There are three main areas in which France and Bulgaria are increasingly close and which are at the heart of the European project, the defender of which is the Prime Minister Academician Nikolay Denkov - European security and defense, nuclear energy and the deepening of European integration. This was stated by the French President Emmanuel Macron during the joint statements with the Bulgarian Prime Minister in Paris. Academician Denkov is in the French capital at the invitation of President Macron. Before the start of the talks, the French president congratulated the Bulgarian government on the efforts made for stronger European integration. "Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for being a guest here in Paris and thank you for your courage in carrying out the reforms and the path to Europe of your country - this is important for you, but also for us," Macron addressed Acad. Nikolay Denkov. The President of France expressed his support for Bulgaria's membership in Schengen and the Eurozone. It also emphasized support for Ukraine, as well as the need for the EU to strengthen its own defense capacity on its own, as a complement to NATO's capabilities, the government press office said.
"Our meeting confirms the strong partnership between France and Bulgaria in vital areas such as security, defense, energy, trade, culture and agriculture. As members of the EU and NATO, our close cooperation strengthens and guarantees the security not only of our two economies and societies, but also of Europe as a whole and of our transatlantic cooperation," Prime Minister Academician Nikolay Denkov said. He was categorical that the Bulgarian government and the parliamentary majority in Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine and its people, both through national efforts and through international forms of cooperation, EU and NATO structures - as long as necessary. The Prime Minister recalled that our country has already met the goal of 2% of GDP as defense spending and continues to do so by strengthening its own capabilities and joining the structures of NATO's Eastern flank. Bulgaria continues to implement national reforms in a number of sectors to increase its competitiveness, investment, energy security, education and innovation – to strengthen Bulgaria's European and transatlantic path, which is now irreversible.
Prime Minister Academician Nikolay Denkov pointed out that our country is preparing to join the Eurozone on January 1, 2025. At the same time, we are doing everything possible to overcome Austria's last objections to Schengen by land, he added. Academician Denkov pointed out Bulgaria's accession to the OECD as another main goal of the government. "I especially want to note our deep gratitude to France - for the strong and constant support for our efforts in these areas," said the Bulgarian Prime Minister. According to him, with these steps, Bulgaria will become an even stronger partner that actively contributes to the achievement of the strategic goals of the EU.
Academician Denkov confirmed that Bulgaria will continue to support the European path of development of its neighbors on the Balkan Peninsula. "At the same time, we will insist that the EU's clear and objective criteria for integration be fulfilled," the prime minister added. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the green transition, which must be carried out in such a way as to benefit European economies and citizens. "Bulgaria is an active and proud member of the Francophone family. This is another solid foundation on which to build our bilateral relations. I hope that we will move forward at an accelerated pace, because this is beneficial for our two countries, for Europe and for our Euro-Atlantic cooperation", added Prime Minister Academician Nikolay Denkov in conclusion. /BGNES
