PM Borissov: Exit from the Covid-19 crisis can be expected after August 2021, provided that 70% of population is vaccinated

I wish I could be more optimistic, but what I hear from counterparts and the forecasts being made is that the exit from the crisis can be expected in August-October 2021, provided that 70% vaccination of the population of the EU is completed, in order to create a herd immunity for COVID-19," Prime Minister Borissov said on December 11 from Brussels, where he is attending a meeting of the EU leaders.

Regarding the situation in Bulgaria, the Prime Minister pointed out that the balance on measures and pressure on hospitals is being closely monitored. Borissov also pointed out that the number of recoveries from the virus, which is already over 3,000 a day, is also of great importance.

"We have to be very balanced," the MP said. According to him, the results for this week are good, but they do not show that we should be very optimistic that the pandemic will end for Christmas.

The European leaders have discussed all possible options for buying and delivering vaccines, the PM said.

He added he was grateful to the European Commission for organizing the process of ordering and supplying vaccines. According to him, Bulgaria is ready to receive the first delivery of the vaccines before the end of the year, as will happen in all EU member states.

In the major cities in Bulgaria, the refrigeration rooms have already been prepared for the Pfizer and BionTech vaccines.

"Ursula von der Leyen did a great job, if it weren't for her, the Member States would never have agreed how many vaccines each country should take and from which ones. It was a difficult task. All major cities have freezers to store the vaccine. On 28-29 or when they arrive at the same time in all countries, or if they come before the New Year, we will have this logistics for vaccination of the front line workers" Borissov said.

Borissov reiterated that it is extremely important for people to be vaccinated, because antigen tests, PCR tests, the harmonization of standards in the EU, will make it possible for easier movement between countries.

The PM also said that he discussed winter tourism with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

"Because he intends to re-open the resorts. Of course, like us, but with very strict measures, about masks, about gatherings in hotels, the distance," he added.

Climate change was another key topic that Prime Minister Borissov highlighted from the discussions with the European leaders. He noted the compromise reached on the EU-wide emissions ceiling - in 2030 to be 55% less than in 1990. "This enables countries like Bulgaria to get more help," Borissov said, adding that compromises have been reached to move forward in respect of gas and nuclear energy.

Regarding foreign relations, Prime Minister Borissov highlighted the EU's partnership with the United States and the high hopes placed on the new administration, especially in the areas of security, NATO and a return to the climate agreement.

On the topic of the Eastern Mediterranean, Borissov pointed out that Bulgaria, as an EU member, supports the friendly countries Greece and Cyprus. "From now on, we insist on finding diplomatic solutions with Ankara," he said. Borissov stressed the huge efforts of the German presidency to find a compromise. "Yes, there are sanctions against individuals, companies. But in the next three months the door remains open," said Borisov. He added that he had proposed that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg be invited to the next European Council.

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