European People’s Party President Joseph Daul warmly welcomes the start of the first Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

In a written statement he points out that Bulgaria will put the European perspective for the Western Balkans and the connectivity of the region on top of the agenda.

“Supporting peace and prosperity in the Balkans is beneficial for both the people in the region and the Europeans,” writes the President of the conservative European People’s Party, of which the Bulgarian GERB party is a member.

“The Bulgarian EU Presidency focuses on making better tomorrows for the European people. The security of the European citizens is our first priority. Under the Bulgarian Presidency, European Defence will enter a new era with the implementation of Permanent Structured Cooperation.

As the EU’s economy are growing, now it is the time to plan for future challenges. This is exactly why the Bulgarian EU Presidency will put all its efforts on youth, social cohesion, digital economy and skills for the future. Investing in young people is the best investment we can make for our future. It is why Bulgaria will prepare the groundwork for the next Multiannual Financial Framework and do everything in its power prepare the workforce to the challenges of digital societies,” EPP President Joseph Daul writes.