BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION - ERSTE LESUNG - #THEUBERSICHT - Erste Lesung GmbH
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#THEUBERSICHT BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ERSTE LESUNG
Page 2
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
GENERAL INFORMATION The official language is Bulgarian, main trading partners are Germany
which has a Slavic origin written in and Italy as well as its direct neigh-
Bulgaria has long served as cultur- Cyrillic script. After snap elections bours Turkey, Romania and Greece.
al hub in Europe’s south-east, as it were held in March 2017, incumbent Bulgaria has been experiencing
shares borders with Romania, Serbia Boyko Borissov of the GERB (Citi- steady economic growth since the
and Macedonia as well as Greece, zens for European Development of global financial crisis. Industrial pro-
Turkey and the Black Sea. After Bulgaria) party was re-elected Prime duction states the most important
nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule, Minister. In 2017, former Bulgarian branch of the Bulgarian economy,
Bulgaria proclaimed its independ- MEP Mariya Gabriel became Com- employing 30% of the working
ence in 1908. Following the Second missioner for Digital Economy and population. Due to emigration of
World War and Soviet occupation, Society. ■ primarily young people, the Bulgar-
Bulgaria held its first free elections ian population is among the oldest
in 1990. The constitution adopted in worldwide. Bulgaria’s current debt
1991 formalised the parliamentary ECONOMY level in relation to its GDP currently
republic and the social constitution- stands at 24.6% and is thus one of
al state, in which the president takes Despite declining unemployment, the lowest in Europe. Its fiscal pol-
on a representative function. The with an estimated GDP of €7.300 icies have been prioritising a bal-
unicameral parliament is put togeth- per capita in 2016 according to anced budget. The declared aim of
er by proportional representation. the International Monetary Fund, the Bulgarian Presidency is to bring
Bulgaria became a member of the Bulgaria ranks last in the EU28 the country economically closer to
European Union in 2007, however, economies, also in price levels. Europe. To help achieve this, Bul-
it has not yet joined the Schengen The Bulgarian economy mainly re- garia can access €7.6 million in EU
area. Neither has it adopted the euro, lies on the energy, mining, machine structural funding for the period of
making the Lev the official currency. building and agriculture sector, as 2014 – 2020. ■
Already in 2004, Bulgaria became a well as tourism. Economic growth
member of NATO. Approximately 7.1 builds primarily on the export sec-
million people are living in an area of tors, especially in the areas of IT,
110 994 km2, with its capital Sofia electronics and engineering. The
counting 1.2 million inhabitants. service sector accounts for 67.4%
of annual GDP, industry for 27.5%
and agriculture for 5.1%. Bulgaria’sPage 3
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
PRIORITIES
WESTERN BALKANS greater disparity between different SECURITY AND
member states, e.g. by putting em- STABILITY
The Bulgarian Presidency will focus phasis on the role of the Common
on strengthening regional co-op- Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its Past terrorist acts and the migration
eration and developing good rela- simplification and modernisation. crisis have shattered the believe of
tions to its respective neighbours, Other elements contain the dis- many European citizens that the EU
especially the Western Balkans. cussion about the Economic and can provide security and stability.
Here, providing connectivity will be Monetary Union (EMU), the Capital Therefore, the Bulgarian Presidency
a key issue, e.g. regarding transport, Markets Union as well the Banking stresses its goal to achieve a more
air, energy, education and digital as- Union, including a proposal for the efficient management of migration
pects. The Presidency aims at de- creation of a European Deposit processes as well as to work to re-
veloping an action plan for each of Guarantee Scheme. ■ store the normal functioning of the
the respective countries, as by this, Schengen area. It is committed to
peace, security and prosperity can work towards long lasting and fair
be fostered in the area. Yet, it wants DIGITAL ECONOMY solutions, efficient policies for repa-
to avoid unrealistic expectations triation and readmission as well as
but instead create concrete steps To maintain its citizens’ wealth and for a balanced approach between
for moving forward to the European prosperity, the EU must digitalise short and long-term measures
perspective. Furthermore, it intends its economy and become one of aiming at addressing the source of
to support the digitalisation of the the leading forces of digitalisation. migration. It wants to shift the focus
region through gradual reduction of Here, the Bulgarian Presidency from consequences to prevention.
roaming charges and by increasing identifies among others electron- In terms of security, the Presiden-
the possibilities for broadband in- ic communications, cross-border cy will concentrate its efforts on
ternet access. ■ services, copyrights, e-privacy and strengthening border controls, ex-
cyber security as important issues. change of information between the
Moreover, Bulgaria highlights that various bodies and terror preven-
FUTURE OF EUROPE education and digital skills are es- tion. Bulgaria underlines the special
sential for ensuring Europe’s future importance of this subject among
Following the motto “united we success. Focus of the agenda will its priorities. ■
stand strong”, the Bulgarian Presi- be put on young people, including
dency wants to promote social co- the promotion of early childhood
hesion and economic growth. One development, the modernisation
of the main elements will be to start of educational systems and curric-
an active and constructive debate ula as well as formal and informal
on the Multiannual Financial Frame- learning as tools for strengthening
work (MMF) for the post-2020 social inclusion. Information and
period. It seeks to find a balance communication technologies shall
between new funds, e.g. a reserve be introduced at all levels of the ed-
fund for unexpected events, and ucational system. ■
those that already exist. The Pres-
idency will moreover emphasise fu-
ture cohesion in the EU to prevent aPage 4
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
WHO IS WHO
FOR MORE
INFORMATION, GERB = Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria
CLICK ON THE
PICTURES United Patriots (UP) = The nationalist alliance is
constituted by three political parties: the Bulgarian
National Movement (IMRO), the National Front for the
Salvation of Bulgaria (NFSB) and Attack
GERB GERB UP
BOYKO TOMISLAV KRASIMIR
BORISSOV DONCHEV KARAKACHANOV
Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister for EU Deputy Prime Minister for
Funds and Economic Policies Public Order and Security,
Minister of Defence
UP GERB GERB
VALERI EKATERINA VLADISLAV
SIMEONOV ZAHARIEVA GORANOV
Deputy Prime Minister for Deputy Prime Minister for Minister of Finance
Economic and Demographic Judicial Reform and Minister of
Policy Foreign Affairs, nominated by
GERB, unaffiliatedPage 5
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
>> WHO IS WHO
GERB GERB UP
VALENTIN NIKOLAY BISER
RADEV NANKOV PETKOV
Minister of Interior Minister of Regional Minister of Labour and
Development and Social Policies, nominated
Public Works by the United Patriots
GERB GERB GERB
TSETSKA KRASIMIR KIRIL
TSACHEVA VALCHEV ANANIEV
Minister of Justice Minister of Education and Minister of Health,
Science, nominated by GERB nominated
by GERB, unaffiliated
GERB UP UP
LILYANA BOIL NENO
PAVLOVA BANOV DIMOV
Minister for the Bulgarian Minister of Culture, Minister of Environment
Presidency of the nominated by the and Water, nominated
EU Council 2018 United Patriots by the United PatriotsPage 6
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
>> WHO IS WHO
UP GERB UP
RUMEN IVAYLO EMIL
PORODZANOV MOSKOVSKI KARANIKOLOV
Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Transport, Minister of Economy,
Food and Forestry, nominated Information Technology nominated by the
by the United Patriots and Communications United Patriots
GERB GERB GERB
TEMENUZHKA NIKOLINA KRASEN
PETKOVA ANGELKOVA KRALEV
Minister of Energy, Minister of Tourism Minister of Youth
nominated by GERB, and Sports
unaffiliatedPage 7
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
POLICY FIELDS
GENERAL AFFAIRS the Presidency is committed to for- interoperability of IT-systems and
ward work on anti-dumping meas- databases. The Presidency will fur-
The Bulgarian Presidency wants ures, foreign direct investment and ther promote the institutionalisa-
to advance the discussion about access to public procurement. ■ tion of the European Public Pros-
the future of Europe with a special ecutor’s Office, contribute to the
focus on supporting the Western new EU e-Justice Strategy, to the
Balkans in moving towards the EU ECONOMIC AND upcoming e-Evidence Proposal as
e.g. by encouraging necessary re- FINANCIAL AFFAIRS well as to a proposal fighting fraud
forms. The next Multiannual Finan- and counterfeiting of non-cash
cial Framework will be a key issue, The Bulgarian Presidency consid- means of payment. ■
its main topics shall be discussed ers the establishment of a Financial
during a conference in March 2018. Union crucial for finalising the Eco-
In order to promote the democrat- nomic and Monetary Union. Focus EMPLOYMENT AND
ic legitimacy of the EU, Bulgaria will will be set on risk reduction in the SOCIAL POLICY,
work on the adoption of revised banking sector, the establishment
HEALTHCARE
regulations on political parties, the of a European Deposit Guarantee
European Citizen’s Initiative and Scheme and development of the With regard to the future of work,
the conclusion of the Transparency Capital Market Union. Furthermore, the Bulgarian Presidency wants to
Register. Regarding Brexit nego- taxation of the digital economy will contribute to the discussion about
tiations, safeguarding the unity of be a key issue, with Bulgaria focus- developing practical knowledge
the remaining 27 member states is ing on the Directive on a common and skills for the new jobs, the or-
considered a crucial priority. ■ corporate tax base and automatic ganisation of work and job security
exchange of information. The Pres- in the digital age. The Presidency
idency wants to forward the intro- is committed to make progress
FOREIGN AFFAIRS duction of a definitive Value Added regarding the Posting of Workers
Tax (VAT) system and improve ad- Directive, the European Accessi-
The Bulgarian Presidency will fo- ministrative cooperation in fighting bility Act and a better coordination
cus on implementing the EU Global VAT fraud. ■ of social security systems. Other
Strategy on Foreign and Security priorities include the social econ-
Policy, deepening EU-NATO coop- omy, gender equality and the work-
eration and developing a Perma- JUSTICE AND life balance of parents and carers.
nent Structured Cooperation. Apart HOME AFFAIRS Moreover, Bulgaria wants to pro-
from strengthening the Europe- mote a healthy diet for children and
an neighbourhood, especially the For improving the security of EU address the topic of availability of
Western Balkans and Eastern Part- citizens, the Bulgarian Presidency affordable and effective medicinal
nership, Bulgaria wants to enhance wants to strengthen border con- products. ■
transatlantic relations, continue the trols, efficiently manage migration
dialogue with Turkey and the efforts processes and reform the Europe-
for resolving conflicts in Syria, Libya an Asylum System as well as the
and the Middle East. Visibility of the Schengen Information System.
Danube and Black Sea region shall Further, a new architecture for in-
be increased. With regard to trade, formation exchange shall ensurePage 8
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
>> POLICY FIELDS
TRANSPORT AND in the automotive sector. Bulgaria is EDUCATION, YOUTH AND
ENERGY committed to further promote cir- CULTURE
cular economy initiatives, especial-
The Bulgarian Presidency assigns ly the strategy on plastics, and the The Bulgarian Presidency is com-
great importance to mobility as a adoption of the waste legislative mitted to the preparation of the
connecting element between EU package. ■ next generation of the Erasmus+
member states and its neighbours. programme. Social inclusion and
The mobility package, access to shared values shall be promoted
the international road haulage mar- COMPETITIVENESS AND via education and training. Digital
ket, rules for posting drivers as well DIGITAL SINGLE MARKET education, digital skills and digital
as connecting infrastructure will be literacy shall be discussed during
key issues. Bulgaria is committed In order to ensure sustainable eco- a conference in April 2018 and a
to forward discussions about dos- nomic growth in the EU, the Bul- joint action plan developed in co-
siers related to the “Clean Energy garian Presidency will focus on a operation with all stakeholders. The
for all Europeans”-package while strategy for a Common Industrial legal framework for the European
taking particularities of national Policy. The Presidency considers Solidarity Corps shall be finalised,
energy sectors into account. The the Digital Single Market a source a Work Plan for Culture developed,
construction of the “Balkan Euro- of competitiveness and wants to and the importance of cultural
pean Gas Hub” and gas intercon- further forward the discussion heritage and international cultur-
nections shall be forwarded inter about copyrights, cyber security, al relations respected. Moreover,
alia at a second Investors Round the protection of privacy, personal an agreement on the Audio-Visual
Table and a high-level meeting on data and confidentiality of messag- Media Services Directive shall be
gas connectivity. es. Furthermore, Bulgaria supports found. ■
the Commission’s goal to issue a
company law package and will fur-
AGRICULTURE AND ther work on the services package
ENVIRONMENT as well as the introduction of a Sin-
gle Digital Portal. It will organise a
The Bulgarian Presidency will focus digital assembly and favours more
on the modernisation and simplifi- competences for competition au-
cation of the Common Agricultural thorities. ■
Policy and agriculture budget in the
next Multiannual Financial Frame-
work. The Presidency highlights the
importance of tackling unfair trad-
ing practices and intends to closely
monitor the market situation of sen-
sitive agricultural sectors. Animal
welfare will be a key topic, especially
during transport, as well as the im-
plementation of the Paris Climate
Agreement and CO2-reduction, e.g.Page 9
#THEUBERSICHT
BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
FURTHER INFORMATION
03 JAN 2018 06 DEC 2017
Geopolitics loom large as Bulgaria takes over EU Priority dossiers under the Bulgarian EU Council
Presidency Presidency
13 DEC 2017 05 DEC 2017
Bulgaria makes telecoms overhaul a focus during Gabriel to present plan in May to slash mobile roaming
Council presidency fees with Western Balkans
09 DEC 2017 04 DEC 2017
Romanian Ambassador: Romania is Willing to Albania 2018: Preparing for a breakthroug
Cooperate Closely with Bulgaria For a Very Successful
08 NOV 2017
EU Presidency
Bulgaria calls for West Balkan EU integration after Brexit
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