Greek crisis can have political, economic impact on Bulgaria: Deputy PM

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Kuneva here on Wednesday said the ongoing crisis in Greece could have political and economic impacts on Bulgaria, but that they shouldn't give up on the troubled country.

Kuneva made these statements at a press conference answering a question about the possible risks for Bulgaria in case Greece goes bankrupt and exits the eurozone.

"We should not think that there is no way and no further steps in which Greece could remain in the eurozone, an active member of the European Union, and at the same time to return on the path that all European countries follow: discipline, respect for the principles, negotiations, regain the trust," said Kuneva, who is responsible for European policy coordination and institutional affairs.

Kuneva said that dealing with the Greek crisis would show the degree of effectiveness of the EU.

The crisis in Greece would also bring economic consequences because Bulgaria trades with Greece, and many Bulgarians work there, Kuneva said. Greece shares a 493-km border with Bulgaria, and is among the largest business partners of its northern neighbor.

"Another thing that bothers me is how Greece will co-fund our joint projects such as the gas interconnector, and other projects that have priority," she said. They were part of the EU's priorities, but she said she would like to have firm guarantees that the projects would not stop in the middle, she said. Endit