Beckmann-Dierkes Highlights Historic Importance of Bulgaria’s Eurozone Entry

Speaking at a discussion on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union here on Thursday, Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Representation in Bulgaria, described Bulgaria's joining the eurozone as a historic moment for both Bulgaria and for Europe.

Beckmann-Dierkes congratulated the Bulgarian people on the euro adoption. He shared that there was huge interest from German media on the occasion. He was pleased to see their questions focused on the public's reaction to the new currency and on the expected performance of the euro rather than on the corruption plaguing the country. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation representative was thrilled to promote Bulgaria as a full member of the eurozone.

On January 1, Cyprus took over the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time with the intention of promoting changes aimed at European independence under the motto 'An Autonomous Union – Open to the World'. The presidency kicks off against a backdrop of acute geopolitical turmoil and unpredictability. It is recognized that Europe must cooperate with its partners where possible, while acting independently where necessary. According to Cyprus, the EU must work towards autonomy in defence, energy, and trade, competitiveness, the transition to a clean economy, digitization, and social cohesion.

The discussion was organized by PanEuropa Bulgaria in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Bulgaria, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Association of the Officers in the Reserve Atlantic.

/MR/