During his address to the European Parliament on 22 November 2023 as part of the This is Europe series, Prime Minister Denkov warned that Russia is using economic and cultural ties to divide Bulgarian society. He stressed that EU and Nato membership are the greatest guarantee to continue the path to democratic and European development for Bulgaria. “This is why we need to complete our European integration by joining the Schengen area and the Eurozone,” he added.
The Prime Minister reiterated Bulgaria’s fulfilment of all necessary Schengen requirements and that “any further postponement is unacceptable and demotivating” for the country and its people. With the entry of Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen, “Europe’s borders will be better protected, and Europe will be stronger”.
Commenting on the contemporary geopolitical situation, Denkov warned that Europe should not underestimate the prospect of the conflict in the Middle East, sparked by Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack and Israel’s large-scale military response, expanding. Citing signs of fatigue from the war in Ukraine and the reluctance of some to continue to bear the consequences, he firmly stressed that “by defending Ukraine, we defend Europe”.
Urging Europe to stand united and play a more active role on the international stage, as a strong mediator and guarantor of peace, he added: “The EU must strengthen its strategic ties with Nato allies and its defence capabilities, including carefully considering the idea of creating a single European army.”
Watch President Roberta Metsola’s introduction and Prime Minister Denkov’s speech
Reactions from MEPs
In reaction to Denkov’s address, a majority of MEPs called for the end, once and for all, of the discrimination of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens and demanded Council vote on the Schengen accession of both countries before the end of 2023. MEPs welcomed the pro-European government in the country and recently adopted reforms, but urged quick action on the use of EU funds. Some asked Bulgaria to close loopholes around the circumvention of sanctions on Russian gas and to do more to protect the environment, the rights of minorities, and to support EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.
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