For six years, I led the negotiations for our entry into the EU and in almost every regular report, in every one of my participations, the question was: “What will happen to us after we enter the EU and what place will we occupy there?” After we entered, 20 years later, the question is the same. This was commented on bTV by former European Commissioner Meglena Kuneva.
“I have warned many times that they are not adopting us. No matter how much they want to impose order and culture from the outside, this will not happen – we must demand it. Comparing ourselves to other countries – yes, we missed our chance. Look at Croatia. It built a miracle - a unique bridge. Ireland some time ago, for example, Portugal too. We have not built our state – to have no corruption, to have a competent administration. With us there is no difference between political and administrative leadership“, she emphasized.
In her words, the answer to the question “Where are we in the EU?” will be: “Where did national psychology put us.”
“The eurozone – this is part of the treaty with the EU that we signed. It depends on whether we are ready, whether we want to – we want to, as if there is a majority for it. Joining the eurozone is useful for our country. We are tied to the euro anyway – we are in a currency board, but now someone else makes the decisions instead of us, we have no voice. Joining the eurozone is a way to help you, as in the case of Greece,“ said Kuneva.
She is adamant that the EU's strength lies in its flexibility: “This gives the Union stability. Decisions are not made unilaterally, this is a huge advantage.“
“I am proud of the EU. Support for Ukraine does not depend on who is in power. It is consistent, clear and does not change,“ the former European Commissioner also said.