The National Palace of Culture in Sofia hosted the Conference of the committees of the national parliaments of the European Union Member States /COSAC/ dealing with European affairs as well as representatives of the European Parliament. The forum took place under the motto “Future of the EU: United We Stand Strong”. The forum was unveiled by Chair of Parliament Tsveta Karayancheva, who said that via that format national parliaments participated in the decision-making process in regard to the EU agenda.

The delegates not only tackled the challenges the Union is facing – they also appreciated the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of EU, presented by the Minister in charge – Lilyana Pavlova. According to her, one of Bulgaria’s major tasks during the presidency will be the adoption of the EU financial framework for the period 2020 – 2027. It will also finish the reforming of the Dublin Regulation on the refugee asylum conditions within the EU. Minister Pavlova voiced at the forum her hope that the European leaders would agree and amend it in 2018.

The integration of the Western Balkans was discussed during the forum as well. Chair of the European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds Committee with the Parliament Kristian Vigenin declared that Bulgaria had succeeded in imposing the subject which had been constantly tackled both within the European Council and the European Commission. “This is quite a success on its own,” he added and said further:

“A series of statements outlined that regional security across the Western Balkans meant stability for the entire EU. The discussion has revealed great expectations to the Bulgarian Presidency. There is hope for actual progress within the integration process. The unification of Europe shall not be complete until the accession of the Western Balkans.”

Answering a question on what we can expect from the forthcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit, devoted to the European future of this region, the MEP said:

“We are trying not to create excessive expectations, as it is not a matter of rapid membership here, but more like the political will of the EU and those states is sought. In the meantime we will do our best to make them feel part of the union until their actual access. That is why we accentuate so much on connectivity – communication, transport and energy connectivity – everything that might turn them into a real part of the EU prior to their political membership.”

Vigenin proclaimed further yet another decision, taken during the COSAC meeting – on the establishment of a working group under the chairmanship of Vice President of the EC Frans Timmermans. It will consist of three representatives of the national parliaments, three from the European Committee of the Regions (representing the local bodies of the 28 member-states) and three MEPs. The goal of the working group will be a review of the different policies and assessment of what can be achieved at the European, regional and local level.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev