What do the Bulgarian MEPs do - at the end of their mandate, the representatives of our country in the European Parliament answer to flash questions on nova.bg. How they change life in Bulgaria, how far is Sofia from Brussels and why is it important to vote – answered by Andrey Novakov from GERB-SDS.
Why is it important for Bulgaria to have MEPs?
- It is important because the decisions we make here in the European Parliament affect the future of our country in the next 30 years. And if we do not want to follow the events, to adapt to something that has already been imposed on us, to feel like second-hand Europeans, to send people to the European Parliament who know what they are doing. And our interests will be woven into the legislation that is currently being voted on, so that Bulgaria gains even more from the European Union.
How does your work help Bulgarian citizens?
- I would talk about our work, of the Bulgarian delegation, not only mine. Because every effort I have made, regardless of whether it is for rose oil, for the Bulgarian transport industry, or for Bulgarian municipalities and European funding, has been achieved with the efforts of many people or at least with the support of many people.
Why are Bulgarians not so interested in the work of the European Parliament?
- Bulgarians feel that Brussels is far away, they feel that they are part of foreign decisions, because, perhaps, the European Union does not communicate well enough in the language of the people, and often everything that is good is considered to be done, thanks to the ministers and the mayors.
And everything bad comes from Brussels. However, the truth is quite different. I believe that one of the challenges that must be overcome, including the European Parliament, as the only democratically elected institution of the EU, is to start speaking a human language, so that people know how important work is being done here and how key it is to the normal development of each country.
What else should a Bulgarian know about the work of MEPs?
- He should know that thanks to the work, including of the Bulgarian MEPs, the Bulgarian rose oil was saved, there is a breath of air for the Bulgarian transport industry, it is expected very soon that the EU Court will cancel part of the “Mobility” package. Thanks to the European Parliament and MEPs, Bulgaria has access to funding that it would never have otherwise. It remains for Bulgaria to be able to get it and break once and for all with the Orient and become a modern European country.
Three things that have changed in Bulgaria thanks to your work?
- Huge funding for Bulgarian municipalities. Better conditions for transport and logistics in Bulgaria and Europe. Or, at the very least, avoiding much worse conditions for it. Saving the Bulgarian rose oil, which was supposed to be declared a dangerous product and in the end can now be freely sold all over Europe.
Why is it important for Bulgarians to vote on June 9 in the European Parliament elections?
- Vote so others don't vote for you. And make it so that with the people you send, instead of being ashamed, you are proud.
How far is Sofia from Brussels?
- Sofia is much closer to Brussels than you think.
Between 6 and 9 June 2024, over 370 million people in 27 Member States will be called to the polls to vote in the European elections. In Bulgaria, the European vote will be held together with the National Assembly elections on June 9. Our country will broadcast 17 members of the European Parliament.