site.btaDeputy Foreign Minister Tasheva Takes Part in EU General Affairs Council Meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister Ivanka Tasheva took part on Tuesday in the regular monthly meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, the Foreign Ministry reported.

During the discussion on the Middle East, ministers addressed the need to find a lasting peaceful solution, ensure freedom of navigation, and uphold international law.

On Ukraine, the focus was placed on the launch of EU accession negotiations, the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia, and strengthening the EU’s role in peace efforts.  In her remarks, Tasheva stressed the importance of careful preparation for the EU’s participation with a unified position in any potential peace negotiations on Ukraine. She said that Bulgaria highly appreciates Ukraine’s progress in preparing for the start of accession talks with the EU. 

The Council discussed progress on the Multiannual Financial Framework, with the main focus on the so-called “negotiating box” and achieving a balance between realistic financial parameters, the necessary cuts, and preserving the EU’s ambitious policies. Bulgaria emphasized the importance of preserving Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy as two of the EU’s most successful budgetary instruments.

The ministers also discussed preparations for the second EU–UK Summit. The forum is expected to focus on three main topics: a youth exchange scheme, an agreement on a common sanitary and phytosanitary area, and an agreement linking the EU and UK emissions trading systems. Bulgaria stressed the need to guarantee citizens’ rights, prevent discrimination, and reduce tuition fees at British universities.

Before the Council meeting, a coordination meeting of ministers from the Friends of Cohesion Policy group was held. Participants adopted a joint declaration, supported by Bulgaria, emphasizing the importance of cohesion policy for boosting the EU’s competitiveness through continued investment in infrastructure and connectivity.

During her visit to Brussels, Tasheva also held bilateral meetings with French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad and Spanish Secretary of State for European Affairs Fernando Sampedro Marcos. Current issues on the European agenda and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation were discussed at the meetings.