Traditional meeting of the EU Club at BCCI on the occasion of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The EU Club at the BCCI welcomed the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU during its regular meeting, which this year took place on 7^th January at the Chamber’s headquarters. The EU Club at BCCI traditionally meets on occasion of the change of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU every six months. The event was organized by Enterprise Europe Network – the largest network in support of business. More than 110 public officials, ambassadors, commercial counsellors of the member states, companies, and media attended the meeting.

In his opening speech, the President of BCCI Tsvetan Simeonov expressed his confidence that the great interest in the meeting was not coincidental and the Dutch Presidency will ensure the necessary common European approach to address the challenges facing the Union.

Mrs. Sasha Bezuhanova, Honorary Consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, presented the results achieved during the Presidency of the Council of the EU by Luxembourg, saying that the past six months were especially difficult for the EU. In spite of the challenges, Luxembourg has successfully managed to implement its ambitious programme, while at the same time ensuring an open approach in the formulation of measures aimed at dealing with the migration crisis and strengthening the external borders.

H.E. Thomas van Oorschot, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria, presented the priorities of the Netherlands for its 12^th Presidency of the Council of the EU, and assured the participants that the country’s efforts will be focused on improving cooperation in Europe. The emphasis will be on prosperity, freedom and security in the EU. The specific objectives of the Dutch Presidency are aimed at improving migration and international security, opening new jobs through innovation, ensuring stable finances and strong Eurozone, and helping fight climate change through sustainable economic development.