Bulgarian gov't unveils its EU presidency priorities

SOFIA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Bulgarian government here on Wednesday approved the priorities of the country's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), the cabinet said in a statement.

According to the statement, the Bulgarian EU presidency would have four top priorities: The future of Europe and young people -- economic growth and social cohesion, European perspective and connectivity of the Western Balkans, security and stability in a strong and united Europe, and digital economy and skills of the future.

Under the first priority, Bulgaria would focus on topics such as the EU Multiannual Financial Framework after 2020, Cohesion Policy after 2020, and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as the "young people who take a central place in the debate on Europe's future," the statement said.

"On the second priority, we will work to provide a tangible European perspective for all the Western Balkan countries, and it is of particular importance to us to deepen regional cooperation and the development of good neighborly relations," it said.

For the third, Bulgaria would focus efforts on enhancing the security of EU citizens, strengthening border control, and managing migration more effectively, according to the statement.

The fourth priority would place emphasis on competitiveness, digital single market, promotion of entrepreneurship and social innovation, and the future of labor in the digital Europe, the statement said.

Bulgaria will chair the Council of the EU in the first half of 2018. Enditem