The new Minister of the European Affairs Gergana Grancharova presented her views on the challenges in front of Bulgaria as an EU member to 50 representatives of the Bulgarian and international business, members and partners of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum. Among the guests were the ambassadors of Austria, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Mr. Neil Buhne, UNDP Resident Representative in Bulgaria.
"The EU membership provides to Bulgaria a lot of opportunities but also some risks", said Minister Grancharova. "One of the threats is that we expect the help from EU to come automatically without any efforts on our side. Furthermore, we should not accept that the rules in the EU are in power for everybody but ourselves. And this is where I see the need for a strong cooperation between the politicians, the business, the civil society and the media in Bulgaria."
The business leaders discussed with the new minister topics related to education, tourism, EU funds and Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone. Ms. Granchrova shared the main priorities of the Government after the EU accession, which are connected to the renewed Lisbon Agenda - development of a strong economy, based on knowledge and information technologies, development of good business environment, etc.
Mr. Maxim Behar, Chairman of the Forum, gave to Minister Grancharova the BBLF Standard for Business Ethics, which was adopted by more than 1500 companies in the country. He welcomed the new minister and assured her that the business has always been and will be an ethical and good partner of the Government.
