site.btaDenmark's European Affairs Minister Visits Sofia in Context of Upcoming Danish EU Presidency

Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, visited Sofia on May 14 and 15, as part of her tour of EU Member States, in the context of the upcoming Danish Presidency of the EU Council, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Thursday. The Bulgarian delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Shekerletova, and the Danish guests held consultations at the Foreign Ministry.

Minister Bjerre emphasized the strengthening of European defence capabilities and resilience against external threats. She underlined that in this dynamic and unstable geopolitical environment, security and defence, as well as support for Ukraine, will top the agenda of the Danish EU Presidency.

Along with security issues, a key priority will be to increase the competitiveness of the European Union. Additional focus will be placed on promoting investments in research and innovation, supporting the green and sustainable economic transition, improving energy connectivity and reducing energy prices. The Danish Minister expressed the readiness of the future Presidency to work to ease regulations and reduce the administrative burden for citizens and businesses.

Other key topics of the future Presidency include enlargement policy, effective migration management and the start of negotiations on the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework.

Deputy Foreign Minister Shekerletova congratulated Bjerre on the upcoming presidency and emphasized on the priority topics for Bulgaria. She stressed that joining the euro area is a top priority for the Bulgarian government. Bulgaria’s goal is to join on January 1, 2026.

Regarding the future Multiannual Financial Framework, the Deputy Foreign Minister pointed out that Bulgaria’s priorities remain unchanged: cohesion policy, the common agricultural policy, and the effective management of the EU’s external borders and migration. With the changed global political landscape, measures in the field of security and defence at the EU level are emerging as common goals.

Migration is a common European challenge that requires a unified European response. Bulgaria, as an external border of the EU, effectively manages one of the busiest borders, the one with Turkiye, Shekerletova noted.

Regionally, Bulgaria continues to support the enlargement policy based on the principle of merits. Bulgaria expects clear political will from the candidate countries to implement reforms in key areas such as the rule of law, human rights and respect for the principles of good neighbourliness.

During the discussions, the desire to maintain an active bilateral political dialogue and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest on the European and international agenda was confirmed.