DeHavilland EU

Bulgaria Presidency Briefing January - June 2018 Welcome

On 1 January 2018, will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Estonia.

Over the next six months, the Balkan nation will chair the meetings of the Council, mediate between the Council and Parliament, and help steer the direction of EU policy.

This briefing gives a preview of what to expect from Bulgaria during the New Year- its priorities, the major players, and the Presidency Documents current European context the country must navigate.

Keep reading to understand the Presidency's institutional role, Final Programme [link] to get a view from Brussels through exclusive interviews with The Calendar [link] MEPs, and to identify the key decision-makers during the next six months. Look out for a follow up briefing in the New Year, Trio Strategic Agenda [link] featuring in-depth policy analysis and further details on the Bulgarian Presidency's meetings and events. The Presidency Understand what it means and Bulgaria’s priorities p. 3

The View from Brussels Place Bulgaria's priorities in the European political context p. 7

The People Meet the ministers who will chair the Council meetings p. 12

The Trio Find out who Bulgaria works alongside p. 21

The Interviews Gain insight into the aims of legislators during the Presidency p. 23

Contact Us See how we can give you further insight p. 28 The Presidency Understand what it means and Bulgaria’s priorities What is a Presidency? Member States take it in turn to hold the Presidency of the Council Presidency, and are of the EU, passing on the baton every six months but acting within often used to measure a Council Strategic Agenda Trios of countries. This is the first EU Presidency held by Bulgaria country’s success in the which joined the Union in 2007. The Council is co-legislator role. 1. Jobs, growth & competitiveness with the , but has exclusive competence 2. Empowering & protecting all over sensitive areas, such as tax policy. The Council meets in ten The Presidency is crucial citizens configurations, divided by policy area, which the national ministers for EU policy making, but of the Presidency chair. For instance, the Environment Council the administrative burden 3. Energy union & future-oriented meetings are attended by national Environment Ministers and is significant, especially climate policy chaired by the Environment Minister of the rotating Presidency, in for smaller Member 4. Freedom, security, & justice this case, of Bulgaria. States. The advantages for the country holding the Presidency are therefore not obvious, particularly as it must be politically neutral. The Presidency acts as an honest broker, and the country cannot be seen as pushing its own agenda too hard. Therefore, the Trio of countries have an 18 month programme to follow with overarching aims that must be completed by the time the final country has finished holding the Presidency.

Bulgaria takes over from Estonia, meaning it is the second country of the current Estonia-Bulgaria-Austria trio to lead the Council

Commission VP Jyrki Katainen & Estonian Minister for Rural Affairs Tarmo Tamm. and its work. As the Bulgarian Presidency website states, the three © European Union, 2017 / Source: EC - Audiovisual Service countries have agreed “upon a positive programme focusing on security, strengthening the external borders of the EU, economic growth and competitiveness”. However, these aims are not The Presidency mediates between the Member States, and is exhaustive and, given that the received wisdom in European responsible for drawing up compromise texts. When agreement politics is seemingly to expect the unexpected, new developments is reached, the Presidency will represent the Council at ‘trilogue’ and challenges may need to be addressed as they appear - not least meetings with the Parliament and Commission. The informal those relating to the ongoing Brexit negotiations. agreements, which often represent the breakthrough on a legislative proposal, depend on the negotiating skills of the

Back to menu 5 What are the priorities? The official motto of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the sees the Presidency as an opportunity to push for EU membership EU - “united we stand strong” - offers an immediate insight into for six Western Balkan states. Whilst reforms aimed at supporting what will, in large part, guide the direction of the Presidency. Like EU accession should be expected, in the more immediate future, that which preceded it, the Bulgarian Presidency will again seek to the Presidency will seek to improve connectivity between maintain unity between Member States and realise a “a stronger, the Western Balkans and the EU to allow for greater regional more secure and more solidary European Union”. cooperation. In more specific terms, the four main priorities of the Bulgarian Security and stability in a strong and united Europe Presidency are: the future of Europe and young people – economic growth and social cohesion; European perspective and connectivity In terms of security and migration policies, the Bulgarian of the Western Balkans; security and stability in a strong and united Presidency will seek to realise consensus amongst Member States Europe; digital economy and skills of the future. in addressing existing vulnerabilities. Its stated efforts will be in strengthening the EU’s external borders, better managing The future of Europe and young people migration processes, laying the foundations of a Defence Union, aiding information exchange, and working towards “efficient, fast Despite economies throughout the EU recovering of late, the and fair justice”. Bulgarian Presidency has declared that other long-standing structural challenges, like those of high debt levels and weak Digital economy and skills of the future pay growth, can best be tackled through Member States working together. To this end, and as part of its push for greater social One of the priorities of the Estonian Presidency was creating cohesion, Bulgaria will lead on the Multiannual Financial a “digital Europe” and, much in the same vein, the Bulgarian Framework beyond 2020, the Cohesion Policy beyond 2020, the Presidency will seek to complete the Digital Single Market and aid future of the Common Agricultural Policy, and deepening the the development of digital-related skills. In an effort to ensure the Economic and Monetary Union. European economy remains competitive, attention will be given to encouraging entrepreneurship and social innovation, and to European perspective and connectivity of the Western addressing the link between education and the needs of the future Balkans labour market. Even a quick glance at press releases related to the Bulgarian Presidency will reveal how much attention has been given to the Western Balkans. This should come as little surprise given Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov is on record as saying he

Back to menu 6 The View from Brussels Place Bulgaria's priorities in the wider European context DeHavilland spoke to MEPs from across Bulgaria's political spectrum to gather their thoughts on The MEPs their country's priorities. Read extracts below, or skip to the end of this briefing for full interviews.

Eva Maydell, EPP Peter Kouroumbashev, S&D Ilhan Kyuchyuk, ALDE Svetoslav Malinov, EPP Sits on IMCO, ECON Sits on ITRE, TRAN Sits on AFET, CULT Sits on CULT, ITRE National party in government National party in opposition National party in opposition National party in opposition

DeHavilland: What do you think the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency should be?

Mr Kouroumbashev: The “Ms Maydell: Advancing the “Bulgarian Presidency closely “ “ digital economy and skills follows Jean-Claude Juncker’s Mr Kyuchyuk: We should push Mr Malinov: I believe the Energy development is essential. priorities from his State of the for the EU’s cohesion policy. Union - with an emphasis on Digitalisation has already had an Union speech. There is a so- Bulgaria needs cohesion policy the infrastructure of our region impact on our society, economy, called specific Western Balkans in the next programme period - should be one of our priorities. political life, etc. We need to flavor, as more attention for the … we should insist the cohesion For our region … Energy Union prepare our citizens for this new region was announced as the policy to be not only continued is crucial, especially bearing in digital world and equip them ‘biggest’ priority of the Bulgarian but also to have the required mind current dependence on with the skills they need to go Presidency. But this flavor also financial resources. Russian resources. forward. comes from the Commission’s cuisine.

Back to menu 8 DeHavilland: What challenges will Bulgaria face?

Mr Kouroumbashev: Brexit will Mr Kyuchyuk: Unfortunately, Ms Maydell: Being a newcomer “ “be the biggest challenge. If things “the most significant challenge “ to the job can be really go wrong, ... Bulgaria, and later during the Bulgarian presidency challenging, as we need to build Mr Malinov: Our presidency will Romania, will carry a heavy will be the re-introduction of the routine and master the be under the shadow of Brexit, responsibility in the subsequent populist/nationalist forces in procedural aspects of steering wheeling and dealing aimed at and journalists and analysts will the governance of Europe. At the EU. At the same time, I avoiding major damage for the EU, overlook our efforts on anything this moment this seems totally rather see this as a positive - and also for the UK . It is not by else, as Brexit is huge, and it will irreversible because populists/ Bulgaria is ready to demonstrate chance that Theresa May has private probably dwarf everything. nationalists continue to be professionalism and move the meetings with Bulgarian PM Boyko part of the current Bulgarian European agenda forward. Borissov in the wings of the EU summits. government

DeHavilland: With your own political interests & activities in mind, where do you want progress?

Ms Maydell: If you ask people Mr Kyuchyuk: I would like to “ “ “ Mr“ Malinov: I'm a huge fan of from Brussels, they mostly Mr Kouroumbashev: Bulgaria is see progress be made during the the Erasmus program. After the associate me as a digital MEP a pro-European country, but at Bulgarian presidency in terms celebration of 30 years of the having worked on Portability, the same time, as a new member, of inclusion of young people in program, I want to continue some Digital Content Contracts, it is still shy, it has an “us-and- politics and EU enlargement in of the activities to make it more European Cloud, ePrivacy them” attitude vis-à-vis Brussels. the Western Balkans ... I believe popular, give it more financing, Regulation … I would like to see The biggest progress would be if that young people have ambition and to make it more creative. the Free Flow of Data Regulation my country would start feeling and desire to reform the EU, to It's not just about the mobility of adopted under the Bulgarian comfortable at the driver seat. create new political realities in children - it can go further. Presidency. Europe.

Back to menu 9 In what European political climate does Bulgaria take up the Presidency? New-found The Politics confidence in Brussels may favour the country's - and its neighbour's - wider ambitions.

Jean-Claude Juncker in September called for Member States to seize a window of opportunity for reform. “The wind is back in Europe’s sails”, said the European Commission President during his 2017 State of the Union address. Bulgaria will be overseeing what Mr Juncker has in mind for the EU for the first half of 2018. What’s more, confidence in Brussels may give a boost to the country’s wider ambitions: accession for its Balkan neighbours, and entry for itself into the Eurozone and Schengen Area. On one's doorstep PM Boyko Borissov and EC President Jean-Claude Juncker in November. © European Union, 2017 / Source: EC - Audiovisual Service Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has been clear he sees the Presidency as an opportunity to push for EU membership for Bulgaria’s accession efforts during its Presidency will come to six Western Balkan states: Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, the a head at the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 17 and 18 May Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRM), Bosnia and 2018. The first to be held in Sofia, the Summit will bring together Herzegovina, and Kosovo. diplomats from across the EU and offers the chance to put Western Their progress until now has been mixed. Current frontrunners Balkan accession back on the European agenda. For Mr Borissov, a are Serbia and Montenegro, whose accession talks are open, and, successful summit would mean a clear roadmap from EU leaders according to Mr Juncker, can expect to join the EU by 2025. Albania on how his neighbours can join the club. and the FYRM have achieved candidate status at least, but the Ready or not latter has been unable to make headway due to Greek opposition to its name. Bosnia and Herzegovina applied for membership in Contained in the Presidency’s ‘Useful Information’ material for 2016, but its economic and political problems have proved toxic to journalists is a rule of thumb for converting Bulgarian Lev to Euro: Brussels, and it currently lacks the designation of candidate status. 2 to 1. Such advice may soon become redundant - Brussels says Kosovo is not even recognised by five Member States (Greece, Bulgaria is “ready” for the Eurozone. Cyprus, Spain, Slovakia and Romania). In any case, Mr Juncker has Bulgaria's chances of membership ultimately lie in the country’s effectively ruled out further accession before 2019. fiscal disposition,which is presently seen as healthy by

Back to menu 10 policymakers. A balanced budget British desire to cherry pick the and sustainable debt burden bloc’s rules. Mr Borissov has reassures the currency bloc’s more even gone so far as to say Brexit defensive members, who fear a presents a “rare chance for the weak link who may precipitate Balkan Peninsula to replace another crisis in the monetary the UK” - though he has also union. expressed hope the country rethinks its decision. Moreover, the Bulgarian Presidency coincides with a Phase two of talks - on the pivotal moment for the Eurozone: transition period and future a March deadline set by France trade, now that divorce issues and Germany for an agreement on are settled - is pencilled in how to reform the bloc. Stronger for midway through the monitoring and crisis-fighting UK Brexit Secretary David Davis and the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier address reporters. Presidency, February or March. tools further mitigates any risks © European Union, 2017 / Source: EC - Audiovisual Service A key challenge for Bulgaria, presented by Bulgarian entry. as intermediator-in-chief for the Council, will be helping to Momentum is also gathering towards Bulgaria’s other European maintain the EU27’s unity in the talks ahead. One only has to look objective, that is, entry into the Schengen Area. “If we want to at ongoing negotiations with Mercosur or the eleventh hour doubt protect our external borders and rightly so strengthen them even casted by Belgium over the 2016 Canada deal to see how trade can more, then we need to open the Schengen area of free movement to expose Member State divisions. Bulgaria and Romania immediately”, Mr Juncker also told MEPs during his 2017 State of the Union speech. Brexit phase two Key Documents By a curious twist of fate, Bulgaria will help oversee the exit of • 'The Future of Europe' White Paper [link] a Member State widely-seen as instrumental for its own entry: • State of the Union 2017 [link] the UK. British Prime Minister Tony Blair pushed heavily for • 2018 Commission Work Programme [link] Bulgaria’s EU membership for its support of NATO during the • European Council assessment of Brexit talks [link] Yugoslav wars. Now, Bulgaria must work to ensure an orderly • Western Balkans Summit 2017 [link] British departure. • Eurozone Reflection Paper [link] Bulgaria’s position on Brexit is, in short, hard. It has fallen in step with other Member States in providing a united front against

Back to menu 11 The People Meet the ministers who will chair the Council meetings Bulgaria’s infrastructure, including the passion for karate - not only refeering and Boyko Borissov expansion of the national motorway coaching, but also competing. He is also Prime Minister network. He has worked to streamline the currently the chairman of the Bulgarian state, initiating administrative reforms Karate Federation. He made Bulgarian Boyko Borissov that have cut the number of agencies and sporting history in 2013 when he became the is Bulgaria’s 50th merged ministries. He has also attempted oldest man to play professional football in Prime Minister. A to consolidate the country’s finances - some the country, turning out for second division political survivor, may say with an eye to future membership FC Vitosha Bistritsa. To this day he still Mr Borissov has of the Eurozone. occasionally plays striker. seen two of his cabinets collapse. Allegations of corruption in the Bulgarian He has governed state and beyond, however, remain the Bulgaria from the key domestic challenge for Mr Borissov. In centre-right over 2013, nationwide demonstrations against three terms since 2009, relying on a “man his first cabinet culminated in Mr Borissov’s of the people” appeal and, in his third resignation, after high energy costs and government, a nationalist coalition partner. perceived corruption in the industry He has high ambitions for the European role brought protestors out on the street. of Bulgaria and its region. Throughout the course of the protests Mr Borissov retained the support of the EPP in Mr Borissov founded his party, Citizens for Brussels, receiving their endorsment ahead European Development of Bulgaria (GERB), of the 2014 European Parliament elections. in 2006 and remains leader to this day. The party’s ideology blends liberal conservatism Before becoming Prime Minister, Mr with pro-Europeanism, and its MEPs sit Borissov was Mayor of Sofia – Bulgaria’s within the EPP Group in the European capital – from 2005 to 2009. Parliament. GERB is the largest party in Bulgaria’s National Assembly, occupying Mr Borissov’s life outside of politics has 95 out of 240 seats since March 2017. It is been colourful to say the least. After leaving currently in coalition with the nationalist the police in 1990, he founded a security United Patriots electoral alliance, which company, and worked as a bodyguard holds 27 seats. for King Simeon II of Bulgaria (who had renounced his title and become prime PM Boyko Borissov on a visit to Sofia Tech Park. © European Union , 2015 / Source: EC - Since entering office, Mr Borissov’s domestic minister), as well as the country’s retired Audiovisual Service / Photo: Boryana Katsarova agenda has first consisted in upgrading former communist head of state. He has a Back to menu 13 Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence General Affairs Council / Cohesion Foreign Affairs Council / Defence

Tomislav Donchev is Bulgaria’s Deputy Though first entering Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, also hails from GERB, and National Assembly in 1997, Krasimir has served in all three of Prime Minister Karakachanov’s current position as Boyko Borissov’s cabinets. Expect Mr Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Donchev to bring a long-standing interest Defence is his first in national government. in EU Cohesion Policy to the General He took up the post when the third Affairs Council given he has served as Borissov Cabinet was formed in May 2017. Minister of EU Funds Absorption in the past. Even his advocacy of Western Balkan Mr Karakachanov leads the IMRO– accession has a cohesion-based flavour, Bulgarian National Movement, a party and, speaking in 2015 on Serbia’s path to EU membership, he under the banner of United Patriots - a nationalist electoral alliance argued that “one cannot be rich and have poor neighbours”. that is GERB’s junior coalition partner. VRMO self-describes as a conservative and patriotic party. Following the collapse of the first Borissov Government in 2013, Mr Donchev briefly served as an MEP, attached to the EPP Group. The His nationalist credentials coupled with his views on immigration, formation of Mr Borrisov’s second Cabinet in November 2014 – now which he has linked to radicalisation, have led to ideological as a coalition rather than minority government – saw Mr Donchev characterisations of his party as far-right in the press. In August leave Brussels, return to Bulgaria’s National Parliament, and regain 2017, Mr Krasimir told Die Welt that the EU must protect its external responsibility for EU funds. However, he also became one of four borders with arms to stop asylum seekers from entering Europe. Deputy Prime Ministers, a position he continues to hold with his cohesion portfolio in the third and current Borissov Cabinet. Mr Karakachanov ran in both the 2011 and 2016 presidential elections, securing 1% and 15% of the vote respectively. Mr Donchev graduated from a mathematics high school in Gabrovo, and has two Masters’ Degrees – one in philosophy, the other in Before politics, Mr Karakachanov was a published historian, holding economic management. a Master’s Degree in the subject from Sofia University, St. Kilment. He gained a PhD in International Law and International Relations in 2014.

Back to menu 14 Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Finance Foreign Affairs Council; General Affairs Council / Article 50 Economic & Financial Affairs Council

Ekaterina Zaharieva is a Deputy Prime Vladislav Goranov was appointed Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister Bulgarian Finance Minister in November of Foreign Affairs, from GERB. Boyko 2014. His appointment came after a Borissov is not Ms Zaharieva’s first boss previous spell as Deputy Finance Minister - from 2013 to 2015, she was Chief of and a brief excursion into the private Staff to the , Rosen sector, taking on a senior role at Sofia’s Plevneliev. Ms Zaharieva also served as Municipal Bank. A former civil servant, Mr Plevneliev’s Minister for Regional Mr Goranov has served in both the second Development during his caretaker and third Governments of Boyko Borissov, government, which stepped in after Mr and representing Mr Borissov’s GERB Borissov’s first cabinet collapsed in 2013. party. Before rising to the role of Finance Minister, he served as Deputy Finance Minister from August 2009 to April 2013. One of Ms Zaharieva’s aims in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been to develop Bulgaria’s ties with its biggest trading partner in Mr Goranov is known in Bulgaria for his strong support of pegging the Balkan region: Ukraine. Bulgaria has continued to back EU and the Bulgarian Lev to the Euro, and is a supporter of Eurozone NATO efforts to secure peace in Eastern Ukraine through the Minsk membership for his country. He has also notably called for increased Agreements. She oversaw celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the transparency in deliberations over public spending. establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2015. Born in April 1977, Mr Goranov attended Pleven’s High School of Mathematics before studying Economics at Tsenov Academy of Ms Zaharieva studied law at the University of Plovdiv, going on to Economics. He later earned a Masters in Accounting and Control. study a law master’s degree. A lawyer until 2003, her legal career brought her close to politics, becoming a legal advisor and later Prior to entering elected politics, Mr Goranov was a civil servant, Director of the Legal Directorate in the Ministry of Environment and taking roles in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Agrarian Waters. She is fluent in German and English. Reform and the Ministry of Finance. During his later years at the Ministry of Finance, from 2001 to 2009, he served as Head of its Social Expenditures Division.

Back to menu 15 Valentin Radev Minister of Interior Minister of Justice Justice & Home Affairs Council (Home Affairs) Justice & Home Affairs Council (Justice)

Bulgarian Interior Minister Valentin Radev Former lawyer Tsetska Tsacheva was appointed to his current position in Dangovska was appointed Justice Minister May 2017 and, upon taking office pledged in May 2017 and has been active within to reform and improve the Academy of the the GERB party since 2007. Prior to the fall Ministry of the Interior. A member of Mr of Communism, she was a member of the Borissov’s GERB political party, Dr Radev Bulgarian Communist Party. previously served as Deputy Defence Minister from 2009 to 2013. The first woman to serve as Chair of Bulgaria’s National Assembly, she During his time in the Bulgarian National has also been viewed as a relatively Assembly, he has served on the Foreign Policy, Defence and Internal uncontroversial figure within the GERB party and, in 2016, she Security and Public Order Committees. He has also served as the was nominated by Boyko Borissov as his preferred candidate for head of the Parliamentary Commission investigating allegations of President of Bulgaria. However, she went on to lose the contest to interference in Bulgarian affairs by Russia and Turkey. independent candidate .

Dr Radev was born in Elin Pelin in February 1958. He attended During the campaign, Ms Tsacheva emphasised the importance of the Shumen Artillery Academy, where he studied the chemistry Bulgaria’s ties to the EU and NATO against a backdrop of increased of explosives, and later earned a Masters in Economics from the tensions with Russia. University of National and World Economy in Sofia. He earned a PhD in Ballistics and Aerodynamics from Sofia’s Defence Research Born in May 1958 in Dragana, near Lovech, Ms Tsacheva attended Institute in 1991. Pleven High School of Mathematics and then went on to work in a local factory. She later earned a degree in Law from Sofia University. Before entering politics, he pursued a career in military research. Accordingly, he is an expert in explosives and is the author of She worked as a lawyer with the Pleven Bar Association during her more than 130 scientific publications. He has invented 17 military earlier career, before later becoming Head Legal Advisor to Pleven products approved for use by the Bulgarian Army, and has served Municipality. She served in that role until 2007, which was the year as Director of the Defence Advanced Research Institute and as Chair she joined Pleven Municipal Council and unsuccessfully contested of the Bulgarian Association of Ammunition Specialists. the city’s mayoralty on behalf of GERB.

Back to menu 16 Kiril Ananiev Biser Petkov Minister of Health Minister of Labour & Social Policy Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council (Health) Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council

Former civil servant and economist Economist Biser Petkov was appointed Kiril Ananiev was appointed Health as the Bulgarian Minister of Labour Minister in November 2017, after his and Social Policy in the third Borissov predecessor resigned over a corruption Government, formed in May 2017, scandal. He came to office promising to nominated by the junior coalition partner, act immediately to address tensions in the the United Patriots. Dr Petkov is an sector by creating a consultative council unaffiliated member of the legislature who for healthcare professionals, alongside previously served as a Governor of the which he has also prioritised inspections National Social Security Institute. of hospital care. Dr Petkov is a graduate of the University of National and World Mr Ananiev served as Finance Minister from January to May 2017, Economy, with a Masters in Economy and Organisation of Internal and as Deputy Finance Minister from August 2014 to January 2017. Trade and a PhD in Economics. He began his career as an academic, lecturing at his alma mater the University of National and World He began his career in 1980, working at the Ministry of Finance. He Economy. eventually rose to take the role of Head of the State Expenditure Directorate, before working as Head of the Financial and In 2002, after more than a decade in academia, he became Chair Administrative Service at Bulgaria’s UN Permanent Representation of the State Agency for Social Security Supervision. Later, in in Geneva from 1996 to 1998. March 2003, he became Deputy Chair of the Financial Supervision Commission. In September 2011, Dr Petkov was elected a Governor He has also served as Deputy Finance Minister from 1998 to 2009, of the National Social Security Institute. He also served on the under three different administrations, and as Financial Policy Bureau of the International Social Security Association from 2013- Secretary to the President of Bulgaria and as Counsellor to the 2016. Political Office of the Prime Minister. Elsewhere, he has held positions within Bulgartabac and Bulgargaz, and has also been involved in the supervision of the Bulgarian Development Bank.

Mr Ananiev studied Finance and Credit at Karl Marx Higher Institute of Economics, now part of the University of National and World Economy. He also studied healthcare reform in the USA.

Back to menu 17 Minister of Transport, IT & Communications Minister of Energy Transport, Telecommunications & Energy Council (Transport & Transport, Telecommunications & Energy Council (Energy) Telecommunications) Temenuzhka Petkova, a member of the Ivaylo Moskovski is member of the GERB party, is currently the Minister of GERB party and, in 2011-2013, served Energy in the second Borissov Cabinet. as Minister of Transport, Information She has extensive experience in audit, Technologies and Communications in having been a Financial Inspector in a previous government led by Boyko Sofia's State Financial Control department Borissov, after serving as Deputy Minister and a State Internal Auditor and Head of Transport, Information Technologies of Department in the Public Financial and Communications between 2009- Inspection Agency. Between 2007-2010, she 2011. He was also a member of the 42th was Head of the Inspection Department at National Assembly and a member of the Committee on Transport, the Public Financial Inspection Agency (ADFI) and, following this, Information Technology and Communications and the Committee she was Head of ADFI between 2010-2013. on Energy. Aside from this, Ms Petkova held the position of Deputy Finance Before becoming a politician, Mr Moskovski worked as trade Minister in the interim Government that was in office until director in industry. Besides that, he is member of the Managing November 7 2014. Board and Deputy Chairman of the Association of the light industry manufacturers, and Chairman of the Competitiveness Committee at She is a graduate of the University of National and World Economy the Association of the light industry manufacturers. in Sofia and holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Control. She has also had training in Internal Audit in the Public Sector at He holds a degree in Public Finance from the Sofia-based University the Ministries of Finance of Ireland and the UK Britain, and in State of National and World Economy and a degree in Financial Financial Inspection at the Ministry of Finance of Portugal. Management from Svishtov-based Academy of Economics.

Back to menu 18 Neno Dimov Rumen Porodzanov Emil Karanikolov Minister of Environment & Water Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Minister of Economy Environment Council Agriculture and Fisheries Council Competitiveness Council; Foreign Affairs Council / Trade Neno Dimov is Bulgaria’s Minister Mr Karanikolov of Environment and began his career Water, of the United in 2004 in the Patriots (OP) party. Sofia Municipality His libertarian where he was background and jurist in "Legal and his scepticism for regulatory services". global warming, Between January which he calls “manipulation” and a “global An experienced officer of the Bulgarian 2010 and May 2010, he served as Director business with fear” are expected to make his Ministry of Finance, Rumen Porodzanov of "Administrative Control, Regional chairing of the Environment Council rather kicked off his political career in 1992, when Development and State Property" in the controversial. he joined the Special Activities Funding Regional Administration of Sofia. division as an expert, until 1995. He went He previously was an MP for the Democrats on to head the Finance, Trade and Services From 2010 to 2017, he was the Executive for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB) party from 2005- Division of the Ministry until 2001. From Director of the Agency for Privatisation and 2009. He also served in Government as Chief 2001 to 2009, he served as Director of the Post-Privatisation Control until his election Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Real Sector Finance Directorate of the as Minister of Economy on 4 May 2017. and Water and Deputy Minister of Ministry. In 2009, he took on the role of the Environment and Water in Ivan Kostov’s Chief of Staff of the Ministry, until 2013 In his position as Minister of Economy, cabinet from 1997-2001. when he took the position of Executive Karanikolov argued heavily against the He is known to be a supporter of EU Director of the State Agriculture Fund. He privatisation of the Bulgarian copper melter integration and served as a member has also served as Caretaker Minister of Kremikovtsi which was sold for one US of Bulgaria’s negotiating team. At EU- Finance in the cabinet Georgi Bliznashki, in dollar and called for a probe into the deal. level, Mr Dimov served in the European 2014. Environment Agency (EEA), as a member Emil Lyubenov Karanikolov has received of the management board (1997-2002) Mr Porodzanov attended the University a Master of Law from the University of and as Director of the Programming and of National and World Economy where National and World Economy. Information Directorate (2001-2002). he obtained a Master’s degree in Agrarian Business, Economics and Management.

Back to menu 19 Krasimir Valchev Boil Banov Minister of Education & Science Minister of Culture Minister of Youth and Sports Education, Youth, Culture & Sport Council Education, Youth, Culture & Sport Council Education, Youth, Culture & Sport Council (Culture) (Youth & Sport) Former civil servant Krasimir Valchev Krasen Kralev is was appointed member of the Education and GERB party and is Science Minister currently serving in May 2017. An for the second time unaffiliated member as Minister of Youth of the government, and Sports, having Mr Valchev was held the post in the nominated by Mr Brorissov’s GERB party. second cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Theatre director Boil Banov was appointed Borissov from November 2014 to January His former role as Secretary General of the Culture Minister in May 2017 and 2017. He was Deputy Chairman of the New Ministry of Education and Science from previously served as Deputy Minister of Time party until he resigned from the post 2009 to 2017 means he is well informed Culture during the caretaker Bliznashki in July 2009. about his brief. He was also involved in administration during mid to late 2014. Bulgaria’s programme of EU accession Co-founder of the Bulgarian Association policy initiatives. Upon being appointed, Mr Banov declared: for Fair Elections and founder and “I promise to entirely involve myself in my Chairman of the Board of Directors of MAG From 2002 to 2009, Mr Valchev served in new responsibility in order to contribute to Communications, a group of marketing the Ministry of Finance, where he focused the development of Bulgaria’s culture and communication agencies, Mr Kralev owns on education funding. He briefly returned arts”. He has discussed proposals for reform two big internet media companies. to the ministry in 2017 to serve as Head to the country’s Patronage Act in order of Department in its Local Government to create a regulatory basis for funding He is a graduate of the Medical University Financing Directorate. that goes beyond just state arts funding, in Varna, after which he specialised somewhat like the UK’s system of lottery in Political Campaign Management at During his time in office so far, he has grants. the University of South Carolina, USA. focused on addressing illiteracy and Separately, Mr Kralev is a former national improving teachers’ wages, as well as He was born in May 1971, the son of famous track and field athlete. advertising the virtues of the teaching Bulgarian actor Vasil Banov and his wife profession to address recruitment problems. Lilyana Dimova.

Back to menu 20 The Trio Member States holding the Presidency work together closely in ‘Trios’, lasting 18 months with overarching aims set by the European Council.

Bulgaria is the second country in the 8th Presidency Trio, preceded by Estonia (June-December 2017) and followed by Austria (July-December 2018). The programme of the Estonia-Bulgaria- Austria was officially approved in the 20 June 2017 General Affairs Council and focuses on security, strengthening the external borders of the EU, economic growth and competitiveness.

On the following page, we reflect on how Bulgaria can build on Estonia's work.

Estonia: July-December 2017 Bulgaria: January-June 2018 Austria: July-December 2018 Romania: January-June 2019 Finland: July-December 2019 Croatia: January-June 2020 Germany: July-December 2020

Back to menu 21 Union report I would also like to emphasise significant challenges during the Estonian Estonia’s progress in enhancing European Presidency so far? Looking back defence cooperation, and Estonia’s work in promoting a digital Europe. Mr Paet: From a very humane perspective, How did Estonia fare during its I’d say that it is not easy to find Presidency? How can Bulgaria build on DeHavilland: Given that Estonia is the first compromises during marathon talks - it Estonia's work? DeHavilland spoke with of the current Presidency Trio, where do takes a lot of time and effort. Urmas Paet, Estonian MEP, to find out. you feel that the Bulgarian Presidency needs to concentrate its efforts? DeHavilland: To what extent have other issues, such as Brexit, affected the work and Mr Paet: The Presidency lasts for six focus of the Council? months, but in most cases, the process of achieving the final results takes more time Mr Paet: Every Presidency has its own than half a year. Because of this, consistency priorities. However, the presiding country is an important keyword here: Estonia will always takes into account that there will be pass the baton on and Bulgaria will continue events and topics that happen unexpectedly work in many topics that Estonia has been and will require full commitment, such as working on such as work on the defence Brexit, migration crisis etc. union and on digital Europe. Urmas Paet, ALDE Definitely, Brexit will affect the work and Sits on BUDG, AFET, REGI, SEDE DeHavilland: Which of the legislative files focus of the EU as a whole, not only during National party in opposition discussed and adopted during the Estonian the Estonian Presidency but also in the long- Presidency have been the most notable and run. DeHavilland: Which of the four stated significant? priorities of the Estonian Presidency do you For more insight feel most progress has been made in? Mr Paet: During the Estonian Presidency into the key the Council achieved an agreement on the policies and Directive on the Posting of Workers which Mr Paet: Estonia has successfully made major players progress in all of its priority themes, was not an easy task. Progress has also been of the Estonian but just to name a few - from Estonia’s made in the reform of the Common Asylum Presidency perspective the Posted Workers System, Blue Card Directive and in the Presidency, read Directive was an accomplishment where regulation that helps to cut greenhouse gas our previous a balanced compromise was found. As emissions and meet Paris commitments. briefing. the Rapporteur for the European Defence DeHavilland: What have been the most Back to menu 22 do not lose ground to other major players for Bulgaria as a President of the Council on the global stage. Second important is the need for improving our asylum and Looking ahead goal we have set is to increase the legal migration policy, the Dublin System in and regulatory cohesion and to reduce particular, as well as the expected MFF In the run up to the Bulgarian Presidency, inequalities across the continent, with (Multiannual Financial Framework) and DeHavilland interviewed the country's the view of ensuring long-term stability. the need to maintain the solidarity for all MEPs for insight into what the role will Thirdly, advancing the digital economy European regions and populations with mean for the Balkan nation. and skills development is essential. tighter budgetary constraints. Digitalisation has already had impact on our society, economy, political life, etc. We need DeHavilland: In terms of your own political to prepare our citizens for this new digital interests and parliamentary activities, where world and equip them with the skills they would you like to see progress made during need to go forward. the Bulgarian Presidency?

DeHavilland: What do you think the most Ms Maydell: If you ask people from significant challenges will be during the Brussels, they mostly associate me as a Bulgarian Presidency? digital MEP having worked on Portability, Digital Content Contracts, European Ms Maydell: Being a newcomer to the job Cloud, ePrivacy Regulation. However, can be really challenging, as we need to if you ask people in Bulgaria they will Eva Maydell, EPP build the routine and master the procedural probably describe me as advocate for Sits on IMCO, ECON aspects of steering the EU. At the same entrepreneurship and new skills, given my National party in government time, I rather see this as a positive - Bulgaria work in my constituency on improving the DeHavilland: What do you think the is ready to demonstrate professionalism education system. Having these two hats, priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency should and move the European agenda forward. speaking figuratively, I would like to see the be? Our vision of Europe is one of consensus, Free Flow of Data Regulation adopted under cohesion and competitiveness, while paying the Bulgarian Presidency, as well as many Ms Maydell: I believe that the Bulgarian particular attention to the role and opinion new initiatives for the youth. Now is the priorities are quite specific and on point. of young people for the future of Europe. time to bring in the fresh, bright spirit of the We need to revitalise the dialogue with young, the truly European generation, born the Western Balkans and the Bulgarian A specific challenge is to keep the unity and raised in united Europe. Presidency will aim to give solid EU during the Brexit negotiations, which is also perspective for these countries. We need one of our main priorities. It is not by chance DeHavilland: To what extent do you a robust policy strategy to make sure we that "United we stay strong" is the slogan of think that other issues, such as Brexit, will our Presidency. Another challenging issue affect the work and focus of the Bulgarian Back to menu 23 Presidency? Mr Kouroumbashev: Let’s be serious. interests and parliamentary activities, where Successive Presidencies broadly follow would you like to see progress made during Ms Maydell: For Bulgaria, as for the rest the EU agenda. The Bulgarian Presidency the Bulgarian Presidency? of the EU, the decision of the UK to leave closely follows Jean-Claude Juncker’s the EU has been a great source of concern priorities from his State of the Union speech. Mr Kouroumbashev: Bulgaria is a pro- and disappointment. This has however There is a so-called specific Western Balkans European country, but at the same time, not shaken our own Euro-optimism. Our flavor, as more attention for the region as a new member, it is still shy, it has an goal is to respond to the real needs of the was announced as the ‘biggest’ priority of “us-and-them” attitude vis-à-vis Brussels. people in Europe and turn challenges into the Bulgarian Presidency. But this flavor The biggest progress would be if my opportunities. I hope that we will manage also comes from the Commission’s cuisine. country would start feeling comfortable at to honour the decision of referendum while It’s give-and-take: Juncker was extremely the driver's seat. And that it would shape solving the problems which this creates generous to Bulgaria and Romania in the future EU, together with its partners, to EU citizens - ensuring rights of those his speech, which is not by accident. The in full confidence of its prerogatives citizens who remain in the UK after Brexit, Bulgarian and Romanian Presidency will and competence, which should not be the hard border question with Ireland and help him shape his legacy. What Juncker underestimated, if one looks at history and mutually-beneficial trade relations. can do for Sofia and Bucharest in return is geography. another issue. Here I’m more skeptical. DeHavilland: To what extent do you DeHavilland: What do you think the most think that other issues, such as Brexit, will significant challenges will be during the affect the work and focus of the Bulgarian Bulgarian Presidency? Presidency?

Mr Kouroumbashev: Brexit will be the Mr Kouroumbashev: I already answered biggest challenge. If things go wrong, this question. There are other challenges, Barnier and Juncker will be out of the but they look smaller. David Cameron negotiation process, and Bulgaria, and later created the worst crisis. Bulgaria regrets the Romania, will carry a heavy responsibility Peter Kouroumbashev, S&D Brexit vote. Not because the net donor – net in the subsequent wheeling and dealing Sits on ITRE, TRAN recipient relationship. It’s because the UK is aimed at avoiding major damage for the National party in opposition such an important European country, and EU, and also for the UK. It is not by chance an ally. The UK was a mover and shaker in that Theresa May has private meetings with the EU. DeHavilland: What do you think the Bulgarian PM Boyko Borissov in the wings priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU summits. should be? DeHavilland: In terms of your own political Back to menu 24 Moreover, Bulgaria should use the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU to Mr Kyuchyuk: Interesting question. I promote its unique ethnic model, which has would like to see progress be made during been the basis of our successful integration the Bulgarian Presidency in terms of the to both NATO and the EU. The second inclusion of young people in politics and priority for which we should push for is EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. the EU’s cohesion policy. Bulgaria needs The inclusion of young people in politics cohesion policy in the next programme is a task to which I have been committed period. Therefore, we should insist the to for years. I believe that young people cohesion policy to be not only continued but have ambition and desire to reform the Ilhan Kyuchyuk, ALDE also to have the required financial resources. EU, to create new political realities in Sits on AFET, CULT Europe. Therefore, we should give them National party in opposition DeHavilland: What do you think the most opportunities to participate fully in the significant challenges will be during the process of taking decisions. When it comes Bulgarian presidency? to EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, DeHavilland: What do you think the I believe that this will assure peace, stability priorities of the Bulgarian presidency should Mr Kyuchyuk: Unfortunately, the most and democracy in Europe as a whole. be? significant challenge during the Bulgarian presidency will be the re-introduction of DeHavilland: To what extent do you Mr Kyuchyuk: Bulgaria will assume the populist/nationalist forces in the governance think that other issues, such as Brexit, will rotating presidency of the Council of the of Europe. To this moment this seems totally affect the work and focus of the Bulgarian EU on the 1st of January 2018. For us, this irreversible because populists/nationalists Presidency? is a unique opportunity to show to our continue to be part of the current Bulgarian European colleagues and partners that government. In my opinion, Bulgarian Mr Kyuchyuk: In fact, Brexit affects the we are capable to set the political agenda authorities must find a way, as soon as work and focus of the Bulgarian Presidency of Europe. In reality, however, Bulgaria possible, to take populists/nationalists out of from its beginning. Bulgaria’s EU Presidency should focus on two priorities. I am glad the government because united and liberal was brought forward six months because that future EU integration of the Western Europe cannot be ruled by people who do of Brexit. However, during Bulgaria’s EU Balkans is among them, The EU should not not respect/protect the rights of minorities Presidency I personally want to see a deep isolate itself and close its doors to future who are also EU citizens. and comprehensive partnership between Member States. Western Balkan states are the EU and UK in a long term perspective part of Europe and we will continue to call DeHavilland: In terms of your own political to reflect citizens’ interests in the best way. on the EU to demonstrate political support interests and parliamentary activities, where This “new” partnership should be in the for the European perspective of the region. would you like to see progress made during spheres of both trade and security, but the Bulgarian presidency? British authorities must be aware that it Back to menu 25 cannot be a selective one. The four freedoms on how you define it (the Balkans, the Presidency, and biggest risk, is Brexit. Our of the EU are inseparable and go hand in Western Balkans etc.) - Energy Union is Presidency will be under the shadow of hand, and any attempt to isolate one of them crucial, especially bearing in mind current Brexit, and journalists and analysts will must be doomed to failure. dependence on Russian resources. overlook our efforts on anything else, as Brexit is such a huge thing, and it will Another priority which is regional but also probably dwarf everything. European should be an understanding of the problems of our region, with a push DeHavilland: How do Bulgarians feel on to enlargement, which at the moment is the whole about Brexit? Are they being stagnating. That's why I believe that at swept up in this pro-integration reaction the least a meeting of the leaders of the we've seen to the vote? Western Balkans with EU leaders should be held in Sofia, and I see that is one of the Mr Malinov: We need to talk about two priorities already. It's impossible to change groups here: ordinary people, and elites the attitude towards enlargement, but it's who are aware of the history of Bulgaria's Svetoslav Malinov EPP , at least possible to show some goodwill, integration into Europe. For the latter, it is Sits on CULT, ITRE readiness to cooperate, and for some a huge disappointment. At the end of the National party in opposition advancement for certain countries. 1990s, our breakthrough - the invitation for membership negotiations - was due to the DeHavilland: What do you think the These should be the priorities outside those Bulgarian government's strong reformist priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency should already given officially. agenda. But it was also due to the general be? outlook of Great Britain. DeHavilland: For the Bulgarian Presidency, Mr Malinov: We are in a trio, the priorities what do you see as the most significant Bulgarian politicians who were involved of which have already been fixed, so we challenges during the next six months? in the integration process will always do not have a lot of room to manoeuvre. remember the help, the crucial support for But our priorities should be connected to Mr Malinov: We're holding the Presidency our integration from the UK. Also, in terms European policy with a regional focus - for the first time, which presents challenges of geopolitical threats to the Balkans, and that's my understanding of what Presidency in of itself. But we have already been the need for deep understanding of Russian priorities are. challenged as we were supposed to have and Middle Eastern threats, we will miss our Presidency in the second half of 2018, having the UK in the EU. In that case, especially for Bulgaria, I believe because the UK was supposed to have theirs the Energy Union - with an emphasis on the before us. Otherwise, Bulgaria is one of the most pro- infrastructure of our region - should be one European nations. We don't even discuss of our priorities. For our region - depending I believe the biggest problem for our Bulgaria leaving the EU. We have extremely Back to menu 26 weak Eurosceptic forces. This is not something we can do by DeHavilland: In terms of your own ourselves. parliamentary activities - I know you're a member of the Culture and Education This is in contrast with the Schengen Committee - where would you like to see problem, where, if we had done our reforms the most progress on a more narrow front? in the past, there would be no argument Are there any big files coming up in the against us now, but we haven't done it. I'm CULT committee you want to see progress extremely critical of Bulgarian governments on? in the last six years for failing to reform the judicial system or the prosecutor's office. Mr Malinov: I'm a huge fan of the Erasmus Bulgaria hasn't done its own work in terms programmme. After the celebration of 30 of the rule of law, and that's why we're not years of the programme, I want to continue in Schengen some of the activities to make it more popular, give it more financing, and to And this is why we are under supervision make it more creative. It's not just about the more broadly. People in Europe are mobility of children - it can go further. suspicious of corruption, and what's why we don't get what we deserve. We should I'm also a big fan of the new European have done more in the last few years. Solidarity Corps. I hope it can get its own financing and that the Erasmus programme won't suffer, as the financing is not completely secure. In any case, these schemes should be more popularised.

DeHavilland: In terms of Bulgaria and the Euro and potential accession to the Schengen Area - what are your thoughts on that?

Mr Malinov: On joining the Eurozone, I think we are moving [towards it], although very slowly, but this is a process that it is very dependent on the political will of other countries and the European Commission. Back to menu 27 DeHavilland EU

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