site.btaPM Radev in Paris: Bulgaria and France Share Common Positions on Security and Energy Diversification

Bulgaria and France share common positions on security and the diversification of Europe's energy supplies, while bilateral cooperation between the two countries is developing in key areas such as defence, energy and European policies, Prime Minister Rumen Radev told journalists in Paris ahead of his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.

Radev said the talks with Macron would focus on European security, energy policy, support for Ukraine and the European perspective of North Macedonia.

He stressed that France is among Bulgaria's leading partners in the modernization of the armed forces. According to Radev, upcoming projects include contracts for the delivery of 3D radars, next-generation howitzers and equipment related to the Navy’s modular multifunctional patrol vessels.

The Prime Minister also said bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy is expanding, including through deliveries of fresh nuclear fuel for Unit 6 of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.

Radev expressed hope that France would meet its commitment to deliver 12 electric trains produced by Alstom by the end of August, noting that this is important for payments under Bulgaria's Recovery and Resilience Plan.

He added that he would also raise the issue of North Macedonia during the talks. Radev recalled that as early as 2021 he had put forward before European leaders the issue of including Bulgarians in North Macedonia's Constitution, a position that later became part of the country's EU negotiating framework. Bulgaria expects France's support for the implementation of the European consensus reached on the matter, he said.

Radev further noted that Bulgaria and France share similar views on the need for a strong common agricultural and cohesion policy within the EU. According to him, Europe's strategic autonomy also requires guaranteeing food sovereignty.

The Prime Minister also said he would later travel to Brussels for meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

He said Bulgaria would defend priorities including a fair European budget, a full-fledged cohesion policy and support for the country's economic competitiveness.