Espot will negotiate a legal alternative with Europe if Bulgaria maintains the block on the association agreement

The Government he will take the bull by the horns and stand a Brussels to find a solution for the principality to the refusal of Bulgaria to theassociation agreement. The case that investigates the failed purchase attempt of the Bank of San Marino by the investment fund Starcom of the eastern country ends up affecting the principalitybut the executive is optimistic and trusts that the reluctance of this state will rise in the Coreper next wednesday That’s what he assured the head of government, Xavier Espotafter the meeting of State Pact held yesterday.

“The blockade cannot be maintained, especially for a circumstance that affects us from afar”
Xavier Espot, Head of Government

Espot explained that, according to the information they have, part of Starcom’s funds would have already been transferred to San Marino and that “the bilateral discussions that are being carried out would be coming to fruition”. This circumstance could trigger the study reserve on the text of Bulgaria cease and that the Coreper of next Wednesday can, once and for all, reach unanimity on the legal nature of theassociation agreement. But the Government he doesn’t trust it completely and already has a plan B, to negotiate on his part with the European Commission a “legal engineering” solution. “This indefinite blockade cannot be maintained, especially considering that it is due to a circumstance that affects us from afar”, maintained the head of government

“If the process takes us to after the elections, the next Government will be responsible”
Xavier Espot, Head of Government

Apart from the evolution of the process in the European institutions, the Government is working to define the referendum process. spot reaffirmed the commitment to hold the consultation once there is the signature of the member states of the EUin addition toAndorra i San Marinoand after ethe European Parliament has ratified it. the head of Government he avoided setting deadlines for the consultation but made it clear that it will not be able to coincide with the elections. “If the process takes place before the general elections, I think it will be convenient to hold the referendum, but if this takes us further, this responsibility will correspond to the next Government“, he stressed. In any case, the executive expects to approve this month the regulation of the referendum, which will establish the procedures for its development.

New presidency

From this July until the end of the year, Ireland will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union relevant cyprus. Espot pointed out that the transfer of information has already taken place and that during the presentation of their priorities “we will speak directly with them and we will see how we can advance the agreement together if it is not resolved”.