Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasil Georgiev took part in the fourth plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe, which took place on 11-12 March 2022 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in a hybrid format. The debate focused on the 88 Recommendations of the European Citizens’ Panels on “The EU in the World / Migration” and “A Stronger Economy, Social Justice and Jobs / Education, Culture, Youth and Sport / Digital Transformation”, as well as related recommendations from national citizens’ panels.
Deputy Minister Georgiev made a statement via video conference on the topic of the EU in the World. He pointed out that maintaining the unity of the EU, promoting the fundamental values of the EU and an effective regional and global order by maintaining the rule of law remain the only alternative to the resurgent policy of force and geopolitical confrontation. He noted that the new dynamics require an urgent readjustment of our existing tools and policies not only in the field of security and defense, but also in other sectors, such as energy and the economy. Further strengthening the strategic partnership with NATO is of the utmost importance. Mr Georgiev emphasized that Russia’s military attack on Ukraine was a gross violation of international law and fundamental human rights and humanitarian values. Ukraine’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders are non-negotiable.
During the Plenary Session, the EU in the World debate discussed the situation in Ukraine with the participation of 30 Ukrainian citizens, including members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, representatives of the PromoUkraina Association and refugees fleeing the war.
The meeting was also attended by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Josep Borrell, who called for a stronger and more united Europe to ensure the security of European citizens.
The plenary session was chaired by the Co-Chairs of the Executive Council of the Conference – Guy Verhofstadt (European Parliament), the Secretary of State for European Affairs of France, Clément Beaune on behalf of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Vice-President of the European Commission Dubravka Šuica.
Three more plenary sessions are scheduled for mid-2022, with pre-announced dates: 25-26 March, 8-9 April and 29-30 April. During the French Presidency, on May 9 this year in Strasbourg, the report of the Conference will be adopted, exactly one year after the official launch of the initiative.
