Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe:International rules for cross-border access to e-evidence: CCBE urges the Commission to postpone negotiations with the U.S. and the Council of Europe

PRESS RELEASE International rules for cross-border access to e-evidence: CCBE urges the Commission to postpone negotiations with the U.S. and the Council of Europe

The CCBE has made several recommendations following a critical assessment of the proposed reforms to the international rules governing cross-border access to e-evidence for the purpose of criminal investigations.

Following the proposed regulation on European Production and Preservation Orders for e-evidence in criminal matters (“e-evidence proposal”), the Commission recently presented two negotiating mandates, one for negotiations with the United States and one on the Second Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe “Budapest” Convention on Cybercrime. Under these proposals, law enforcement authorities would have the right to compel international data transfers from service providers located in another jurisdiction without the need for a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). This direct cooperation between law enforcement authorities and service providers would circumvent the current system which is underpinned by stringent judicial oversight procedures, and would also put the confidentiality of lawyer-client communications at risk. The objective of the proposed legislation is to drive efficiency in the way in which cross-border access to e-evidence is sought and processed. The CCBE acknowledges the deficiencies and procedural fragmentation evident under the current rules. However, the removal of the in-built safeguards which characterise the MLAT process have the potential to significantly undermine procedural safeguards. Instead, the CCBE favours the approach of reviewing and improving current MLA procedures, for example by making them faster through the use of digitisation and by taking measures to better equip national authorities to respond to cross-border requests. CCBE President José de Freitas underlined that, ‘’Worryingly, the Council, instead of remedying the major defects which were already contained in the original e-evidence proposal, has exacerbated and undermined the already inadequate procedural safeguards which were present in the Commission proposal. To use this instrument already as a basis for the negotiation of international agreements, without waiting until the European Parliament has taken a stance on the file, undermines the democratic process and must therefore be postponed.” In its position paper, the CCBE outlines three key precautionary recommendations, as well as seven contingency recommendations should the proposal continue along the current trajectory by establishing direct cooperation instruments. The CCBE welcomes the more sceptical approach taken by the European Parliament. The Rapporteur for the file, Birgit Sippel, has published a series of working documents which critically assess in detail many of the key issues facing the proposal. These working documents will serve as the basis for the preparation of the draft report of the LIBE Committee, which will be produced by the new Parliament following the upcoming elections. About the CCBE The CCBE represents the bars and law societies of 45 countries and through them more than 1 million European lawyers.

For further information please contact: Simone Cuomo Senior Legal Advisor Tel: +32 (0)2 234 65 10 cuomo@ccbe.eu

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE Règles internationales pour l’accès transfrontalier à la preuve électronique : Le CCBE exhorte la Commission à reporter les négociations avec les Etats-Unis et le Conseil de l'Europe

Le CCBE a formulé plusieurs recommandations à la suite d'une évaluation critique des réformes proposées aux règles internationales pour l’accès transfrontalier à la preuve électronique dans le cadre d'enquêtes pénales.

À la suite de la proposition de règlement relatif aux injonctions européennes de production et de conservation de preuves électroniques en matière pénale (« proposition relative aux preuves électroniques »), la Commission a récemment présenté deux mandats de négociation, l'un pour les négociations avec les États-Unis et l'autre sur le deuxième protocole additionnel à la convention de « Budapest » sur la cybercriminalité du Conseil de l’Europe. En vertu de ces propositions, les autorités chargées de l'application de la loi auraient le droit d'exiger des transferts internationaux de données de la part de fournisseurs de services situés dans une autre juridiction sans qu'il soit nécessaire de conclure un traité d'entraide judiciaire. Cette coopération directe entre les autorités et les fournisseurs de services contournerait le système actuel qui repose sur des procédures de contrôle juridictionnel rigoureuses et mettrait également en péril la confidentialité des communications avocat-client. L'objectif de la législation proposée est d'améliorer l'efficacité de la demande et du traitement de l'accès transfrontalier à la preuve électronique. Le CCBE reconnaît les failles et la fragmentation procédurale évidentes dans les règles actuelles. Toutefois, la suppression des garanties intégrées qui caractérisent le processus d'entraide judiciaire risque de compromettre considérablement les garanties procédurales. Le CCBE privilégie plutôt l'approche consistant à revoir et à améliorer les procédures d'entraide judiciaire actuelles, par exemple en les rendant plus rapides grâce à l'utilisation de la numérisation et en prenant des mesures pour mieux équiper les autorités nationales afin de répondre aux demandes transfrontalières. Le président du CCBE, José de Freitas, a précisé : « Il est inquiétant de constater que le Conseil, au lieu de remédier aux défauts majeurs qui figuraient déjà dans la proposition initiale sur la preuve électronique, a exacerbé et a fragilisé les garanties de procédure déjà insuffisantes qui étaient présentes dans la proposition de la Commission. Utiliser d’ores et déjà cet instrument pour la négociation d'accords internationaux sans attendre que le Parlement européen ait pris position sur le dossier compromet le processus démocratique et doit donc être reporté. » Dans sa position, le CCBE présente trois recommandations préventives majeures, ainsi que sept recommandations dans le cas où la proposition poursuivrait la trajectoire actuelle en établissant des instruments de coopération directe. Le CCBE salue l'approche plus sceptique du Parlement européen. La rapporteure chargée du dossier, Birgit Sippel, a publié une série de documents de travail qui évaluent de manière critique et détaillée bon nombre des questions clés auxquelles la proposition est confrontée. Ces documents de travail serviront à la préparation du projet de rapport de la commission LIBE, que le nouveau Parlement élaborera après les prochaines élections. À propos du CCBE Le Conseil des barreaux européens (CCBE) représente les barreaux de 45 pays, soit plus d’un million d’avocats européens.

Pour plus d’information, contacter Simone Cuomo Conseiller juridique senior Tel : +32 (0)2 234 65 10 cuomo@ccbe.eu

CCBE - Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe 40, Rue Joseph II, 1000, Brussels +32 (0)2 234 65 10 ccbe@ccbe.eu

NAΠΟΛΕΟΝΤΟΣ ΛΙΝΑΡΔΑΤΟΥ άρθρο: Η πολιτικοποίηση ενός γεύματος

Η πολιτικοποίηση ενός γεύματος
Ναπολέων Λιναρδάτος

Στην Βενεζουέλα η εθνοσωτήριος του συντρόφου Μαδούρο έχει κλείσει τα σύνορα στη διεθνή ανθρωπιστική βοήθεια. Δεν είναι κανένα μυστικό ότι οι πολίτες στη Βενεζουέλα λιμοκτονούν. Αλλά, όπως συμβαίνει σε όλα τα σοσιαλιστικά καθεστώτα, τα βασικά είδη της καθημερινότητας γίνονται εργαλεία επιβολής της πολιτικής εξουσίας. Στις γειτονιές των πόλεων της Βενεζουέλας τα μέλη των τοπικών οργανώσεων του κόμματος ελέγχουν ποιος συμμετέχει στις διαδηλώσεις εναντίον του καθεστώτος, ποιος κριτικάρει την κυβέρνηση, ποιος ακόμα τολμά να πει ανέκδοτα για τη σοσιαλιστική δικτατορία.

Αν οι καθεστωτικοί σε καταγράψουν ως αντιφρονούντα, τότε στην καλύτερη περίπτωση χάνεις το προνόμιο να μπορείς να στηθείς σε μια ουρά για κάνα οκτάωρο για 250 γραμμάρια κρέας.

Ο έλεγχος της διανομής των τροφίμων είναι ζωτικής σημασίας για το καθεστώς. Οσο η φτώχεια και η ανέχεια μεγαλώνουν τόσο ο έλεγχος των διαρκώς όλο και πιο δυσεύρετων αγαθών καθορίζει τις αλλαγές και τις ισορροπίες στο κράτος και στην κυβέρνηση. Ενα συγγενές παράδειγμα είναι η κατάσταση στην Ελλάδα. Βέβαια, εμείς δεν κάναμε τόσα σοσιαλιστικά άλματα προς τα εμπρός όσα η Βενεζουέλα, αλλά ειδικά από τα μέσα της δεκαετίας του '70 το προσπαθήσαμε αρκετά. Ετσι, το κρατικοδίαιτο μοντέλο της Ελλάδας που χρεοκόπησε το 2010 παρουσιάζει παραπλήσια χαρακτηριστικά με αυτά της Βενεζουέλας, αλλά φυσικά σε πολύ ηπιότερη μορφή.

Στην Ελλάδα ο μέσος δημόσιος υπάλληλος υπέστη μία μείωση εισοδήματος από το 2010. Παρ' όλα αυτά, κοινωνικά έχει ανέβει γιατί αυτό που απολαμβάνει, μονιμότητα και αποδοχές πολλαπλάσιες του ιδιωτικού τομέα, έχει τώρα πολύ μεγαλύτερη αξία απ' ότι είχε πριν από την κρίση. Μπορεί όλοι να γίναμε φτωχότεροι από το '10 και μετά, αλλά κάποιοι έχουν ανέβει κοινωνικά σε σχέση με τους υπολοίπους αυτή την περίοδο.

Και εδώ βρίσκεται ένα από τα βασικά προβλήματα του κρατισμού εν γένει, μετατρέπει τα βασικά τού χθες σε προνόμια του αύριο. Αντίθετα με τις ελεύθερες οικονομίες, όπου τα προνόμια του χθες γίνονται τα βασικά τού αύριο. Σκεφτείτε μόνο ποιοι μπορούσαν αρχικά να αγοράσουν αυτοκίνητα, τηλέφωνα, είχαν τηλεόραση ή τουαλέτα μέσα στο σπίτι.

Οτι τα βασικά τού χθες μετατρέπονται σε προνόμια του αύριο είναι μια αναπόφευκτη συνέπεια μιας οικονομίας που ελέγχεται από μια φεουδαρχικού τύπου ελίτ στην εξουσία και γύρω από αυτήν. Είναι μια οικονομία που δεν μπορεί να δημιουργήσει ανάπτυξη, δεν μπορεί να παράξει πλούτο. Αυτό που μπορεί να κάνει είναι να αναδιακατανέμει με κομματικά κριτήρια μία διαρκώς συρρικνούμενη πίτα.

Ενα ανέκδοτο από την εποχή του ανατολικού μπλοκ ήταν: «Τι χρησιμοποιούσαν για φωτισμό οι σοσιαλιστές πριν από τα κεριά;» «Ηλεκτρισμό» ήταν η απάντηση. Το πρόβλημα στην Ελλάδα σήμερα είναι ότι ένα σημαντικό μέρος του πληθυσμού έχει γαντζωθεί στα προνόμια μιας οικονομίας που βρίσκεται σε μια βαθιά κρίση φτωχοποίησης και παρακμής. Είναι σαν κάποιος να προσπαθεί να σωθεί κλειδαμπαρωμένος σε καμπίνα πρώτης θέσης στον «Τιτανικό».

ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΒΑΒΟΥΡΑΝΑΚΗΣ,Καρδιολόγος και Πρόεδρος της Ιατρικής Εταιρείας Ηρακλείου, σε μια εξαιρετική συνέντευξη του για τις παθήσεις στην Παιδική Ηλικία,στην Εφημερίδα "ΠΑΤΡΙΣ"

Ο Πρόεδρος της Ιατρικής  Εταιρείας Ηρακλείου, Καρδιολόγος κ. Γιάννης Βαβουρανάκης,για τις παθήσεις στην Παιδική Ηλικία,σε συνέντευξή  του στην Εφημερίδα «ΠΑΤΡΙΣ»..

Προληπτικός έλεγχος στα 3-4 έτη
Ο γιατρός σημείωσε ότι ένα παιδί καλό είναι να υποβληθεί σε καρδιολογικό έλεγχο στην ηλικία των 3-4 ετών. Ο έλεγχος περιλαμβάνει απλό ηλεκτροκαρδιογράφημα και υπερηχοκαρδιογράφημα. Καλό είναι να ακολουθήσει επανέλεγχος στην ηλικία των 10 ετών...

Διαβάστε ολόκληρο το άρθρο εδώ:

https://www.patris.gr/2019/03/06/ta-kardiaka-nosimata-sta-paidia-kai-i-diagnosi-toys/

κ. ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΑΡΑΣ γράφει:Επτά Μικροί Δήμοι στην Αθήνα αλλά με ποιες προυποθέσεις ;

Επτά Μικροί Δήμοι στην Αθήνα αλλά με ποιες προυποθέσεις ;

Του Δημήτρη Κωνσταντάρα

Με ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον άκουσα την πιο ουσιαστική , προγραμματική σκέψη –μέχρι στιγμής- του υποψήφιου Δημάρχου της Αθήνας κ. Κώστα Μπακογιάννη που την δημοσιοποίησε στην τηλεοπτική εκπομπή του κ. Αυτιά στον Σκάι. Ο κ. Μπακογιάννης, αναφερόμενος στις 7 Δημοτικές Κοινότητες του Δήμου Αθηηναίων, είπε ότι θέλει « επτά μικρούς δήμους γιατί είναι η πλησιέστερη μορφή πολιτικής και κοινωνικής οργάνωσης στον πολίτη σήμερα». Και είπε ότι για να γίνει κάτι τέτοιο, « χρειάζεται ένας δήμαρχος ο οποίος να μην είναι κλεισμένος στο γραφείο του. Ένας δήμαρχος ο οποίος να είναι έξω στις γειτονιές, να μιλάει και κυρίως να ακούει για να μπορούμε να δουλεύουμε πρακτικά και ουσιαστικά».

Δεν είναι η πρώτη φορά που μια τέτοια σκέψη – στην αόριστη και ανεπεξήγητη μορφή μιας εξαγγελίας ομολογουμένως εντυπωσιακής- εκφράζεται από υποψήφιο ή άρτι εκλεγμένο Δήμαρχο. Το θέμα είχε αναδειχθεί από το Μιλτιάδη Έβερτ, είχε «υιοθετηθεί » ως ιδέα από τον Αντώνη Τρίτση, είχε «μείνει στα χαρτιά» πολλά χρόνια, είχε επανέλθει στη συζήτηση από τη Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη και στη συνέχεια και από το Νικήτα Κακλαμάνη και από το Γιώργο Καμίνη. Η μόνη διαφοροποίηση του καθεστώτος των 7 «μικρών Δήμων» ήταν τα ονομαζόμενα «διαμερίσματα» να ονομαστούν «κοινότητες». Και μέχρι εκεί. Στην ουσία βέβαια, μια «κοινότητα» έχει ανάγκη ενός «κοινοτάρχη» με κάποιες «δημαρχιακές εξουσίες». Οι 7 Κοινότητες παρέμειναν ακριβώς ως είχαν αλλά επικεφαλής τους είχαν έναν «πρόεδρο».

Αλλά αυτό δεν ήταν – και δεν είναι- το πρόβλημα. Το πρόβλημα των «μικρών Δήμων» είναι η επάρκεια σε πόρους, εξουσίες ,τεχνογνωσία και προσωπικό. Και εκεί βρίσκεται το μέγα πρόβλημα, όχι στο αν ο Δήμαρχος βγαίνει από το γραφείο του και είναι έξω, στις γειτονιές. Αυτό φυσικά και είναι ένα σημαντικό ζητούμενο . Αλλά τι να κάνει ο Δήμαρχος όταν η Κοινότητα δεν έχει αρμοδιότητες, εξουσίες, πόρους, εγκαταστάσεις και τη στοιχειώδη ανεξαρτησία; Να τριγυρίζει καθημερινά σ΄όλη την Αθήνα, να διαπιστώνει ελλείψεις και κακοτεχνίες και να προσπαθεί να τα λύσει μόνος του;

Και για να μη μακρηγορώ: Ο νέος νόμος του Κράτους για την Τοπική Αυτοδιοίκηση, ο γνωστός «Κλεισθένης» προβλέπει τον τρόπο: « Παρέχεται η δυνατότητα στο Δημοτικό Συμβούλιο και στο Δήμαρχο να μεταβιβάζουν με αποφάσεις τους συγκεκριμένες αρμοδιότητές τους στους προέδρους ή στα συμβούλια των Κοινοτήτων». Αλλά ΜΟΝΟ αρμοδιότητες. Και όπως επισημαίνει ο Γενικός Γραμματέας του Δήμου Πλατανιά Γαβριήλ Κουρής σε άρθρο του, «η νέα αυτοδιοικητική συνθήκη θα «αναμετρηθεί» με καταγεγραμμένες και υπαρκτές λειτουργικές αδυναμίες των αυτοδιοικητικών οργανισμών (όπως π.χ. η έλλειψη προσωπικού, η ανεπάρκεια οικονομικών και άλλων πόρων, η διογκούμενη γραφειοκρατία, κ.α.) καθώς και με διαπιστωμένες αστοχίες και ελλείψεις του θεσμικού πλαισίου, που ο ίδιος ο «Κλεισθένης» δεν αντιμετωπίζει».

Καλή και Άγια η σκέψη του κ. Μπακογιάννη για τους 7 «Μικρούς Δήμους» αλλά για να μην ξαναμπεί στις καλένδες, πριν αρχίσει να γυρίζει στις γειτονιές, ο νέος Δήμαρχος θα πρέπει να ανατρέξει στο νόμο και να δει τι μπορεί ουσιαστικά να αλλάξει έτσι ώστε οι 7 Κοινότητες να γίνουν πραγματικοί «Μικροί Δήμοι».

Για παράδειγμα: Η μεγαλύτερη –πληθυσμιακά- Κοινότητα του Δήμου Αθηναίων, η 6η (βόρειες κεντρικές συνοικίες, Πλατεία Αμερικής, Κυψέλη, Πλατεία Αττικής και ένα κομμάτι από τα Πατήσια) έχει πληθυσμό γύρω στις 135.000 κατοίκων. Κι αυτό σε σύγκριση με τις 8.000 κατοίκων που έχει το Καρπενήσι, όπου ο κ. Μπακογιάννης ήταν Δήμαρχος. Μόνο η Κυψέλη – όπου γεννήθηκα και ζω ακόμη- έχει 50.000. Και φυσικά το πρόβλημα δεν είναι μόνο της Αθήνας. Για παράδειγμα, ο νέος Καλλικρατικός Δήμος Βάρης – Βούλας – Βουλιαγμένης, αν και ο πληθυσμός αλλάζει λόγω θερινών κατοικιών, έχει τρεις Δημοτικές Κοινότητες, τρία Δημαρχεία και θερινό πληθυσμό άνω των 100.000. Ο Δήμος Περιστερίου απ΄ την άλλη πλευρά, έχει 150.000 κατοίκους και εδώ και χρόνια ενσωματώθηκαν σ αυτόν ο Άγιος Ιερόθεος, η Ανθούπολη, ο Άγιος Γεώργιος, το Μπουρνάζι και άλλες περιοχές. Συνεπώς, μια γενικότερη μελέτη αρκετών περιοχών θα αποβεί ευεργετική για πολλούς δήμους.

Με παρέμβαση του Βασίλη Οικονόμου καλύφθηκαν τα κενά στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο Ανατολής στη Νέα Μάκρη

BOYΛΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ
ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ
Βουλευτής Επικρατείας-ΝΕΑ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ

Αθήνα, 05/03/2019

Με παρέμβαση του Βασίλη Οικονόμου καλύφθηκαν τα κενά στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο Ανατολής στη Νέα Μάκρη


Κάλλιο αργά παρά ποτέ..Έστω και με καθυστέρηση σχεδόν τριών μηνών το υπουργείο Παιδείας έκανε το αυτονόητο. Το λειτουργικό κενό στη διδασκαλία γαλλικής γλώσσας στο δημοτικό σχολείο Ανατολής Νέας Μάκρης καλύφθηκε, δίνοντας πρόσβαση στη μάθηση για δεκάδες παιδιά.

Για να συμβεί όμως αυτό χρειάστηκε η παρέμβασή μας μέσα από έγγραφη αναφορά προς τον υπουργό Παιδείας διά της κοινοβουλευτική οδού. (444-2/11/2018)

Η κίνηση αυτή σε συνδυασμό ασφαλώς με την επιστολή του συλλόγου γονέων και κηδεμόνων του συγκεκριμένου δημοτικού σχολείου φαίνεται ότι αφύπνισε την ηγεσία του αρμόδιου υπουργείου ,δίνοντας τελικά διέξοδο στο αδιέξοδο των μαθητών και των οικογενειών τους.

Στην Ελλάδα του 21ου αιώνα το δικαίωμα στην μάθηση είναι αδιαπραγμάτευτο και εμείς είμαστε αποφασισμένοι να δώσουμε την μάχη ώστε το δικαίωμα αυτό να γίνεται σεβαστό από όλους.

ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ
Βουλευτής Επικρατείας Ν.Δ.
Τομεάρχης Υγείας

Ηλ/κή Επικοινωνία: 

1) Ηλ/κή Ιστοσελίδα: www.oikonomoub.gr

2) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oikonomou.vasilis.1

3) Twitter: https://twitter.com/OikonomouVasili

CANADA:Investments in cutting-edge bioscience manufacturing in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia

Investments in cutting-edge bioscience manufacturing in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia




March 4, 2019
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Canadians have made countless medical discoveries that have saved lives and improved the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people around the world. The Government of Canada is investing in cutting-edge research and facilities to pave the way for new medical breakthroughs, make medical treatments better and more effective, and create more jobs for hard working Canadians.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a $37.5 million investment for BioVectra Inc., a Charlottetown-based biotechnology company that manufactures pharmaceutical products used in the treatment of serious illnesses, including cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis.

The funding will help BioVectra create over 150 new jobs and maintain 300 more by supporting the company’s $144.6 million project to expand its facilities in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Windsor, Nova Scotia. The project will increase BioVectra’s contribution to medicine production capacity and support the research and development of advanced pharmaceutical products not currently manufactured in Canada.

The investment will also help the company improve collaboration with Canadian universities, colleges, and research institutions, establish annual scholarships for women and Indigenous students, and support annual student hiring in the pharmaceutical industry in Canada.

Investments like this anchor Canada’s position as a leader in biomanufacturing and life sciences, attract international investors to Canada, and help drive innovation while creating good, well-paying jobs for Canadians.
Quotes


“Thanks to innovations in life sciences, Canadians are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. Canadian companies like BioVectra are creating new jobs and establishing themselves as global leaders in producing lifesaving treatments for serious illnesses that affect millions of people around the world. Today, we are not only investing in an innovative Canadian business, but also in Canadians and the future prosperity of our country.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada


“Our government is investing in BioVectra’s project for more environmentally friendly pharmaceutical manufacturing that will drive innovation in the biologics industry for years to come. Together we’re helping BioVectra to scale up and create well-paying jobs right here on Prince Edward Island and in Nova Scotia. This project demonstrates the growing potential of Atlantic Canada’s biotechnology cluster to be a world leader.”
—The Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Quick Facts
Based in Charlottetown, BioVectra is the oldest and largest biotechnology firm in Atlantic Canada. The company owns four internationally accredited facilities – three in Prince Edward Island and one in Nova Scotia.
In addition to the jobs created by their project, the company will also increase the number of students it hires, up to 125 students for the next five years.
The new facilities will be built with zero emission construction materials to reduce the company’s impact on the environment.
Canada’s life sciences sector represents approximately 900 firms, accounts for over $7.8 billion in GDP, $13 billion in exports, $1.9 billion in research and development, and employs over 90,000 people, mostly highly skilled and qualified personnel.
This investment is being made through the Strategic Innovation Fund, a program designed to attract and support high-quality business investments across all sectors of the economy by encouraging research and development that will accelerate technology transfer and the commercialization of innovative products, processes and services and will facilitate the growth of innovative firms.
In 2016, the Government of Canada launched the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a set of pan-Atlantic, federal-provincial initiatives that are designed to create jobs for Atlantic Canadians, grow the middle class, and strengthen the region’s economy.
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Russia-Bulgaria talks

Russia-Bulgaria talks
4 March 2019 17:00


Dmitry Medvedev held talks with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov.

Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov

Russia-Bulgaria talks

Documents signed

Statements for the press by Dmitry Medvedev and Boyko Borissov following talks

Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov




Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov

Russia-Bulgaria talks

Excerpts from the transcript:

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Prime Minister, colleagues,

Indeed, this is my first official visit to Bulgaria as head of Government, although we met in Moscow and at the ASEM summit in Brussels last year.


Mr Prime Minister, thank you for inviting me and my colleagues so that we can exchange views on the current state of affairs in our relations and discus the economy and major projects. In fact, we have already started this discussion. We have plenty to strive for, as in recent years some of our economic cooperation numbers have improved, while others, unfortunately, worsened, especially if we look at last year’s results. However, the intergovernmental commission has resumed its activities. The Minister of Industry, who heads it on our part, is present here. We have major projects, some of which you and I have already discussed, in the energy sector and the gas, oil and nuclear industries. We have great tourism cooperation. Our holiday-makers love Bulgaria, and we will even have a special forum on this subject tomorrow, where we will discuss cooperation in tourism between our countries.I would like to take this opportunity to once again wish you and all citizens of Bulgaria a happy national holiday, the Day of Liberation from the Ottoman Yoke. This date is important for our countries. In 2018, the 140th anniversary of Bulgaria’s liberation was celebrated, and in July we will celebrate the 140thanniversary of our diplomatic relations.



On a separate note, I would like to thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for being able to strike a deal with the weather gods so that we can enjoy this beautiful weather now. Clearly, this bodes well for our relations. I hope it will be instrumental in helping us achieve good results.

Thank you for the invitation.

Boyko Borissov: Thank you once again for acknowledging our holiday.

There are many complicated issues in these complicated times. As an EU and NATO member, Bulgaria is undergoing a period of diminished trade between our countries.

Working together, we have managed to resolve this problem in tourism. Tomorrow we will discuss the ferry crossing between Burgas and Novorossiysk among other issues.

Russia has made a huge investment in a children’s camp (Kamchia Spa and Health Complex). So, all is well, more or less, on this front.

As for the Balkan gas distribution centre, we made it clear that Bulgaria will take part in the gas transit system for the simple reason that this initiative rightfully belongs to it. If gas transit to Turkey is discontinued, our pipes will remain empty and be at the disposal of the gas transit system. We are doing nothing other than seeking sources of gas from Russia and Azerbaijan in order to fill pipelines in Bulgaria. Our decision is clear and coordinated with the European Commission. This is a gas hub – that is what we call this gas distribution centre. Just as in the case of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, we can handle the transit and sale of about 15–16 billion cubic metres. South Stream was supposed to transport 60 billion, and this a mere 15 billion. I don’t see any reason why Bulgaria should give up this advantage over all of its neighbours as it has the best gas transit compressor system.

As for the Belene nuclear power plant, the situation has changed with the loss of time. The Arbitration Court in Paris ruled in no uncertain terms that the two reactors belong to Bulgaria which will have to pay 1.176 billion with interest for them.

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Documents signed following the talks:






The signing of joint documents

– Protocol on amending the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Bulgaria on Social Security of 27 February 2009
Signed for Russia by Minister of Labour and Social Protection Maxim Topilin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Labour and Social Policy Biser Petkov;

– Protocol on amending the Agreement between the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria on the application of the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Bulgaria on Social Security of 27 February 2009
Signed for Russia by Minister of Labour and Social Protection Maxim Topilin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Labour and Social Policy Biser Petkov;

– Programme of collaboration in the tourism sector between the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2019–2021
Signed for Russia by Minister of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova;

– Plan of consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria
Signed for Russia by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Grushko; for Bulgaria by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yuri Sterk.
Statements for the press by Dmitry Medvedev and Boyko Borissov after talks

Excerpts from the transcript





Statements for the press by Dmitry Medvedev and Boyko Borissov after talks

Dmitry Medvedev: I have just concluded bilateral talks with my colleague, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov. At first we had a limited attendance meeting and then an expanded one. Our dialogue is always marked by an open and absolutely constructive atmosphere. We discussed in detail our bilateral agenda and interregional contacts between our countries, and mapped out plans for the future. The most important point is that we reaffirmed our mutual desire to promote bilateral contacts and relations on the full range of issues.

I am hoping that our Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation that resumed its work last October after a three year interval will be able to analyse everything that is happening. I made a point of noting this because regrettably we have such commissions with far from all EU countries, not to mention the lack of major meetings between the Russian Government and the European Commission. This is bad because if there are no contacts, there must be doubts in each other and a feeling that someone is holding things back. I hope that this mechanism, our Intergovernmental Commission, will still produce results for us, notably, raising the level of trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation between our countries. Let me remind you that our trade was about $5 billion before the imposition of any type of restrictions or sanctions, whereas now it is about $3 billion. Obviously, this means lost jobs and is probably no good either for Bulgaria or Russia.

Unfortunately, the status of our trade and economic ties is fairly complicated, although Russia remains one of Bulgaria’s major trade partners. We export energy to Bulgaria and Bulgaria supplies us with machines and equipment, and medications. However, since sanctions were imposed, it no longer supplies us with some goods – once again I am not sure this is a good thing. Although there are no indicators of a major increase in bilateral trade, there still exists a wide corridor of opportunities. I hope we will manage to restore the pre-crisis level of cooperation we had in 2012.

What else would I like to say? Of course, energy cooperation remains a flagship of our relations. We will continue energy cooperation although we also had problems in this area. First of all, I am referring to the TurkStream project. But we must consider the experience of the past few years. It was not the most pleasant experience we had with South Stream. I hope we will be able to discuss further concrete steps after we receive relevant guarantees – and not from the Bulgarian Government. I am referring to reliable guarantees from the European Commission to the effect that this project will not collapse and will not face any obstacles. I hope our Bulgarian friends also understand this and will work accordingly. I have spoken about this with my colleague.

Another major energy project is the Belene nuclear power plant. We are ready to consider our participation in this electric power project. We have just spoken about this. Our Rosatom Company has vast experience participating in such projects. Importantly, these are projects on EU territory.

My third point is about people-to-people ties. We and our Bulgarian friends share the opinion that we should expand our contacts in education, science and art, and use, in particular, interregional formats for this purpose. Over 80 Russian regions and cities have twin relationships with Bulgarian municipalities. This is a good foundation for developing trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation between our regions. Our countries have similar views on many issues, primarily historical events. Last year, we celebrated the 140th anniversary of the end of the Russo-Turkish War, in the course of which Bulgaria was liberated. This year we will mark another important anniversary for our countries. I have already spoken about it. This is the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Bulgaria.

I am sure that if we dig through the history, we can turn up plenty of memorable dates that we share in common that could be used for enhancing bilateral cooperation, all the more so – and this is no secret – as people in our two countries are interested in each other’s culture. Russians eagerly spend their vacations in Bulgaria. They occupy fifth or sixth place in the total number of tourists to your country. Naturally, we are always glad to welcome Bulgarians who are planning to travel in our country. By the way, this issue will be discussed at the Russia-Bulgaria business forum on tourism tomorrow.

In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov for the warm reception and a very candid conversation. We agreed to continue our relations in this vein.

I am very pleased to visit Sofia where I have not been for a fairly long time. I hope our meetings, which should be regular, and direct intergovernmental contacts will help promote Russia-Bulgaria cooperation.

Thank you very much for your invitation once again.

Boyko Borissov (via interpreter): Colleague, ministers, I congratulate you on signing the agreements.

We are preparing similar agreements on cooperation between our police departments and in sports. They will be ready for signing very soon.

We have met at a very difficult time for the world. The new arms race exceeds the indicators of the Cold War. The threat to the world has never been so huge before. I am one of those who would like common sense to prevail and the sides to resume talks, because a military conflict in this situation would be deadly for the whole world. I sincerely hope that it will not happen. We are ready to do all we can to promote a positive scenario.

Tomorrow we will discuss tourism. We are strengthening cooperation between our police departments in light of the large number of Russian tourists and Russian citizens who have property in Bulgaria. We will be discussing cooperation prospects in this sphere. Mr Medvedev and I discussed the development of interaction between our law enforcement agencies and a maximally free exchange of information when necessary.

As for the gas sector, it is true that we sustained major damage, in particular, Gazprom, whose platforms were located in Burgas. The pipes were already delivered to Burgas and Varna when the European Commission launched the procedure to impose a fine. It is logical that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev mentioned the European Commission’s guarantees. Complaints have been voiced against Bulgaria, although we want to maintain good partner relations with Russia. I would also like to say clearly that Bulgaria does not need additional gas – this is for the critics of the idea of the Balkan gas distribution hub. At present, between 14 and 16.7 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas are delivered to Turkey via Ukraine. This is how much gas will bypass Bulgaria when TurkStream becomes operational; our pipes will be empty.

I would like to ask what investments we can expect in our gas distribution and compressor system. We are not talking about the Russian side. Bulgaria would like to continue to receive at least as much gas as it received before.

Potential deliveries under Nord Stream were estimated at 60 bcm. This figure has been cut to 15 bcm. Talking about Bulgaria’s dependence when the figure is only 15 bcm is unacceptable.

My colleague has no doubts about the loyalty and decency of Bulgaria’s relations with the European Union. We would like at least to preserve the current volume of gas transit. I want this to be perfectly clear. It is not surprising that Mr Juncker said there are no complaints about the gas distribution hub. Gazprom has declared an interest in this. We are now working on a project to build an LNG terminal with Greece. It will ensure diversification, and we will keep our position on the gas market.

In other words, we would like to remain at the current level in terms of gas volumes. If there are any national traitors, they are the ones who want our investments to go down the drain and the equipment to be sent to the scrapyard.

When we complete this pipeline, the volume of gas will increase. We have stated our position clearly. Yes, there must be a public tender and maximally transparent operations, so that no complaints are possible against us or our partners.

As for the Belene nuclear power plant, I have raised this issue again because it concerns Bulgaria’s interests. After the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration ruled that Bulgaria must pay 1.2 billion euros, plus interest, for the two reactors built by Russia but which belong to Bulgaria already, you kindly allowed us not to pay any interest. We have paid for the equipment, and we now have two generation 3+ reactors.

Russian participation can take different forms. We will know which after the tender, which we are now preparing. I believe the Rosatom head is satisfied with the standards of our efforts to prepare the tender. It will be a maximally open and honest tender in which all our major partners will participate. They have already declared their interest.

Yes, we are one of the few countries that are protecting their coal-fired power plants. I don’t know how long we will keep this position, though, because allowable emissions are becoming increasingly expensive. We are grateful to Rosatom for increasing the service life of our reactors. In 15 or 20 years we will have to shut down major generating capacities; we will be unable to use hydropower or electricity generating systems. In other words, we will have to import energy 10 or 12 years from now.

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There are forces that are against your presence, that want us to choose between NATO and Russia. But we have said clearly that Bulgaria is a NATO member and yet a good partner of Russia. And we would like the Black Sea to remain a sea of tourism and friendship. This beautiful sea is too small for warships. I urge Russia and my NATO colleagues to launch talks. No matter how difficult a decision, it must be taken eventually. There are issues on which we disagree, but talks and meetings can help us move forward. I may have missed some of the issues, but we will be able to discuss tourism, culture and religion at the Russian-Bulgarian business forum tomorrow.

Our relations are developing as planned. We need to maintain the combat ability of the fighter planes we bought in Russia at least for the next few years, until we buy new planes. We are not threatening anyone; of course, we are a great power but we approach our tasks and goals pragmatically.

This visit is very important for me, because 3 March is a national holiday in Bulgaria. We always pay tribute to fallen heroes. We laid a wreath to such a monument together. We must respect the fallen, all those who have done so much for our country. We are delighted to welcome you to Bulgaria.

Jens Stoltenberg has visited us recently, and now you have come to Bulgaria. Some people look for a connection between these two visits. And nobody thinks that we need to discuss delicate issues.

Dmitry Medvedev: What my colleague has said is wonderful proof of a simple truth: fighter planes can fly anywhere, but it is more important for gas to flow where it is needed to fire power plants. I believe that we should work together with our Bulgarian colleagues towards this goal.

Dmitry Medvedev lays a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia
4 March 2019 16:30 Sofia, Bulgaria



Laying a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier was unveiled in 1981 on the 1300thanniversary of the Bulgarian state. It is a symbol of national gratitude to those who died for the freedom of Bulgaria over its centuries-old history. The monument is located on the historical Alexander Nevsky Square, by the southern wall of the Saint Sofia Church that gave its name to the Bulgarian capital.


There is also a statue of a lion (the symbol of Bulgarian statehood) near the composition. It is the only remaining part of a 1936 monument that was never finished. The monument was designed by architect Nikola Nikolov and sculptor Lyuben Dimitrov as a sarcophagus in which holy soil from all across the country with the remains of known and unknown heroes who sacrificed their lives for Bulgaria’s freedom is stored. At the foot of the sarcophagus there is an eternal flame that was delivered from the Shipka Pass.

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