site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Attends Eastern Flank Summit in Helsinki

The EU Member States on the Eastern Flank are deepening their cooperation at this key moment for European security, Bulgaria's outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said in Helsinki, where he took part in the first Eastern Flank Summit, quoted by the government press office on Tuesday. The Bulgarian Prime Minister and the leaders of seven other EU Member States discussed the need for coordinated action to strengthen defence readiness in the context of cooperation with NATO.

“We declare our determination and resolve to work together so as to enhance the defence readiness of the Union’s eastern borders,” he added.

Zhelyazkov expressed support for the European Defence Readiness 2030 Roadmap. According to him, together with the key projects, it makes it possible for defence capabilities to be significantly improved in three areas – coordination, capacity, and technological modernization and capabilities. “We are also participating in the  Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme with specific projects across the various domains that are of interest to Bulgaria, which must protect its borders, particularly those related to the Black Sea,” Zhelyazkov noted.

The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the importance of freedom and security of navigation in the Black Sea. “We have declared our participation and our capabilities, as well as our intentions to expand these capacities,” he added.

The development of transport corridors along the North–South axis was also highlighted as a priority by the Bulgarian Prime Minister. According to him, it is precisely formats such as the one in Helsinki that contribute to joint efforts in this direction.