Bulgaria's President Georgi Purvanov has congratulated Kristalina Georgieva on her presentation at the European Parliament's confirmation hearings on February 3 2010, a Government media statement said on February 8 2010.

Following her approval, Georgieva will be formally appointed as Bulgaria's new EC commissioner responsible for international co-operation, humanitarian aid and crisis response. The vote in the European Parliament will take place on February 9. The Commission will be formally sworn in on Feb 10.

"I am convinced that in the aftermath of your approval, following your outstanding performance, you will strive with the same success and competence to contribute to the field of international co-operation, humanitarian help and crisis response on a European and global level," Purvanov said in a media statement.

"I believe that in your new position, you will work tirelessly, not only to reaffirm the positive image of Bulgaria in Europe, but also to further raise the reputation of the European Union on the international scene," he said.

At the confirmation hearing Georgieva stressed that her role as the EC commissioner should be one of "neutrality, independence and impartiality" but that certain unhelpful governments could be exposed if they impeded the access of humanitarian supplies.

During the proceedings British Labour MEP Michael Cashman, along with other members of the European Parliament, praised Georgieva's performance. Cashman saluted Georgieva's "impressive intellectual capacity" and recommended her swift confirmation.