Towards the
end of October, myself together with 3 other Maltese students, were given the news that we’re about to fly to
Bulgaria on an Erasmus+ project, which aims to bring forward aspects of
European Democracy. The purpose of this exchange hosted by JEF Bulgaria was to
come up with proposals encapsulating the common European Interest. However,
this seminar was not only an academic one, but it was also an experience of
meeting 20 other youths from 10 different EU Member States who shared their
opinions and views.
During the week of my stay in Sofia, different
speakers and representatives joined us to share their perspectives on a more
unified Europe, and affairs linked to their careers.
EXPECTATIONS
FROM THE BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY
A Bulgarian representative for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to talk about the Bulgarian presidency which
will take place between January and June 2018. The presentation kicked off with
a brief reference to Juncker’s five possible scenarios for the Future of
Europe. According to him, enhanced cooperation, more growth in economy and
employment and a stronger connectivity between Europe and the Western Balkans
is expected from Bulgaria’s presidency.
THE FRENCH
VISION TO REBUILD EUROPE
French
Ambassador H.E Eric Lyobedel made an appearance on the morning of the second
day. He indicated that no federal state will be formed in the near future and
only a handful of the possible scenarios proposed by Juncker will occur soon.
In addition he said that Europe will be looking for new partnerships with the
African nations particularly those in the Mediterranean while expressing his views against a multi-speed Europe, before allocating
some minutes for questions and brief dialogues.
"A Federalist Europe will not happen anytime soon"
THE CATALAN
CRISIS
One of the
participants who was on the exchange with us, Pablo Del Río Loira from Sevilla
in Spain, created a presentation about the independence issue in Catalonia to such a state.
From a Spanish
perspective, ideas were drawn in relation to the underlying principles as to
why Catalonia wants to be separate from Spain. The northern region is firstly
one of the top three biggest economies in the country. In addition one can also
make a case about the cultural differences experienced from both sides.
It was an
incredibly interesting presentation, one which stood out at the end of the
week, when all the seminars were recapitulated.
MEETING WITH
BULGARIAN MEP ANDREY KOVATCHEV + THE PRESIDENT OF THE UEF BULGARIA, MONICA PONAYOTOVA
UEF President
Ponayotova came to discuss certain issues that have been troubling Europe at
the moment; some of which include excessive migration, Euroscepticism, sliming
down of the Commission and increased autonomy in states like Catalonia, Scotland
and Wallonia, among other problems. Not only did she express her opinion about
these matters, but she also spoke about how the EU should tackle such issues in
the best way possible.
MEP Kovatchev also
gave an insight to this, while he focused on how his country developed since EU
membership. He discussed the EU in relation to the political parties in
Bulgaria, who is in favour and who is not, as well as Russian influence in the
country. Bulgaria being one of the EU countries that was most exposed to Russia
in the past, it is not easy for them to stay loyal to the EU in all aspects,
but Kovatchev explained that the union is the Bulgarian priority over any trade
deal or relation with Russia. In addition, he shed light on countries like
Georgia and Ukraine who desirecloser ties with the EU but are unable to due to
regional conflict. Both speakers were very well informed and gave excellent
speeches and presentations.
Conclusion
The week that
was spent in Sofia was an incredible experience, one which we wouldn’t have
wanted to miss for the world. A lot was learnt and we came back appreciating European
identity a whole lot more. Me and my friends took so much from it, definitely
more than we gave, and what tops it off is the friends and contacts that we
made from all over Europe. Of course, this trip wouldn’t have been possible
without JEF Malta, whom I would like to thank.
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| Before the start of a presentation |
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