During the EP plenary session (2-5 July 2018) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the review of the Bulgarian Presidency.

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - Bulgaria (T)

Bulgarian Presidency of the EU (T)

Review of the Bulgarian Presidency: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian), Boyko BORISSOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister, The biggest success is undoubtedly the Western Balkans , we banked on that, because we understand that EU accession gives better prospects. Because there can be no peace and prosperity on the continent before Europe is united. I think we scored good results, the meeting in Sofia helped Athens and Skopje resolve the name issue. We supported that very much. The next big step was last week when the Council decided when and how accession agreement for Macedonia and Albania will continue.

SOUNDBITE (French), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, The digital economy under the input of the Bulgarian Presidency and Commissioner Gabriel, has made great headway, and the same thing can be said about the governance and the Energy Union. That's why I'm especially pleased because you have been successful in what must be described as difficult circumstances steering to successful conclusion work that has been done. You, more than others, have contributed to concluding the same wage for the same work principle as regards the displaced workers, respecting the principles of Social Europe.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, You've insured the European policy for Western Balkans, and their prospects for the EU have been stood up for. There was disappointment when we said there will be no accession during the 2014-2019 parliamentary term. Now we are in agreement that great endeavours are required. You have made a vital contribution to insure that the inexplicable become explicable in the West Balkans. I would like to thank you for that and I will like to thank you for being constantly ready to do what needed to be done in protecting pour external borders. Excellent job!

SOUNDBITE (German), Manfred WEBER, Looking at the content now, I think that what strikes one first is the economy, single market, results on geo-blocking . The EPP also welcome the fact that we have the 30% European content for digital reductions. We also got energy governance which already included too as well as defence and security. You have also boosted the defence union, as well as the economy.

SOUNDBITE (French), Eric ANDRIEU (S&amp;D, FR), On environmental issues I want to say how pleased I am that during your Presidency &ndash; and I know that this particularly thanks to your Commissioner that managed to get a majority within the Council - you ban the neonicotinoids that affects bees so badly. Concerning biodiversity matters, this is not a negligible subject, as we lost on the glyphosates, you managed to achieve on banning the neonicotinoid. This is something Europe will be very grateful for.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE), Dear Prime minister I think it&rsquo;s fair to say that in Europe we still have a lot of problems that haven&rsquo;t been solved in the last six months: we have the Eurozone issue, we have the Brexit and so many other things. But I really wouldn&rsquo;t blame it on you. You've set already outside problems, now we have to solve the inside ones: we have a German big governmental crisis that&rsquo;s blocking everything, with governments playing hardball on MFF , we have the Austrians even playing a foul , and they just started their Presidency.