/ world today news/ Even after Brexit, the EU will survive and continue its mission as a union of stability and prosperity, says the leader of the Party of European Socialists, says the leader of the PES and former chairman of the BSP, Sergey Stanishev.
– Mr. Stanishev, you defined the date of the referendum in Great Britain as a synonym for “political earthquake”. What are the lessons for the EU after Brexit?
– Yes, I think it is a political earthquake, because 66 years after its creation (the European Coal and Steel Community in 1950) the EU first faced division. Its nature as a union of union and accession, of peace and prosperity, was called into question. The political lessons are painful. Both for politicians and for people. Some played this card to win parliamentary elections and collect dividends for their parties. Others were misled by false claims and irresponsible campaigns. And this brought the country to the most dangerous division. Not only because of the danger of upcoming independence referendums in Scotland and Northern Ireland. And because of the suddenly gaping gap between young and old. With this result, Britain turned its back on the future.
– What will be the fate of the EU from now on?
– Despite all the obstacles, the EU will survive. Moreover, it will continue its mission as a Union of stability and prosperity. But the overall lesson of Brexit is that we are stronger together.
That is why we, the European socialists, did everything possible to save Greece. The results showed that populism and pseudo-nationalism are gaining strength, and Europeans are disillusioned with the European project. The right imposed the policy of restrictions, but in doing so they did irreparable damage to its essence and core values. Social Europe has become a myth. Now is the time for action and leadership. PES is ready with a new agenda for Europe, which we will discuss with the leaders of the left parties in Paris next week.
– A few days ago you launched your campaign for the European Youth Plan. Are the “adequate measures” that you will propose launched through the youth?
– Yes, to a significant extent, the measures are aimed at young people. It is unacceptable that unemployment among them is twice as high as the average in any member country. According to a survey, over 87% of young people believe that they will live worse than their parents.
Deprived of perspective, they become the easiest victims of nationalism, populism, xenophobia and radicalism. Is this how we imagine the future of Europe? That is why we have proposed this plan and will push to increase funding for the Youth Guarantee to €20 billion by 2019.
– What should be Bulgaria’s position in the new European situation? The Prime Minister stated that now is the time to stand up for our acceptance into Schengen and energy projects.
– I have always said that Bulgaria must have a consistent and clearly stated position, reflecting our national interest. Let’s stop “sneaking in” with suggestions depending on the situation. I’m not saying we shouldn’t take advantage of the situation, but if we’ve stated it repeatedly, there’s a better chance of being heard. That is why I started the campaign for our entry into Schengen some time ago. I believe that we should insist on this constantly, and not depending on the circumstances to condescend or to rush in with pressures for emergency entry. I would be very happy if the Prime Minister stood up for at least one of the important energy projects for Bulgaria. It’s easy to just rant and rave. It’s hard when you sit down at the negotiating table.
– There is a possibility that Bulgaria’s presidency will move 6 months earlier, will we be ready for that?
– The presidency of the EU is a huge political task. As a Bulgarian, I really want our country to present itself with dignity. And I would contribute. But let’s realize what this means: leadership, a vision for the future of the EU, exceptional diplomacy, professionalism, will and responsibility. And while we think that Brussels is the boss, and we are from the countries in the queue, let us not be surprised that everyone treats us in this way. The chairmanship is a national effort. It must be our cause, as accession was. And here everyone must be on the same level: government, parliament, administration, civil society, media. So let’s stop cowering in terror and juggling deadlines, and instead spark a national discussion and commitment at the highest level.
– Do you expect that after the referendum in Great Britain there will be a strengthening of anti-European sentiments in our country? Volen Siderov again talked about leaving the EU.
– There is no ground for Euroscepticism in Bulgaria. Our membership benefits are visible. It is true that Europe did not fill our fridges, but as someone who was at the helm of the country during the accession, I can safely say that the predictions have come true. Today, many people travel, work or study in the EU. And our country is at the leaders’ table in Brussels, participates in important decisions and receives European funds. I am convinced that especially today even big countries like Germany and France could not handle these crises alone. That is why the difficulties before Great Britain are yet to come. Imagine how Bulgaria would swim alone in this turbulent sea if it did not have its European affiliation.
– Do you follow the work of the new BSP leader Cornelia Ninova? Is the party better off with a woman at the helm?
– For sure – more beautiful (laughs). Each new leader brings a sense of change and energy to his party. And I’m happy about that. Cornelia got off to a strong start, and I’m pleased that she’s following the direction I had as a leader: strong opposition to management, with bright and memorable ones. With a vision for the future of the country and people’s lives. She has difficult decisions ahead of her, a difficult campaign, and the bearing of a huge responsibility. But this is what defines a leader, not whether he wears trousers or a skirt. I believe he will succeed.
– Ninova actively threw herself on the international front – the day after her return from Moscow she met with the American ambassador, she is about to participate in the meeting of the PES leaders in Paris, what is the response among your colleagues in Europe?
– I invited her to Paris for the meeting of the PES leaders and I am doing everything possible for her good positioning. I want my party – BSP – to have a strong position and a recognizable leader. I remember how hard it was for us to win our European identity. Our membership in Socinterna and in PES is not for nothing. And defending these positions is constant and time-consuming work.
– What are your expectations for the results of the internal party referendum? What is the winning formula for presidential elections?
– The internal party poll is a good idea. Let the people in the party say what they think. Personally, I think that the BSP was strongest when it was open: to the citizens, to the middle class, to the liberal professions, to the young. And this should be our formula: to raise a recognizable authoritative figure who will win the votes of these Bulgarians.
– Do you already have a name – a favorite for the left-wing presidential candidate?
– You don’t expect me to say that, do you? ( Laughs. ) It’s natural to have suggestions. And I have shared them in the party. Have no doubt that I will stand by the presidential couple on the campaign trail, as I have done in every election. We have an uphill battle ahead of us, because GERB is aiming for life and death victory. But I am convinced that we can make a strong campaign and win the presidential election. BSP must win the election with a strong candidature.
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