Mariya Gabriel: a strong voice for Bulgaria in Europe

"I would like to warmly congratulate our colleague Mariya Gabriel on her designation as Bulgarian candidate for the European Commission and to congratulate PM Boyko Borissov on his judicious choice," said Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, on Wednesday.

"Mariya Gabriel is an extremely competent and talented politician. A very well-respected Member of our group, she has had various responsibilities in the European Parliament since her election in 2009: as an EPP Group Coordinator, Rapporteur on important dossiers, Head of the EPP Group Bulgarian Delegation and, since 2014, as Vice-Chair of our Group. A strongly committed European, she is also very well rooted in Bulgaria. She will definitely be a strong voice for Bulgaria in Europe. I am also particularly glad that PM Borissov chose a young woman for this post. It is a very positive signal, sent by Bulgaria to all Member States, on gender balance in all top political positions," Manfred Weber said.