Bulgaria Hosted the Traditional Pre-Presidency Informal Meeting of the State Secretaries and Secretaries-General of the EU Member States

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The priorities and goals of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union have been presented at the State Secretaries and Secretaries-General of the EU Member States at today’s informal meeting at Sofia Hotel Balkan Royal Conference Hall in preparation of the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency.

The meeting was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva who presented the „Future of Europe and young people - economic growth and social cohesion”, “European perspective and connectivity of the Western Balkans”, “Digital economy and skills needed for the future” and „Security and stability in strong and united Europe” as the key priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency. “United We Stay Strong” Zaharieva said, quoting the motto both of Bulgaria and of the future Presidency. She underlined that the unity and solidarity are pivotal for the EU relevance and success. “Western Balkans are of great importance to the security and well-being of Europe. It is vital to reaffirm the European perspective of the region.” she stated promoting Bulgaria’s main message to the Heads of State and Government of the EU Member States and of the Western Balkan countries who will meet in Sofia on 17-18 May 2018.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elena Shekerletova and the Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Helga Schmid. Discussions focused on several issues, including the cooperation between the EEAS and the Member States.

During their stay in Sofia the State Secretaries and Secretaries-General of the EU Member States have also had the opportunity to visit the Cyber Security Laboratory of Sofia Tech Park in line with the Digital economy and skills priority of the Bulgarian Presidency.