President Radev: Europe Should not Be Idealistic about Migration and Security

"When it comes to the security of citizens, there is no room for compromises and illusions. The European Union should drop its idealistic approach and analyse the problem in depth," Bulgaria’s President Roumen Radev said at the final press conference at the 13th Arraiolos Group Meeting of presidents of EU Member States in Valletta, Malta, the press secretariat of Bulgaria’s Head of State said on 15^th of September.

In Radev's words, the efforts of the EU in the area of migration should focus on preventing new migrant flows from regions neighbouring to the continent by helping to provide prospects for a good life for the people in their countries of origin. "We need to focus our policies not on social support for migrants on the territory of Europe but on creating stable societies that guarantee a normal way of life in the countries of origin of illegal migration,“ the President said.

He said that solidarity and social justice should remain key issues in the debate on the future of Europe.

"If Europe is to remain an important factor on the global stage, we have to preserve the principles of solidarity and cohesion among the member states. Achieving equal living standards in Europe's East and West, and equal pay for equal work across the EU are irrevocable conditions for the Union to be successful and united in its foreign policy," Radev said.

The discussions on the agenda of this year’s Arraiolos Group Meeting were dedicated to migration, security, solidarity and enhancing the economic prospects in the EU and the neighbouring regions. The participants in the forum were the Presidents of Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Malta and Slovenia.

During his visit to Malta, the Bulgarian President met with a large group of representatives of the Bulgarian community.

source:BTA