Opening a This is Europe debate with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Nikolay Denkov, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that Europe is stronger thanks to Bulgaria, and will be stronger still when Bulgaria joins the Eurozone and the Schengen area.
We have the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Nikolay Denkov with us today.
Prime Minister, welcome to the European Parliament. Thank you for being here. And a special welcome also to Mariya Gabriel, the Deputy Prime Minister, whom we know so well in this House.
Prime Minister, this is the first time you are here since we have seen the conclusion of the critical Governmental rotation agreement in Bulgaria that finally managed to break through the political deadlock and gave Bulgaria an important perspective, stability and European outlook - and for that we are grateful.
Sixteen years of European Union membership have been transformative for Bulgaria and for Europe. It has given new impetus for businesses, for industry, for science, for technology. It has brought opportunities for people, and for young people in particular. It has more brought social and judicial benefits and reforms.
Because EU membership promotes equality, social justice, democracy and the rule of law. And in times of geo-political change, these European values must be defended.
Dear Prime Minister, I would like to particularly thank Bulgaria for its support for Ukraine, for providing military aid, for providing political support.
Europe is stronger thanks to Bulgaria and your government, and will be stronger still when you join the Eurozone and finally take your rightful place in the Schengen area.
Next June, 6.8 million Bulgarians will be called upon, to choose the 17 elected Members of the European Parliament who will represent them here. We must work together to make sure people understand why they must vote. Why it is important. Their voice matters for the European Union and Bulgaria’s future and we must keep listening and keep delivering.
Prime Minister, the floor is yours.
You can read the Prime Minister's speech in Bulgarian here.
