Kuneva: Bulgarian Consumers Will Be Among My Key Priorities

Novinite Insider » INTERVIEW | December 12, 2006, Tuesday // 00:00
Bulgaria: Kuneva: Bulgarian Consumers Will Be Among My Key Priorities Photo by the European Parliament

Meglena Kuneva is Bulgaria's EU Commissioner. She was approached by Darik News hours after the European Parliament voted for her candidacy.

Svetoslav Ivanov from Darik News spoke to Meglena Kuneva*

Q: Mrs. Kuneva, are you flattered by EP's position that you fulfil all personal requirements for honesty, independence and competence?

A: I wouldn't say I am exactly flattered but I am, of course, happy Bulgaria's first EU Commissioner has been assessed in that way. No less that absolute success satisfies me, as I've told you before. I know absolute success can't be achieved all at once but after many efforts and many other smaller successes, which complement the picture in the end.

I have to prove that and I have to keep proving that I am well-prepared and independent and that I can work so that all Europeans are sure commissioners do all they can in order for EU policy to have quick results.

The major challenge for me will be that here everything is achieved through complete consensus and that is extremely difficult.

Q: How will you approach your future tasks - with ambition, interest, dedication or an amount of worry?

A: The amount of worry is by no means minimal. I think worries have been a part of my job for the last six years. If you think I wasn't worried over the accession talks you are wrong. But I've always thought that if one wants to work one has to be an optimist.

Q: How long will your working day be?

A: As long as it takes. Rules here are slightly different. My team and I have never had second thoughts about going to work on weekends. There is a more conservative work discipline here but I personally will continue my habitual pace. After all, the commission has two years of life before it gains speed. It is not only about my personal consumer protection portfolio but also about all other spheres because the commission has many other serious tasks as well.

Q: In your speech at the consumer protection commission you vowed to be independent on any forms of national or political influence. Are you sure you won't be tempted to take sides on certain issues in Bulgaria?

A: I will be, but that will be my position, not the position of anybody else, of any parties or groups. I want the commissioner, whose task is exactly consumers' protection, to be reckoned with.

I do have my views and everybody is familiar with them. I believe in human rights. I believe we have to be maximally informed on the decisions we are making. I believe we have to be strong because that's the way to have a strong state, strong Bulgaria.
It is not accidental that I've oriented to a policy sphere, which places the focus on the individual.

Q: You say that as a EU Commissioner you will serve the interests of the community. Bulgarian consumers will be part of that community. Will you place among your priorities the application of European consumers mentality to Bulgaria?

A: Yes, I will do that, gradually but constantly. I will support in all possible ways the efforts to these lines of the Bulgarian government, NGOs and institutions. I would advise everybody to do the same.

The most important thing is to have trust in ourselves and stand for our rights because life is a strife.

Q: You will assume office on January 1, 2007. What will be your New Year's Eve wish?

A: My family and friends to be well and in good health.

* Translated by Zlatka Velichkova, Sofia news Agency

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