site.btaBulgaria's PM Zhelyazkov Meets with European Council President Costa

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov met with European Council President Antonio Costa here on Thursday evening. Costa is visiting Sofia as part of a broader tour of the capitals of the 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, and their priorities when it comes to the multiannual financial framework. 

Key topics of the meeting included the war in Ukraine, the European integration of the Western Balkans, and the EU’s multiannual financial framework. 

During the meeting, Zhelyazkov said that effective defence is the only real deterrent to the aggressive behaviour witnessed in recent years. "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. 

Responding to a reporter's question during a joint news briefing, Zhelyazkov said that the decision of Bulgaria's National Assembly was clear - this country will not deploy troops to Ukraine. "We will honor our commitments as a member of the Coalition of the Willing, strictly within the framework and limits set by  Parliament's decision," Zhelyazkov noted. He added that Bulgaria will contribute with mine countermeasures vessels and logistical support through airport and other infrastructure.

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."

"We hope that the language of hatred will stop, the rights of the Bulgarian minority will be respected and the commitment for it to be inscribed in North Macedonia’s Constitution will be honoured as this is a precondition for continuing on the path to full membership in the European Union,” Zhelyazkov said, responding to a reporter's question. 

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.

European Council President Antonio Costa commended Bulgaria’s recent achievements within the EU, noting its accession to the Schengen area and its final steps toward joining the euro area as of January 1, 2026. These are major accomplishments for Bulgarian citizens and businesses, he said.

He said that his visit followed a key meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, where EU leaders backed security guarantees as a foundation for sustainable and long-term peace in Ukraine. He praised Bulgaria's commitment to increase its defense spending, pointing out that this would boost the competitiveness of the Bulgarian defense industry within the European market.

On EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, Costa emphasized the need for continued progress on integration. 

He said that EU Member States must work together to reach a consensus on the multiannual financial framework and agree on a budget that works for all Europeans, he noted.