The Euroclub at BCCI Dedicated Its First Meeting of 2025 to the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU

A meeting of the Euroclub, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, was held at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The President of BCCI, Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, officially opened the event, stating that through the Euroclub, the Chamber will continue to make proposals for improving the economic environment in the EU and strengthening the EU’s position in international trade and cooperation.

The discussion topics included the first 100 days of the new European Commission, Bulgaria in Schengen—advantages and challenges, the achievements during Hungary’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024, and the priorities of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.

"As it has already become a tradition at the beginning of each EU member state's presidency, we organize this meeting, bringing together businesses with representatives of the regional business community, the diplomatic corps, trade representatives, and, of course, the media, with one important goal—to maintain strong support among Bulgarians for the country’s EU membership," said Mr. Simeonov.

The event was attended by H.E. Mr. Miklós Boros, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary, Anna Janiszewska-Frączek, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Prof. Ingrid Shikova, President of the Euroclub and founder of the Department of European Studies at Sofia University, Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, politicians, bankers, and entrepreneurs—members of BCCI.

Prof. Ingrid Shikova, President of the Euroclub, emphasized that "security" and "competitiveness" will be the two defining priorities for the EU in 2025. She referenced a key message from the President of EC Ursula von der Leyen's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where von der Leyen underscored the evolving global landscape and the necessity for the EU to adapt accordingly.

Prof. Shikova extended her congratulations to the Euroclub on its 25th anniversary, highlighting that the club now boasts a membership of over 700 individuals from across the country.

The President of BCCI, Tsvetan Simeonov, presented a special award to Hungary’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Miklós Boros, in recognition of Hungary’s significant contribution to Bulgaria’s and Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area. Ambassador Boros was honored with an exclusive solid silver medal, specially made by BCCI.

Mr. Simeonov described the full accession of both neighboring countries to Schengen as of January 1, 2025, as a "great victory for both Bulgaria and Romania”. He also highlighted a connection between this achievement and the recent enthusiasm for the development of Bulgarian-Greek relations, which was evident at both the Fifth Sofia Economic Forum, held earlier this week, and a recent meeting of the Bulgarian-Greek Chamber, attended by representatives of Greek institutions.

"The accession of Bulgaria to Schengen and this achievement was the result of the work of many partners," noted Ambassador Miklós Boros.

"Your country deserved to join this community long ago," he added. In fact, the decision of the Council of the EU in December 2024 to remove land border checks for Bulgaria and Romania was highlighted as one of the achievements of Hungary’s Presidency over the past six months. The ambassador also shared other accomplishments of the Hungarian Presidency.

Poland’s Presidency of the European Union, covering the first half of 2025, will focus on various dimensions of security, including internal, external, economic, informational, energy, health, and food security. This was stated by Anna Janiszewska-Frączek, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, during the Euroclub meeting at BCCI.

"In the context of global challenges, we must ensure the security of our societies and businesses, as they are of utmost importance and require strategic actions," she said, adding that the motto of the Polish Presidency is "Security, Europe!"