Britons living in Bulgaria. Guide to Bulgaria, Sofia and Varna

Българско Национално Радио http://www.bnr.bg/radiobulgaria ...


A sensible and balanced decision was taken. Almost half a million Britons visited Bulgaria in 2006. And it is very important for the EU development. Are all requirements to the process of reforms being met? Because I am again in a country with which Great Britain has very important, rich and deep relations. Before his term of office as Britain's ambassador to Bulgaria, Mr. British employers reckon that the ban on the Bulgarian and Romanian workers is not a benefit for UK economy. But if it's the trade relations between the two states that are in question, the general tendencies are very positive and there is a great potential for their development. Consultations have been held with the concerned professional circles. First of all, I will like to congratulate Bulgaria on its EU accession. For this reason the government had to take a well-grounded decision based on the analysis of all factors. He was deputy ambassador in Buenos Aires. He worked for the British Embassy in Sofia from 1984 till 1987 as second secretary. His career in Foreign Office started in 1981. How will you comment on Bulgaria's first year as a EU member? I can give as an example Bulgaria's experience with countries from the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans. I see a great progress.Carried by the “Standart News” dailyПубликувано на 29 Ноември 2007 в 08:38 BG Българско Национално Радио. I will ask you straight away about a hot issue. I will like to emphasize that Britain does not restrict visits of Bulgarians to the UK. I will like to mention the relations in culture and education. I will say that the differentiation between bilateral and European relations is artificial, because they complement each other. In the first ten months of its membership Bulgaria has proved it was a worthy EU member. Is this a part of the process of real EU integration. It envisages keeping restrictions for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens till better analysis is made of the effect of their stay in the UK. It is an honour and privilege to me to be the UK ambassador to Bulgaria. It seems incredible that twenty years later the country is a EU and NATO member. London has extended the restriction term for low-skilled Bulgarian and Romanian workers. Many Bulgarians wonder why no one restricts British citizens when it comes to purchasing real estates in Bulgaria or working and settling here permanently, while London levies restrictions? On the other hand, it indicated that in certain sectors, like public services for instance, pressure is exerted. Steve Williamsby Lybomir Mihailov Bulgaria is not a new country for UK Ambassador Steve Williams. The British Council in Bulgaria plays a very important part. The change is both dramatic and wonderful. The decision was taken after a thorough analysis of the British labour market. The Financial Times called this measure "counter-productive". The general analysis of immigration from Central and Eastern Europe demonstrates that it influences the economy positively. The restrictions in question are not permanent. The tourist exchange between the two countries is growing every year. There are many Bulgarians who live and work in the UK. This has been a huge achievement for the country. This is another sphere where we see real progress. Tourism and interpersonal relations are producing excellent results, too. What are the expected developments in the Bulgarian-British relations? Williams is married with two daughters and a son. Williams was in charge of Latin America and Caribbean Basin department. Williams worked as head of America department with Britain's Foreign Office. Williams worked in the permanent office of the UK in Brussels from 1995 till 1998. You have not visited Bulgaria for many years, how does this country look to you now? Your Excellency, welcome to Bulgaria for the second time, now as UK's ambassador to this country.