European governments are accountable to their citizens for the necessary social and economic reforms and this responsibility cannot be transferred automatically to the European institutions. President Rosen Plevneliev and the President of the Czech Republic Chamber of Deputies, Miroslava N?mcová, agreed on this point at a meeting at the Presidency at 2 Dondoukov Boulevard.

They emphasised during their talks that Bulgaria and the Czech Republic both wanted the Cohesion Policy maintained as a factor for economic growth amid the economic and financial crisis. Bulgaria and the Czech Republic share an interest in expanding their partnerships in energy and tourism, while co-operation in the fields of culture and education is excellent.

Bulgaria and the Czech Republic will jointly commemorate the 1150th anniversary of the Great Moravian Mission by Slavonic educators Cyril and Methodius. The anniversary will be commemorated also in Slovakia, Croatia and Hungary.

The President thanked Chamber President N?mcová for the fact that the Bulgarian community in the Czech Republic is well-treated.