Radev: Bulgaria Can Support Czech Energy Diversification, while Czechia Can Help Modernize Bulgarian Economy

Valentin Evstatiev, Ekaterina Toteva

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev (left) and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis pictured during a reception at the Hyatt Hotel in Sofia, September 16, 2026 (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunv)

Sofia,

16.09.2026 20:16

(BTA)

With joint efforts, Bulgaria and Czechia can achieve a brighter future, with Bulgaria able to assist Czechia with energy diversification and price stability, while Czechia can help modernize and increase the competitiveness of Bulgaria's economy, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on Wednesday during a reception at Sofia's Hyatt Hotel organized to mark Czech Statehood Day. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, members of the two governments and parliaments, representatives of state institutions and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the event.

Radev stressed the need to review the European emissions trading system and to ensure affordable, accessible and reliable energy. "If we combine our capacity and our capabilities to support you in ensuring sustainable diversification and stable energy prices, and if you support us in building a much stronger and more competitive economy, I believe that both countries will have a brighter future," Radev said, highlighting Czechia's experience as an example of building a strong European industry and market economy.

He noted the expert and pragmatic style of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, describing him as a "statistical compendium" because of his detailed command of figures and economic indicators at European and global level.

"I have always admired Prime Minister Babis because when he speaks, I have the feeling that I am talking to a statistical compendium. He can always cite numerous figures for every industry, every area of economic and social development - not only for his own country, but also for Europe and on a global scale," the Bulgarian prime minister said.

Radev spoke positively about the meetings held earlier in the day between Bulgarian and Czech business delegations. According to him, the memorandums signed and the new partnerships demonstrate political will to expand cooperation in key sectors.

Radev noted that ties between the two nations predate their membership of the EU and NATO and date back to the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century. He expressed his appreciation for the Czech intellectuals, architects, scholars, engineers and industrialists who, after Bulgaria's Liberation, contributed to the development of the country's institutions, education and industry.

Radev said Europe urgently needs wise and decisive leaders and a realistic approach to keep its economy functioning. "I really hope that Europe needs leaders like you: people with wisdom, strong and sound arguments, and the courage to uphold and develop their vision for the good future of our continent. Because if we want Europe to be strong, prosperous and peaceful, we need wisdom, we need a realistic approach, we need to think about how to keep our economies functioning and how to increase our competitiveness," Radev said.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis is visiting Bulgaria on Wednesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Rumen Radev. At the Council of Ministers, Radev and Babis held a one-to-one meeting, after which they chaired plenary talks between the official delegations of the two countries and made statements to the media, with opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector among the key topics.

In the afternoon, the two prime ministers opened a Bulgarian-Czech business forum at the Hyatt Hotel, where bilateral documents were signed in their presence.

/KI/