“In hard times, when we do not know what to expect, it is important to remember our origin.” This is what Bulgarian European Commission Vice President for the Budget and Human Resources Kristalina Georgieva said speaking in an interview with German weekly newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
“I am a Bulgarian. The colours, the music, the dances – all this is part of my identity. But I am also a citizen of the world. I have lived on several continents. Wherever I went, I always carried the Bulgarian traditions and customs with me,” Ms Georgieva remarked.
Speaking for the German newspaper Kristalina Georgieva confessed that wherever she went, she always carried a Bulgarian national costume with her. 
“Expect in Fiji, it has always been with me. Today I am not wearing a folklore costume. But there is Bulgarian embroidery on my dress.”
The Vice President of the European Commission also described the performance of folklore dances as a tradition that incited a feeling of belonging that gave power, especially in difficult times. 
In order to feel this power Ms Georgieva invited the host, journalist Andre Tauber, to join a traditional Bulgarian chain dance, which she organised within the Bulgarian Days at the European Commission on March 1 and on the eve of Bulgaria’s National Holiday – March 3.
All readers are welcome at the Big Chain Dance, which would be organised at the Grand Place in Brussels in mid-April, too. 
Another Bulgarian custom Ms Georgieva described for the readers of Welt am Sonntag was the Martenitsa [twined tasselled red and white thread, symbol of spring and health].
“You should tie it on your hand to get sound health during the entire year. You should carry it until you see a stork, a swallow or a blooming tree,” the Bulgarian official explained. 
Kristalina Georgieva also discussed the importance of appointing more women on leading positions because they brought different points of views compared with men’s and helped for setting an atmosphere of understanding. 
Another key issue examined in the interview was the equality among the EU member states in the tackling of the refugee crisis. 
“Cutting the money allocated under the regional and structural funds will pose a risk to the unity in Europe. It won’t be too reasonable to undermine the unity. The EU does not invest money in structurally poor regions just for mere gratitude but to achieve economic growth and open new markets,” Kristalina Georgieva remarked.