“Our task is to succeed in defending all the interests of Bulgaria and Bulgarian citizens before the European institutions. Bulgarian and European legislation are very related and we should stop making distinctions. The problems we face here are problems of all the other member states – inflation, inflated prices, migration pressure”.
This was stated by BSP MEP Tsvetelina Penkova through BNT.
She gave an example of a decision made at the European level and a national interest defended: “We decided that nuclear energy would be green and sustainable and that it would be the main source of energy. Thanks to my efforts in the negotiations, for the first time German socialists voted in favor of nuclear energy. This has never happened. When efforts are made in time, then there is no way to say that someone from Brussels imposed something on us”. The MEP added that the decision taken by the EP to start the re-industrialization of Europe is important for Bulgaria, as well as for every single member state. “There is not that much difference between Bulgaria and other countries. The problems we face are the same and the solutions are common,” she pointed out.
Tsvetelina Penkova also highlighted the BSP’s position, set as a key priority in its European platform – to equalize subsidies to farmers.
“Bulgaria has representatives in the European Commission and the European Council, we are an equal member. If sometimes something is left out, it’s our fault. The bundled mobility legislation was a complete oversight by the then government. When you try to act at the last minute, you can’t find like-minded people. Results are achieved with timely and thoughtful actions,” noted Penkova.
The MEP commented that Bulgaria has fulfilled all the criteria for entering Schengen and this has been accepted by all European institutions with the necessary support for the country’s membership. “Despite the obstacles that Austria posed because of its internal political campaign, our country must confidently defend this right, which belongs to Bulgarian citizens,” she believes. Penkova called the additional criteria set by the government a gross mistake, given that the country has fulfilled all of them.
“Reforms in the Union regarding migrants create solidarity between the member states to take their responsibility, and not the entire burden falling on the first-line countries, such as Bulgaria. This is essential because we will receive financial and technical assistance and migrants will be distributed throughout Europe,” the MEP also commented.
To contact the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP: https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/
