site.btaDeputy Foreign Minister Attends EU General Affairs Council in Brussels

Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Shekerletova took part in the regular meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels on Tuesday, the Ministry’ said.

As part of the preparations for an upcoming European Council in October, the ministers discussed key issues, including Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, European security and defense, competitiveness, the dual green and digital transitions, affordable housing, and migration.

"Bulgaria supports diplomatic efforts for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, with full respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty," emphasized Deputy Minister Shekerletova.

The European Commission presented its intentions for a legislative program including initiatives aimed at boosting competitiveness, innovation, social policies, as well as measures in the field of defense and security.

The Council also reviewed the European Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report, which covers all EU member states and four candidate countries.
Bulgaria welcomed the emphasis on the independence of the judiciary, media freedom, and the fight against corruption, expressing support for maintaining the current framework and methodology of the enlargement process.

During her visit to Brussels, Deputy Minister Shekerletova also participated in the 6th EU–Albania Intergovernmental Conference, during which Cluster IV "Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity" was opened. This brings the total number of opened clusters in the negotiation framework to five.

Shekerletova also held a meeting with Austria’s Minister for European Affairs, Claudia Plakolm, where they discussed current topics from the European agenda.