site.btaMinister Georgiev Participates in EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting

Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev has taken part in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, his Ministry's press centre said on Thursday. The meeting opened with the traditional video conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, during which the EU’s top diplomats discussed the current situation in Ukraine and the Russian military aggression. EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan joined the subsequent discussion.

The ministers reviewed the EU’s security commitments to Ukraine: contributions to international security guarantees, coordination with the Coalition of the Willing, efforts to counter Russia’s "shadow fleet," continued comprehensive support for Ukraine, and measures to increase pressure on Russia, including a new sanctions package. They also discussed support for Ukraine’s energy security, cooperation with the United States, and assistance for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression.

"Bulgaria strongly condemns the Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian population," Georgiev said. He stressed the need to continue supporting the Ukrainian armed forces, including by strengthening EU missions.

The Council also discussed the EU’s role in implementing the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. "A close partnership between the EU and the US, as well as Israel’s engagement, is key to the future reconstruction of the Gaza Strip," the Bulgarian Foreign Minister noted. The ministers agreed to reinforce EU civilian missions in the region to assist Palestinian authorities in building capacity.

The situation in the Sahel region remains particularly alarming amid intensified Islamist attacks, a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, and growing security risks. In this context, the ministers discussed how to adapt the EU’s approach to the region.

The Council exchanged views on the escalating conflict in Sudan, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks following the Rapid Support Forces’ takeover of El Fasher.

During the meeting, France presented an initiative to establish a new EU sanctions regime targeting organized crime, including activities related to human trafficking and drug trafficking.