Opening the This is Europe debate with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that Europe is stronger because of Bulgaria and will be even stronger when Bulgaria joins the eurozone and the Schengen area.
Dear colleagues,
With us today is the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Nikolay Denkov.
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 Chamber.
Prime Minister, you are here for the first time since we saw the critical agreement on the rotation of government in Bulgaria, which finally managed to break the political deadlock and gave Bulgaria an important perspective, stability and European outlook - and for that they are grateful.
Sixteen years of EU membership have been transformative for Bulgaria and for Europe. It has given a new impetus to business, industry, science, technology. It has brought opportunities for people, and especially for young people. It has brought more social and judicial benefits and reforms.
Because EU membership promotes equality, social justice, democracy and the rule of law. And at a time of geopolitical change, these European values must be defended.
Dear Prime Minister, I would like to thank Bulgaria in particular for its support for Ukraine, for providing military assistance and political support.
Europe is stronger because of Bulgaria and your government, and it will be even stronger when you join the euro and finally take your rightful place in the Schengen area.
Next June, 6.8 million Bulgarians will be invited to choose the 17 elected MEPs who will represent them in the European Parliament. We must work together to ensure that people understand why they must vote. Why it is important. Their vote matters for the European Union and the future of Bulgaria, and we must continue to listen and do our part.
(europarl.europe.eu/Roz)
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