The new old idea for a "two-speed" Europe may seem pragmatic, but in the long run it will lead to a loss of competitiveness and make the union more vulnerable. This was stated by Rumen Radev (President from 2017-2026) in Berlin at a forum of the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade of Germany, his press office reported.
According to him, the European Union (EU) can prosper when the economic success of one member state does not remain isolated, but crosses borders and stimulates common growth.
Radev pointed out that in a world of geopolitical confrontation and disrupted supply chains, stagnation has taken hold in leading European economies, the development of which is also influenced by sustainable ideological models. He stressed that it is Europe that has become a hostage to its own ambition for moral leadership in a world without rules. Therefore, according to him, it needs a higher level of ambition and must adapt quickly to meet the new challenges and strengthen its role in the global world.
Rumen Radev called for finding the right formula for the EU, which does not rely on isolation and division in Europe, but on a realistic assessment of the processes in and outside the EU, which will strengthen its internal unity. In this regard, he also welcomed the recent statement by German Chancellor Merz on the need for the EU to face realities and put competitiveness first.
Radev also pointed out that Bulgaria is part of the common market of the European Union and shares the responsibility for ensuring the security and stability of Europe, as well as for achieving economic growth. Our goal is higher social and economic convergence of Bulgaria and its inclusion in the supply chains for the leading industries with high added value, he believes.
Rumen Radev stressed that Bulgaria and Germany have already proven that their bilateral partnership creates added value and called for this cooperation to focus not only on increasing the value of investments, but also on using the trust in bilateral relations to raise the partnership to an even higher level.
Radev highlighted the traditions and achievements of Bulgaria in the defense industry and science, in space research and the production of microsatellites, in the development of artificial intelligence with the creation of the first Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technologies in Southeast Europe, as well as the strategic location of our country, which is a major transport, energy and digital corridor connecting Europe and Asia.
Yesterday Radev met with Bulgarians in Berlin. He announced that no later than March 4th, he will submit to the Central Election Commission the registration of a coalition with a clear name for participation in the early parliamentary elections.