January 1 (BTA) - As of January 1 Bulgaria assumes the presidency of the Central European Initiative for one year, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said.

Bulgaria's working priorities are related to the social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, enhacing connectivity, youth and cooperation between local authoritis.

In 2022, in the implemenation of this agenda events at high and expert levels will be held as well as meetings of government leaders and foreign ministers.

The Central European Initiative (CEI) is a regional intergovernmental forum established in 1989, following the fall of the Berlin wall. It gathers 17 Member States in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.

It fosters the strengthening of capacities of its Member States towards good governance, rule of law and sustainable economic development for stability, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, security and prosperity. 

Source: Sofia