The priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council debated in plenary

Bulgarian PM Boyko Borissov presented his country’s plans for the Council presidency in plenary today.

MEPs discussed the priorities of the incoming Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov on Wednesday.

MEPs welcomed the Bulgarian Presidency’s intention to concentrate on the EU perspective of the Western Balkans and the future of young people in Europe. Migration, fighting corruption, environmental protection, challenges to the rule of law, and social justice were highlighted as areas where further joint efforts are needed. The discussion covered the next multiannual budget of the European Union and it was agreed that the debate must start from EU priorities; only then can it move on to the specific figures needed to achieve them.

Video recordings of statements by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Commission President Jean Claude Juncker and MEPs speaking on behalf of political groups are available below.

Click on the name of the speaker to replay individual statements.

Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria, opening statement,

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, opening statement

Manfred Weber (EPP, DE)

Elena Valenciano (S&D, ES)

Syed Kamall (ECR, UK)

Javier Nart (ALDE, ES)

Dimitrios Papadimoulis (GUE/NGL, EL)

Ska Keller (Greens/EFA, DE)

Fabio Massimo Castaldo (EFDD, IT)

Nicolas Bay (ENF, FR)

Boyko BORISSOV Prime Minister of Bulgaria, closing statement