The European Union is facing a crisis that is rarely seen on the public stage: while the world is moving at an accelerated speed, Europe continues to discuss, negotiate and seek consensus. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, distrust between member states and disputes over strategic autonomy are felt with every news about provocations and disagreements. This was commented on in the studio of "The Day Begins" on BNT by Ivaylo Valchev, a member of the European Parliament from the conservatives and reformists group, elected from the lists of "There is such a people".
"The European Union is in a systemic crisis. While nation states can make decisions faster, Europe lacks clear leadership and direction," Valchev pointed out.
He believes that the crisis is not limited to individual countries such as Germany or France, but encompasses the entire union, with the lack of a unified policy being felt particularly clearly in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.
"It is unclear whether Europe as a whole will stand behind Ukraine or whether individual countries will act according to their own interests," Valchev added.
European citizens cast their votes through the European Parliament elections, but according to Valchev, the result often remains irreversible in political reality:
"The citizens' choice is not directly reflected in the composition of the European Commission. Therefore, the role of the parliament is to tilt the decisions of the commission in a direction that the citizens will feel."
Valchev also criticizes the deals between the EU and the US:
"America is approaching pragmatically – it is ready to negotiate according to its interests. Europe has tried to remain united, but internal differences complicate the process."
On the topic of Ukraine, the MEP uses a vivid metaphor:
"Promising membership to Ukraine without being able to provide it is like giving a security company a door sticker – it is clear that someone is watching, but real protection is missing."
According to him, the EU's problems are also organizational:
"The consensus model makes quick decisions difficult. The right of veto guarantees the protection of all countries, but slows down the reaction of the union," explained Valchev.
The domestic political situation in Bulgaria also does not leave him indifferent:
"Bulgarian political life resembles a situation in which various creditors come and stick stickers on the door. Votes of no confidence are becoming a routine practice that follows external action programs, not national interests,", he believes.
Ivaylo Valchev emphasized the need for effective governance and dialogue with society:
"Government must be sensitive to what is happening and show that it hears citizens. Europe and Bulgaria are facing complex geopolitical and domestic political challenges, and the key is efficiency, leadership and consistent action."