This country has repeatedly pointed out that diversification of energy sources is of paramount importance. It can be realized only through the construction of all the planned energy projects in accordance to European legislation. Bulgaria relies on support for gas interconnectors that have strategic importance for the whole of the EU," Minister Mitov said about the Bulgarian priorities.

English: Alexander Markov