► H.E. Charalambos Kafkaridis: Autonomy and openness to the world are the messages of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU
► Tsvetan Simeonov: With the introduction of the single currency – the euro, Bulgaria completes its full integration into the EU
► Diplomats congratulated Bulgaria on its membership in the Eurozone - an important stage not only for Bulgaria, but also for the better integration of the entire Community.
The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the Euroclub meeting, dedicated to the end of the Danish Presidency and the beginning of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Tsvetan Simeonov, President of the BCCI, opened the event and sent the message that with the introduction of the single currency – the euro, Bulgaria completes its full integration into the EU.
“The goal of the Euroclub at the BCCI is to maintain a high level of public opinion in favor of Bulgaria’s European integration,” Simeonov recalled. “The European Union is a project that has proven its sustainability over the years,” he added, assuring those present that the chamber stands firmly behind European integration.
The BCCI Chairman called on all EU member states to take care of the development of the Community, so that the Union becomes the most attractive place for investments in the world.
Among the guests of the event were Doncho Barbalov, retired Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, members of the BCCI Board of Directors, and journalists.
"Bulgaria is already at the core of the EU as part of the Schengen area and the Eurozone. It is time to rejoice in the success achieved and move forward." This call was made by Prof. Ingrid Shikova, Chairwoman of the Euroclub at the BCCI.
H.E. Fleming Stender, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Bulgaria, also took an active part in the meeting and shared that his country has done everything in its power to convince the Community of the importance of the leading priorities - security and competitiveness of the EU. He reported on the successes of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2025, guided by the motto "Secure Europe in a Changing World".
Regarding security, the ambassador noted the work done for Ukraine and the signed agreement between European leaders, supported by 24 member states, to provide a loan to Kiev.
Regarding defense, the diplomat highlighted the signed agreement on the military-industrial complex in Europe and the support for the EC roadmap for the readiness that the Community must achieve in the field of defense by 2030.
Among the successes of the Danish Presidency is the declaration of the member states, which states the common commitment to a safer internet environment by introducing clear European requirements for social networks and verifying the age of users.
On competitiveness - Denmark's second key priority, Ambassador Stender highlighted the legislation from the omnibus package and steps to reduce bureaucracy; the negotiations launched on the multiannual financial framework; the topic of climate change and ensuring that the EU remains a leader on climate change and the achievements in the field of trade, where the agreement with Mercosur is almost finalized; the beginning of the approval process for the agreement with Mexico, and work on other agreements, including with Indonesia.
Autonomy and openness to the world – this is the main message of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will continue for the next six months. This was stated by H.E. Charalambos Kafkarides, Ambassador of Cyprus to Bulgaria, during the Euroclub meeting.
He stated that in the current times of challenges for Europe, autonomy is associated with many topics - security; defense; economy; energy; trade; competitiveness; digital and social connectivity.
"We are convinced that this is the moment for Europe to rethink its future," Kafkaridis added. "This is what is expected of us as a leader. And indeed, we remain a leading force, a stable and predictable global partner, working for multilateralism and standing firm behind our principles of the rule of law."
The Cyprus Presidency is based on five pillars: security, defense and preparedness; competitiveness; openness to the world; a Union of values and a long-term budget.
The diplomats present congratulated Bulgaria on its membership in the Eurozone, stressing that its accession to the monetary union is a very important stage not only for Bulgaria, but also for the better integration of the entire Community.