Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the ambassador and Ms Ivanova. I thank the ambassador for his presentation. As the ambassador is aware, this is a very historic occasion from the point of view of both Bulgaria and Europe.

We have something in common. Bulgaria is on the eastern extremity of the European Union as it stands at present and we are on the western extremity. Unlike Ireland, Bulgaria has direct access and it is possible to drive to any part of the mainland of Europe. We cannot unfortunately. We are a little bit isolated. In the context of Brexit, we will be slightly more isolated. As a result, we will have to try harder, work harder, influence more decisions, as we have done in the past in fact, and be good Europeans. Bulgaria needs to do the same thing and is conscious of that.

The ambassador's comments on the principles of security, stability and solidarity are well mentioned and well timed. The acquis communautaire, and I take my cue from my colleague because I agree with him, sets down certain principles that we have to work towards and under that umbrella, we strive toward a goal. It is important to accept the acquisboth at accession time and during the course of one's membership. Each country has a responsibility in that regard. There are occasions from time to time during which one would review the degree to which all countries still aspire to and adhere to the acquis.

It might be no harm to remember that in some instances in the course of the Bulgarian Presidency. I refer not to Bulgaria itself, but in respect of some other countries. It is a nice way of saying that we join on the basis of one set of principles. I believe that if we are to have a truly successful Europe, we must remain on the basis of the same set of principles. The Single Market to which the ambassador referred is hugely important as well. We emphasis that repeatedly. Whatever country, region or part of the European Union in which we live, we must have access at all times to that Single Market. We must have the benefit of that Single Market. We must be able to show to our people that membership of the European Union is in their interest and that they benefit directly from it. It is of huge importance. The degree to which we utilise public relations in getting that message across is more important now than it ever was. I refer particularly to times of populism, which usually involve short-term remedies to long-term problems. We have history right across Europe which should teach us lessons in that regard.

The currency comes to my mind again. I have always held the view that a single currency across Europe would be of huge benefit to the European Union. I have used the comparison with the United States. I cannot for the life of me understand why it would have been beneficial for any state in the United States to have its own currency. I know we have technology tokens now that go beyond that, but the fact still remains that a single currency applicable right across the European Union would be far better than a multiplicity of currencies. I hope that day will come.

Brexit is important. It is a huge challenge for the European Union. It is a huge challenge for neighbours like this country that are very close geographically to the UK. We have very strong trade and political links. We have borders which have been subject to a great deal of discussion in recent times. It affects us greatly. It would be a great idea if our UK colleagues had second thoughts. There are huge benefits within a market of 500 million people. It is not so easy to replicate that market outside it.

My colleague has referred to the issue of energy. The European grid is hugely important. We are somewhat more isolated, as I said already. It is now more important than ever for us to gain access to the European grid. I think we have to have a change of mind ourselves as well. We must recognise in Ireland that we must expect in the future to be obliged to rely on alternative energy, be that wind, sea, hydro energy or whatever. Those alternatives will have to become part and parcel of our lifestyles. To have access to the grid means continuity of supply. Lack of access to the grid means that if we are dependent on wind energy, and we have calm for a couple of weeks, it will not be such a good idea. It is like the yachtsman on the sea waiting for the next breeze to turn up.

The most challenging issues are the reaffirmation of the European ideals and I think the Bulgarian Presidency is in a good position to do that. We have spoken about this many times in the past, and at every meeting that I have ever gone to in Brussels or in Strasbourg or wherever. I will not say how many years I have been doing that for.