“The European Union must realise its own economic and political power and defend its interests before the world. We cannot rely on other powers forever. This is what the Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin said during the regional meeting of schools – ambassadors of the European Parliament, organized by the European Parliament Bureau in Bulgaria in Stara Zagora.

The event brought together students and teachers from high schools in Haskovo, Kardzhali, Sliven, Yambol, Kazanlak and Dimitrovgrad and is part of the initiative to promote European institutions and policies among young people.

Kristian Vigenin told the students that national authorities often shift responsibility for domestic problems to the EU: “The truth is that many decisions are taken at national level. In other cases, Member States limit the EU’s ability to take more proactive action. Successful European policies require both European funding, coordination and commitment from national governments.”

The MEP pointed to healthcare as an example of an area where the EU has no direct competence but plays a significant role through joint initiatives. As an example, he gave the programmes to fight cancer, to prevent cardiovascular diseases and to reduce smoking and the use of vapes. Vigenin focused on the development of digital healthcare, which allows remote consultations, electronic prescriptions, mobile pharmacies and better access to medical care in remote areas.

He identified the development of artificial intelligence as a key issue for the future of the world. The EU, he said, is lagging behind the US and China, but should not give up on protecting citizens’ rights. The MEP explained that in the US, innovation is stimulated through broad access to venture capital, while in China the state directly funds strategic developments. “The European Union must build its own model, combining technological development with democratic values and data protection,” said Vigenin. The MEP also noted that the EU has already introduced restrictions on the use of AI, including a ban on systems that monitor and evaluate employees in the workplace.

On the occasion of a question by students about the euro area, Vigenin said that Bulgaria’s accession had passed without serious shocks, one of the reasons being that the lev has been fixed to the euro for years and people know its value.

On the occasion of a question by students about the euro area, Vigenin said that Bulgaria’s accession had passed without serious shocks, one of the reasons being that the lev has been fixed to the euro for years and people know its value.

The MEP urged young people to actively benefit from European educational programmes, especially Erasmus+, whose budget continues to grow. “These initiatives provide opportunities for training, internships, volunteering and first work experience in other member states,” he told young people.

Vigenin acknowledged that the EU’s environmental policies pose serious challenges to coal mining regions, but stressed that they can become an opportunity for modernisation and attracting new investments. “Among the measures under discussion are financial incentives and tax breaks for the affected regions to prevent economic decline and unemployment,” the MEP added.

Kristian Vigenin stressed the need for the EU to develop its own defence capabilities, but warned against an excessive increase in military spending at the expense of social systems. “Security is not limited to weapons. Security is also health, education and economic sustainability,” he noted.

Vigenin urged students to actively participate in the European processes – through civic initiatives, petitions and especially through participation in the European Parliament elections. During the meeting the students showed active interest in Vigenin’s positions on current European and national issues. The discussion on security, entrepreneurship, science, artificial intelligence and the future of Europe was lively.