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Rosen Plevneliev: The French-German Engine of United Europe Should not only Continue Functioning, but Should Also Speed Up

The French-German engine of united Europe should not only continue functioning, but should also speed up. Today we need this pair, which should make responsible decisions about Europe. These decisions should be made in dialogue, in understanding and consensus with all. This is what Head of State Rosen Plevneliev said in Paris, after he held talks with the President of the French Republic Francois Hollande.

Regarding the results of the Brexit referendum, President Rosen Plevneliev called on for sending a clear message to the British authorities concerning the necessity of starting a legitimate process of negotiations on the conditions of the UK leaving the EU. “All of us are considerably concerned about the results of this referendum. However, from now on we should not allow vagueness and should look ahead.  If this is a divorce, it should take place in the most sensible and democratic manner. We should remain friends and should do our best if some day our British friends decide to come back to the family of European nations,” President Rosen Plevneliev said.   

“Decisive actions should be taken. We should not wait months on end without knowing with whom and how they will negotiate on the process. Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty is crystal clear. Legitimate decisions should be made within the procedure. The demonstration of tension by the two sides is unnecessary,” the Head of State commented.  

Rosen Plevneliev was adamant that the EU should mobilize and needs a new dose of trust. “We should seek sustainable solutions to the problems within the EU. Our strength lies in consensus and understanding and I am convinced that in the next weeks they will demonstrate namely that. I am sure that given the trust Bulgaria contributes to as a pro-European nation, the Union will speed up,” President Rosen Plevneliev said.

Together with his French counterpart, the Bulgarian Head of State exchanged opinions on the migration crisis as well. “Bulgaria won a high recognition. What Bulgaria does to protect the external EU borders has a strong echo in Europe and all European leaders highly appreciate our contribution,” Rosen Plevneliev said.

“When it is difficult and tough, we should make decisions, we should show character. There are a lot of crises that interact among each other. We should adopt a worthy approach to these crises and together seek the solutions, which Bulgaria is part of,” the Head of State further highlighted in the French capital.