Representatives of MGERB took part in a training seminar of the IRI

20/12/11

The consecutive training seminar of the International Republican Institute (IRI) was held from the 15th to the 19th of December in Bucharest, Romania. The training was attended by representatives of right-wing political parties from ten countries. The main focus of the training was towards leadership and the main highlight was on campaign management.

Bulgaria was represented by Mihaela Ivanova and Ivan Andonov – members of MGERB Sofia.

The lecturers of the training were professionals from the sphere of campaign management, who through presentations, interesting lectures and practical examples passed their experience to all of the participants. Therefore every participant in the training enriched themselves with valuable information regarding how a political campaign is made and what are its main attributes.

The three day seminar was organized in three extensive modules. During the first day the participants had the opportunity to learn detailed information on how to use public opinion during their political campaign. The next day was filled with simulation games, which directly showed how a political campaign is organized – preparation of a work plan, political speaking and organization of an internet campaign. The lecturer during the last panel explained in details, through precisely prepared presentations, how a successful political campaign is organized step by step.

MGERB was part of the congress of the EPP

09/12/2011

The Youth Organisation of GERB was represented at the congress of the European People’s Party, which was held in the period between the 7th and 8th of December in Marseilles. MGERB was represented by Kalin Zahariev, Deputy International Secretary of MGERB and vice-president of EDS. The event was held parallel with the second meeting of the Council of EDS. The topic of the seminar was “Multiculturalism in Europe – Challenges and Possibilities”.

The XX Congress of the EPP went by a vast media interest. The European leaders had gathered in one place under the symbol of the efforts for overcoming the financial economic crisis. Over 1000 delegates from 39 countries attended including the 17 head of states belonging to the EPP. Speakers during the congress were José Manuel Durão Barroso -President of the European Commission, Jerzy Buzek – President of the European Parliament, Wilfried Martens – President of the European People’s Party, Angela Merkel – Chancellor of Germany, Nicolas Sarkozy – President of France, Antonio López-Istúriz - Secretary-General of the European People's Party, Jean-Claude Trichet – Former President of the European Central Bank, as well as many other prime ministers. The mutual message regarded with the united efforts to save the Euro zone. An important accent was that despite the hard times for Europe, the European dream must prevail.

After the congress of the EPP the seminar part of the event was due. In the first panels guest lectors were representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, as well as the Robert Schuman Foundation.

A mutual panel with the Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP) was organised for the first time of the current mandate of the bureau of the EDS. After that the traditional work sessions of the commissions to EDS were held.

During the last day was held a session of the Council of the European Union.

Visit of representatives of MGERB to the European Commission

01/12/2012

In the period between the 28th to the 30th of November 2011 a delegation of youths consisting of representatives of all parliamentary represented parties departed for Brussels. The three day visit of the youths among which were the representatives of MGERB – Daniela Panayotova (Varna) and Svetoslav Kazakov (Sofia) included visiting the European Commission, familiarization with the work of the individual main departments, as well as a meeting in the cabinet of the EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis response – Kristalina Georgieva. The main topics which the young politicians discussed on a high level were the accession of Bulgaria to Schengen and the influence of the world economic and financial crisis on the European economies.

MGERB took part in the congress of Jeunes cdH

21/11/2011

During the 19th and 20th of November 2011 in the Belgian city of Namur was held the congress of one of the two youth member organisations of YEPP – Jeunes cdH. The congress was for the preparation of the organization before the upcoming local elections. Special guests to the event were representatives of the youth organization of the French ruling party – UMP, as well as MGERB in the face of Anna Pashanska and Mitya Atanasov.

During the congress the representatives of MGERB had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the political situation in the country, as well as with some of the candidates for municipal councilors and mayors for the region of Wallonia, selected from the youth organisation cdH. After the official part of the event the youths from GERB had the opportunity to exchange good practices with their colleagues from UMP, as well as with the host from the cdH in the sphere of organisation and initiatives, which are held in Belgium and France. Other than discussing initiatives the representatives from the three organisations discussed the opportunities for future mutual initiatives.

Representatives of MGERB participated in international training in Ohrid

03/10/11

Representatives of the youth organization of GERB – Maria Popova (Blagoevgrad), Alexandar Kirilov and Botyo Botev(Sofia) participated in an international training ‘Shaping the future of the European Union’, which was held from September 29 to October 2 in Ohrid (Macedonia), organized by ‘Konrad Adenauer’ Foundation in cooperation with the Centre for European Studies and the ‘Civic’ Institute. The forum was attended by young representatives of right-wing parties from nine countries on the Balkans.

The training was opened on September 29 (Thursday) with a presentation of the lecturer from the Centre for European Studies – Roland Freudenstein within which the main steps in the process of EU enlargement were outlined. Participants were informed about the process of negotiations and the accession of candidate states to the Union. During the next day the youth had the opportunity to examine what they had learned in a simulation game, as they were required to arrange in chronological order facts from the history of the European enlargement.

On Friday training simulation ‘Shaping the future of the European Union’ was launched, in which participants had to enter into the role of representatives of four candidate countries – FYR Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania as well as the main European institutions involved in the enlargement process –the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council. During the simulation game there were held negotiations between the states and the European institutions, as well as between different European institutions. The whole process was accompanied by official statements and informal conversations which were observed by representatives from the biggest European media. After the training simulation the participants commented on the results, as they all shared the opinion that it had helped them to become aware of the problems on the Balkans and in the European institutions from different perspective, as well as to make new friends.

Representative of MGERB participated in training of the International Republican Institute

20/09/11

Vladimir Stanev – coordinator of Youth GERB Kostinbrod and member of the executive council of MGERB – Sofia region participated in international training, organized by the International Republican Institute(IRI) on topic: ‘Local and regional policies’, held in Novi Sad, Serbia. The seminar was attended by 20 young people from 11 european countries. Lecturers who take part in the training were experienced in running and winning campaigns for local elections and conducting a proper local policy.

Main topics were: “All policies are local”; “Organizing a successful campaign for local elections: strategies and planning”; “Transparency and involvement of local citizens in decision-making process in the management of a municipality”; “WEB 2.0 – Social media changing the way we make elections”; “How to win elections by e-campaign with small budget?”

During the lectures there were discussed local policies and practices in conducting campaigns for local and national elections. There were expressed different points in making elections in Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, France, USA.

One of the most interesting information was about the success reached in the city of Martin, Slovakia where after the introduction of transparent public procurement procedures through appropriate software, there could be observed online by every citizen how to conduct each auction and what price was achieved. For the period in which this method was used, there were saved huge amounts, which the municipality focused on new projects. This transparency guaranteed the winning of a second term in the local elections in 2010.

Two decades of democracy and sustainable development in Central and Eastern Europe"

19/09/2011

Between 15 to 18 September 2011 in Prague, Czech Republic, the first meeting of the Council of the European Democrat Students (EDS) - the student organization of the European People's Party - was held. The event was attended by 60 delegates from 26 political youth organizations as well as guests from EDS. Representatives of MGERB were Kalin Zahariev, deputy international secretary of MGERB and Vice President of EDS, and Borislav Iliev, coordinator of MGERB Pleven.

The first day of the event began with a panel discussion, which was held at a local technical university. Guest lecturer was the Minister of Environment of the Czech Republic, Mr. Tomash Chalupa. There were discussed main measures in environmental protection in the Czech Republic and also linking economic growth with environmental protection. The second panel was held with the participation of Mrs. Ruth Bijkova, former Deputy Minister of Environment. The focus of the discussion was Prague and measures for better environment. The third guest speaker was Dana Drabova, expert from the State Office for Nuclear Safety. The focus of the topic was put on the future of nuclear energy after the crisis in Japan and Germany's decision to reduce significantly the production of electricity from nuclear power plants. The fourth and last topic of the day was associated with the diversification of energy resources. The lecturer, Mr. Jan Bauer, Chairman of the Committee for European Affairs presented a strategy for diversification of the Czech Republic.

On the next day of the event, after two morning discussion, there were held the first sessions of the three permanent working groups of European students Democrats. They all discussed the draft resolution "Two decades of democracy and sustainable development in Central and Eastern Europe" which was written by MGERB. The afternoon sessions of the working groups took place in discussion and amendment of other materials provided to voting for second time by the Board of EDS. In the working group "Higher education and science," Kalin Zahariev presented a project for collecting and analyzing data in the field of higher education in the EU. The project aimed to provide topics for the work of EDS, based on facts and analyze on the current state of the sector. The idea for the project came from MGERB.

Later in the day, separate from the sessions, the meeting of the Bureau of EDS was held. In a format of President, Secretary and Deputy Presidents there were discussed organizational issues for future events, current activities, and other issues. It became clear that resolution of EDS for the financing of higher education during the financial crisis, written on material from MGERB, was adopted as an official position of the EPP. It was expected in the near future that amendments from MGERB to the draft of political platform of EPP would be adopted. They were related to the inclusion of a new chapter in the document connected with student and youth issues as a priority of the EPP.

During the last day started a working session on the adoption of resolution "Two decades of democracy and sustainable development in Central and Eastern Europe." The discussion was led by Kalin Zahariev and at the end of the session it was adopted unanimously.

After that the meeting of the Council of EDS began. The agenda included reports of the President, Vice Presidents, report to the budget of EDS, organizational and other issues.

The international secretary of MGERB took part in the meeting of the Council of YEPP

12/09/11

In the period between the 8th and 11th of September in Kiev, Ukraine was held the meeting of the Council of YEPP (the youth organisation of the EPP) on the topic “The democratic process in Ukraine 1991 – 2011: The results after 20 years”. MGERB was represented by its International Secretary Hristo Gadzhev.

During 2011 the political situation in Ukraine became tense after the arrests of several leaders of the opposition and the start of a series of trials in court, the most significant is against the former Prime Minister of Ukraine – Yulia Tymoshenko, who was left under guard a few days before the conference.

The main topics were freedom of speech, the level of democracy and rule of law, as well as the role of the economy of the European Union for the future positive development of Ukraine. In the conference took part several representatives of the opposition parties, representatives of non-government organisations, representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and others.

The main message of the conference is that the European People’s Party will not stop to support the democratically thinking people in country. The EPP will observer for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law in the actions of the government towards the opposition and the citizens of Ukraine. The made findings will be the main moving force in determining the decisions of the EPP in the continuation of the negotiations between the EU and Ukraine for the further European integration of the country,

The conference of the youths of the EPP was the first step from a series of initiatives of the European Christian Democrats for achieving fair and just relations towards the opposition in Ukraine. In the frame of September there is scheduled to be a visit from the President of the European People’s Party Wilfried Martens, who will observe the trial against Yulia Tymoshenko.

Youths and ministers from GERB followed the announcement of the presidential candidate pair of the party

04/09/2011

During the Fourth Summer University of MGERB which was held in Varna from the 3rd to the 6th of September – youths, ministers, MP’s and MEP’s from GERB followed the live announcement of the presidential candidate pair of PP GERB.

The youths followed the announcement of the candidates for president and vice-president from the party, after which they stood up and strongly applauded the announcement of the names of the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works and the Minister of Justice. The official nomination of Rosen Plevneliev caused a wide wave of approval among the participants of the university.

Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB and Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly commented the nomination of the candidate president from GERB Rosen Plevneliev, as a well thought choice of the leadership of PP GERB and shared that she believes that Minister Plevneliev is the person, which will give a new image to the presidential institution, as it will start working for the Bulgaria brand and it will no longer only have representative functions. “The new president will not only be a unifier of the nation, but will point attention towards preserving and developing its potential. Due to this I believe that he will be the president of young people”, commented Panayotova.

The Minister of Defence Anyu Angelov wished the future president, fulfilling the function of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria to acknowledge the White Book for Defence, as his guide book in the sphere of defence.

The Minister of Education, Youth and Science Sergei Ignatov commented that Rosen Plevneliev and Margarita Popova are: “one good European pair”, Traicho Traikov, Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism regretted that he loses two colleagues in the Council of Ministers, but stated his confidence that they will be the winning pair in the presidential elections.

Bulgaria received a Vice Chairman seat in the European Democratic Students, due to MGERB

11/07/2011

On the 11th of July, Kalin Zahariev, member of the National Executive Council of the Youth of GERB was elected for a Vice Chairman of the European Democrat Students (EDS) during the Annual meeting of the organisation. The event was part of the Summer University of EDS and was held in Vienna.

EDS (www.edsnet.org) is one of the largest student political organisations in the European Union and is viewed as the student organisation of the European People’s Party (EPP). One of the main targets of EDS is to influence the policies in the sphere of higher education on EU level. This is achieved through participation in work groups of the EPP, as well as proposals during political meetings.

During the past year Kalin Zahariev was Co-chair of the Permanent Working Group for Higher Education and Research of EDS. A direct result of his work is his participation in the preparation of the project of the new political platform of the EPP. A whole chapter regarding higher education and research was included in the document due to that.

MGERB took part in the Annual Summer University of YEPP

11/07/2011

In the period between the 7th of July till the 11th of July was held the Annual Summer University of YEPP (the youth organisation of YEPP) on the topic of “Common Foreign and Security Policy” in Limassol, Cyprus. MGERB was represented by its International Secretary Hristo Gadzhev.

In the discussions took part the Chairman of the House of Representatives – Mr. Giannakis Omirou, the Chairperson of the Democratic Rally Party - Mr. Nikos Anastasiades, the Spokesman of the Government, the MEP’s Ioannis Kasoulides – European People’s Party Vice-President and Michael Gahler – European People’s Party, as well as Andrey Klimov - Deputy Chairman of the Committee for friendship EU-Russia in the State Duma.

The main topics of the debates formed to be the role of the EU in the world, the relations with Turkey, as well as those with Russia. And a main highlight to the security policy was given to the relations between the EU and NATO in the context of building trust with Russia and the system for anti-missile defence of NATO.

The hosts familiarized the participants with the development of the Cyprus question in the relations with Turkey, after the invasion in 1974, as well as the history of the city of Famagusta – the only ghost town in Europe. With the advance of the Turkish army in 1974 its 45 000 citizens abandoned it and now it is located in “no man’s land” controlled by the Turkish army. Nobody lives in it and the city is “frozen”, as it was left by its inhabitants. There was great interest in the discussion for the relations between the EU and Russia, due to the participation of representatives of all points of view – from Brussels, through Belarus and Ukraine to Moscow.

Representatives of MGERB were observers during the parliamentary elections in Turkey

01/07/2011

At the invitation of the youth organization of the governing Justice and Development Party (AK Parti), between 3 - 30 June 2011, representatives of MGERB monitored the election process in Turkey. Youth initiative, passed under the title "Election Exchange" and organized in Istanbul, Turkey, was the first of its kind, as the organizers declared their expectation to make it a tradition. The first edition "Election Exchange 2011" was attended by around 100 young people from 45 countries, including two representatives of MGERB - Marin Zahariev, member of the district executive council of MGERB Smolyan and municipal organizational secretary of GERB Smolyan and Lyubomir Stefanov - Member of MGERB Targovishte and member of the municipal executive body of GERB Targovishte.

Main focus of the event was the election campaign of the ruling party. From 3 to 12 June MGERB representatives took an active role in various meetings, discussions, lectures, as well as numerous media appearances, part of the campaign. During the visit, they had meeting with the leaders of the Party of Justice and Development in Istanbul, as well as the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Turkey, the mayor of Istanbul, and with mayors of other districts in the city and popular party members.

During the event participants were divided into groups that visited different areas of the city, with a view to monitor the election campaign, to see the candidates’ approach and people’s attitude toward the election process. Several days before the election, the young people participated in simulation games, based on what they had seen during the campaign, while at the same time they had to show their own communication skills, debating and conducting election meetings and discussions. Significant advantage during the simulation games for the Bulgarian representatives was their participation in the Political academy of MGERB and different regional trainings.

On the Election Day, the youth representatives visited several polling stations as observers, and after that they watched the announcement of interim and final results at the headquarters of the Party of Justice and Development in Istanbul.

MGERB took part in an international conference of IRI in the Republic of Croatia

19/06/11

The International Republican Institute (IRI) held the consecutive political conference in East Europe. Croatia was the host of the seminars in which participated 23 youths from 11 European countries. MGERB was represented to the international conference by the Regional Coordinator of Sliven – Vesela Kacharova. The topic of the conference was “Successful leadership of an election campaign”.

The trainings were held by lecturers from Austria, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The event was held in the frame of three days in the city of Zadar. The main topics were: “How to use the public opinion for a political campaign”, “The organisation of a successful election campaign: strategies, planning” and “Verbal and non-verbal communication in front of the media”.

As part of the training were held role-playing games. The youths were divided into groups representing different political parties and it was necessary for them to defend the interests of their parties and candidates in different media formats. The target of the trainings was to show leadership skills during an election campaign. The participants held press conferences and television debates, which were filmed and analyzed by the lecturers.

Jan Surotchak the Director of IRI for Europe took part in the seminars. He presented a deep analysis of the election campaign and the results from the elections in the USA during November 2010.

MGERB initiated a wide informational campaign under the motto “I support Bulgaria’s membership in Schengen”

12/06/11

Exactly at 10 o’clock in the morning on 12 June the youth representatives of GERB from the entire country put the beginning of a national informational campaign “I support Bulgaria’s membership in Schengen”. The initiative’s formal beginning was set on 27 May in the Bulgarian Parliament where the Chairperson of MGERB Monika Panayotova, together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Domestic Affairs- Cvetan Cvetanov and the European Deputies of GERB/EPP in the European Parliament Andrey Kovachev and Vladimir Uruchev presented the “Guide for Travelling in Schengen”.

The informational campaign of the youth representatives took place in all the district cities and most of the municipalities of the country where 224 000 brochures were distributed only during the first day of the campaign. Many deputies from GERB and the European Deputies themselves took part in the campaign in different places around the country.




“I support Bulgaria’s membership in Schengen” aims for increasing the familiarity of citizens with their rights and obligations during their travelling and stay in the countries from the Schengen Society. The Guide prepared by MGERB consists of very useful information on necessary documents when crossing the borders and customs regulations as well as the maximum of speed allowed when driving in each Schengen country, the maximum amount of money and the means of payment one can have in theirselves etc. In the guide citizens can also find the addresses and telephones of all the Bulgarian Diplomatic offices in the Schengen countries which they can contact in case of emergency.

The youth representatives of GERB who were going around the country all day in order to meet as many people as possible consider Bulgaria’s entering the Schengen Society as a major priority not only for young people but also for business in our country. Monika Panayotova who is also a Deputy in the Bulgarian Parliament related directly to the subject “Schengen” put an accent on the fact that Bulgarian citizens need more positive campaigns like this one. Monika shared her hope that after this initiative every citizen who was reached by the youth representatives is now at least a little bit better informed on Schengen.

The informational campaign will continue to take place in the entire country during the next few weeks.

The “Guide for Travelling in Schengen” can be downloaded in electronical version.

Monika Panayotova and a delegation of the National Assembly attended the 45th regular meeting of COSAC

31/05/11

The Conference of European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the Member States of the EU (COSAC) that took place from 29 to 31 May in Budapest was attended by the Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and control of EU funds Monika Panayotova, Vladimir Toshev and four MPs from the committee.

The conference was opened by the President of the Hungarian Parliament, Mr. Laszlo Kover and President of the European Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Parliament and hosting the meeting, Mr Richard Horchsik.

The first speaker, Mr. Victor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, reviewed the Hungarian EU Presidency, emphasizing on strengthening economic governance and the launch of the European semester. Among other achievements of the Presidency, Mr Orban mentioned also the preparation of a common European strategy on Roma, the adoption of the Danube strategy, raising the debates on the issues of family, activities to protect the euro and migration issues in the context of the events that took place in North Africa.

Within this debate on behalf of the Bulgarian delegation Vladimir Toshev (MP) made a statement in which he thanked the Hungarian presidency for the efforts regarding the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen zone. He also noted that the country has met all technical criteria and our readiness reports are fully positive. Further, Mr. Toshev noted that as EU member state the question for us is not whether but when we’ll be adopted in Schengen, as our accession in short period will immediately make us a part of solving the problem in the Mediterranean and North Africa. "Unclear reasons for delay and postponement of our acceptance constitute a challenge to Bulgaria's image. We fully recognize the commitments that we assume and our country is fully prepared to take the responsibilities arising from this membership," said Mr. Toshev. In response to requests by the Bulgarian and Romanian delegations for support from all sides, Viktor Orban commented the issue of Bulgaria and Romania accession in Schengen by mentioning that the arguments for an end to the Schengen area were unacceptable. The two countries have fulfilled all the criteria and now the Member States of the Schengen must agree to their adoption as soon as possible. According to him, if we focused only on elections (in countries where they are ahead), this will not lead to progress in Europe.

After Mr Orban word was given to Deputy President of the European Commission responsible for inter-institutional dialogue, Mr. Maros Sefcovic. The main themes that Mr. Sefcovic affected were the way to recovery from the crisis in the context of new economic governance of the Union, Europe 2020 strategy and new initiative for a European semester. The main emphasis was placed on the common market, the legislative package to strengthen economic management and the pact "Euro +. The themes for the new economic management, the European semester and annual review of growth are widely covered and analyzed in the report prepared by the COSAC Secretariat 15th semiannual report. The positions of the Bulgarian Parliament are significantly accepted in the report.

An active debate caused the Directive on the common consolidated basis for corporate tax, recently proposed by the European Commission, which raised concerns in many member states and about which the Bulgarian Parliament delivered its first reasoned opinion that this proposal was contrary to subsidiary principle, enshrined established in the Treaty of Lisbon. Representatives of nine of the overall 27 parliaments (with a total score of 13 votes, a minimum of 18) spoke against the proposal, arguing that it affected the sovereignty of individual countries and would not support it, and therefore sent reasoned opinions. This position is fully in line with the reasoned opinion of the Bulgarian Parliament, stating that a common consolidated tax base across the EU will deprive the individual Member States of their key competitive advantages, and the EU as a whole will lead to so-called "dissolution of gap between Member States without counting "the process of catching up" from the new Member States, it will put pressure on the indirect tax rate, will lead to significant administrative and financial burdens, will deprive the national budget from tax revenues, which are part of the budget planning.

Save for the issue of taxation, the representatives of national parliaments were interested in the topics concerning the Danube strategy and its implementation, the common agricultural policy with emphasis on the reform connected with the direct payments, migration for work purposes, etc.

During the meeting there were also discussed the conclusions of the meeting of Presidents of Parliaments of the Member States, held in April in Brussels, the main emphasis was placed on the common foreign and security policy and defense.

Public discussion "I am “FOR " Schengen" was held in Sofia university

27/05/2011

Today at Sofia University St. University a discussion meeting was organized on topic "Why I am "FOR " Schengen" with the participation of Ms. Monika Panayotova and Dr. Andrei Kovachev. They were invited by the Student Club of the political scientist, as the meeting appeared a continuation of the tradition of the club to conduct discussions with prominent politicians and public figures on topics with an important public purpose.

Monika Panayotova and Andrey Kovachev informed the participants what is Schengen, why it is important for a country to be a member of the Schengen area and particularly what are the benefits to Bulgaria from its accession. There were also reflected specific actions taken by the Bulgarian government, which led not only to our indisputable technical readiness at this stage, but mostly to the achievement of the unanimity and non-partisan consensus on the issue Schengen, interpreted as a national cause.

Bulgaria is a full member of the EU and its accession to the Schengen area is part of the real integration of our state. Postponement is not a trouble, but is a challenge for the country's image, while the delay of membership in the Schengen area could lead to setting new criteria and raise euroscepticism in Bulgaria. Our country may be useful in discussions about the protection of EU external borders, especially when these issues come strongly forward in the EU agenda. Benefits of membership of Bulgaria into the Schengen zone are both politically and economically, and for the citizens themselves. These were just some of the highlights which were raised during the discussion, in which the students took active part with relevant comments and questions on topical themes.

MGERB launched an information campaign "I am for Schengen"

27/05/2011

Today was launched "I'm for Schengen" initiative, jointly organized by MGERB and the members of the European parliament from GERB / EPP group. The campaign was presented at a meeting with journalists in the National Assembly by the Vice-President of GERB and Deputy Prime Minister Tsvetanov, the chairwoman of MGERB Monika Panayotova and MEPs Andrey Kovachev and Vladimir Urutchev. During the presentation it was emphasized on the positive nature of the idea of informing citizens about the rights they will have within Schengen.

A special brochure called “guide to travel in Europe” is made for the purpose, which reflects the basic facts related to the Schengen area - history, member countries etc. Special attention is paid to security standards - the abolition of internal border controls at the expense of stronger measures at the external and the Schengen Information System, which provides for increased cooperation between European countries in the fight against crime. The brochure consists of available and useful information on what documents are needed for travel within Schengen by car and airplane, including some important customs provisions connected with the transport of goods and money. There are also indicated the contacts of the Bulgarian diplomatic services in the Schengen countries as well as information on how to react in an emergency.

After launching the campaign young people gave from the books to those present in the lobby of the National Assembly – deputies, journalists and guests. There was a unanimous opinion in support of the Bulgarian membership. The initiative continues as a youth of GERB will inform citizens across the country for the rights they will have after our entry into the Schengen area.

A representative of MGERB participated in a prestige training for young leaders, organized by “The International Republican Institute”

17/05/2011

Venra Dracheva, a representative of MGERB Sofia successfully passed the “Campaign management” training, that was held in Instanbul in the period between the 12th and the 16th of May this year. The event was organized by IRI – “The International Republican Institute”, in common with the Dutch foundation “Eduardo Frei”.

The youth organization of GERB participated by its representatives for a fourth year in a row in IRI’s seminars and trainings and it’s one of the most loyal partners of the organization. In the list of the invited participants were representatives of the center-right parties from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina , Serbia, Albania and Turkey. The young active members were being trained by highly skilled specialists in the range of organizing and holding a pre-election campaign, the use of the public opinion for political campaign, verbal and non-verbal methods, public speaking, media communication during pre-election campaign, the position of civil society in politics, the methods in creating the campaign message, the combination of political ideology and the electorate’s wishes, the campaign strategy and plan, etc.




Venera Dracheva took an active part in the practical tasks during the training and consecutively assumed the role of campaign manager, data analyzer, target groups’ research-worker and political party spokesman. She faced the rest of the participants with the MGERB’s annual report for 2010 and roused deep interest for the specifics of the local, regional and national MGERB’s initiatives.

MGERB was admitted as a full member of the Youth of European People's Party (YEPP)

15/05/2011

MGERB was admitted as a full member of the Youth of European People's Party (YEPP) – the largest political youth organization in Europe with 56 organizations from 38 countries. This happened during the Congress of the organization, that is being held in Berlin in the period 12th-15th of May. Over 250 delegates voted unanimously the adopting of MGERB in the family of YEPP.

Before the delegates the chairwoman of MGERB Monica Panayotova presented the main activities of the organization and hope that the youth of GERB have proven to work and contribute to future development of YEPP, sharing common center-right values in Europe.

In Berlin, the delegates met with German Chancellor Mrs Angela Merkel, European Commissioner for Energy Mr. Gunter Oytinger, EPP President Wilfred Martens, President of Konrad Adenauer Foundation Mr. Hans Gert Poettering and several members of the Bundestag, including its chairman Mr Norbert Lammert. They all expressed their position and experience on the subject of the Congress “How to finance the European Union in the 21th century.

Happy third birthday MGERB

24/02/11

It is three years to the day that in front of over 800 young people from across the country MGERB was established formally as a youth organization of PP GERB!

Then, Galya Vassileva, Zhivko Todorov, Kalin Zahariev Lubomir Drekov, Sarah Ikonomova and Christo Gadjev were elected at the National Executive Council (NEC) of the organization.

Monika Panayotova was unanimously elected for president of MGERB.

Today, three years later, the executive body of MGERB and PP GERB congratulate anniversary to its young colleagues and wish much success in personal and professional life to all members of MGERB in the country!

Good luck, colleagues and let us prove that Bulgaria can!

MGERB honored the memory of the Apostle of Freedom

20/02/11

On February 19th MGERB-Sofia representatives honored the memory of Vasil Levski on the occasion of the 138th death anniversary as they laid bouquet of flowers at the monument of the Apostle in Sofia.

The youth together with their chairwoman Monika Panayotova, Member of Parliament in the 41st National Assembly and the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds witnessed the bishop’s memorial service in the ancient temple “St. Sofia”. Later on the members of the organization participated in the religious procession and solemn ceremony at the national hero’s monument in Sofia in the presence of the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, the President of the National Assembly Tsetska Tsacheva, The President Georgi Parvanov, Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, ministers , MPs, municipal councilors and many citizens.

The bouquet of flowers presented the youth’s respect and honor to the Apostle’s the holy deed.

MGERB participated in a conference on topic “What kind of Mediterranean union do we want”

07/02/11

The international secretary of MGERB – Hristo Gadzhev participated in an international conference organized by the youth organization of the EPP (YEPP) on subject “What kind of Mediterranean union do we want”. It was held between February 3rd and February 6th in the town of Caserta – Italia. More than 70 participants from over 50 organizations from Europe, Middle East and North Africa participated in it. Main topic was the regional collaboration in politic, economic and cultural aspect between the European Union and the Mediterranean basin.

The conference passed in the presence of Italian politicians as Antonio Tajani - EU Transport Commissioner and Vice President of EPP, the ministers of Youth Affairs – Georgia Melony, regional and district governors of the provinces of Naples, Caserta and the Campania region and others. Main issue in the discussion was the common EU action in the Mediterranean and North Africa, and not perceived as a new kind of colonialism but as an integration and partnership” Viewed through the eyes of Africans”. Another main issue was the fact the Europe looks like Italy in 16th century – the richest region in the continent, but divided into many small states. In the process of creating nation-states, Italy does not achieve unification. This is followed by more than 300 years period of regional impoverishment and control of other countries in all processes in the peninsula. So in the late 19th century when Italy achieves unification it is the poorest country in Europe. If Europe fails to achieve its integration in the next 20 years it’s really possible the Italy’s experience to be repeated by Europe, but in continental size and become a victim of great powers. If we want to preserve the culture and way of life - the only right way is a full EU integration.

MGERB participated in meeting of EDS on the topic "European and regional integration - the role of young"

06/02/2011


From 31 January to 5 February 2010 in Brussels, Belgium, the third meeting of the Board of European Democrat students (EDS) was held - the largest student political organization in the EU, associate member of the European People's Party.
The event was attended by over 200 delegates and guests from over 25 political youth organizations, and alumni of the organization, honorary chairpersons and members of the Bureau.
The main emphasis was put on the 50th anniversary of the ESD, which was celebrated with many events in the Belgian capital. Along with this, the 100 anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth was celebrated.
Representative of MGERB was Kalin Zahariev, deputy international secretary of MGERB.
The official opening was on 1 February with a discussion "Belgium - one country, two societies. The panel was held at the headquarters of the Christian Democrat and Flemish Party. Guests in the discussion were Professor Dr. Gunter Maes (Heselts University), Mr Peter van Rompuy (representative of a group of Christian Democrat and Flemish Party), Prof. Pierre Varkauteren (Catholic University of Mons) and Mr. Francis Delpere, (Chairman of the parliamentary group of Humanist Democratic Centre). The main theme of the discussion was related to political crisis and attempts to establish a government in Belgium.
In the evening of February 1 was the celebration of 50 years, European Democrats. It was held at the Palace of the Academies in Brussels.
Official guests included Carl Bildt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, former president of ESD, Wilfried Martens, President of the European Peoples’s Party, Hans-Gert Poettering, Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and former president of the European Parliament, Antonio Lopez Isturis, Secretary General of the European People's Party, Othmar Karas, Vice President of the EPP in the European Parliament. Moderator of the event was Tommy Huhtanen, Director of the Center for European Studies and a former President of ESD. Participants of the event were greeted by a special video message from President Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.
On 2 February, the program continued with three panels on the theme of the Third meeting of the EDS.
The panels were opened by Josef Sayer, Vice Chairman of the EPP in the European Parliament. The panels were titled "The Visegrad countries, Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. Speakers of the discussion were H.E. Milena Vichenova, Ambassador of the European Parliament, Representation of the Czech Republic in the EU; H.E. Yan Tombinski, Ambassador of the European Parliament, Representation of the Republic of Poland in EU; H.E. Ivan Korchok, Ambassador of the European Parliament, Representation of the Slovak Republic in the EU; Botond Zakoni, Representation of Hungary in the EU; Ivan Hodach, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association in Brussels; H.E. Edward Kukan, head of the EP delegation to the parliaments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia; Jan Myulfet, Chairman of Microsoft for Europe; Yachek Wolski, Vice Chairman of the EPP; Dr. Ansgar Tetmayer, representative of the Board of Deutsche Bank.
On 3th February the participants visited the University of Leuven. There they met with representatives of the management of the university and asked questions.

Later the traditional sessions of the permanent working groups: “Higher Education and Science”, "Policy for Europe" and "Human Rights" were held. During the meetings each organization had the right to propose a draft position, resolution or other document, followed by discussion, amendment and submission to the agenda of the meeting of the Board of EDS.

On February 4, the meeting of the Board of EDS was held. The agenda included report of the President of EDS, of the members of the Bureau, presentation of the new member organizations, guests and observers. Each organization briefly presented its current activities and after that the working groups presented their work. There were also discussed and approved the documents that had been already considered in working groups. Resolution of EDS on the role of youth in politics was adopted. The document was based on the position of MGERB (Youth as a significant factor in policy-making and decision-making processes). This was the second resolution to EDS, based on document prepared by MGERB. Our expectations are that it will be adopted by the European People's Party, as happened with the previous one. Delegates of the Council also adopted three new organizations in EDS from Albania, Great Britain and Latvia.

The official conclusion of the event was held n the Hilton Hotel in Brussels, where participants attended the ball on the occasion of 100 anniversary of Ronald Reagan.

Monika Panayotova and Dobroslav Dimitrov honoured the victims of communism

01/02/2011

On February 1, 1945 first and second supreme composition of the People's Court pronounced the largest number of political death sentences in Bulgarian history. Sentenced to death were 67 members of the XXV National Assembly, 23 ministers from the three governments for the period January 1941 to September 3, 1944 led by Prime Minister Bogdan Filov, Dobri Bozhilov and Ivan Bagryanov. Also sentenced to death were the three regents of the minor Simeon II - Prince Cyril Preslavski, Bogdan Filov and gen. Nikola Mihov, nine secretaries to the palace, publishers of newspapers and publicists, 47 generals and colonels. The sentences were executed on the same day. The rest MPs and ministers were sentenced to various prison terms. According to a report by the State Security for a period of nine months there had been displaced 28,131 people and thousands were killed.

On 1 February 2011Bulgaria for first time honours the victims of the communist regime.The decision was taken by the Government on a proposal by the former Presidents Zhelyu Zhelev and Petar Stoyanov.

In memory of the thousands killed by the atrocities of the communist regime, on behalf of the parliamentary group of GERB, the chairpersons of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence - Dobroslav Dimitrov and the Committee on European Affairs and oversight of EU funds - Monika Panayotova brought a wreath in the garden of the National Palace of Culture at the monument of perished.

Monika Panayotova: We have a stable system for monitoring EU funds

01/02/2011

The Public Procurement Law should be discussed widely with the beneficiaries to reach a maximum support

Monika Panayotova is a Bachelor in International Relations and Master in International Economic Relations with specialization "Management of International Projects" of University of National and World Economy. She was Director of “Projects and Public Relations” in the Economic Policy Institute. She was elected to parliament as a majority candidate of GERB 24th Constituency-Sofia; Chairwoman of the youth organization of GERB. She is currently Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and oversight of the EU funds.

- Ms Panayotova, last week the committee that you headed, announced the annual report on management of EU funds in Bulgaria. What are the most important findings in it?
- There are received about 10% of EU funds and agreed 36.74 percent, which means that beneficiaries actually received 1.6 billion levs. Let me mention also that from December 2009 to December 2010 there were paid 1.2 billion levs. The conclusion we draw is that there is sustainable growth of absorption and negotiation of the resource. The figure 10% itself is not much, but given the delays over the years, I think this is a significant success for the country. Regarding the agreed resources on first positions remain the OP "Human Resources", "Regional Development and Administrative Capacity”. According to the indicator rate of payment on the first place are OP "Administrative Capacity", "Competitiveness” and “Regional Development”. But to be honest, we must say that outside the JEREMIE instrument real growth of utilization of OP “Competitiveness” is about 2.34%. Programme for rural development compared with other 7 OPs marked the highest percentage of utilization of resources - 19 percent and 37% agreed from the funds. Strong growth of the OP "Regional Development" can be explained by making direct contact with beneficiaries who are mainly the municipalities. Low levels of negotiation, but with good financial performance are programs “Transport” and “Technical Assistance”. Poor performance, accumulated delays, but taken for compensation in 2011, is our assessment for program "Environment”. In summary we can say that in 2009 our country was the only one in the EU, which had no positive assessments and this blocked the interim payments. Following receipt of these assessments there were the payments were granted, which is very important in a crisis. As a result of the undertaken institutional, administrative and legislative measures now we have a stable system of coordination and control of EU funds. There is a sustainable growth rate of resource utilization. The system opens.

If you have to sort the problems on whose solution depends the acceleration of the process, which will you place in the beginning?
- The two main problems are still the insufficient administrative capacity and the Public Procurement Law / PPA. A working group under the LPP have already been formed. Changes will be essential and will accelerate the procedures next year, because most of the funding goes under this Act. Our recommendation is that the draft should be widely discussed with the beneficiaries to reach a wide support. The insufficient administrative capacity is a problem that still exists and it is reported in the interim and the annual report of the Committee. We see that measures are taken. On the one hand, the possibility to use specific expertise from international financial institutions opens. This will be within the program "Technical assistance" and will not affect the budget. On the other hand - the JASPERS initiative will set up panels of experts who will help direct beneficiaries. It is also important to seek an opportunity to accelerate and simplify procedures. European funds will become available to more beneficiaries when the documents are unified and the bureaucratic burden is reduced. Control is really important but it should be understood that more administration and bureaucracy does not mean more effective control.

- Administration has not learned quickly to handle the projects yet, or beneficiaries are not able to make good suggestions?
- Everything depends on the concrete operational program. For example, in OP “Transport” beneficiaries are government agencies, and for OP "Environment" are municipalities. It is quite different in the program "Human Resources", in which a beneficiary is the NGO sector, which over the years failed to properly prepare. In OP “Competitiveness” the initiative is fully in the business. Available information is very important and it is a good step that 27 information centers will be created in order not to concentrate everything in Sofia. And another - last year the rate of turnover among the administration is much lower, which means that additional funding was able to retain experts.

- When a special law for EU funds will be adopted?
- We have over 20 ministerial decrees governing this matter at the moment. There should be considered a law on European funding, which will enable the settlement of public relations and greater legal certainty. If it is a time for a new institutional framework, it would be important to be introduced by a law. This will also show a clear national vision for the management of EU funds. This law will work in the next programming period. If we take this step now, it is likely to accommodate the confusion and the process to be delayed. But we recommend unification of application and accounting documents to be considered. Concentration should be not so much on the form of reporting the projects, but rather on their performance and thus to seek the maximum impact on society and citizens. As there is a discrepancy between the numbers of governing bodies, the Information System for Management and Monitoring and the National Fund, it is important to achieve data synchronization in order not to get different interpretations.

In your opinion why the OP “Competitiveness”, which all call the program of business is going the slowest?
- 198 million euro were transferred to venture capital and 1 million euro to provide for so-called “business angels”. The question now is the means that are considered utilized to reach real business. I think we need to use the experience of the program "Regional Development” and “Human Resources” for direct contact with beneficiaries. It is now clear that we need closer interaction with business and further information on procedures. JEREMIE initiative itself is successful because it will help the venture business. The issue now is as soon as possible to make Holding Fund work and the beneficiaries take advantage of it and avoid the risk of reflux of interest in the program.

- In recent days the letter from Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is being commented, which is actually from the middle of December. What is your comment?
- The main problem areas that are pointed are OP "Transport” and “Environment”. The problem of the OP" Transport "is that over the years a delay has been accumulated. Error of this program is from the beginning because concentration of heavy infrastructure projects is allowed without the necessary readiness. This should not be repeated in the next programming period. A good example is the launch of “Trakia” motorway project, before the approval of Application form by the Commission in order not to delay implementation. Of course, there should always be recognized that such cases also pose risks. There should be paid attention to the railway transport, which shows low levels. “Trakia” motorway and metropolitan subway improve absorption, but we call for seriously intensification of construction activities concerning other projects. OP "Environment" is essential for the reform in the water sector and we think that we must strengthen the capacity of municipalities, which are the main beneficiaries. If there is no project readiness in priority agglomeration, it is better to consider and to redirect funds to agglomerations with less than 10 000 inhabitants.

At the invitation of Monika Panayotova the priorities of the new Hungarian EU presidency were presented in the National Assembly

19/01/2011

At the invitation of Monika Panayotova, Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs and oversight of EU funds in the National Assembly, during a joint meeting of the Committee on European Affairs and control of EU funds and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence HE Ms Judith Lang, Ambassador of Hungary in Bulgaria presented the priorities of the new Hungarian EU presidency in the company of colleagues from Trio - HE Marc Michielsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium and HE Rafael Mendivil Peydro, Ambassador of Spain in Bulgaria.

The new Presidency will focus on four priority areas:

• Promoting the growth, employment, social inclusion. During the Hungarian presidency there should be launched the European semester and created a microeconomic mechanism for oversight.

• A stronger Europe - the motto of the new presidency. Efforts will be focused in three areas - a common energy policy, review of the common agricultural policy and discussions on the future of cohesion policy. Hungary declares its readiness of shaping common policies and water sector, which includes the EU strategy for the Danube region.

• "EU - closer to citizens” by the implementation of the Stockholm program, the Charter of Human Rights, incorporated in the Treaty of Lisbon and of course, the enlargement of the Schengen area. HE Judith Lang expressed her confidence that Bulgaria's entry into Schengen would take place as soon as possible and after meeting all the criteria. HE Rafael Mendivil Peydro, Ambassador of Spain in Bulgaria also demonstrated the positive attitude of his country on this issue, stressing that in Spain the issue of Schengen membership of Bulgaria and Romania was never political, but only technically. In this regard, the President of KEVKEF, Ms. Monica Panayotova expressed confidence that by the end of March 2011 Bulgaria will have fulfilled the technical criteria for membership in the Schengen zone; the focus would remain on the political challenges. Ms. Panayotova emphasized that for Bulgaria entering into the Schengen would not only eliminate physical boundaries but it is a huge commitment to maintaining security at the external EU borders.

• EU enlargement and strengthening the global role of the Union. HE Lang expressed her hope that during the Hungarian Presidency negotiations with Croatia would be finalized and there would be working on negotiations with Turkey. Focus on the integration of Western Balkan countries would be maintained. Ambitions of the Hungarian Presidency in this area are a continuation of what was done under the Belgian presidency in the region. As HE Marc Michielsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Bulgaria noted, Montenegro had received the status of country candidate for membership. Such status was also given to Serbia. HE Judith Lang expressed confidence that during this semester the first results of the negotiations with Iceland would be seen. But besides accelerating the process of integration, in order to strengthen its global role the EU should reconsider its relations with neighboring countries, said Hungarian Ambassador. The Chairwoman of KEVKEF Monika Panayotova added that this would ensure the security of the Union, but only through solidarity and cohesion among member states.

Monica Panayotova held a meeting with the EU Commissioner on Taxation, Customs, Anti-fraud and Audit - Algirdas Šemeta

15/01/2011

The chairwoman of the European Affairs and control of EU funds Monika Panayotova held a meeting with Mr. Algirdas Šemeta - EU Commissioner on Taxation, Customs, Anti-fraud and Audit. The meeting was attended by MPs, members of the European Affairs and control of EU funds.

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Šemeta expressed his pleasure to meet the Bulgarian MPs and reassured that the active dialogue between the European institutions and the national parliaments is extremely important, especially in the Lisbon Treaty context. Mr. Šemeta noted that the principle areas for Bulgaria to focus its efforts on are fighting corruption and fraud; finalizing the lawsuits, initiated by OLAF and recovering the unrightfully spent EU funding. In this regard, Mr. Šemeta pointed out that good financial governance and fraud control would have key significance in the negotiations on the next financial framework of the EU budget. “The efficiency of Bulgaria’s judicial system is the main problem we address”, the EU Commissioner remarked. He also mentioned that the problem had been identified in the assessment report, prepared within the Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification.

Ms. Panayotova emphasized on the importance of an independent judicial system, sharing her belief that the will for reforms has to emerge from the system itself and shouldn’t be subject to outside influence.Ms. Panayotova, for her part, expressed her confidence that the dialogue between the national parliaments and the European Commission in the light of the Lisbon Treaty would deepen even more in the future. She also highlighted the key functions of the Committee she chairs. She explained that the CEAOEF exercises parliamentary control over the absorption of EU funds in Bulgaria through regular hearings, related to the progress made under the Programs, funded by the EU. This form of parliamentary control over the EU funds management is a necessary corrective and preventive measure and helps Bulgarian authorities in their pursuit of transparent and effective expenditure of the EU funds. The CEAOEF control realizes through the elaboration of Midterm and Annual Reports on the absorption of EU funds in the Republic of Bulgaria, incl. the Schengen Facility. Together with the findings on the progress, achieved under the monitored Operational Programs and financial instruments, these reports also contain a detailed analysis of the problems in the EU funds management system and recommendations for their solution. According to Ms. Panayotova, the MPs from the governing majority highly appreciate the citizens’ control over the EU funds absorption and stay in touch with the direct beneficiaries, who are closer to the real progress and problems of the Operation Programs.She greeted the efforts of the Bulgarian Government to guarantee the transparency of the absorption – the implementation of the UMIS system and the regular meetings between the Managing Authorities and the beneficiaries, dedicated to resolving difficulties in the Grant Schemes application and the practical implementation of the projects.

Monika Panayotova: We don’t have a single political employment of ambassadors since GERB is in power

14/01/2011

We don’t have a single political employment of ambassadors since GERB is in power. This speaks for itself stated from the parliamentary tribune Monika Panayotova from the Political Group of GERB in response to the accusations from Angel Naydenov, that they choose to read which European documents. Angel Naydenov stated that this declaration is a peculiar alibi for peculiar actions, undertaken by the Council of Ministers. By his words it is a source for pressure against the president and is a seemingly a screen.

Panayotova pointed the European documents on which they stood upon from GERB during the preparation of the text of the declaration for recalling the ambassadors. Monika Panayotova pointed the passed by the European Parliament resolution, in which it is clearly pointed, that the EU expresses regret that in some countries the access to documents form personal character is still unexplainably limited. In the quoted texts it is pointed that the EP decisively condemns the crimes of the totalitarian and authoritarian regimes.

Panayotova based herself also on the two main documents with which the status of the Intelligence service is defined, in which it is pointed, that the intelligence is pointed towards the main enemy – the capitalistic from 1963 and later changed during 1973 – that the main target of intelligence is pointed towards the main enemy the USA and its allies – Greece and Turkey. “We really base ourselves on documents, facts. Thanks to all of the rest of the parliamentary groups who have overcome their own private interest”, she pointed. According to her words it is unacceptable in the 21st century to speak about private rule, which holds the public and pointed that it is time to follow the last examples of the countries from Central Europe – Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

Panayotova also said that the alternative that our country will go on will depend on the approach of our head of state and whether he will acknowledge the will of the National Assembly. According to her words if he acknowledges the will of the national representatives the question will arise for what revival is the head of state fighting for. According to her words – it is necessary to state clearly before the our European parents and NATO that Bulgaria is ready to end its dependencies on the totalitarian regime.

Monika Panayotova: There must be a clear sign that Bulgaria wants to renew its diplomatic office

14/01/2011

Monika Panayotova, one of the authors of the declaration of principles on which to withdraw the diplomats, indicated several options to rehabilitate the reputation and prestige of the Foreign Ministry as an institution and the country as a whole. "To give a clear sign that Bulgaria wants to renew its diplomatic service, because it’s unacceptable most unreformed institution for the moment to be the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The second option, which opens is really in a delicate manner to avoid both personal and state discredit. And I think the third option, which opens in front of the head of state, because so far he has always declared that he respects the Constitution, that he unites the nation and from this perspective, it's really an opportunity for him to prove or missed opportunity to actually comply with the will of the National Assembly, "explained Monika Panayotova.