The European Economic and Social Committee stands firmly behind the priorities of the first Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU

"The Presidency's success does not reflect the size of the country – it is driven by the political will to push for policies that are crucial for the future of Europe", said the EESC's president Georges Dassis in his welcome speech to the Bulgarian Deputy Minister for Labour and Social Policy, Zornitsa Roussinova, at the EESC's plenary session in January. Ms Roussinova presented the four priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency to the EESC members, which were as follows: the future of Europe and young people; the European perspective and connectivity of the Western Balkans; security and stability in a strong and united Europe; and the digital economy and digital skills for the future. She also outlined the main topics that the Bulgarian Presidency would focus on over the next six months in the field of social policy and employment: the future of work; strengthening the social dimension of Europe; early childhood development policies; and equal rights for people with disabilities. "We are very eager to read the exploratory opinions that the EESC will provide based on our requests," said Ms Roussinova.

Gabriele Bischoff, president of the Workers' Group, welcomed the fact that the Bulgarian Presidency emphasised solidarity and cohesion in the EU: "We are convinced that the EU cannot have a future if it does not have a strong social dimension. The Bulgarian motto 'United we stand strong' is perfect – for us it is clear that we can achieve more when we work together." 

Dilyana Slavova, president of the Section for External Relations and a member of the Various Interests' Group, said that the Western Balkans would be the main topic of a conference in Sofia, organised in May 2018 by the EESC. "It is of paramount importance that the Bulgarian Presidency launches the development of roadmaps for each of the countries from the Western Balkans and focuses its efforts on connectivity in the region", urged Ms Slavova.

Jacek Krawczyk, president of the Employers' Group, expressed his support for the four priorities and especially the focus on young people; however, he also emphasised the fact that social policies depended on the efficiency of the Member States' economies. "We are glad that the Bulgarian Presidency will focus on supporting entrepreneurship and that it will continue the efforts of the Estonian Presidency in the field of the digital economy."

Background:

You can find out more about the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 2018 here. You can find out more about the EESC's activities during the Bulgarian Presidency here.