17.04.2025
Bulgaria has always shown special concern and a high level of responsibility to the effort for the full and equal European integration of the Western Balkan countries. We have not just supported, we support and will support this process. We see it as part of our strategic vision for a stable, prosperous and united European continent. This was stated by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov after his meeting with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. “History, cultural and geographic closeness to countries of the region give us confidence and a unique opportunity to be not just mediators between the Western Balkans and the European Union but also a driving force of this process as well as its advocate,” Rossen Jeliazkov said further.
The Prime Minister recalled that it was within the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2018 when the Bulgarian Government with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov put the Western Balkans as an absolute priority on the EU agenda. “Without the integration of this region the European project simply cannot be competed,” Rossen Jeliazkov said firmly. The Prime Minister noted that European future of the Western Balkans is a guarantee of prosperity and peace but also it is a kind of prevention against the influence of powers that seek disunity and instability – both in the region and in Europe as a whole. In addition, the integration of the Western Balkan countries is a strategic choice related to the security, stability and competitiveness of the entire continent.
“The Bulgarian stance is clear and consistent. We support the European path of each country of the Western Balkans, guided by the principles of the individual approach and the progress made,” Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov noted. He expressed his confidence that the commitment to reforms should be a two-way process: by the candidate countries and by the European Union. “Predictability, honesty, unambiguousness and dialog are needed,” Rossen Jeliazkov said further. As he put it, today, when Europe is facing new challenges, military conflicts, hybrid threats, migration pressure and energy insecurity, the integration of the Western Balkans is of particular importance for Bulgaria and for the Bulgarian Government. “The integration of these countries will make the European Union stronger, more resilient and closer to its citizens,” the Prime Minister stated further.
Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov specially accentuated on the presence of the European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos today in Sofia as an expression of trust in our sincere concepts about the future of the Western Balkan countries. The Prime Minister emphasized that Mrs. Kos is from an EU member country that is deeply connected with the Balkans and is a professional with extensive political and diplomatic experience. “The election of a Commissioner with such a background to lead the Enlargement matters within the new composition of the European Commission sends a clear message that the Union remains committed to this policy which will be navigated by a person who has the needed understanding of the specifics of our region and its challenges,” Rossen Jeliazkov said further. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence that together we would give a new impetus to the future and prosperity of our continent.
European Commissioner Marta Kos thanked for Bulgaria’s support for the enlargement and for the country’s active commitment to Southeastern Europe, emphasizing that enlargement is one of the key priorities of the present European Commission. “Your neighbors’ accession to the European Union will bring many benefits to businesses in Bulgaria. This will promote trade, improve investment opportunities and facilitate access to Central Europe. The accession will improve connectivity, diversify energy sources and routes and ensure the improvement of the contact and relations between citizens,” Marta Kos noted. As she put it, European integration will lead to stability and security in the region.
European Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized yet another point discussed today with Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov: that was the European Union’s plan for a new Black Sea Strategy, which is to be presented by the European Commission soon. As she said, this region is extremely important for our security, for trade and for the energy supplies, therefore, Bulgaria must be actively involved in working out this new strategy.
