Speaker of Parliament Tsveta Karayancheva opened the COSAC Chairpersons' meeting. Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds Kristian Vigenin welcomed the participants in the event, which marked the beginning of the Parliamentary Dimension of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

For nearly 30 years COSAC has been established as a successful setup which enables the parliaments to participate in the decision making process on topical issues from the European agenda, said the Speaker of Parliament.

Tsveta Karayancheva added that this setup expressed the fundamental values of the European Union: equality and freedom. It is also a safeguard of the involvement of EU citizens in the democratic control over the European institutions in terms of observing the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, she said.

The Speaker of Parliament said that the participants in the meeting would discuss the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency: the future of Europe and young people, economic growth and social cohesion; the EU prospect and connectivity of the Western Balkans; security and stability in a strong and united Europe; digital economy and skills of the future.

Tsveta Karayancheva emphasised the importance of the items on the agenda of today’s meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC, and wished the participants a successful conference and fruitful work.

Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds Kristian Vigenin welcomed the participants in the COSAC Chairpersons' meeting.

We are aware of the responsibility of the Parliamentary Dimension of the Bulgarian Presidency, when, at a time of overlapping crises and challenges, the national parliaments and their representatives, directly elected by the EU citizens, have a key role in ensuring more accountability and legitimacy in the Union’s actions, said Kristian Vigenin in his welcome address.

He recalled the Bulgarian legend about Khan Kubrat and his sons underlying the slogan of the Bulgarian Presidency: “United we stand strong”. It is especially instructive in the context of today’s world, when the EU needs strength and resolution to protect unity and better meet the expectations of its citizens in the area of security, economy, social inclusion, environmental protection, and climate change, added Kristian Vigenin.

Our common efforts will prove to the citizens of the European Union that it is appealing, confident and responsible, said the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs. In his words, despite the numerous complex challenges, the process of enlargement towards the Western Balkans has no alternative. It guarantees stability, security and prosperity in SE Europe and the European continent in general, said Kristian Vigenin.

As a member state holding the rotating presidency and direct neighbour of the Western Balkans, we are led by the understanding of security and stability through cooperation and integration, he added. Bulgaria is focused on deepening regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, as well as improving the connections of the region with the EU single market and implementing the agenda on a transport, energy, economic and communication connectivity, facilitating contacts between people, emphasised the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds.