Being EU Member Guarantees Prosperity, Security - Bulgarian President

According to Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev, being a member of the EU is the only only way forward for achieving prosperity, safety and security.

Plevneliev wants Bulgaria to be a proud member of the EU and not subordinate to one of the world powers.

The Bulgarian president said this in an interview for Euronews broadcasted on Thursday. The interview is part of "The Global Conversation" series in which world leaders are questioned on global problems.

The main topics discussed in the interview are the migrant crisis, Ukraine and relations with the EU and Russia.

Large part of the interview is devoted to Plevneliev's recent visit to Ukraine where he was presented with the "Person of the Year" award in recognition of his support for the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine.

The Bulgarian president expresses concern about the Russian behaviour, not just its involvement in Ukraine, but generally.

According to him, the Russian policy based on its ambitions as a world power and its spheres of influence is a very wrong one and should stay back in the 19th century.

In his opinion, in the 21st century nations should be strong with the success of their people rather than with their armies.

Plevneliev makes it clear that he wants to maintain friendly relations with everyone, including Russia, noting his love for Russian culture and people.

However he can not agree with the violation of international law and order and the renewal of frozen conflicts.

As regards the counter-measures introduced by Russia in response to the sanctions imposed by the EU, he notes that Bulgaria, in particular its agriculture and tourism, has sustained significant losses.

Turning to energy, Plevneliev notes Bulgaria's dependence...