Maltese MEP and former Prime Minister Alfred Sant told the European Parliament that by prioritizing the deepening of regional relations, starting with the Balkans, the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU could further raise awareness about the state of peripheral countries, whose full inclusion in policymaking is key to ensuring economic and social cohesion in Europe.  

Sant said the Bulgarian Presidency has presented a strong program when he intervened at the European Parliament during the debate on the programme of activities of the Bulgarian Presidency during the first half of 2018.

The Bulgarian Presidency of the European Union is well placed to highlight the crucial issue of tax-related concerns among EU member states. Strong emphasis should remain on tax transparency and on the necessary tax flexibility for countries at the margin of Europe, Dr Sant said when he recalled that the European Parliament had recently questioned the unanimity principle on taxation decisions among EU member states.

The first months of 2018 may crucially affect next year’s elections to the European Parliament. The tone could be set by the outcome of the Italian and Hungarian elections in coming weeks. Moreover, while entering the second year of negotiations, Brexit talks still remain a huge source of uncertainty.

“I also especially welcome the emphasis on the digital agenda. This issue is crucial, especially regarding SMEs. We should ensure that the development of the Digital Single Market includes the needs of real users, who must adapt as they realize the possibilities afforded by technology.”

Since 1 January, Bulgaria has taken the presidency of the Council and therefore presented a quite extensive and strong programme for the next six months with four priority areas on economic and social cohesion; stability and security in Europe; supporting EU accession-related reforms in the Western Balkan states; completing the EU digital single market and development of digital economy and skills.