Speaking in the European Council at around 8 p.m., Borissov said he wanted Bulgaria to be treated as an equal member of the Union, as he claimed that major changes to combat corruption had taken place since he took office.
"Our contribution is under a direct conditionality with the unfreezing of all EU funding [some EU funds for Bulgaria have been suspended due to poor management and suspicions of corruption], as well as the admission of Bulgaria to the euro zone. Only then we will indicate our contribution," Borissov said.
The Bulgarian prime minister said it was extremely difficult for his country to disburse further when painful cuts are being made to the administration, hospitals and social funds are being scrapped for austerity reasons, and when the government is having difficulty paying Christmas bonuses to civil servants and retired people.
"I cannot give any money before I receive the money, which we insist upon. This is money earmarked for Bulgaria. I will receive the support of the [Bulgarian] parliament and of our society [for contributing to the climate change fund] when we will have received the money to which we are entitled," he said.
Asked if he thought that imposing conditions on the EU was a good approach for Bulgaria to take, Borissov said he had seen at the Council "every country present its problems" in the context of the need for a financial effort. He mentioned Greece, Austria and Cyprus in this context.
Asked by EurActiv if he believed that Bulgaria's concerns could be addressed before the end of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen, Borissov replied that he did not believe COP 15 would be a success.
"A common position cannot be found between the USA, China, Russia, India, and Old Europe, let's call it this way […] We will be there on Thursday and Friday. I don't want to be a bad prophet, but I think that at this stage, given the state of mind across the world, only Europe wants [a success in Copenhagen]. This is my impression, but I don't want to decide for others in advance," he cautioned.
As for Bulgaria joining the eurozone, Borissov said that this could happen in the next two to two-and-a half years.
"I want the support of our European partners. I don't see why Bulgaria should not be in the euro zone. We have fulfilled all criteria," he said.
"You know how strict the Union is with Bulgaria. However, at present, all EU countries, except Bulgaria and Estonia, have a deficit larger than authorised by EU rules."
"The introduction of the euro will release a huge monetary resource, now kept as a reserve under IMF rules," Borissov further elaborated. He also mentioned that the reserve amount is eight billion euros.
