Radev to Costa: Bulgaria is actively contributing to the EU's overarching vision for enhancing collective security

As member states, we must remain steadfast and seek effective and rational solutions to overcome the crisis. We discussed issues related to the financial framework, EU enlargement, and ensuring Europe’s security. This was stated by Prime Minister Rumen Radev following his meeting with European Council President António Costa.

"The multiannual financial framework is a major challenge for the EU. We have high ambitions for many goals, but resources are limited. We support the European Council’s vision of placing a strong focus on competitiveness and security within the Union. However, this must not come at the expense of the policies on enlargement, cohesion, and agriculture, which guarantee the unity of the EU”, the prime minister emphasized.

Photo: BGNES

"We discussed how to ensure that the need for greater competitiveness is distributed appropriately over the years, so that all member states have equal access to the large Cohesion Fund and to the fund’s key instruments. We must unite our efforts - scientific, technological, and industrial - and Bulgaria is actively contributing to the EU’s overarching vision of enhancing our common security. We are actively working to strengthen our industrial base. We must work toward greater connectivity - in transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure. I am pleased that the EU President and I share common ideas on the future development of this connectivity”, Radev said at the beginning of their joint statement.

He emphasized that António Costa understands and is a driving force behind the processes related to the green energy corridors from Africa and the Caspian region that pass through Bulgaria. “I am pleased that we will be working together with him so that Bulgaria remains a focus of the EU’s efforts toward greater connectivity in the future”, the prime minister emphasized.

Sofia is a strong driving force for integration in the Western Balkans, insisting that enlargement be based on merit, Radev noted. He thanked Antonio Costa for his understanding.

The President of the European Council stated that Russia’s malicious behavior extends beyond Ukraine’s borders - cyberattacks, disruptions to critical infrastructure, drones in our airspace, and attempts to undermine our democracies. “Threats and intimidation from Russia will not diminish our resolve to support Ukraine for as long as necessary, until a just and lasting peace is achieved. Russia must understand that Europe will not back down - on the contrary, it will increase pressure on Russia until Russia stops the killings and demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace”, he emphasized.

In his statement, Costa recalled that Europe’s security also encompasses enlargement. According to the President of the European Council, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans belong to and must be part of the European Union. He stated that this is an investment the EU must make, and that each country must carry out the necessary reforms and fulfill its previously made commitments. “At the same time, it is important that we, too, fulfill our role by engaging in constructive dialogue with them, acknowledging progress when it is made. We must continue to work together for Ukraine. Our determination to support Ukraine as it defends itself and strives for a just and lasting peace remains unwavering”, Costa emphasized.