On 2 February 2018, the European Movement International held a private briefing to introduce the priorities of the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Briefing opened with opening remarks by the newly elected EM International president, Ms Eva Maydell MEP.

Starting off #EMIBreakfast with #EU2018BG Minister @LilyanaPavlova discussing the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency pic.twitter.com/7QoNPeTQyz

— Eva Maydell(Paunova) (@EvaMaydell) February 2, 2018

Ms Lilyana Pavlova, Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency, outlined the 6-month programme of the Bulgarian government for the term of its presidency of the Council of the EU, driven by its moto “United We Stand Strong”.

The Bulgarian Presidency has committed to work in a transparent manner, open to all European partners and  citizens. One of the main priorities presented is the future of Europe and its young people, as well as economic growth and social connections, which was also one of the main  priorities for the previous presidency, Estonia, and will be for Austria, as the next country to hold the Presidency in the second half of 2018.  Among other priorities, the Western Balkans, security and stability and digital economy, were touched upon.

The briefing was followed by an open discussion with all participants during which the Minister responded to questions regarding the Western Balkans, the role of civil society, the rule of law, connectivity, environmental issues, migration, culture and youth.

This was a private, off-the-record event reserved for high-level stakeholders.

Excellent briefing from Minister @LilyanaPavlova on the @EU2018BG Presidency priorities…30 minutes with no notes, very impressive! @BDOGlobal @EvaMaydell @NedBApostolov https://t.co/8PL5pu7wvY

— Noel Clehane (@NoelClehane) February 2, 2018

From January to June 2018, Bulgaria holds the presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time. The current trio is made up of the presidencies of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria.

Take a look at the photos from the event here: