Nikola Minchev
Member of the European Parliament · Renew · BG
“Madam President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, obstacles to businesses, cross-border operations and expansion constitute a major hurdle to an effective single market. We complain a lot about the 15 % US tariffs, but we tend to forget that existing barriers in our own single market account to much more.”
“But if a company can register under one European framework and still has to navigate a different national rules every time it hires, raises capital or expands into a new market, we will have changed the rulebook without changing the reality of doing business in Europe.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the 2025 report on Moldova sends a clear message: despite an extremely challenging geopolitical and economic environment, Moldova continues to move forward on its European path. The progress is concrete. Moldova is replacing its Soviet-era standards with European ones.”
“This is done in a very hostile environment, under significant internal and external challenges, such as persistent hostile Russian interference, as correctly noted in the report. Of course, challenges remain and further work is needed, but today we should recognise the progress achieved.”
“Г-жо Председател, г-жо Комисар, колеги, България последователно подкрепя страните от Западните Балкани и съседите ни от Северна Македония в европейския им път. Ние бяхме първата държава, признала нейната независимост, и винаги сме отстоявали мястото на Западните Балкани в Европейския съюз.”
“Защитата на правата на гражданите, самоопределящи се като българи, е въпрос на европейски ценности и върховенство на правото. И по тази тема компромиси не може да има. България е готова да продължи да подкрепя европейската интеграция на Северна Македония, но този процес изисква взаимно уважение и спазване на договореното от всяка страна.”
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“But if a company can register under one European framework and still has to navigate a different national rules every time it hires, raises capital or expands into a new market, we will have changed the rulebook without changing the reality of doing business in Europe. The question is simple: will this regime remove complexity or merely add another layer of it? Let's do our best to achieve the first, because its success will ultimately depend on whether companies can operate more easily across our single market and compete more effectively. 4-0178-0000”
“Madam President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, obstacles to businesses, cross-border operations and expansion constitute a major hurdle to an effective single market. We complain a lot about the 15 % US tariffs, but we tend to forget that existing barriers in our own single market account to much more. And yes, a single business code would be a game changer. Today, a company expanding across Europe must navigate different tax procedures, authorities and reporting requirements. This is where the 28th regime can make a practical difference by simplifying this procedure through a one-stop shop, a single interface and stronger coordination between tax authorities.”
“This is done in a very hostile environment, under significant internal and external challenges, such as persistent hostile Russian interference, as correctly noted in the report. Of course, challenges remain and further work is needed, but today we should recognise the progress achieved. Moldova is making serious efforts, delivering concrete results and demonstrating through action its European ambitions. These efforts deserve our recognition and our continued support, because we do not see them everywhere, and we value them when we see them. 2-0500-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the 2025 report on Moldova sends a clear message: despite an extremely challenging geopolitical and economic environment, Moldova continues to move forward on its European path. The progress is concrete. Moldova is replacing its Soviet-era standards with European ones. These are not merely technical changes, but tangible steps, improving quality, safety and protection for Moldovan citizens. We also see progress in consumer protection. Moldova has made public services more accessible and effective. Notably, Moldova has consistently cooperated on foreign policy issues, and aligns with the EU's common foreign and security policy positions.”
“Защитата на правата на гражданите, самоопределящи се като българи, е въпрос на европейски ценности и върховенство на правото. И по тази тема компромиси не може да има. България е готова да продължи да подкрепя европейската интеграция на Северна Македония, но този процес изисква взаимно уважение и спазване на договореното от всяка страна. 2-0433-0000”
“Г-жо Председател, г-жо Комисар, колеги, България последователно подкрепя страните от Западните Балкани и съседите ни от Северна Македония в европейския им път. Ние бяхме първата държава, признала нейната независимост, и винаги сме отстоявали мястото на Западните Балкани в Европейския съюз. Но европейската интеграция е процес, основан на доверие и изпълнение на поетите задължения. Конституционните промени и добросъседските отношения не са нови условия, а част от вече договорената рамка. Не можем да пренебрегваме враждебното отношение, демонстрирано от публични лица и обществени фигури, нито тревожните сигнали за напрежение и агресия. Вчерашния палеж на автомобили на българската дипломатическа мисия в Скопие показва колко е важно институциите последователно да противодействат на всяка форма на омраза и насилие.”
“It is as simple as that. If we allow Russia to return, we send a dangerous message that aggression can be forgotten, that accountability can wait. No reward for aggressors. No concessions to violence. As long as this war continues, there can be no 'business as usual'. 3-0434-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, I have just one question: why should Russia be rewarded? It continues to kill civilians. It continues to destroy Ukraine's cultural heritage and sports infrastructure. Hundreds of Ukrainian athletes and coaches have lost their lives and hundreds of sport facilities lie in ruins. Normalising relations with Russia means legitimising its actions – legitimising the terror inflicted on millions of innocent people. There is nothing normal in the lives of athletes, artists and civilians in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and in countless other towns and villages across Ukraine, where daily life is defined not by culture or sport, but by sirens, death and destruction. By excluding Russia, we deny Kremlin a powerful propaganda platform and uphold the rules-based international order.”
“Mr President, dear Commissioners, dear colleagues, people must trust that their representatives are chosen by their votes and not by foreign manipulation. In Bulgaria, we are on the frontline of a hybrid war where disinformation constantly seeks to destabilise our democracy. This is why the Commission's voice is vital. Speaking up for democratic standards isn't interference. It is a duty to protect the Union. Real interference is foreign actors seeking to advance their own anti-democratic agenda by distorting debate, manipulating voters and influencing elections. And somehow those who shout interference when the Commission speaks fall quiet when foreign actors are truly interfering. The clue is in their silence. Well, we will not remain silent. Democracy belongs to our citizens. All Europeans deserve the truth, and we will defend it.”
“Viktor Orbán was shielded for years, and the price tag of this is a leader taking Ukraine's survival hostage to hold on to power. Colleagues, history will not be kind to those who choose party affiliation over democratic principles, accountability or convenience. Europe is watching. 3-0493-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the Predator conviction is welcome, but justice that goes no further than the foot soldier is no justice – it's damage control. Those who pursued accountability were sidelined and questions of government involvement left deliberately unanswered. This raises a fundamental European question: can abuses of surveillance powers happen without real consequences? Across the Balkans, we see similar concerns. In Bulgaria, the European Court on Human Rights has already warned that the surveillance framework built in the last couple of years is wide open to abuses. Even if the next elections bring a reformist majority, undoing the damage will take years. None of this is abstract.”
“Projects must move from paper to reality quickly and effectively, and they must be guided by real, forward‑looking capability needs. Defence investments should reinforce our strategic priorities, but they must also match the scale of the threats we face. Only by acting together, with ambition and unity, can we guarantee Europe's security and strategic sovereignty in the years to come. 2-0569-0000”
“Madam President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, since Russia's invasion in Ukraine, Europe's security landscape has changed dramatically. And, as recent developments in the Middle East remind us, the global security environment is changing every day. In this increasingly complex geopolitical context, Europe must accelerate defence cooperation and invest more in our collective security. Flagship projects of common European interest are a crucial step in that direction. They can help us build a genuine European single market for defence, one that strengthens our technological edge, boosts innovation and empowers our companies. By pooling resources and coordinating our efforts, we can reduce fragmentation, avoid duplication and deliver capabilities faster and at lower cost. But ambition alone is not enough.”
“In order to ensure that the investment flows back into Europe's sport or other live content ecosystem, and not into criminal networks, we need targeted legislation to establish a more effective notice and action mechanism, and dynamic and swift blocking of illegal streaming of live content. We believe in fair play on the pitch, and we must enforce fair play online as well. If we fail to act decisively, we reward illegal actors and penalise those who play by the rules. 3-0447-0000”
“In Bulgaria and elsewhere, we see thousands of citizens marching against corruption and state capture. They are not asking us to close Europe's door, but to apply our rules fairly. Stop financing those who capture the state while standing with those who demand more democracy and justice. 3-0342-0000”
“Mr President, Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, when governments undermine the rule of law, citizens must not lose Europe. Conditionality must hit those who break the rules, not the people who depend on the respect of the rule of law. The report rightly insists on one essential guarantee: this regulation must not become a bargaining chip. The rule of law report should be the objective basis for country‑specific recommendations. If these are ignored, conditionality must follow. This is not a weapon against governments we dislike, but a neutral legal tool to protect the EU budget and our common values. Crucially, if funds to a government are suspended, the EU must still support people on the ground by efficiently channelling money directly to municipalities, schools and any other meaningful civil society project.”
“С текста на параграф 28 от доклада отговорността се прехвърля на родителите и се снема от платформите, защото принципът би бил, че до 16 години е забранено използването, а за диапазона 13 – 16 отговорността е на родителите, които са разрешили по-ранен достъп. Ролята на родителите е безспорно изключителна, но бланкетните забрани никога не са произвеждали позитивен ефект. Приветствам насочването на вниманието в доклада върху вредното, опасно съдържание, манипулативните алгоритми, върху ефективното прилагане на законодателната рамка, която вече имаме, но не и върху произвеждането на нови, спорни по характер мерки. 2-0406-0000”
“Уважаема г-жо Председател, уважаеми комисари, уважаеми колеги, да, необходими са действия срещу растящия проблем с поведенчески модели, наподобяващи пристрастяване, но те трябва да са добре премислени и целенасочени. Предложената забрана за използване на социални мрежи от деца от 13 до 16 години, освен с разрешение на родители, не е такава. Ще представяме копие от удостоверението за раждане на детето плюс копие на личната карта на родителя ли? Даваме си сметка, че ако методът на проверка не е надежден, то и забраната е елементарна за заобикаляне. Но същевременно какво постигаме? Дете на 15 години отне живота си във Франция преди 4 години поради съдържанието, на което е била изложена.”
“Although EDIP itself is not enough, ultimately it equips Europe with the capacity to act together, which reinforces Europe's contribution within NATO while laying the foundations of a genuine European Defence Union in practice. EDIP must be more than a two‑year programme. Europe needs to be able to respond quickly, act together and stand on its own. 2-0051-0000”
“Madam President, dear Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, Russia's aggression has dismantled any illusion that our security is guaranteed and our only answer lies in unity. EDIP will allow Member States to buy together, plan together and prepare together, securing the availability of defence equipment across the EU. With this deal, we ensure that European money serves European interests. By setting a fair balance, requiring two thirds of the component value to come from the EU or trusted partners, we preserve space for cooperation while shutting out suppliers that compromise our security. I also welcome the new Ukraine dedicated instrument within EDP, which is the start of its gradual integration into Europe's industrial ecosystem – an important step for strengthening both Ukraine's resilience and the Union's security.”
“This report is not just about Hungary: it's a test of our resolve. The longer we wait, the harder it is to reverse the damage. We saw it now in Hungary, and unless we act decisively, we will see it elsewhere. 1-0113-0000”
“Mr President, dear Mr Commissioner, dear colleagues, democracy is like a dyke holding back a rising tide. If we ignore the first crack and we hesitate to reinforce the walls, the flood will still come. And when it does, it will not just wash away one country's rule of law, but will undermine trust in our entire Union. Hungary's backsliding did not happen overnight. It grew in the silence of our hesitation. Every day we delay, every compromise we make with impunity, we send a message: that the rule of law is negotiable, that corruption can be tolerated, that judicial independence is optional. But the cost of inaction is not just Hungary's – it's ours. Because when we allow one Member State to dismantle democracy, we embolden others, and what starts as a crack becomes an unbridgeable divide.”
“Citizens have the right to choose, and they must have access to diverse and reliable information. A healthy democracy cannot function without free and independent journalism that can investigate, inform and hold power to account. Fair markets and free media are the pillars of our democracy, and it's our duty to defend them. 1-0113-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner Ribera, dear colleagues, the Commission's decision to fine Google for abusing its dominance on the AdTech market sends a clear message: the EU will not tolerate gatekeepers who distort competition and undermine media freedom in their Union. But let's be honest, a fine alone does not solve the problem. Google can pay it and move on. Google needs to make changes because, if its practices remain, there is no level playing field and no equal terms for all – and that puts media freedom at risk. If we truly care about democracy, we cannot settle for this victory only. We need real change: proper remedies that break monopolies, open the digital space and ensure fair competition. Only then can independent media survive and thrive.”
“Madam President, Mr Commissioner, colleagues, we have reports, we have data, we have policy objectives, we have recommendations. The task is clear: end the fragmentation, unite our market. We cannot call our market single if internal barriers still divide us. People do not have equal access to products across all countries. We still see dual quality and unfair pricing that depend on the borders between Member States. Yet, we have pledged to break down the borders, so let's make it real. Completing the single market is the smartest move to make and the best policy for Europe. No new bureaucracy, just effectively enforce the rules we already have, fix what is not working, and remove the obstacles that raise the prices for our consumers and hold back our businesses. This is the only way for Europe to prosper and compete globally.”
“Очевидно настоящото правителство в Северна Македония не търси напредък в европейската интеграция, а удобно извинение да остави нещата в застой. Аз се радвам, че с много труд, усилия и разговори стигнахме до разбирателство тук по съдържанието на доклада, за което благодаря на всички участници в тези разговори и се надявам, че това ще се прояви утре в гласуването. Трябва да потвърдим, че докладът следва рамката на френското предложение и решението на Европейския съвет, а когато това бъде изпълнено, с удоволствие ще приемем Северна Македония в Обединена Европа. 2-0503-0000”
“Г-жо Председател, България подкрепя пълноправното членство на Република Северна Македония в Европейския съюз и има дълга история на подкрепа. Първи признахме нейната независимост, имаме декларация и договор за добросъседство, изпращали сме и военна помощ. Бяхме сред първите ратифицирали протокола за присъединяване на Северна Македония към НАТО. В същото време ние сме обезпокоени. Обезпокоени сме, че вместо да се фокусира върху изпълнението на ангажиментите си по френското предложение, включително защита правата на българското малцинство, настоящото правителство на Република Северна Македония поставя сериозен акцент в своята политика на антибългарската реторика и действия, както виждаме и от присъдата срещу Любчо Георгиевски, когото имаме днес удоволствието да посрещнем в Европейския парламент.”
“Г-жо Председател, г-н Комисар, колеги, на първо място важно е да отбележим, че годишният доклад за върховенството на правото е доклад за един от фундаментите на Съюза. Една от основните причини той да бъде място с висок стандарт и качество на живот и място, което във времена на глобална нестабилност и ирационално водене на политика остава център на принципи и разум. Неслучайно докладът започва с независимостта на съдебната система. Изключително важно е да разбираме, че не може да има компромис с независимостта на съда и да се противопоставяме остро на всякакви опити съдът да бъде поставен под каквато и да е форма на контрол и политическо влияние, каквито опити, и то успешни, виждаме в някои европейски държави. Защото съдът не може да се схваща като продължение на която и да е друга власт, а напротив – като неин коректив.”
“A key issue remains the lack of consistent results in cases of corruption at the highest levels of power. However, the EPPO is now investigating a potential such case in Bulgaria, and I urge both this House and the Commission to closely monitor this case. 1-0193-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, pluralism is the lifeblood of a real democracy. Without pluralism, there is no democracy. But in order to preserve it and strengthen it, we need to emphasise the importance of media freedom and media pluralism. They are essential to our democracies. They are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. They are key to holding power to account and to helping citizens make informed decisions. On the anti-corruption agenda, regrettably, we have seen in EU Member States how brokers of influence in the judiciary, brokers of employment in the judiciary, brokers of justice pull the strings in the shadows of a nominally functioning judiciary. This is intolerable. We should be very clear: impaired independence equals no independence; selective justice equals no justice.”