site.btaPM Zhelyazkov: Effective Defence Is Only Deterrent to Aggressive Behaviour

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov Thursday said that effective defence is the only real deterrent to the aggressive behaviour witnessed in recent years. He was speaking during a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa, who arrived in Sofia on Thursday evening and was welcomed at the Boyana Residence.

"That is why strengthening European security and defence - through strategic documents such as the White Paper for European Defence, the EU strategy, the European internal security strategy, and, particularly significant for us, the Black Sea Strategy initiated by Bulgaria and Romania - is a precondition for building a security and defence architecture that will help strengthen the EU," Zhelyazkov said. He noted that enhancing the defence capabilities of EU Member States is vital to preparing the Union for future challenges. 

Zhelyazkov expressed his condolences over the tragic funicular derailment in Lisbon, which resulted in casualties. He acknowledged António Costa’s past role as Mayor of Lisbon and said: “Everyone who has visited Lisbon knows this symbol of the city, which makes the loss even more poignant.”

The Bulgarian Prime Minister recalled the recent visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Bulgaria, highlighting it alongside Costa’s visit as a clear sign of solidarity and unity among EU Member States. He said that European security architecture remains a top priority because “security is the foundation on which the prosperity of our Union is built.”

Zhelyazkov said that Bulgaria is taking steps to boost investment in military capabilities and is planning key joint projects with other Member States in areas such as air and missile defence, artillery, military mobility, and unmanned aerial systems. He noted that lasting stability and prosperity in Ukraine are important for Bulgaria because they guarantee lasting peace and prosperity in Europe.

Security in the Black Sea region is a key precondition for security in Europe, the Prime Minister said. The Black Sea is key to connectivity and energy independence because the aggression has shown that energy, trade, and humanitarian security can be weaponized and the Black Sea should be seen as an integral part of Europe’s security system.

Zhelyazkov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s intention to establish a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub in cooperation with Romania and Turkiye. He added that the Western Balkans "remain a strategic priority for us." Since its presidency of the Council of the EU, Bulgaria has clearly stated that the EU enlargement in the region is a priority for this country because it guarantees greater security and prosperity for all countries in the Western Balkans, the Prime Minister said.

As to the Republic of North Macedonia, Bulgaria’s position remains unchanged, Zhelyazkov said, adding that "the only way forward is the full implementation of the 2022 European Consensus agreements, with no possibility of revision."

Commenting on the situation in the Middle East, Zhelyazkov said that the urgency of the humanitarian crisis requires a proactive approach. "We insist on a sharp improvement in humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the release of hostages, and dialogue," he said.

He also noted that continued US and Canadian engagement in the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans is vital for regional stability and prosperity.

Addressing the upcoming European political season cycle, Zhelyazkov highlighted energy security as a key priority. He called for affordable energy from diversified sources and a balanced approach to climate policy that respects national specificities.

On the future multiannual financial framework, the Prime Minister said that Bulgaria calls for a balanced approach involving adequate funding of new priorities like defence and security while preserving existing cohesion and agricultural funding.

António Costa’s visit to Sofia is part of a broader tour of the capitals of EU Member States, aimed at gathering the views of national leaders on current EU issues, the preparations for the upcoming European Council and international summits. His meetings are also intended to shape the next steps in the EU’s long-term financial planning.