site.btaEU Commissioner Zaharieva: "Europe Must Be Faster, Smarter, and Think More about Itself"

"Europe must be faster, smarter and more Europe. It has to think more about itself, beef up its defence, strengthen its security, enhance its competitiveness, and take care of its citizens," EU Startups, Research and Innovation Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva told Bulgarian journalists covering the European Parliament session here on Wednesday.

"Criticisms from different political forces are normal political reaction," she commented. "Having differences is normal, the political families are different, opinions and geography vary, but let's come together, let's find quick solutions, because it is not right when there are proposals to ease the administrative burden but [the measures implementing them] do not reach Europe's business." 

Zaharieva pointed out that the European Commission has proposed EUR 8 billion packages for easing the administrative burden. "That was a hand held out, and I am convinced that we will be able to carry out this programme next year," she said.

Commenting on Tuesday night's violation of Poland's airspace, the Commissioner said this is the not the first time that Russia has violated the airspace of an EU Member State and a NATO ally.

"[European Commission President] Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need of full solidarity and strengthening the EU Eastern Flank because they protect us, too, the countries that do not share a border with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus," she pointed out, adding that Bulgaria will get approximately EUR 3 billion as part of the measures to assist the front-line countries from the EU Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financial instrument.

The Bulgarian Commissioner emphasized that in less than 200 days the Commission has proposed a number of security building measures.