With the start of the year, Bulgaria has taken over the presidency of the European Union, becoming the first Balkan country to take on such a position for the next six months.
Before Bulgaria, Estonia was the one that held the post every six months rotating from country to country.
Bulgaria has become part of the EU in 2007, and is now expected to increase its prospects for Western Balkan countries' toward EU accession. "When we talk about a united Europe, we must not forget that the Western Balkans need a clear perspective and ties between them and member countries," Bulgaria said on their EU presidential website.The Bulgarian presidency will lead at a time when the European Union is deciding what will be the deal with the UK after the latter's expulsion from the bloc in March 2019. Bulgaria has faced criticism from the EU since member states have mentioned the lack of an economic balance and other social issues, with emphasis on high levels of corruption.