Ilhan Kyuchyuk: The future of Europe runs through the Balkans“The integration of the Balkans into the European Union is not merely a political topic, but a long-term cause underpinned by vision, commitment, and trust.” This was stated by Member of the European Parliament Ilhan Kyuchyuk, host of the Western Balkans Forum 2026: A New Chapter for Europe, held in Brussels. Kyuchyuk подчеркed that the discussions and the participation of representatives of European institutions, diplomats, and experts clearly demonstrate that EU enlargement towards the Balkans remains a strategic priority for the Union. “I am even more convinced that the future of Europe runs through the Balkans. Enlargement is not solely >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk attends EU Justice and home affairs ministers’ meeting in CyprusMember of the European Parliament Ilhan Kyuchyuk took part in the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs in Cyprus in his capacity as Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) of the European Parliament. The meeting, organised within the framework of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and hosted by Cyprus’ Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris, focused on key non-legislative issues. These included returns, the future of the Schengen area, asset recovery, the cross-border return of illegally exported cultural property, as well as the treatment of juveniles and young >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk, MEP: International law is systematically eroding – the crisis of the global order is a fact“International law, the backbone of the post-war global order, is undergoing systematic erosion. The world is not falling apart because of a lack of rules, but because of a lack of will to defend them.” This was stated by Member of the European Parliament Ilhan Kyuchyuk during a debate in Strasbourg dedicated to human rights and democracy worldwide and the European Union’s policy. In his address, Kyuchyuk made it clear that the Report on Human Rights and Democracy clearly identifies the problems: impunity, double standards, and the selective application of international norms. “The consequences are visible everywhere – in Gaza, >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk receives award from a Technical University in IstanbulMEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk received a prestigious award from Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul in recognition of his contribution to the development of dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Turkey, as well as for his active work in the fields of education, science, and youth policies. During the official event, Ilhan Kyuchyuk delivered a lecture to the university’s students and faculty, offering an up-to-date perspective on relations between Turkey and the European Union, their challenges, and opportunities for future development. Among the official guests at the event was Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mehmet Kemal Bozay. In his >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk in Copenhagen: Justice and children’s rights are non-negotiableThe Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs highlighted the Parliament’s priorities in protecting children, simplifying legislation, and combating cross-border crime As Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) in the European Parliament, Ilhan Kyuchyuk took part in the informal EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers’ Meeting organized by the Danish Presidency in Copenhagen. The meeting was attended by Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law; Ana Gallego, Director-General of DG “Justice and Consumers” in the European Commission; and the heads of the EPPO (European Public Prosecutor’s Office) Laura Kövesi, Europol (European Police >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk from the European Parliament: Blood is being shed in Gaza – inaction is a crime, and sympathy without action is hypocrisyDuring the plenary debate in the European Parliament on stopping the genocide in Gaza and imposing EU sanctions, MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk delivered an emotional speech calling for immediate action from the international community and the European Union. “Less than 24 hours ago, 51 people were killed after Israeli forces opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution point. They were looking for bread — and they found death!” Kyuchyuk declared from the European Parliament rostrum. The MEP emphasized that what is happening in Gaza cannot be reduced to a mere military conflict but represents deliberate destruction, disguised by complicity through silence. >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: If the European Commission fails to send a clear signal on the accession of at least one country by the end of its mandate, a historic opportunity will be lost“Today, the EU is searching for its new raison d’être – should we remain a loose union, or move toward a federation capable of making faster and more effective decisions? This is a key question for the Union’s strategic autonomy,” said MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk during his participation in the event Liberals Shaping the Future: 20 Years of Bulgaria and Romania’s EU Accession Treaty, organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of Bulgaria’s EU Accession Treaty. He noted that Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha contributed to the development of a culture of coalition governance in Bulgaria, fostering trust between political parties – >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk opens exhibition in the European Parliament marking the 40th Anniversary of the final stage of the forced name change of Bulgarian Turks and MuslimsMEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk from Renew Europe/ Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) opened the exhibition “Name. Identity and Memory” in the European Parliament, organized in cooperation with the Grand Mufti’s Office – Sofia. The exhibition is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the final stage of the forced name change campaign against Bulgarian Turks and Muslims. “This exhibition is not merely an archive or a memory. It is the voice of remembrance – of human destinies, interrupted lives, and the resistance of entire communities against the erasure of their identity. Memory is resistance against oblivion. Identity is a human right. The >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: If Bulgaria does not take a leadership role in the Balkans, someone else will do it insteadMEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk (MRF/Renew Europe) hosted a visitor group at the European Parliament from the regions of Blagoevgrad and Burgas, including the awarded participants of the annual student competition "The Dreams of Ventsi Stanev", dedicated to the memory of the respected long-time principal of Tsar Simeon the Great Secondary School in Vidin — Ventsi Stanev. During the visit, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the work of the European Parliament, visit the plenary chamber, and engage in a discussion with Ilhan Kyuchyuk on key topics related to the future of Europe, Bulgaria's role, and the importance of active >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk urges the European Commission to take immediate action to open the “Rudozem–Xanthi” border checkpoint: “Schengen cannot tolerate closed borders!”Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee in the European Parliament and Bulgarian MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk has officially called on the European Commission to intervene regarding the blockage of the fully completed Rudozem–Xanthi border checkpoint by the Hellenic Republic. In light of the fact that Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen Area since January 1, 2025, the MEP raised three key questions before the European Commission aimed at swiftly resolving the ongoing lack of transport accessibility between the two countries. Ilhan Kyuchyuk urges the European Commission to: Assess how the imposed blockade of the newly constructed road section >>>
Discussion forum for Liberal-minded women brings together participants from across Bulgaria in HaskovoThis weekend, the city of Haskovo hosted a National Forum-Discussion for Liberal-Minded Women, which gathered participants from all over Bulgaria. The event, organized for yet another year, aimed to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, the affirmation of liberal values, and the strengthening of women's role in public and political life. During the forum, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, MEP from Renew Europe/MRF, stated: "If an organization wants to be liberal, it must have strong female representation and a vibrant youth structure. What we should be proud of is that, during this crisis within the party, we saw many brave women >>>
For the fourth year, Sofia hosts the “EU MEETS THE BALKANS” ForumOn Thursday, April 17, at 09:30 AM, the “EU MEETS THE BALKANS” forum will take place at Sofia Tech Park. The event is organized by the European Liberal Forum, the ALDE Party, and the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria. The forum will be officially opened by Ilhan Kyuchyuk, MEP and Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, Vasil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia, Solomon Passy, President of the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, and Jan-Christoph Oetjen, MEP and President of the European Liberal Forum. An official statement will be delivered by Iliana Yotova, Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk welcomes a visitor group from Bulgaria to the European ParliamentBulgarian MEP from MRF/“Renew Europe” and Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, welcomed a visitor group today from Silistra, Dobrich, Pleven, and Veliko Tarnovo. The visit was part of his ongoing commitment to fostering closer engagement between European institutions and EU citizens. During their visit, the guests had the opportunity to learn more about the work of the European Parliament, its structure, and its role in shaping European policies. “In recent years, the European Parliament has gained more influence and is becoming a traditional parliament, not just an assembly as it once was. It >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: Improving judicial systems in member states must be an EU priority“The current EU approach to justice lacks a clear long-term strategy—where do we want to see Europe in 10 or 20 years? We need a concrete roadmap backed by a reliable impact assessment. This roadmap should be built on a reflection of societal needs in the short, medium, and long term. We must examine how we can improve judicial systems in the Member States, but also how to use their stability and potential as a foundation for positioning the EU as a credible global actor in the field of justice. Only then can we pave the way to economic growth >>>
Kyuchyuk to the President of the International Criminal Court: Crimes against humanity must not go unpunished!"In times of growing geopolitical turmoil, the work of the International Criminal Court is crucial in addressing deliberate attacks on civilians, mass displacement of people, and severe human rights violations in conflicts around the world. The ICC plays a significant role not only in holding perpetrators accountable and reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law but also in demonstrating that justice is not just about punishment—it is also about recognition, deterrence, and the protection of human dignity. Crimes against humanity know no borders. Regardless of where they are committed, they affect the entire international community and undermine >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk holds key meetings in Luxembourg – talks with Laura Kövesi and EU Court President Koen LenaertsIlhan Kyuchyuk, Chair of the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, held high-level meetings in Luxembourg with Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), and Laura Kövesi, European Chief Prosecutor. During his meeting with Kövesi, the two discussed the results achieved by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), as outlined in its 2024 Annual Report. The main focus of the conversation was the effectiveness of investigations into financial crimes and the challenges faced by the EPPO in fighting corruption and the misuse of EU funds. Kyuchyuk and Kövesi also exchanged views on the work of >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: The European Commission should focus on the role and structure of judicial systems in member states and their operational transparency"An independent judiciary is a cornerstone of the rule of law and of the EU principle of mutual trust. In its Rule of Law Reports, the Commission should focus on the role and structures of judicial systems in the Member States, their periodic renewal, the transparency of their functioning, and the availability of adequate administrative and judicial remedies against their decisions," stated Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Chair of the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, during his participation in the Informal Meeting of EU Justice Ministers, held in Warsaw on January 31. Kyuchyuk emphasized that the rule of law is the foundation of >>>
Key debate in the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee: Chair Kyuchyuk and EU Commissioner for democracy discuss rule of lawA key debate on the rule of law took place in the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs between its Chair, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, responsible for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law, and Members of the European Parliament. Chair Kyuchyuk emphasized that the European Parliament welcomes the inclusion of specific recommendations for Member States, as well as the qualitative assessment now being carried out on the progress made in implementing previous recommendations. He also raised a question to Commissioner McGrath regarding the Rule of Law Report and its link to EU budget funding: “How will the >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: The so-called “Revival process” was an attempt to erase identity“These days mark 40 years since the so-called ‘Revival Process’ – a cynical name for the attempt at total assimilation of the Turks in Bulgaria.” This was stated by MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk in Strasbourg, drawing attention to one of the most painful events in Bulgaria’s recent history. In his speech, Kyuchyuk emphasized that the so-called “Revival Process” was not an isolated event, but had its precedents in the forced assimilation of Pomaks (Bulgarian Muslims) during the 1960s and 1970s. “What does the ‘Revival Process’ mean? It’s hard to explain in 30 seconds, but let me try: you are born Ilhan, >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: Schengen means equality!From Today, Our Borders No Longer Divide Us – They Unite Us! Today will remain a historic day for Bulgaria, Romania, and Europe – after 13 years of being held back on the path toward deeper European integration, our two countries have finally been accepted as full members of the Schengen Area. This is a victory for European solidarity! And for Bulgaria – it is equality! Schengen is no longer just a dream – today, Schengen is a reality! This was written by MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk from Renew Europe / Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) on social media, after >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk from Strasbourg: Schengen Becomes Stronger with the Full Membership of Bulgaria and Romania“Who needed all this – keeping Bulgarian and Romanian citizens outside the Schengen Area? Who benefited? Did the European economy become more competitive? No, it didn’t! Did we solve our major security issues at the external borders by excluding Bulgarians and Romanians? No, that didn’t work either! Quite the opposite – thanks to our efforts, the Schengen Area is becoming stronger.” This is what MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk stated during the debate in Strasbourg on the expected full membership of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen Area. The MEP was firm that this is the moment to reaffirm once again that >>>
Илхан Кючюк: Докога Пеевски ще определя съдбата на цял народ и ще контролира властите сякаш са му прехвърлени в наследство?Евродепутатът Илхан Кючюк публикува позиция в личния си фейсбук профил във връзка с неправомерното му отстраняване от структурата на ДПС, в която членува. Ето и целия текст на позицията: “Докога ДП ще се държи като едноличен търговец или като диктатор и докога ще потъпква законите в България и ще злепоставя като свои наемници магистрати, институции и власти?! Всяко решение, всеки акт, всяка позиция преминават през неговата "проверка," сякаш институциите са му лична собственост. Най-безцеремонно ДП си присвоява правото да определя съдбата на цял народ, да кадрува магистрати и да контролира властите сякаш те са му прехвърлени в наследство! Настоявам да >>>
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: Bulgaria must learn to confront undemocratic practices on its own“Bulgaria has always looked to Europe and the European model for democratic standards, but we must stop seeing the EU as something external. We need to defend for ourselves the values we have joined and find our own way forward – through expertise, preparation, and a clear vision for overcoming undemocratic practices, with the support of the European Union.” This was stated by MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk during a meeting with guests from Bulgaria visiting the Belgian capital at his invitation. Today, Ilhan Kyuchyuk welcomed a visitor group from Ruse to the European Parliament, where participants learned more about the functioning >>>
Илхан Кючюк алармира международната общност за безпрецедентната ситуация в БългарияЕвродепутатът Илхан Кючюк сезира с писмо за отстъплението на демокрацията и провалящото се върховенство на закона в България, цялата международна общност, в това число европейските институции – Урсула фон дер Лайен, председател на ЕК, Дидиер Рейндерс, еврокомисар по правосъдието, Роберта Мецола, председател на ЕП, Лаура Кьовеши, главен прокурор на Европрокуратурата, председателя на комисията за граждански свободи и правосъдие в ЕП Хавиер Зарзалехос, председателя на групата на либералите в Европарламента Валери Айе, дипломатическия корпус в България, Организацията за сигурност и сътрудничество в Европа, Веницианската комисия и др. В писмото се съдържа искане, в съответствие с поетите международни ангажименти, да се предприемат >>>
Илхан Кючюк получи наградата „Либерал на годината“. Посвещава я на борещите се за демокрация в БългарияНа официална церемония в Португалия, евродепутатът бе отличен с престижната награда „Либерал на годината“. Наградата се присъжда на Илхан Кючюк за усилията му в укрепване на либерализма на Балканите и в Източна Европа, но и за неговата отдаденост да отстоява и защитава демокрацията в трудни моменти, дори когато тези трудности идват отвътре, а именно сътресенията в неговата партия в България. „Тази награда посвещавам на всички борци за свобода и демокрация! Днес взимам тази награда не като отделна личност, а като част от нещо много по-голямо, което сме всички ние, застанали на правилната страна на историята! Споделям тази награда с всеки, >>>
Илхан Кючюк е избран за председател на правната комисия в ЕПЕвродепутатът Илхан Кючюк е избран за председател на правната комисия в ЕП. Това обяви Кючюк в социалните мрежи и подчерта, че винаги, когато е бил избиран за високи позиции в Европа, това е успех за България и ДПС. Той призова още всички заедно да тръгнат срещу страха, защото по думите му страхът убива разума! Ето какво написа Кючюк в своя фейсбук профил: Днес бях избран за председател на Комисията по правни въпроси на ЕП. Винаги, когато съм бил избиран за високи позиции съм казвал, че това е успех за България и за ДПС. И днес казвам същото, но този път: >>>
Илхан Кючюк с престижна награда на официална церемония в италианския СенатЕвродепутатът е първият български гражданин, получил международното признание "Джовани Малагоди" На церемония днес в италианския Сенат, българският евродепутат Илхан Кючюк стана първият български гражданин, отличен с международната награда „Джовани Малагоди“, учредена от фондацията „Луиджи Ейнауди“. След като единодушно Борда на директорите гласува в подкрепа на лидера на европейските либерали, Кючюк бе отличен за приноса си с това, че е прекарал живота си в разпространяване на високи принципи на свобода и отговорност в резултат на учението на Джовани Малагоди. Малагоди е бивш председател на Сената, той е историческият лидер на италианските и европейски либерали, а събитието е свързано със 120-годишнината от рождението >>>
Кючюк от ЕП: Трагедията в Золинген заслужава повече гласност, виновниците – справедливи наказания!„Трагедията в Золинген заслужава повече гласност, виновниците – справедливи наказания! Не може да поставяме под никаква сянка случващото се в Золинген и престъпленията не могат да бъдат по никакъв начин оставени неразкрити! Поставям този въпрос тук, за да има справедливост към жертвите на това деяние, което е извършено в Золинген и към общността, която очаква такава справедливост.“, това заяви евродепутатът Илхан Кючюк пред ЕП. Лидерът на европейските либерали изрази притеснениe относно настояването за саниране на сградата, както и опити тя да бъде премахната, преди да е приключило разследването. По думите му това поражда някои съмнения и поставя под въпрос обективността >>>
Илхан Кючюк: Към момента първият и последен транш по ПВУ е през 2022г. Страната ни изостава пагубно!„До този момент България се е възползвала много малко от Плана за възстановяване и устойчивост (ПВУ). Последният транш е от декември месец 2022 година и е 2,7 млрд., през следващите две години не сме получавали пари - към днешна дата това е първият и последен транш за страната ни.“ Това заяви пред студенти евродепутатът Илхан Кючюк, по време на публична лекция в Югозападния университет „Неофит Рилски“. Евродепутатът бе поканен да изнесе пред студентите на университета лекция на тема "Quo Vadis, Europa?“. Кючюк сподели, че са необходими важни решения, които да гарантират, че Съюзът може да работи като едно цяло. Той >>>
Кючюк от Разград: Гордейте се с ДПС, ние сме ценен партньор в Европа„Проблемите в световен план възникват вследствие на потъпкване на човешките права и свободи, а ДПС е универсалният защитник на човешките права и свободи и нашата роля е още по-голяма, още по-значима в контекста на глобалното противопоставяне. Всички ние трябва да се гордеем, че сме част от ДПС, защото принадлежим към нещо много голямо и ценно, нашата политическа партия е ценен партньор в Европа.“. Това заяви днес лидерът на европейските либерали Илхан Кючюк пред многобройната аудитория на събитието „Младите хора и бъдещето на Европа“, което се проведе в Разград. Пред близо 300 младежи Кючюк говори за доверието в политиката и силата >>>
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Тази публикация е достъпна и на следните езици: Bulgarian