Vigenin in Chirpan: We protected Bulgarian rose and lavender in European legislation

Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament took part in the opening of the Fifth International Lavender Festival in Chirpan, which this year brought together guests and participants from Bulgaria and abroad.

Protecting Bulgarian essential oils

In his address to the residents and guests of the municipality, he stressed the importance of lavender and the rose as part of Bulgarian identity. “Lavender, like the rose, is not just a plant or a product; it is culture, tradition and identity.. That is why I come with good news: just two days ago in the European Parliament we finished work on legislation that protects essential oils, and with them the Bulgarian rose and lavender,” Vigenin said.

The MEP congratulated the Mayor of Chirpan, Ivaylo Kracholov, on the development of the festival, which for the fifth year in a row has established the town as a centre for cultural exchange and international cooperation. This year the festival welcomed participants from Peru, Ecuador, India and Armenia, and the official guests included the Ambassador of Vietnam and representatives of the Chinese Cultural Centre. The event was also attended by Metropolitan Kiprian of Stara Zagora.

Promoting Bulgarian rose and lavender

Vigenin intends to keep working to promote the Bulgarian essential oil industry at European level.. ““I will help the Bulgarian essential oil industry, from the field to the final product, be presented in Brussels. Of course, through the lens of festivals like the ones in Chirpan, Karlovo and Kazanlak,” he said.

The festival’s cultural programme ended with a concert by Sinfonietta Vidin together with Orlin Goranov and Margarita Hranova.