On 4 November, the Sofia office of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) held a public discussion with the participation of candidates for MPs from five political parties that will face the upcoming elections on 14 November.
The idea was to find the intersections in foreign policy - a topic that often remains neglected in the electoral debates and the public environment. The participants were Krum Zarkov from Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Ekaterina Zaharieva from GERB, Maria Kapon from Stand Up BG! We Are Coming!", Daniel Lorer from "We Continue the Change" and Stefan Tafrov from "Democratic Bulgaria".
As a result of the discussion with the representatives of the five political parties, we came to four consensus points on the foreign policy of the European Union and Bulgaria as part of it:
1.
Last month, the Constitutional Court of Poland adopted a decision according to which Polish law prevails over EU law, thus violating one of the basic principles enshrined in European law. In view of what is happening in countries such as Poland and Hungary, there seems to be strong agreement between the five parties on what the European Union's position should be with regard to systematic violations of the Union's principles relating to the rule of law. The European Union must use the instruments at its disposal, including freezing funds for these countries.
The idea was to find the intersections in foreign policy - a topic that often remains neglected in the electoral debates and the public environment. The participants were Krum Zarkov from Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Ekaterina Zaharieva from GERB, Maria Kapon from Stand Up BG! We Are Coming!", Daniel Lorer from "We Continue the Change" and Stefan Tafrov from "Democratic Bulgaria".
As a result of the discussion with the representatives of the five political parties, we came to four consensus points on the foreign policy of the European Union and Bulgaria as part of it:
1.
Last month, the Constitutional Court of Poland adopted a decision according to which Polish law prevails over EU law, thus violating one of the basic principles enshrined in European law. In view of what is happening in countries such as Poland and Hungary, there seems to be strong agreement between the five parties on what the European Union's position should be with regard to systematic violations of the Union's principles relating to the rule of law. The European Union must use the instruments at its disposal, including freezing funds for these countries.
"We have no doubt in this dispute - Bulgaria must stand on the side of European law, to which all EU member states are committed. Poland cannot question this order - the foundation of Europe", Stefan Tafrov said.
"Yes, we need patience, but we also need to make it clear that this patience is already running out. I am sorry for that, but I see no other choice in this situation than freezing the funds for Poland under the Recovery Plan", Ekaterina Zaharieva said.
2.
The vast majority of Bulgarians - 85% - believe that climate change and global warming are a problem of utmost importance. It turns out that Bulgarian society is well ahead in terms of thinking and expectations regarding climate policies. There is agreement between the parties on the role of the European Green Deal. However, it is crucial that people are better informed about it. It will be up to the Bulgarian Government to ensure that Bulgaria successfully seizes the opportunities that the European Green Deal offers.
The vast majority of Bulgarians - 85% - believe that climate change and global warming are a problem of utmost importance. It turns out that Bulgarian society is well ahead in terms of thinking and expectations regarding climate policies. There is agreement between the parties on the role of the European Green Deal. However, it is crucial that people are better informed about it. It will be up to the Bulgarian Government to ensure that Bulgaria successfully seizes the opportunities that the European Green Deal offers.
"Bulgarians are largely unaware of the Green Deal because it has been portrayed by some as a scarecrow, by others as a panacea, and it is neither. The Green Deal is the means to overcome the real challenge that no one can deny anymore - global warming. We need to make it clear that there are resources and opportunities in the EU, and it will be up to the next Bulgarian government to decide how they will be used," said Krum Zarkov.
"Some of the political forces are playing with populist issues like the issue of mines. It is very important that we tell the truth. The green deal is a great opportunity," Maria Kapon said.
"I am glad that we are of the opinion that the Green Deal is alternative-free. The transition must be smooth, fair and guarantee Europe's energy security," said Ekaterina Zaharieva.
3.
After the resignation of North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, the country's prospect of EU membership could be hampered. However, the candidates for parliament from the five parties agree on the place of the Republic of North Macedonia in European integration. Relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia should not be built on hatred. It is in Bulgaria's interest to have stable and democratic neighbours that are part of the European community.
After the resignation of North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, the country's prospect of EU membership could be hampered. However, the candidates for parliament from the five parties agree on the place of the Republic of North Macedonia in European integration. Relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia should not be built on hatred. It is in Bulgaria's interest to have stable and democratic neighbours that are part of the European community.
"It is in our national interest to seek a path of rapprochement that allows us to smooth relations", Daniel Lorer said.
"The new government will have to enter those talks that will show our European and international partners that we know how to get out of the situation," said Krum Zarkov.
"I urge colleagues from the different political parties to understand that Bulgaria does not challenge the right of the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia to identify themselves as they see fit and to call their language as they see fit. This contestation is used by certain marginal parties in Bulgaria as well as by anti-Bulgarian circles in Skopje to attack Bulgaria", Stefan Tafrov said.
4.
There seems to be a strong consensus among the representatives of the five parties on the positive effects for Bulgaria of joining the euro area. In the public discourse we observe a tendency of unnecessary fear-mongering about possible price rises when adopting the euro. In fact, euro area membership could be an important instrument for Bulgaria if it can take advantage of it.
There seems to be a strong consensus among the representatives of the five parties on the positive effects for Bulgaria of joining the euro area. In the public discourse we observe a tendency of unnecessary fear-mongering about possible price rises when adopting the euro. In fact, euro area membership could be an important instrument for Bulgaria if it can take advantage of it.
"We owe it to the Bulgarian citizens to lead this campaign calmly and together - regardless of who is on which side of the spectrum," Maria Capon said.
"Thanks to the currency board we already have a fixed exchange rate against the euro, only we don't have a representative in the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. When we join, we will be around the table where monetary policy is set," Stefan Tafrov said.
"We are all united here that the euro is of huge economic benefit to Bulgaria. There is no fiscal and monetary risk as we are in a currency board situation. Again, there is a need for active communication with the public," Daniel Lorer said.
"It seems to be forgotten that by signing the Treaty of Accession to the European Union we have made this commitment. The constant back and forth on this issue creates the conditions for all sorts of conspiracies. The euro will neither raise our standard of living per se, nor will it lower it per se, but the euro could be a useful tool for Bulgaria," said Krum Zarkov.
The Sofia office of the ECFR is grateful to the participants in the discussion, which raises some of the issues that should be part of a foreign policy debate in Bulgaria. The above four consensus points could be the basis for a foreign policy and security strategy for Bulgaria - a document that Bulgaria has not had in recent years, but which could be drafted in the next parliament.
Watch the full discussion here.
Watch the full discussion here.