site.btaNadezhda Neynsky Stresses Need for “Consistent and Visible” Foreign Policy, “Firm Position” on Ukraine

Bulgaria must be consistent and visible in its foreign policy, Nadezhda Neynsky, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new caretaker government, told journalists upon taking office on Thursday. "A challenge in today’s time of exceptional geopolitical change is for Bulgaria to have a consistent, active policy that makes it not only visible to its allies but also predictable," Neynsky said. She noted that the voice of this country must be heard.

Neynsky took office in the absence of the outgoing foreign minister Georg Georgiev. She explained that she had been informed by Georgiev that he was abroad and that they would meet when he returned. Neynsky was introduced by Marin Raykov, who will serve as Deputy Foreign Minister.

International blocs and Bulgaria

The nation's new chief diplomat emphasized that Bulgaria is already a full member of the European Union, NATO, the eurozone and the Schengen area. “Also, key for us will be the final stretch in the battle for Bulgaria's membership in the 'wealthy countries club,' the OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]. We believe we have every chance to congratulate ourselves very soon on such a success,” she commented.

Ukraine, Western Balkans

Neynsky also pointed to upholding Bulgaria’s consistent and firm position regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine. “For us this is not only a matter of solidarity and humanity, but also a matter of Bulgarian national interest and values,” she noted.

The topic of the Western Balkans is another priority in the mandate of the caretaker Foreign Minister.

Board of Peace

She went on to discuss Bulgaria’s participation in US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. She said: "One of the issues I will address in my meeting with [former foreign minister] Georg Georgiev is exactly what has been signed, to see it in the documents themselves, because up to this point I am not certain that there is transparency regarding all the commitments that this signature entails."

Neynsky added: "Bulgaria has made a political gesture by signing the charter, but my colleagues in the European Union and I still have many reservations and questions about the legal status. It is important to determine whether signing this charter constitutes an international treaty or not."

"At this stage, the idea of ratification of Bulgaria joining the Board of Peace is on hold, because without knowing the legal basis of what has been signed, absolutely no further steps can be taken," Neynsky said. According to her, the issues related to financial aspects also need to be reviewed, as well as the fact that the Board is "managed unilaterally."

"For me, this initiative is far too unclear. The comprehensive peace plan, which received the support of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, refers solely to peace in Gaza. The expansion of the initiative by Donald Trump raises questions that have not yet been answered," she added.

Upcoming elections

"One of my main priorities will be the preparation of fair and transparent elections. My team’s efforts will be directed towards organizing the elections abroad, especially in countries outside the EU,” the caretaker Foreign Minister said.

She noted that, in her former capacity as ambassador to Turkiye, she organized Bulgarian elections in that country. "My team and I did everything possible to ensure that the elections were fair and transparent. The way we treat our fellow Bulgarians abroad is of key importance," she commented.

The caretaker government headed by Prime Minister Andrey Gurov took office earlier on Thursday. After being sworn in at the National Assembly, a handover ceremony was held at the Council of Ministers.