05.09.2025
Bulgaria will meet its commitment as a country that is a member of the Coalition of the Willing and in keeping with the framework and the limit of the National Assembly’s decision. This was stated by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov at a joint briefing with the President of the European Council António Costa. They had a meeting today at the Boyana Residence and discussed current topics on the EU agenda. Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov was firm that it is of great importance for Europe to strengthen its defense and security in the context of the new challenges. Bulgaria has already taken the necessary steps to promote investment in key military capabilities. We are planning important joint projects with other member states for the acquisition of systems, especially in the field of air defense, missile defense, military mobility, artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc., the Prime Minister pointed out.
Of the strategic European documents in the area of security and defense, the Prime Minister specifically highlighted the Black Sea strategy which, in his words, is of key importance for the EU’s security and defense architecture. In the Prime Minister’s understanding, the Black Sea cannot be considered in isolation as a basin but as an integral part of a broader European security system. Bulgaria will stick to its wish to build the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub in interaction with Romania and Turkey, the Prime Minister noted further. In reply to a media question Rossen Jeliazkov recalled the Bulgarian Parliament’s decision against the deployment of Bulgarian troops in Ukraine. Along with that Bulgaria’s contribution to the sea domain would be minesweepers and auxiliary vessels while the aerial domain would include airport infrastructure and auxiliary vehicles. We will meet our commitment as a country that is a member of the Coalition of the Willing within the framework and the limits of the National Assembly’s decision, the Prime Minister pointed out. As he put it, it is important to achieve lasting stability and prosperity in Ukraine, as this is a guarantee of lasting peace and prosperity in Europe.
Regarding the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov emphasized the need of a balanced approach that would adequately finance the new priorities such as defense and security while it saves the existing funds for cohesion and for the Common Agricultural Policy. The European Union is strong when it stands united, Mr. Jeliazkov noted and added that Bulgaria consistently does not support the making of decisions by qualified majority in areas such as foreign and security policy, and enlargement. Instead, the wider application of other tools to find a compromise should be encouraged since it is only through consensus that we can maintain confidence in the effectiveness of decisions, Mr. Jeliazkov went on to say.
Regarding the Western Balkans, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov recalled that this matter had been a priority for our country since the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Bulgaria’s position on the Republic of North Macedonia remains unchanged. The only way forward is the full implementation of the agreements of the European Consensus of July 2022, without an option to revise them, Mr. Jeliazkov pointed out and specifically emphasized the rights of the Bulgarian minority.
Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov commented on the situation in the Middle East and the need to proceed with proactive measures to address the humanitarian crisis. We insist on radical improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, on the release of hostages and on the resumption of dialog, Mr. Jeliazkov said further.
For his part, the President of the European Council António Costa congratulated Bulgaria on its success of full membership in the Schengen area and in the Eurozone. Mr. Costa expressed gratitude to our country for its consistent support for Ukraine. With your military assistance, experience and regional knowledge, you contribute greatly to the common efforts, the President of the European Council said. Mr. Costa specially noted Bulgaria’s contribution to the strengthening of the EU common defense capability. Your commitment to increase defense spending is key not only for European determination and for the promotion of defense spending but also for the development of Bulgarian industry, Mr. Costa said as he shared his personal impressions from his visit to the Arsenal Plant in Kazanluk last April. The President of the European Council stressed that during today’s meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, 26 of the countries agreed to integrate their efforts for security guarantees in Ukraine, but each country will decide tor itself how to contribute. We will expand our training and exercises mission and continue to support Ukraine’s defense industry, Mr. Costa said further. The President of the European Council stressed that the Republic of North Macedonia must meet the agreed commitments in order to advance on the path to European Union membership. António Costa stressed the need to build confidence and good neighborliness in the region.
