19.04.2018
Young people and their development are the future of the Western Balkans, said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, who participated at the closing of the European Youth Conference in Sofia. In his speech, the Prime Minister underlined the connection between two of the main priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council - the Western Balkans and the future of Europe and the young. Borissov highlighted the unanimous opinion of European leaders in respect to the need for European integration of the countries from the region. "We have to take things in this direction because young people from the Balkans move to developed countries. That is why we must in all ways possible help and encourage these countries to keep young people stay and develop in the Balkans. They are not only the future, they are the present," the Prime Minister said.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister welcomed the European Commission decision to start accession negotiations with Albania and the Republic of Macedonia, and underlined that "black holes" should not be allowed on the map of Europe and all countries in the region should have a clear European perspective. "We need the political elites there, together with us, with all our efforts, to help," he said.
The Prime Minister mentioned the forum devoted to digital education and new technologies held earlier in the day. He stated that the European Youth Conference enables young people not only to voice their priorities but also to actively participate in the processess related to those.
Borissov also highlighted the importance of education for the development of young people, noting that for the last year thanks to the measures taken by the government in this field, more than 20,000 children who had previously dropped out of the education system have returned to the classrooms.
The forum took place in Sofia from 17 to 19 April as part of the calendar of the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency and touched upon one of Bulgaria's main priorities - the future of Europe and young people. The Bulgarian government is the first to put young people and the future of Europe among the horizontal priorities within its Presidency. This is in line with its aim for a policy of high quality and sustainable youth development.
The conference was attended by 250 young people and representatives of institutions responsible for youth from EU Member States, as well as the Western Balkan countries, and the Eastern Partnership.
