<div style="padding-top: 10px;"><strong>From January to June 2018, Bulgaria holds the Presidency of the EU Council for the first time, following the Estonian and preceding the Austrian Presidency. </strong></div>

<div style="padding-top: 10px;">The Presidency of the Council rotates among the EU Member States every 6 months. During the 6-month period, the presidency chairs meeting at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.</div>

Bulgarian Presidency

<p><strong>On 1 January 2007 Bulgaria joined the EU.</strong></p>

<p>Bulgaria applied for membership of the European Union on 18th December 1995 and started its accession negociations in February 2000. The negociations were successfully concluded in December 2004 and the Accession Treaty was signed in April 2005.</p>

EU - Bulgaria

<p>The Industry, Research and Energy, and Culture and Education committees questioned Iliana Ivanova, Bulgarian candidate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth. Ms Ivanova was nominated to replace Mariya Gabriel, who resigned on 15 May to become Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Bulgaria. During her introductory speech, Commissioner-designate Iliana Ivanova presented her priorities to invest in research and innovation in the EU, boosting skills, promoting the cohesive role of culture and empowering youth.</p>

<p>The EU is a scientific powerhouse, she underlined, however the landscape remains “fragmented” and investments are below the target of 3% of GDP and behind global competitors. She vowed to do the utmost to support the Horizon Europe programme as a tool to ensure that Europe can be “a trailblazer at global level” and attract more resources, including through partnerships, and to facilitate access to funding for SMEs.</p>

<p>The European Parliament during its September session&nbsp;approved the appointment of Iliana Ivanova&nbsp;as Commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth.</p>

Hearing of Iliana IVANOVA, Bulgarian Commissioner-designate

<p>This storybook is about a little girl, Anna, who is starting school in a new country and learning the local language through immersion. The audiobook and e-book versions are available in the 24 EU official languages. While the target audience is 3-6 year olds, this storybook could also be useful for older children learning to read, whether in their first EU language or in another one.</p>

<p><a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/anna-learns-new-language-all-versions_15508_pk">See the other language versions</a></p>

Anna learns a new language (Bulgarian version)

EP Plenary session - ' This is Europe ' debate with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister - Press Point

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Vejdi RASHIDOV,  Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament

EP Plenary session - The accession of Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia to the Schengen area

EP Plenary session - Illegal detention of the opposition leader in Bulgaria

EP Plenary session - European solidarity and energy security in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recent cuts in the gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Kiril PETKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Minute of silence - Tribute to victims of the bus accident in Sofia, Bulgaria.

David SASSOLI, EP President in video meeting with Rumen RADEV, President of the Bulgarian Republic

EP Plenary session - The rule of law and fundamental rights in Bulgaria

Cityscape Sofia - Bulgaria

Celebration of the 140 years of the Bulgarian Parliament and Bulgarian Constitution in presence of David SASSOLI - EP President

David SASSOLI - EP President meets with Tsveta KARAYANCHEVA - Chairwoman of the Bulgarian National Assembly

BULGARIAN MEPs official portrait - 9th Parliamentary term.

BULGARIAN MEPs official portrait - 9th Parliamentary term

Inauguration ceremony of the Atanas Burov space in the presence of EP President and Bulgarian Prime Minister in ASP in Brussels

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Nikolai DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Review of the Bulgarian Council Presidency (continuation of debate)

Review of the Bulgarian Council Presidency (debate)

Antonio TAJANI - EP President - Jean-Claude JUNCKER - President of EU Commission - and Boïko BORISSOV - Prime Minister of Republic of Bulgaria

UNKN

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Bulgarian Presidency (debate)

Enlargement and strengthening of the Schengen area: Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia (debate)

Joint press point by Antonio TAJANI, EP President and byn Rumen RADEV, Bulgarian President

Press point: Martin SCHULZ - EP President - and Rosen PLEVNELIEV – President of Bulgaria

Formal sitting - Bulgaria

Press point - Martin SCHULZ - EP President - and Rosen Asenov PLEVNELIEV - President of Bulgaria

Gerald HÄFNER, Jo LEINEN, Andrew DUFF, Othmar KARAS and Penka ANGELOVA - President of the Elias Canetti Society, Bulgaria

Syrian refugees arriving at the Bulgarian borders (debate)ЍЍ

Situation in Bulgaria (debate)

Martin SCHULZ - President of the European Parliament - and Rosen PLEVNELIEV - President of Bulgaria

Rule of law and freedom in Bulgaria (debate)

Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen (debate)

Application of Schengen acquis in Bulgaria and Romania (debate)

Eavesdropping scandal in Bulgaria (debate)

Illuminations: One month to go across the EU.

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting - Views of Nicosia - Eleftheria Square (Cyprus), Copenhagen - Confederation of Danish Industry (Denmark), Patras - Patra Rio Bridge (Greece), Zagreb - Fountains (Croatia), Budapest - House of Europe (Hungary), The Hague - Willemshof (Netherlands), Madrid - Ministerio Asuntos Exteriores (Spain), Sofia - National Gallery (Bulgary), Italy...

European Elections 2024 - "One month to go": Illuminations across Europe

&lt;p>В Европейския съюз демокрацията може да ни изглежда очевидна днес, но това невинаги е било така. Не много отдавна милиони европейци са живели във времена, в които не са можели да гласуват или дори да изразяват мнението си свободно. Животът им е можел да бъде застрашен само защото са различни, имат различни убеждения или искат да живеят по различен начин. Демокрацията е ценен дар, който ни е завещан от предишните поколения. Тя е била техният идеал и те са се борили за нея. Сега е нашият ред да я запазим, да я направим по-силна и да я предадем на следващите поколения. Най-ефективният начин е да гласуваме&nbsp;– защото колкото повече хора гласуват, толкова по-силна става демокрацията. На 6&nbsp;–&nbsp;9 юни 2024&nbsp;г.: използвай гласа си&nbsp;– ако ли не, други ще решават вместо теб.&lt;/p>&lt;p>© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.&lt;/p>&lt;p> &lt;/p>

Използвай гласа си - European elections 2024 video – Bulgarian (audiodescription) 4:5

&lt;p>В Европейския съюз демокрацията може да ни изглежда очевидна днес, но това невинаги е било така. Не много отдавна милиони европейци са живели във времена, в които не са можели да гласуват или дори да изразяват мнението си свободно. Животът им е можел да бъде застрашен само защото са различни, имат различни убеждения или искат да живеят по различен начин. Демокрацията е ценен дар, който ни е завещан от предишните поколения. Тя е била техният идеал и те са се борили за нея. Сега е нашият ред да я запазим, да я направим по-силна и да я предадем на следващите поколения. Най-ефективният начин е да гласуваме&nbsp;– защото колкото повече хора гласуват, толкова по-силна става демокрацията. На 6&nbsp;–&nbsp;9 юни 2024&nbsp;г.: използвай гласа си&nbsp;– ако ли не, други ще решават вместо теб.&lt;/p>&lt;p>© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.&lt;/p>

Използвай гласа си - European elections 2024 video – Bulgarian (International Sign) 16:9

Използвай гласа си - European elections 2024 video – Bulgarian (audiodescription) 16:9

Използвай гласа си - European elections 2024 video – Bulgarian (dubbed) 4:5

Използвай гласа си - European elections 2024 video – Bulgarian (subtitled) 4:5

Използвай гласа си - European elections 2024 video – Bulgarian (dubbed) 16:9

&lt;p>В Европейския съюз демокрацията може да ни изглежда очевидна днес, но това невинаги е било така. Не много отдавна милиони европейци са живели във времена, в които не са можели да гласуват или дори да изразяват мнението си свободно. Животът им е можел да бъде застрашен само защото са различни, имат различни убеждения или искат да живеят по различен начин. Демокрацията е ценен дар, който ни е завещан от предишните поколения. Тя е била техният идеал и те са се борили за нея. Сега е нашият ред да я запазим, да я направим по-силна и да я предадем на следващите поколения. Най-ефективният начин е да гласуваме – защото колкото повече хора гласуват, толкова по-силна става демокрацията. На 6 – 9 юни 2024 г.: използвай гласа си – ако ли не, други ще решават вместо теб.&nbsp;© ANDCO A/S, 2024. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Parliament under conditions. Use or reproduction is prohibited without prior explicit permission from the respective right holders.&lt;/p>

Използвай гласа си - European elections 2024 video – Bulgarian (subtitled) 16:9

How does Europe affect our everyday lives? How does it impact on our jobs, our families, our health care, our journeys and our consumer choices? And how is Europe present in our towns, cities and regions? As European citizens, no matter where we live, how we make our living, or how we spend our time, the EU has an impact on our daily lives. The website 'What Europe does for me' presents a wide range of short, easy-to-read texts drawn up by the European Parliamentary Research Service, focusing on what the European Union does and the impact it has on us all. It explores EU actions from the individual’s point of view, with many examples of projects and support.

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting women in the workplace - Bulgarian (subtitles)

Global challenges – including climate change, geopolitical conflict, erosion of democratic principles and social inequalities – affect people's daily lives and future prospects.A collective European response over the next 10 years could help to address these challenges – and offer benefits worth up to €3 trillion a year. This represents around 18 % of EU gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to €6 700 per citizen per year. Referring to the European Parliament's work during the 2019-2024 term, our research has identified action in 10 policy areas that could unleash Europe's potential – without the need for Treaty change.

EPRS - Mapping the cost of non-Europe: Ten ways that Europe could do more for you - Bulgarian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Bulgarian (subtitles)

This footage shows the extracts of the meeting between Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Nikolai DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister. The selection includes also the extracts fo the address to the plenary of Nikolai DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

This is Europe with Nikolai DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister: meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and extracts from the address to the plenary

MPES debate on the "This is Europe" debate after th address of Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister.

"This is Europe" debate with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister: MEPs debate

MEPs debate with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister, on his views on the challenges facing Europe and its future during the "This is Europe" debate. One round of political group speakers.

"This is Europe" debate with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister: one round of political group speakers

Roberta Metsola gives a statement on the the situation in Israel-Gaza. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the situation in Israel and Gaza ahead of the press point with Nikolai DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister, gives an opening address in occasion of the "This is Europe" debate series. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

"This is Europe" debate: address by Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, gives an opening statement ahead of the "This is Europe" debate with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

"This is Europe" debate with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister: statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister, gives a closing statement during the "This is Europe" debate. Closing statement by Nikolai DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister.

179 torthaí

EP Plenary session - ' This is Europe ' debate with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister - Press Point

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nikolay DENKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Vejdi RASHIDOV, Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament

EP Plenary session - The accession of Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia to the Schengen area

EP Plenary session - Illegal detention of the opposition leader in Bulgaria

EP Plenary session - European solidarity and energy security in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recent cuts in the gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Kiril PETKOV, Bulgarian Prime Minister

Minute of silence - Tribute to victims of the bus accident in Sofia, Bulgaria.

David SASSOLI, EP President in video meeting with Rumen RADEV, President of the Bulgarian Republic

EP Plenary session - The rule of law and fundamental rights in Bulgaria

Cityscape Sofia - Bulgaria

Celebration of the 140 years of the Bulgarian Parliament and Bulgarian Constitution in presence of David SASSOLI - EP President

David SASSOLI - EP President meets with Tsveta KARAYANCHEVA - Chairwoman of the Bulgarian National Assembly

BULGARIAN MEPs official portrait - 9th Parliamentary term.

BULGARIAN MEPs official portrait - 9th Parliamentary term

Inauguration ceremony of the Atanas Burov space in the presence of EP President and Bulgarian Prime Minister in ASP in Brussels

Inauguration ceremony of the Atanas Burov space in the presence of EP President and Bulgarian Prime Minister in ASP in Brussels