Bulgaria has taken up the rotating six-month EU Council presidency from Estonia.
The country, which is under monitoring by Brussels, must work hard to keep the bloc united amid a looming Brexit and migration issues.
Taking over the EU presidency in present times poses a challenge for Bulgaria. With ongoing Brexit talks, debates to establish a co-ordinated position on refugee and migration matters, and preparations for the EU budget from 2020 onward.
Bulgaria’s minister for the EU presidency, Lilyana Pavlova, said that a successful presidency will require reaching political consensus and mutual understanding.
Bulgaria will endeavour to maintain the unity and stability of the bloc, Pavlova said, but Sofia has additional objectives.
Bulgaria will also focus on the prospect of other Balkan states joining the bloc, ensuring safety and security amid the ongoing refugee and migration situation, seeking a united defence policy, economic growth and attention to the EU’s Single Digital Market.
Bulgaria will attempt to bridge the divide between eastern and western Europe over the so-called ‘migration package’ before Austria takes over the presidency on 1 July.
Austria is known for its tough stance on migration.
