We live in a world that is in unprecedented competition and race. The fight is who will be the first to develop the technologies that will shape the coming decades. The young generation is called to participate in the efforts that will make Europe a world leader in innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. The Europe of the young generation means, above all, a Europe in which scientific research and innovation are placed at the center of our economies. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who delivered a lecture to students from the University of Montenegro in Podgorica on the topic “Europe of the Young Generation: The Benefits of EU Membership and Lessons from Bulgaria“.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov was categorical that achieving the goals in the field of digital technologies and building a true digital single market will be turning points for the productivity and competitiveness of the EU in the coming years. That is why a new European Prosperity Plan is already underway with ambitious goals for the period 2024-2029 and a package of emergency measures with an emphasis on research and innovation, productivity, digital technologies. Intensive work is also being done to ensure access to new supercomputer capacity, specifically designed for start-ups and industry in the field of artificial intelligence. Europe's young talents will be able to benefit from increased research spending to make the technological revolution faster and more transformative, Zhelyazkov stressed. According to him, the inclusion of lifelong learning in education and professional development is of fundamental importance. In this context, the strengthening of the “Erasmus+“ program is also important, so that more people can benefit from it.
The main focus for the European Union will remain competitiveness, security and defense, European social justice, quality of life, democracy and our values, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also emphasized. The Prime Minister pointed out that the young generation of Europeans has the opportunity to work for a new era of inventions. Be brave, be curious, be uncompromising, believe in yourself and be sure that you will be victorious, Zhelyazkov addressed the students.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also emphasized the deep historical, cultural and spiritual ties between Bulgaria and Montenegro. History abounds with examples of friendship, but the most important thing is that today we are together on our common European path, said the Prime Minister. Zhelyazkov paid special attention to Bulgaria's support for Montenegro's European integration. We congratulate you on what you have achieved and encourage you to maintain the course of reforms, said the Prime Minister.
In front of the students, Zhelyazkov shared his vision of EU membership as a won dignity for a people, as the ability to believe in yourself, to stand up for yourself and at the same time to respect and partner with others. Being independent for a long time does not mean that you have fenced yourself off from your neighbors and the world; in today's times, what is required above all is the awareness of the interdependence of all countries and peoples, the awareness of the vast network of commercial, cultural, political, and ecological ties that connect us all on this globe, the Prime Minister noted. According to Zhelyazkov, being independent today means preserving and developing the traditions and values of your national life, while at the same time taking and giving goods, services, ideas, and knowledge, thus participating in the vast global exchange, in the vast global network. Being independent today means participating on an equal footing in the European Union and NATO, standing up for your point of view there, cooperating together with others to strengthen these unions, for the prosperity of Europe, for freedom and democracy around the world, the Prime Minister also emphasized.