The positions of Bulgaria and the Netherlands coincide on key issues of the EU agenda. We have laid the foundation of a fruitful cooperation in the context of the forthcoming Dutch EU Presidency and in connection with the preparation of the Bulgarian presidency of the EU Council in 2018. This was stated by Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Daniel Mitov during a joint press conference at the Foreign Ministry yesterday with his Dutch counterpart Bert Koenders, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Minister Mitov.

The top Bulgarian diplomat expressed his satisfaction with the dynamic development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. “The Netherlands is a very important economic partner of Bulgaria and is the largest investor in this country. The total volume of direct investments in the period 1996 - 2014 is over 7 billion euros, and this is the clearest proof of the high trust that exists in our bilateral relations”, Minister Mitov said. He expressed his satisfaction with the fact that they found many common points with his Dutch counterpart on issues that concern both Bulgarian society as well as Europe at large. “Our positions on key issues in the EU overlap”, he said and explained that the meeting laid the foundations for the preparation of future meetings between the two countries during the Dutch Presidency of the EU Council at the beginning of next year, as well as the Bulgarian Presidency in 2018 . He explained that Bulgarian civil servants would be sent to training in the Netherlands.

“I'm concerned over Russia's policy on Syria”, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Bert Koenders. He added that his country has allocated another € 110 million to support refugees. In his words, Europe needs to show solidarity for refugees. “Bulgaria is a very stable partner in the EU, we respect the positions of your country and this allows us to have constructive relations”, he said.

Bulgaria in Schengen, but when?

“I think that Bulgaria has earned its place in Schengen”, said Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov, adding that Bulgaria relies on the support of the Netherlands for the country’s accession. He pointed out that amid the current unprecedented migratory pressure at the EU external borders Bulgaria fulfills its responsibilities very well and practically acts as a member state of the Schengen area. “We will continue to do everything necessary to guarantee the security of the external borders of the EU, this is of common interest to all of us”, said Bulgaria’s top diplomat.

Regarding Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Bert Koenders said that it is important that Bulgaria adheres to the technical requirements for Schengen membership, adding:

English Rossitsa Petcova