site.btaDeputy Foreign Minister Takes Part in EU General Affairs Council

Deputy Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova participated in the regular monthly meeting of the EU General Affairs Council which took place in Brussels on Tuesday, said the Foreign Ministry press centre.

The agenda of the ministers included preparation for the upcoming summit of European leaders on March 23-24, the European Semester, the current state of EU-UK relations, the annual dialogue on the rule of law and a working meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanyshyna.

In connection with the upcoming meeting of the European Council, the ministers discussed draft conclusions, which include the topics of Ukraine, competitiveness, single market, economy and energy.

"For Bulgaria, the proper functioning of the single market is extremely important, through easing the regulations and bureaucratic procedures for businesses, stimulating the industry and raw material autonomy of the EU. The measures we are taking should turn the EU into a strong competitor on a global scale, and not intensify competition within the EU itself," the Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister stressed in her speech.

Petrova  outlined the importance of nuclear energy and technologies for ensuring the energy independence of the European economy within the framework of the green transition.

At the European Council, leaders will be informed about the progress made in the field of migration in the implementation of their decisions from February 2023. Petrova focused on the measures taken by Bulgaria, including the start of the pilot project for the prevention of illegal migrants, strengthening of border management and migration management.

"Bulgaria is a good guardian of the external borders of the EU", pointed out the Bulgarian Deputy Minister. In this regard, she called for the provision of the necessary means and funding from the EU to strengthen border protection.

During the meeting, the EC informed the Council about the latest developments in relations with the British side in connection with the agreements reached under the so-called Windsor Framework between the EC and the British government on February 27, 2023.

The Council concluded the first cycle by discussing the reports on the rule of law for Slovakia, Finland and started the second cycle by discussing the reports on Belgium, Bulgaria and Czechia. The Deputy Minister of Justice, Maria Pavlova, took part in the work of the Council on the topic, and informed about the latest reforms undertaken by the Bulgarian side.

On Monday, the defence ministers of the EU member states took part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.