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Four and a half billion euro is the trade flow between Bulgaria and Italy during 2017, which makes the Italian country the second largest trade partner of Bulgaria for the past year. Deputy Minister of Economy Lachezar Borisov stated that in his speech, presenting a business guide for our country, prepared by Konfindustry Bulgaria.

The EU is the main producer and exporter of dual-use goods and technology and due to this fact is an important participator in the export control arrangements regarding the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In order to remain adequate to the threats before the EU security due to the rapid technological and scientific advancement, it is necessary that the EU regime is modernized regularly. In 2016 the European Commission (EC) undertook a legislative procedure in modification of Regulation (EC) #428/2009 to set up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items.

In the second session, “European practices and models for financing and promoting innovation” was presented by Prof. Nikola Redi, a venturer in Venture Factory. Participants discussed the possibilities of national agencies to search for new practices for attracting investments aimed at the rapid development and uptake of innovation in practice.

The Council today adopted conclusions on the negotiation and conclusion of EU trade agreements. The conclusions set out the key principles underpinning the Council’s approach towards trade negotiations from now on.

The Council agreed on a general approach on a regulation aimed at improving the mutual recognition of goods marketed in another member state.

The Council agreed on a general approach on a regulation aimed at improving the mutual recognition of goods marketed in another member state.

A conference on consumer protection dedicated to the most up-to-date innovations related to the future development of European consumer policy was held in Sofia today under the title ‘Consumer Law and Consumer Protection Policy Today. Can we do better?’. The event was attended by Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumer Protection and Gender Equality, Emil Karanikolov, Minister of Economy, Dimitar Margaritov, Chairman of the Commission for Consumer Protection, representatives of the scientific community and leading experts in the field of consumer protection.

The Council today adopted a regulation to reform the type-approval and market surveillance system for motor vehicles in the EU. This major reform modernises the current system and improves control tests on car emissions.

The Council today authorised the Commission to open trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand and adopted negotiating directives for each of the negotiations. “Today’s decision to open trade talks with Australia and New Zealand sends a strong signal to both countries that we value our partnerships with them and want to strengthen our existing ties. But it is also a reminder to the world of the EU’s commitment to openness, free trade and global cooperation”, Emil Karanikolov, minister of economy of Bulgaria, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Bulgarian Presidency today steered a debate among EU member states about what the next EU industrial policy strategy should look like. Following the discussion, chaired by the Bulgarian Minister for the Economy, Emil Karanikolov, in his role as President of the Competitiveness Council, the Council called for urgent action to establish a long-term strategy for European industry to boost competitiveness, growth and innovation in Europe.