Stanishev invites Europe so it won’t come on its own

Sofia. Yesterday, protesting policemen addressed a complaint to the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, instead of the Minister of Internal Affairs Mihail Mikov, person in charge of solving their problems. The Mayor of Sofia Boyko Borisov also writes letters of complaint directly to Brussels.

The change of authority in Bulgaria represents a threat mainly to the Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev. Today, the PM will convene a meeting with EU ambassadors for the official presentation of a plan he introduced 10 days ago to the President of the EC Jose Barroso.

The immediate negative response of the EC spokesman Mark Gray and the harsh comments of the PM’s political rivals provoked Stanishev to correct his project to better satisfy the public opinion in Bulgaria and Europe.

“It is essential that the process of reforms be revived and that Bulgaria takes better advantage of the aid”, the EC said in its annual report on July 23 2008.”All member states must resume their efforts to support Bulgaria on its path to success.

Bulgaria has admitted that it is in need of high-level independent expertise.”
It would seem Stanishev understood the message, but when he made an attempt to realize it in his new plan, the EC suspected a stratagem.

Last year, the EC stated that it was ready to work in cooperation with Bulgaria and other EU member states, but that the recipients of its aid should provide access to information and take advantage of the advises effectively, allowing the advance of reforms.

In the end of 2008 Mark Gray stated “Bulgaria’s progress must be realized in the frames of the present mechanisms for cooperation and not trough the establishment of parallel processes and structures.”

In the pre-election period it is perfectly clear that European politicians are looking for Bulgarian partners that are willing to follow their recommendations. The leader of the Citizens for European Development party Boyko Borisov has strongly voiced his opinion that all matters must be decided “there, in Brussels”.

Stanishev made an attempt to resist the tendency by spreading EU skepticism, but realized he was bound to lose. Now the PM is trying to outrun Borisov by vowing his loyalty to Europe