site.btaMinister Georgiev Takes Part in EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting

Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev participated in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, according to the Foreign Ministry’s press centre. The Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, Iran and Libya, relations with China, and the latest events in Georgia.

The meeting opened with an informal exchange of views with Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, who updated EU counterparts on the latest developments and his country’s diplomatic priorities. The EU reaffirmed its firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Minister Georgiev reiterated Bulgaria’s firm support for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire as an essential first step toward de-escalation and making room for negotiations. He stressed the need to maintain and expand military assistance channels and advance the flagship projects of the EU strategy for a stable and secure Black Sea region. Bulgaria welcomed the adoption of the EU’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes new restrictive measures targeting the country’s energy and banking sectors, as well as its “shadow fleet.” The Council also reviewed progress on EU-Ukraine security commitments and efforts to counter hybrid threats. Minister Georgiev stressed the importance of strong EU leadership and continued support for air defence and Ukraine's reconstruction.

Other key topics included escalating tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and developments in Libya and Syria. Minister Georgiev said that Bulgaria is closely monitoring the situation in the region and reaffirmed this country’s commitment to regional security, including that of Israel. He condemned Iran’s violations of its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and voiced support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear crisis. As to Gaza, Bulgaria called for the immediate release of all hostages and the restoration of the ceasefire, the press release said. Minister Georgiev also announced that Bulgaria would provide an additional EUR 190,000 in humanitarian aid for the region.

The ministers also examined the security aspects of EU-China relations, with a focus on the growing rapprochement between Beijing and Moscow, sanctions evasion, cyber and hybrid threats, and China’s growing geopolitical influence. Minister Georgiev expressed support for a principled yet pragmatic EU approach to China and urged Beijing to use its influence to help end Russian aggression and refrain from supporting Russia’s military efforts. These discussions were part of the lead-up to the EU-China Strategic Dialogue on July 2 and the EU-China Summit on July 24–25.

The Council also addressed recent troubling developments in Georgia, including politically motivated arrests and pressure on civil society. Minister Georgiev voiced deep concern over the Georgian government’s decision to suspend the country’s EU accession process. He called for targeted restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and urged a united European response to defend democracy and the European future of the Georgian people.