The delegation of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds (CEAOEF), headed by its Chair Mr. Kristian Vigenin, is participating in the 57th Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC), held from 28 to 30 May 2017.
Topics discussed during the first day of the meeting were: reflections on the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the role of national parliaments in the future of the EU, the outcome of the UK referendum – state of play, expanding the Blue Economy – towards a more sustainable maritime policy.
During the Brexit debate Mr. Vigenin announced that the unity of the EU during the time of the negotiations is vital in order to achieve a fair and balanced agreement that takes into consideration the interests of all the member countries. The Chair of CEAOEF affirmed his support for the protection of citizens’ rights and pointed out that Bulgaria is expecting the United Kingdom to fulfill all of its commitments, including the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020.
“The forthcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an opportunity for cooperation and shared responsibility between the leading political forces in our country. My colleagues and I are looking forward to seeing you in Sofia next year”, Mr. Vigenin said to the other COSAC delegates.
The Bulgarian delegation is composed of representatives from all the political parties in the 44th National Assembly - the Deputy Chairs of CEAOEF Ms. Ivelina Vassileva and Mr. Petar Petrov, as well as Ms. Imren Mehmedova and Ms. Polina Tsankova-Hristova, members of CEAOEF.
COSAC is an important forum for discussion of relevant European topics, which gathers representatives from all the national parliaments, the European Parliament and the European Commission. The event takes place in the country currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.