Bulgaria held the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2018.[1][2] The presidency was the second of three presidencies making up a presidency trio, which began with the presidency of Estonia, and was followed by that of Austria.[3] It was the first time Bulgaria had held the presidency.[4] The motto that was chosen for the presidency was "United we stand strong".[1][4]
| Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union | |
|---|---|
 | |
 1 January – 30 June 2018 | |
| Council of the European Union | |
| Website | https://eu2018bg.bg |
| Presidency trio | |
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| |
Overview edit
The Bulgarian presidency had four major points on its agenda: (1) closing socioeconomic gaps, (2) planning for integration with states of the Western Balkans, (3) providing security and stability, and (4) adapting the economy in response to digital advances.[5] The presidency also had to face issues pertaining to the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (Brexit), the continuing influx of refugees and migrants, and the planning for a new multiyear budget for the union.[6][7]
Vladislava Gubalova, a research fellow at the GLOBSEC Policy Institute, described the presidency as "more about style than substance".[8] Gubalova stated that although the presidency did not make any major missteps, the progress that it made would likely not be seen as historic.[8] Overall, Gubalova considered the presidency satisfactory, and reported that it showed that Bulgaria was able to competently handle the competing interests of the European Union.[8]
Gallery edit
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![Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borisov at the opening ceremony of the Bulgarian presidency, at Sofia's National Palace of Culture, 11 January 2018[9]](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Opening_ceremony_%2838929654524%29.jpg/262px-Opening_ceremony_%2838929654524%29.jpg)
Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borisov at the opening ceremony of the Bulgarian presidency, at Sofia's National Palace of Culture, 11 January 2018[9]
![Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borisov at the opening ceremony of the Bulgarian presidency, at Sofia's National Palace of Culture, 11 January 2018[9]](/wiki/File:Opening_ceremony_(38929654524).jpg)
References edit
- ^ a b List of presidencies of the Council of the European Union consilium.europa.eu
- ^ Who’s who in the Bulgarian EU presidency Politico
- ^ Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria ‘presidency trio’ outlines priorities EURACTIV
- ^ a b Priorities of the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency euromil.org
- ^ Bulgaria assumes Presidency of the Council of the EU bundesregierung.de via Archive Today
- ^ Turbulent times in Europe for Bulgaria Deutsche Welle
- ^ Bulgaria FM: ‘Not only Bulgaria doesn't want refugees’ Deutsche Welle
- ^ a b c The Bulgarian Presidency: more about style than substance EURACTIV
- ^ Today at Commission: Sofia trip and electric pulse fishing Politico
External links edit
