Standart News

- Mrs. Zheleva, are you pleased with the portfolio of EU Commissioner on International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response in the future European Commission and what was your first reaction and the reaction of your team?
- Yes, I feel satisfied, the members of my team were glad to hear the news, too. As a matter of fact, international cooperation is the other name for foreign policy. I think that this portfolio gives Bulgaria a chance to finally demonstrate its true potential and I really hope that my work will contribute to this cause, as well.
- What exactly will be the essence of your work in your capacity of EU Commissioner on International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response?
- The portfolio includes the responsibility for the Europe's humanitarian aid as a whole. The international cooperation includes international contacts in certain parts of the world.
- Why didn?t Bulgaria receive the Enlargement portfolio as we expected?
- It is very simple. Bulgaria borders on countries, which aspire for EU membership and I think in certain aspects it would have seemed as conflict of interests (Turkey and Macedonia are candidates for EU membership - ed.?s note).  To a great extent the reason is everything we have as open bilateral relations. Over the last few months I have tried many times to talk about good neighbourly relations. I believe in a Europe without borders. Bulgaria receives a unique chance to participate in something which happens for a first time and namely, the formation of a common foreign policy. With this in mind I am satisfied with Bulgaria having this opportunity.

Krassimira Temelkova