site.btaForeign Ministers of Danube Region Countries Meet in Sarajevo

A meeting of the foreign ministers of the Danube Region countries was held in Sarajevo on November 4 and 5, 2025, as part of the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Wednesday. Bulgaria was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Nikolay Pavlov.

The discussions focused on how the EUSDR can contribute to strengthening the political and geostrategic importance of the EU enlargement process and accelerating regional integration.

In his address, Deputy Minister Pavlov emphasized that the EUSDR is an important instrument for implementing European values and policies at regional and local levels, promoting dialogue and cooperation among the participating countries. He reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for the European integration of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova, underscoring the importance of the merit-based approach and political will for reforms, particularly in upholding the rule of law.

In the context of Bulgaria’s upcoming Presidency of the Danube Strategy in 2026, Pavlov noted that the country will prioritize reducing regional disparities, improving transport connectivity, and developing the Danube–Black Sea axis as a strategic corridor for economic cooperation and sustainable development.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement reaffirming the participants’ commitment to a united, secure, and prosperous Danube Region.