On the 1st of January 2018, the first Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council was Launched.

On the 11^th of January, there was a ceremonial opening of the Presidency in the Ivan Vazov National Theater. It was attended by many official guests, including members of the European Commission, a number of foreign delegations and ambassadors accredited in our country. Here were also the European Council President Donald Tusk, the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani, who welcomed the attendees. On behalf of the Bulgarian side spoke thePresident of the Republic - Rumen Radev, the National Assembly President - Tsveta Karaiancheva, the Prime Minister - Boyko Borissov and the Minister of the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency Lilyana Pavlova. After the greetings, the guests enjoyed a concert of traditional and modern folklore performances.

Of course, before and after the event - on the 11^th and 12^th of January, a series of meetings and bilateral talks were held. They focused on the priorities of Bulgaria during the presidency: the future of Europe and the young people, the European perspective and the connectivity of the Western Balkans, the security and stability in a strong and united Europe, the digital economy and the skills of the future.

Photo: EU2018BG