Vigenin: EU must seek diplomatic solutions to end Middle East conflict

“A prolonged conflict in the Middle East could lead to serious economic and political consequences for Europe, including energy shocks and new migratory pressures.“ This said the MEP from the Group of The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin in the programme “Primetime” on Euronews Bulgaria.

“If this conflict ends quickly, it is unlikely to have long-term consequences – apart from the inconvenience for some of our citizens who cannot go home yet, and the fears each of us has about what is coming tomorrow, next week or next month”, Vigenin pointed out. He noted that Bulgarian citizens are already subjected at pressureand on the series of international crises. According to him, prolonged war could lead to new economic and social consequences for Europe: “If it escalates, if new players get involved, which is not impossible, and if supplies are threatened, then the risks for Europe will increase.“ Vigenin noted that there are already signs of economic effects of the conflict, especially in the energy markets. “The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for five or six days now. If this leads to a rise in fuel prices, which is very possible as a direct consequence, it will affect all prices, from agriculture to industry.” alert he.

Energy prices and migration pressure

In his words, the prices of energy resources are largely beyond the control of European countries, especially after the refusal of Russian oil and gas. At the same time, the European Union has taken a number of measures following as learned lessons owing to the crisis and the start of the war in Ukraine, including diversification of supplies and the creation of strategic reserves.“Some dramatic change will not happen, but any increase in fuel prices affects all prices because it is the basis of almost every production,” Vigenin stressed.

The MEP also warned of a possible new migration pressure towards Europe. “We barely coped with the surge in 2014-2016. The EU today is better prepared, but if a big wave starts, the risk remains high because Bulgaria is in the path of these processes”, he said. According to him, countries should be prepared for such scenarios without creating unnecessary panic.

Diplomacy as the main response

Vigenin stressed that the main response of the international community must be diplomatic: “We must look for solutions other than military to end the conflict quickly and rely on diplomacy and political solutions..“ He also commented on the differences between European leaders regarding the conflict. “It is difficult to expect a clear unified position of the European Union on such a topic”, he pointed out, noting that in such conflicts the positions of the leading countries with greater military and diplomatic capabilities play a big role. MEP congratulated Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for his clear position against war and the violation of international law. According to him, in the coming days the European Union is likely to develop a more consolidated position on Subject. “This war was launched outside the will and consent of the European Union, but the first casualty of it will probably be Europe again”, Vigenin fears.

Regarding the possible involvement of NATO in the hostilities he stressed that the collective defence mechanism was not applicable in such a situation. “Article 5 of the treaty provides for support when one country is attacked, not when one country attacks another.” Explain MEP and noted that it accepts Vice President Iotova’s position that fears should not be unnecessarily stoked when we are not directly exposed to a threat.

The MEP also noted that although terrorist threats never completely disappear, Europe today is significantly more preparedthan before 5 or 10 years ago.

A “two-speed Europe” and Bulgaria’s role

Vigenin also touched upon the topic of the so-called “two-speed Europe”, noting that such an idea could deepen divisions in the European Union.“The point of the European Union is to be able to reach decisions together and when we are together, then we are strong.” he reminded he. Vigenin noted that there are many reactions against the notion that if “the big ones” close themselves into a smaller circle, which will supposedly take faster and easier decisionsI, I will pull the European Union. “I am personally opposed to qualified majority decision-making on important issues that deeply affect the sovereignty of member states”, highlights he.

Vigenin believes that Bulgaria needs to be more active in European processes to strengthen its influence. He noted that the country is gradually improving its position in the European rankings. “Lately I see that Bulgaria is no longer in the last places in many statistics. This is encouraging and we need to have a bit more self-confidence as Bulgarians”, the MEP concluded with optimism.