site.btaCommissioner Georgieva Named European of the Year 15 Years Ago

Fifteen years ago, on November 30, 2010, Bulgarian Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva, responsible for international co-operation, humanitarian aid and crisis response at the European Commission, was named European of the Year and European Commissioner of the Year in the prestigious annual competition organized by European Voice. Founded in 1995 by The Economist, European Voice is a Brussels-based weekly covering European affairs and EU institutions, whose mission is to promote informed debate, openness and progress in the EU.

BTA's English-language Service reported on the story:

Commissioner Georgieva Named European of the Year

Brussels, December 1 (BTA Correspondent Atanas Matev) - European commissioner for international co-operation, humanitarian aid and crisis response Kristalina Georgieva was Tuesday night named European of the Year at the "European Voice" annual awards ceremony. The 57-year-old former World Bank official was also voted European commissioner of the year.

"To win this award is both a honour and an obligation. I dedicate it to all humanitarian workers, who frequently work in exceedingly difficult conditions and whose efforts and selflessness help the weakest and the most vulernerable, those who need our solidarity most," Georgieva said after she was named European of the Year.

Tim King, the editor of "European Voice", says as quoted by the e-zine: "Georgieva became a European commissioner almost by accident, but since February she has clearly impressed many people.

"2010 has been a difficult year for the European Union, but the awards nevertheless celebrate some significant achievements. The voting for Georgieva underlines that the EU is still a force for good in the world and a global player when it comes to humanitarian aid."

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov sent a congratulatory message to Georgieva, the government information service said. "I have never doubted your professional qualities, while experience and your international authority contribute to your successes even more.I see this as recognition for Bulgaria, too," states the Prime Minister's message. 

National Assembly Chair Tsetska Tsacheva also sent her congratulations to Kristalina Georgieva, the parliamentary information service said.