site.btaBulgaria Among Strongest Supporters of Ukraine's EU Path, PM Zhelyazkov Tells Kyiv

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Wednesday Bulgaria is among the staunchest and most active supporters of Ukraine's EU integration, based on the own merit principle. He held a video conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the government information service said.

"We are ready to assist Kyiv on its European path by sharing valuable experience in the integration process,” Zhelyazkov said. He welcomed Ukraine's strong commitment to key reforms linked to the EU, particularly in the context of current geopolitical security challenges and Russia's ongoing full-scale aggression.

"Bulgaria firmly believes that Ukraine's future lies in the EU. European integration is a guarantee of prosperity for the entire region," Zhelyazkov stressed, as quoted by the government information service. He voiced Sofia's support for opening the first negotiation cluster and highlighted the importance of Ukraine's Action Plan on national minorities, calling it an indispensable element for opening the first chapter of accession talks.

Zhelyazkov reaffirmed Bulgaria's unwavering support for Ukraine in the context of the war. He welcomed all efforts aimed at securing a lasting solution, including the firm commitment of US President Donald Trump's administration to end Russia's full-scale aggression. Negotiations must be conducted on the basis of justice, sovereignty and security guarantees, ensuring that peace is not merely the absence of war but the foundation for long-term stability, security and prosperity in Europe and Ukraine.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister also underlined Sofia's readiness to engage in Ukraine's post-war recovery, reconstruction and reform efforts. Regional energy security and transport connectivity were also discussed.

On Tuesday, Zhelyazkov spoke at a video conference of the heads of State and government of the EU Member States, at which they discussed the results of the meeting on Ukraine, held in Washington DC on Monday. "The security guarantees must include stable support from both the European and the Euro-Atlantic partners," the Prime Minister said as quoted by the government information service. "Bulgaria, together with our EU partners and NATO Allies, is ready to contribute to achieving a framework for just and lasting peace," he said further.